Best of Greece (With 7 Days Cruise, 16 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an extraordinary 16-day journey through Greece, where ancient history and breathtaking landscapes await. This multi-day tour begins in Athens, the vibrant capital, and takes you on a captivating exploration of Greece's most iconic sites. From the ancient wonders of the Acropolis to the serene beauty of Santorini, each day offers a new adventure. Discover the rich history of Mycenae, the mystical allure of Delphi, and the stunning monasteries of Meteora. Enjoy authentic Greek hospitality with local experiences, savoring traditional cuisine and cultural performances. As you cruise through the Aegean Sea, explore the enchanting islands of Crete, Mykonos, and Milos, each offering unique experiences and unforgettable vistas. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and immersive activities, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Greece's timeless treasures.
Included
12 Dinner (D)
15 Breakfast (B)
6 Lunch (L)
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre
Amalia Nafplio
Amalia Olympia
Amalia Delphi
Amalia Kalambaka
MV Celestyal Journey
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Olympia: Say "opa!" to a traditional Greek experience with the Karabelas family on their olive and wine farm. Join the family for dinner and dancing, and learn about their history on the land.
Athens: Visit the Acropolis Museum containing remarkable antiquities giving visitors an insight into the lives of Athenians centuries ago.
Athens: Delve into Athens with a Local Specialist. See the iconic highlights of this ancient city, from the Acropolis to the site of the first modern Olympics.
Corinth: Cross the amazing rock-cut channel dividing the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. Join a Local Specialist and gain insight into Corinth's eventful past.
Archaeological Site of Mycenae: Walk through the Lion Gate past the royal beehive-tombs where Schliemann uncovered golden treasure, while hearing tales of Agamemnon from your Local Specialist.
Archaeological Site of Olympia: Join a Local Specialist to view the stadium of Olympia which hosted the ancient Olympic Games and Heraia, the women's games in honour of Hera. See the Temple of Zeus, athlete's gymnasium and the stone marker where the sprint began.
Delphi: With your Local Specialist, walk to The Sacred Way once lined with offertory temples. See the reconstructed Athenian Treasury and pass the superb Polygonal Wall to reach the Temple of Apollo, where people once sought divine wisdom from the mysterious Oracle.
Thermopylae: See the Leonidas Monument dedicated to the brave warrior and his 300 Spartans.
Meteora: With a Local Specialist, visit one of the remarkable centuries-old monasteries of Meteora, teetering on towers of rock and arguably the most spectacular place to visit in Greece.
Thessaloniki: Stroll along the waterfront and admire the historic monuments of Greece's second-largest city.
Ephesus: Discover one of the world's finest ancient sites. Led by your Local Specialist, walk the Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and Amphitheatre and visit the House of the Virgin Mary.
Mykonos: View the Windmills of Kato Mili and wander the beautiful blue and white streets of Chora.
Delphi: Meet passionate beekeeper Nikiforos at his honey farm for a taste of his special thyme honey, known to be one of the most nutritious in the world. See the bees thriving in their natural habitat and learn about their role in nature regeneration. This experience advances Global Goal 15: Life on Land. Traditionally a beekeeping area, Delphi has lost most of its beekeeping activity. The decline in bee populations has seen a significant loss of biodiversity. Thanks to their effort, Nikiforos and his family and rebuilding a local activity and directly contributing to regenerating the land.
Explore Athens, Meteora, Delphi, Olympia, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Corinth and village of Oia with a Local Specialist
Visit the Acropolis and Museum in Athens, the ancient ruins in Corinth, the ancient theatre at Epidaurus, the Olympic Stadium in Olympia, the home of the Oracle at Delphi, and the incredible rock monasteries in Meteora, ancient Ephesus, Rhodes, Crete, Santorini, Milos and Mykonos
View the Parthenon, Royal Palace and Temple of Zeus in Athens, the Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus and the battle site at Thermopylae
See the Corinth Canal, the Lion Gate and Agamemnon's Palace at Mycenae
Scenic Cruise along the Bosphorus strait
Explore Athens, Meteora, Delphi, Olympia, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Corinth with a Local Specialist
Delphi: Designed by renowned architect Nikos Valsamakis in 1965, the hotel is a notable example of postwar Greek architecture. It integrates seamlessly with the Delphic landscape, with rooms arranged to follow the terrain.
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Optional Experiences and free time
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Athens
- Athens - Arrival day
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Begin your Greek odyssey in the vibrant city of Athens, where ancient history meets modern energy. After a seamless transfer to your hotel, take some time to relax and soak in the atmosphere of this historic city. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a light meal, setting the stage for the adventures that lie ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: Athens - The Cradle of Western Civilization
- Athens
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- Acropolis Museum
- Temple of Aphaia
- Ρεματιά Βαρνάβα
- Hadrian's Library
- Parthenon
- Panathenaic Stadium
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Embark on a guided tour of Athens, delving into its rich history. Visit the iconic Acropolis and marvel at the Parthenon. Explore the Royal Palace and the Temple of Zeus, and immerse yourself in ancient culture at the Acropolis Museum. See Hadrian's Arch and the Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympics. The afternoon is yours to explore the city at your leisure, perhaps wandering through the charming Plaka district or savoring local delicacies.
