Overview
Itinerary
Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
ATHENS: Guided sightseeing includes a visit to the Acropolis and a stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOTS: Explore the heart of Ancient Greece, in the historic empire where 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, never fail to amaze! See the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the venues of the first modern Olympic Games.
CORINTH: Cross the canal and visit ancient Corinth.
MYCENAE: Free time for lunch. Guided visit of the excavations and museum.
EPIDAURUS: Guided visit to the 2,300-year-old open-air auditorium before continuing to Nauplia. (B/D) 132 mi / 212 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURAL GEM: The outdoor auditorium of Epidaurus combines perfect mathematic proportion with excellent acoustics. This fascinating archaeological treasure was used for the healing of patients from all over Greece and was dedicated to Asklepios, the god of healing.
Take a scenic drive through the Arkadian Mountains.
OLYMPIA: Join a guided visit to the archaeological site and the museum. Attend a cooking demonstration this evening to learn how to make traditional Greek tzatziki. (B/D) 112 mi / 181 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE - LOCAL TASTES: Dip into the delicious tradition of Greek tzatziki - a mix of yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and herbs such as dill, mint, parsley, and thyme. Learn how to make this quintessential recipe loved the world over.
Drive by the busy seaport of Patras.
DELPHI: Join a guided visit to the excavations and Archaeological Museum. This evening, learn how to dance the sirtaki while sipping a glass of ouzo. (B/D) 149 mi / 239 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE - CULTURE & TRADITION: Dance in the steps of Zorba the Greek to learn the sirtaki. This passionate and dramatic dance goes very well with a glass of ouzo, the anice-infused drink the locals are so fond of.
Drive past Lamia and Trikala en route to Kalambaka.
METEORA: Guided visit of the Varlaam and St. Stephen's Monasteries. (B/D) 155 mi / 249 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - SACRED SITES: Perched atop soaring huge cliffs are the monasteries of Meteora, of which six are still active. Visit the beautiful monasteries of Varlaam and St. Stephen's to marvel at this serenely mystical landscape with breathtaking views from above. Long revered for the perfect monastic retreat from the world outside, Meteora's spectacular array of massive sandstone cliffs create a surreal setting unlike any other.
THERMOPYLAE: Stop at the battle site.
ATHENS: Free time late afternoon and evening. (B) 236 mi / 380 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDARY LIVES: The story of the Battle of Thermopylae is hard to beat for drama. You may recognise this tale of the heroic, yet doomed Spartans of 480 BC fighting against the Persian army, which is dramatised in the film "300." Their brave battle endures as a valiant symbol of bravery and sacrifice for a patriotic cause.
ATHENS: Embark on your Greek Islands cruise. (B/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - PICTURE PERFECT: Set sail from Athens for a captivating course on the blue Aegean Sea to explore the exquisite beauty of the Greek Islands and Turkey. Marvel at the beauty of the island of Mykonos, also known as the island of the winds, revel in the unspoiled panoramas of Patmos, Minoan Crete, and serene Santorini-with a special stop on the Turkish coast to see the amazingly preserved Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus.
THESSALONIKI: Free time to explore. (B/L/D)
FREE TIME TIPS - EXPLORE MORE: in the Greek port city of Thessaloniki on the Aegean Sea. You'll find remnants of fascinating Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history in this cultural capital of Greece. Dine on delicious Greek specialties and wander the lively streets, or simply stretch out on the shore to take it all in.
KUSADASI: Visit the excavations of Ephesus. (B/L/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOT: Pull into port in Turkey to explore the fascinating Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus - one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world - with the historic ruins of the Library of Celsus, the Basilica of St. John, and the Temple of Artemis.
HERAKLION: Visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos. (B/L/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - MYTHS & LEGENDS: Marvel at the architecture of the Palace of Knossos in Crete's city of Heraklion. Here, you'll envision epic tales of Greek mythology - the Labyrinth, the Minotaur half-man/half-beast, and the legends of Daedalus and Icarus.
SANTORINI: Free time (weather permitting). (B/L/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - PICTURE PERFECT: With its postcard-like scenery, the lofty volcanic footprint of Santorini's Oia caldera landscape embodies the essence of the Cyclades Islands. Spend free time amid azure seas and white and blue houses that line the maze of alleyways.
MYKONOS: Enjoy free time in Mykonos. (B/L,D
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURAL GEMS: Your dreams of the Greek Islands come true with free time in Mykonos. This Aegean paradise of pristine waters and beaches, mixed with a lively nightlife scene is only made brighter by the iconic 16th-century windmills that dot the hillside above.
MILOS: Enjoy free time to explore. (B/L/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL WONDERS: Like love, Milos is both beautiful and dramatic in nature, with its enticing beaches and volcanic terrain. Here, an iconic statue was found hundreds of years ago - known as the famous Venus de Milo - a tribute to the Greek goddess Aphrodite.
ATHENS: Disembark From your ship for a free day in Athens. (B)
FREE TIME TIPS - EXPLORE MORE: There are countless ways to enjoy free time in the birthplace of democracy, arts, science, and the philosophy of western civilisation! Explore the urban landscapes and lively restaurants in this historic capital and enjoy the sunny slopes of this iconic city. Stroll in the shadow of the Acropolis in the village atmosphere of Plaka. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets to browse jewellery stores and ceramics shops, then linger in a sidewalk cafe or taverna to celebrate your Greek adventure.
Safe travels until we meet again! Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- 15 Breakfasts
- 7 Lunches
- 10 Dinners
- Athens Zafolia (First-Class)
- Athens Stanley Hotel (Superior First-Class)
- Nauplia Amalia Nauplia (First-Class)
- Olympia Amalia Olympia (First-Class)
- Olympia Europa (First-Class)
- Delphi Amalia Delphi (First-Class)
- Kalambaka Amalia Kalambaka (First-Class)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Don't waste your precious time qeuing up, skip the lines with special VIP access at the must-see sites. Read more
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Do as the locals do and enjoy unique experiences that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
Trip Reviews (2) Most Recent 'Classical Greece with Idyllic Aegean 7-night Cruise' Reviews
Availability
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Globus. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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