Grecian Fables (Idyllic, 15 Days, Celestyal Cruise Information)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a 15-day journey through the mythical landscapes of Greece, exploring its ancient ruins, vibrant cities, and stunning islands. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, taking you from the bustling streets of Athens to the serene monasteries of Meteora, the ancient ruins of Olympia and Delphi, and the sun-kissed beaches of Santorini and Mykonos. Along the way, you'll enjoy authentic Greek cuisine, learn about the country's rich history from local experts, and have plenty of free time to explore at your own pace. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, this tour offers something for everyone.
Included
12 Dinner with Wine (DW)
14 Breakfast (B)
6 Lunch with Wine (LW)
Athens: Get to know your fellow travellers over a delightful Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
Olympia: Taste unique Greek flavours and savour regional specialities over dinner.
Athens: Toast the culmination of your vacation with a lively Celebration Dinner in true Greek style at a local restaurant.
7 hand-picked hotels
7 nights onboard cruise ship
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
Kalambaka: Your Travel Director will provide an orientation of this town situated at the base of the extraordinary Meteora rocks.
Nafplio: Join your Travel Director in an orientation of this beautiful seaport town and see why it is named one of Greece's prettiest spots.
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
Olympia: Join a local chef who will share their passion for local ingredients and high-quality products. Learn how to make tzatziki and other regional dishes during a fun and immersive cooking demonstration.
Archaeological Site of Mycenae: Discover ancestral pottery methods at an artist's studio that preserves important skills and ancient traditions.
Athens: Ascend the Acropolis with a Local Expert to admire the Parthenon, built in 5th century B.C. Steps away you'll see the Temple of Athena Nike, also known as the Temple of the Wingless Victory, and the six stone-carved caryatids that make up the Porch of the Maidens on the Erechtheion.
Athens: See the Arch of Hadrian, erected in honour of the Roman Emperor and used as a divider between the ancient city and the new Roman district, along with the remaining columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Thermopylae: See the Leonidas Monument dedicated to the brave warrior and his 300 Spartans.
Meteora: With a Local Expert, 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.
Delphi: With your Local Expert, 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 the people would seek divine wisdom from the mysterious Oracle.
Archaeological Site of Olympia: The stadium of Olympia hosted the ancient Olympic Games and the 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.
Archaeological Site of Mycenae: Walk through the Lion Gate past the royal beehive-tombs where Schliemann uncovered golden treasure, while hearing tales of Agamemnon.
Corinth Canal: Cross the amazing rock-cut channel dividing the Peloponnese from mainland Greece.
Athens: Visit the Greek Islands of Crete, Mykonos, Santorini, Milos. Explore the Turkish port of Kusadasi.
Ephesus: Discover one of the world's finest ancient sites. Led by your Local Expert, walk the Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and Amphitheatre and visit the Palace of Knossos.
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Athens
- Athens - Arrival day
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Welcome to Athens, the vibrant capital of Greece. Upon your arrival at the airport, you'll be greeted by an Insight host who will escort you to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax and settle into your new surroundings.
Day 2 – Day 2: Athens to Kalambaka
- Athens
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- Acropolis Museum
- Temple of Olympian Zeus
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Today, we delve into the rich history of ancient Greece. We start with a visit to the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Arch of Hadrian, followed by a guided tour of the Acropolis, home to the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion. We then journey to Thermopylae, known for the famous battle between the Spartans and Persians, before heading to our hotel in Kalambaka for a delicious dinner.
Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Kalambaka
Day 3: Exploring Kalambaka
- Natural History Museum of Meteora and Mushroom Museum
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Today, we explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora, known for its towering rock formations and ancient monasteries. Enjoy breathtaking views over the Peneios Valley and take the rest of the day to explore at your leisure. You might choose to visit the Natural History Museum or take a leisurely walk on the nature trails.
Day 4 – Day 4: Kalambaka to Olympia
- Ancient Olympia
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- Delphi
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We travel south to the sacred site of Delphi, where we'll ascend the Sacred Way, pass the Parian marble Treasury of the Athenians and the Polygonal Wall, and approach the Temple of Apollo, home to the mysterious Oracle of Delphi. After soaking in the ancient mysteries, we continue our journey to Olympia, where we'll enjoy dinner at our hotel.
Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Olympia
- Ancient Olympia
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- Stadium at Olympia
- Temple of Hera
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Today, we explore Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. We'll visit the ruined Temple of Zeus and the Ancient Stadium of Olympia, where you'll have a chance to take a photo at the original starting line. In the evening, join a local chef for a cooking demonstration and savour the flavours of classic Greek cuisine at our Highlight Dinner.
Day 6 – Day 6: Olympia to Athens via Mycenae and Nafplio
- Nafplio
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- Corinth Canal
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We visit the ancient city of Mycenae, where we'll walk through the Lion Gate and visit the royal beehive-tombs. We then travel to the elegant town of Nafplio, known for its beautiful architecture and colourful shops. Our journey continues along the shores of the Saronic Gulf, passing the Corinth Canal, before arriving back in Athens for a hearty Greek dinner.
Day 7 – Day 7: Athens to Thessaloniki by Cruise
Day 7: Athens to Thessaloniki by Cruise
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Athens before boarding your cruise ship in the late afternoon. Set sail for the ancient city of Thessaloniki, enjoying a variety of Mediterranean dishes and a selection of beverages on board.
Day 8 – Day 8: Exploring Thessaloniki
Day 8: Exploring Thessaloniki
- Arch of Galerius
- Aristotelous Square
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Spend the day exploring Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, enjoy a coffee at one of the many cafes in Aristotelous Square, and visit ancient monuments such as the Arch of Galerius.
Day 9 – Day 9: Kusadasi to Crete via Ephesus
Day 9: Kusadasi to Crete via Ephesus
In the afternoon, we explore the Turkish port of Kusadasi and the ancient ruins of Ephesus with a Local Expert. In the evening, we set sail for the island of Crete.
Day 10 – Day 10: Crete to Santorini
- Mykonos
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- Heraklion Lighthouse
- Minoan Palace of Phaistos
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Start your day on the island of Crete, home to myths and legends. Embark on a tour to the capital city of Heraklion and visit the Palace of Knossos, the center of Europe's first advanced civilization. In the evening, we continue our cruise to the picturesque island of Santorini.
Day 11 – Day 11: Exploring Santorini
Day 11: Exploring Santorini
Arrive in Santorini and marvel at the island's sheer cliffs and dazzling panorama. Explore the capital of Thira, with its clifftop restaurants and cafes offering breathtaking views and amazing sunsets. The evening is yours to explore Santorini's vibrant nightlife.
Day 12 – Day 12: Relaxing in Mykonos
Day 12: Relaxing in Mykonos
- Mykonos Vioma Organic Farm
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Enjoy a full day to relax and explore Mykonos, known for its white-washed houses and iconic windmills. Spend the day at the beach, explore the charming town, or simply soak up the sun. In the evening, experience the island's buzzing nightlife.
Day 13 – Day 13: Exploring Milos
Day 13: Exploring Milos
- Sarakiniko Beach
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Today is yours to enjoy the beautiful island of Milos, known for its crystal-clear waters and white cliffs. Explore the capital of Plaka, relax on Sarakiniko Beach, or simply soak up the sun.
Day 14 – Day 14: Return to Athens
- Athens
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Disembark in the morning and transfer to your hotel in Athens. The day is yours to relax, shop, or explore the local market. You might choose to visit the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion (optional).
Day 15 – Day 15: Departure from Athens
- Athens - Departure day
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Bid farewell to Athens and Greece. Your unforgettable journey concludes with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
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