Day 3 – Day 3: From Athens to Nafplion via Corinth and Mycenae
- Nafplio
- Athens
- Corinth
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- Corinth Canal
- Lion of the Bavarians, Nafplion
- Mycenaean Dam
- Acrocorinth
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Leave Athens behind as you journey across the Corinth Canal to the Peloponnesian Peninsula. In Corinth, explore the ancient city with a local expert. Continue to Mycenae, where you'll discover the Beehive Tombs and the Lion Gate. Visit Epidaurus to see the ancient theatre and the Sanctuary of Asclepius. End your day in the charming town of Nafplion, where you'll enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Day 4 – Day 4: Nafplion to Olympia
- Ancient Olympia
- Nafplio
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Travel through the scenic Mountains of Arcadia to reach ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. This evening, experience Greek hospitality at its finest with a special dinner hosted by the Karabelas family on their olive and wine farm. Enjoy traditional dancing and immerse yourself in the warmth of Greek culture.
Day 5 – Day 5: Olympia to Delphi via Patras
- Patras
- Ancient Olympia
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- Stadium at Olympia
- Temple of Hera
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Explore the ancient site of Olympia with a local expert, visiting the ruins of the Temples of Zeus and Hera. Depart Olympia and travel along the coastline to Patras, crossing the Gulf of Corinth to reach mainland Greece. Continue to Delphi, where you can participate in an interactive cooking lesson, learning to prepare local dishes.
Day 6 – Day 6: Delphi to Kalambaka via Thermopylae
Day 6: Delphi to Kalambaka via Thermopylae
Walk the Sacred Way in Delphi, visiting the Temple of Apollo and learning about the ancient oracle. Continue your journey to Thermopylae, famous for the battle led by Leonidas and his Spartans. Travel through the fertile Thessaly region to reach Kalambaka, nestled at the foot of the Meteora rock formations.
Day 7 – Day 7: Kalambaka to Athens via Meteora
- Athens
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- Meteora
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Visit the awe-inspiring Meteora monasteries, perched atop towering rock formations. Explore two of these UNESCO World Heritage sites with a local guide. Afterward, enjoy a scenic drive back to Athens, where you'll celebrate your journey with a Farewell Dinner, reminiscing about the incredible experiences shared with your travel companions.
Day 8 – Day 8: Leisure Day in Athens
- Athens
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Enjoy a day at your own pace in Athens. Explore the city's ancient sites, indulge in local cuisine, or simply relax and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. This is your opportunity to revisit your favorite spots or discover new ones in this captivating city.
Day 9 – Day 9: Athens and Embarkation
- Athens
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Spend your morning exploring Athens, revisiting its ancient wonders. In the afternoon, board your cruise ship for a seven-day voyage through the Aegean Sea. Settle into your cabin and prepare for the next chapter of your Greek adventure.
Day 10 – Day 10: Discover Thessaloniki
- Thessaloniki
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- Arch of Galerius
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Explore Greece's second-largest city, Thessaloniki. Stroll along the waterfront, enjoy the lively atmosphere of Aristotelous Square, and visit ancient monuments such as the Arch of Galerius. Immerse yourself in the city's rich history and vibrant culture.
Day 11 – Day 11: Explore Ancient Ephesus
- Selçuk
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- Library of Celsus
- Milet Museum
- Priene Ruins
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Arrive in Kusadasi, your gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus. Join a guided tour to discover the Hellenistic and Roman heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk along marble colonnades and admire the Library of Celsus and the Temple of Artemis before returning to your ship for the evening.
Day 12 – Day 12: Discover Crete
- Heraklion
- Knossos
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- Knossos Palace
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Begin your day on the island of Crete, exploring its myths and legends. Visit Heraklion, the capital city, and delve into the history of Europe's first advanced civilization at Knossos Palace. Alternatively, venture into the countryside to experience the authentic Cretan lifestyle.
Day 13 – Day 13: Experience Santorini
Day 13: Experience Santorini
- Θηρασία
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Wake up to the stunning views of Santorini, known for its dramatic cliffs and breathtaking panoramas. Explore the capital, Thira, with its clifftop restaurants and cafes. Consider an optional excursion to Oia, famous for its white buildings and blue-domed churches. Spend your evening enjoying Santorini's vibrant nightlife.
Day 14 – Day 14: Explore Mykonos
- Mykonos
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- Old Wind Mills
- Χώρα Μυκόνου
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Enjoy a full day on the enchanting island of Mykonos. Wander through the narrow streets of Chora, admiring the white-washed cottages and vibrant bougainvillea. Relax with a drink overlooking the Old Port. Consider an optional visit to the Sacred Island of Delos, a treasure trove of archaeological wonders.
Day 15 – Day 15: Discover Milos
- Athens
- Mykonos
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Arrive on the island of Milos, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant colors. Choose an optional excursion to explore the island's natural beauty or embark on a culinary adventure, sampling local cuisine. Depart in the evening for Athens, celebrating your final night on board with newfound friends.
Day 16 – Day 16: Departure from Athens
- Athens - Departure day
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Disembark from your cruise ship in Athens and transfer to the airport for your onward journey. Reflect on the incredible experiences and memories made during your Greek adventure.
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