Overview
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 read more Homer’s epic poem, “The Iliad.” Also see the amazingly well-preserved, 2,300-year-old open-air theater 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 and the ancient excavations of Ephesus. Stop at the island of Rhodes, where you’ll see the clifftop acropolis of Lindos and Athena’s Temple. 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.
Itinerary
Welcome to Athens!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome drink.
Marvels & Myths
ATHENS: Guided sightseeing is composed of an orientation drive to see the main landmarks, including Syntagma Square, the Temple of Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium, plus a visit to the Acropolis. 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.
Greek History & Heroes
CORINTH CANAL: Photo stop.
MYCENAE: Guided visit of the excavations and museum.
EPIDAURUS: Guided visit of the 2,300-year-old open-air theater before continuing to Nauplia. (B/D) 132mi/212km.
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
Scenic drive through the Arkadian Mountains.
OLYMPIA: Guided visit of the archaeological site and the museum. Attend a cooking demonstration this evening and learn how to make the traditional Greek tzatziki appetizer. (B/D) 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
RIO-ANTIRRIO BRIDGE photo stop.
ARACHOVA: Visit the picturesque mountain town.
DELPHI: This evening, learn how to dance the sirtaki in a dance class while sipping a glass of Ouzo. (B/D) 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 anice-infused drink the locals are so fond of.
The Navel of the World
DELPHI: Join a guided visit of the excavations and Archaeological Museum.
ATHENS: Free time this evening. (B) 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
ATHENS: Embark on your Greeks Islands cruise.
MYKONOS: Free time to explore this evening. (B/L/D)
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
KUSADASI: Visit the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus.
PATMOS: Afternoon call. (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.
Blue Heaven
RHODES: Join a guided sightseeing of the Acropolis of Lindos (B/L/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SIGHTS: Rhodes is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, in addition to its gorgeous beaches, you'll see the fascinating archaeological ruins of the legendary Lindos Acropolis – standing over 100 meters above the sea.
Sun, Sea & Sands
SANTORINI: Free time to explore (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.
Capital Ideas
After breakfast on board, disembark and return to Athens city center. (B)
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. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- We've packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world's most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
- And that's not all! Your tour includes a 4-day cruise experience aboard the Celestyal Discovery - featuring colorful lounges, bars, a variety of dining experiences, spa, pool, onboard shopping and evening entertainment. Ports of call include selected Greek Islands and Kusudasi, 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.
- 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 drink package: selection of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks. Included select excursions as per detailed itinerary. 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 14th, 21st & 28th October 2025 also includes a stop in Crete.
Don't waste your precious time qeuing up, skip the lines with special VIP access at the must-see sites. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of the destination. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great vacation. Savour the flavours of Europe through its regional cuisine. Read more
Globus picks hotels picked on their centralised location, so you'll stay right in the heart of the destination. Read more
Globus' coaches offer one of the most comfortable, stress-free and eco-friendly ways to travel. Read more
Do as the locals do and enjoy unique experiences that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
Dates & Pricing
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Welcome Back Credit
GJ Loyalty Discount
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 Inquire. 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.
