Overview
History comes alive on your guided visits to many of Greece's ancient sites. In addition to the Acropolis and Olympia, you'll also visit the ruins in Mycenae, dating from 1,350 to 1,200 BC and described in Homer’s epic poem, “The Iliad.” Also see the amazingly well-preserved, 2,300-year-old open-air theater read more in Epidaurus. In ancient Greece, people traveled to Delphi to seek the wisdom of the Oracle. Learn about the Oracle, tour the excavations, and visit the Archaeological Museum. To add to your Greek experience, enjoy a cooking demonstration where you learn to make traditional tzatziki; take a sirtaki dance lesson, and try a glass of Ouzo. Plus, you'll be accompanied by an expert Tour Director who will bring this country to life by sharing its history, stories, and insider secrets.
Take your escorted Greek vacation adventure further! Cruise the Greek Islands for four nights to experience the world-renowned Aegean Sea portion of the Mediterranean. Sail from Athens aboard a Celestyal Cruise ship to Mykonos. Next, you’ll sail towards the shores of Turkey to visit Kusadasi. Stop at the island of Rhodes, and sail, weather permitting, to the panoramic and volcanic island of Santorini— “The Black Pearl of the Aegean.” Relax while basking in the beauty of the sea as you return to Athens. From the picturesque fishing villages to ancient historic sights and sailing the Aegean Sea, this guided tour of Greece has it all—including four spectacular nights on a Greek Island cruise.
Winter Escape
4 - 4.5 Star
5-99 Years
45
KGH
Itinerary
Welcome to Athens!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome drink.
Marvels & Myths
Wake up in Athens for the start of your Greek Odyssey! Guided sightseeing is composed of an orientation drive to see Athen's main landmarks, including Syntagma Square, the Temple of Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium, plus a visit to the iconic Acropolis. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore more.
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.
Greek History & Heroes
Leave Athens and drive to Corinth to take photos of the world's deepest canal, and one of the most famous, the Corinth Canal. Continue to Mycenae, where according to legend, the city walls were built by Cyclopes! Enjoy a guided tour of the excavations and museum, plus some free time for lunch. Reach Epidaurus for a guided visit to see the 2,300-year-old open-air auditorium. This evening, arrive at the seaside town of Nauplia.
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.
Ruins & Recipes
Take a scenic drive across the Arkadian Mountains of the Peloponnese peninsula to reach Olympia, dedicated to Zeus, and birthplace of the Olympic Games. Join a guided walking tour of the archaeological site and visit the museum. This evening, attend a cooking demonstration to learn how to make traditional Greek tzatziki. 112mi/181km.
LOCAL FAVORITE - 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.
Traditional Steps
Depart Olympia, drive by the busy seaport of Patras and cross the spectacular Rion-Antirion bridge. Journey along the coast before heading inland to visit the picturesque mountain town of Arachova. Enjoy some free time to browse before continuing to Delphi. This evening, step into the culture when you learn how to dance the sirtaki while sipping a glass of ouzo, the traditional Greek spirit closely associated with friendship and laughter. 149mi/239km.
LOCAL FAVORITE - 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 anise-infused drink the locals are so fond of.
The Navel of the World
This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour of Delphi's excavations and Archaeological Museum. Discover more about the location once considered by ancient Greeks to be the center of the world, and where the oracles of Apollo predicted the fate of many a man. Continue to Athens and enjoy a leisurely evening exploring. 118 mi / 190 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDS & LORE: Discover the ancient sanctuary of Apollo in its dramatic setting on Mount Parnassus. In ancient times it was considered the Navel of the Earth as according to mythology this was the place where the four eagles of Zeus met after they were released from the four corners of the world. It was also home to the most famous Oracle.
Beyond the Shore
Today board your Celestyal cruise ship and set sail for Mykonos, one of the most celebrated of the Cyclades Islands. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore the island. See the iconic 16th-century windmills that dot the hillside, and the colorful homes of Little Venice. Browse the charming streets and stores and try some of the local delicacies.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL WONDER: 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.
Turkish Treasures
Today reach Kusadasi on the coast of Turkey. Perhaps take an optional shore excursion and head to the incredible archaeological site of Ephesus, to be captivated by stories as you follow a Local Guide on a fascinating walking tour to discover more about the city. This afternoon, sail to Patmos known as “the Island of the Apocalypse” as it is said to be where St. John the Evangelist wrote the Book of the Revelation. Enjoy an afternoon call with free time to discover more.
ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: 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.
Blue Heaven
Enjoy a day on the island of Rhodes with its idyllic mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. Why not stroll around the crusader-influenced main town with its impressive buildings and quaint cobbled alleyways or join an optional shore excursion to discover more.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SIGHTS: One of the original Seven Wonders of the World, the Colossal of Rhodes, a statue of the sun-god Helios said to be over 100ft high, once stood at the harbor greeting visitors to the island. While he is no longer there, you won't notice his absence as there is plenty more to see, do and discover - this island has something for everybody!
Sun, Sea & Sands
Today, arrive at the iconic island of Santorini. Enjoy free time (weather permitting) to stroll along the charming streets of Fira and Oia, marvel at the amazing views, browse the stores, and try local specialties.
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.
Capital Ideas
This morning, disembark your ship. Enjoy a free day in Athens, absorb more art and culture in one of the museums, browse the stores, or try local specialties.
ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: There are countless ways to enjoy free time in the birthplace of democracy, arts, science, and the philosophy of western civilization! 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 jewelry stores and ceramics shops, then linger in a sidewalk café or taverna to celebrate your Greek adventure.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Tour Inclusions
- Guided sightseeing in Athens includes an orientation drive to see the main landmarks, plus a visit to the Acropolis
- Photo opportunity at the Corinth Canal
- Guided visit to the excavations and museum in Mycenae
- Guided visit to the open-air auditorium in Epidaurus
- Guided visit to Olympia's archaeological site
- Visit to the excavations and Archaeological Museum of Delphi
- Tzatziki cooking demonstration
- Sirtaki dance lesson with complimentary glass of ouzo
- 4-night Iconic Aegean Cruise includes visits to Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes and Santorini
- Visit to Kusadasi, Turkey
- 11 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 7 Dinners
- Athens: Zafolia (First-Class):
Attractive 7-story Hotel situated near museums, 1 km from Larisis train station & 35 km from El. Venizelos Airport. - Nauplia: Amalia Nauplia (First-Class):
Neoclassical-style Hotel situated on tree-lined grounds with landscaped courtyards, 1 mile from city center. - Olympia: Amalia Olympia (First-Class):
This 147 room hotel is set in a beautiful Mediterranean landscape filled with olive trees. The spacious white marbled lobby affords endless views of the surrounding green scenery along with the open air terrace of the lounge café. Amenities include a restaurant, large outdoor seasonal swimming pool, spacious lounges and a lobby bar with fireplace. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property. - Olympia: Europa (First-Class):
Hotels Europa is built on the top of Drouvas Hill in Ancient Olympia (UNESCO World Heritage Site), at the foot of which is sited the Sacred Alti with brilliant monuments and the stadium of the Ancient Olympic Games. - Delphi: Amalia Delphi (First-Class):
At the foot of Mount Parnassus overlooking olive groves and the Ionian Sea, and just minutes away from the archaeological site and museum, the temple of Apollo, and Castalia spring. The modern guest rooms are air-conditioned and have Wi-Fi and minifridges. Other amenities include an outdoor pool and an inviting lounge bar with a fireplace, where guests can relax and take in the breath taking Delphian scenery.
- 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.
- This tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
- The Greek Government has introduced a Sustainable Tourism Development Fee to all cruise tourists. This tax is applicable when a guest disembarks at a Greek island or mainland port. With your consent, Celestyal will facilitate the collection of these fees through your onboard account.
- Cruise details: Rotation of ports of call may vary for congestion reasons at certain ports, with or without prior notice. Outside cabin (category XA).
Included soft drinks with meals, and unlimited filter coffee, tea, water, and juice throughout the day. Globus Host service throughout the cruise. - Please ask your Travel Consultant for cruise ship details. The ship scheduled to depart for the cruise portion of your vacation is the Celestyal Discovery, operated by Celestyal Cruises.
- Please note! The cruise itinerary on the departures of 20th October 2026, plus 30th March and 6th April 2027 also include a stop in Crete.
Operator
At Globus, we understand that your holiday is your treat – a gift from you to you. Let us connect you with a new world of people, places and experiences that will ignite your imagination.
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Dates & Pricing
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct 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 the cruise-line and 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.
