Overview
History read more 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 theatre in Epidaurus. In ancient Greece, people journeyed 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 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.
Continue your Greek Escape with two fantastic nights in Crete with guided sightseeing in Heraklion as well as the free time to discover on your own or with an optional excursion. From the picturesque fishing villages to ancient historic sights, this Greek Escape has it all!
Itinerary
Welcome to Athens!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
Marvels & Myths
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 SPOT: 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 theatre 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.
Ruins & Recipes
Scenic drive through the Arkadian Mountains.
OLYMPIA: Join a guided visit to the archaeological site and the museum. Attend a cooking demonstration this evening and learn how to make traditional Greek tzatziki appetizer. (B/D) 112 mi / 181 km.
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.
Digs & Dances
DELPHI: Join a guided visit of the excavations and Archaeological Museum. This evening learn how to dance the sirtaki in a dance class while sipping a glass of Ouzo. (B/D) 149 mi / 239 km.
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 love.
Mountains & Islands
ARACHOVA: Visit the picturesque mountain town.
ATHENS: Fly to Heraklion. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL WONDERS: The largest island in Greece, Crete captures all the wonder you have imagined a Greek island to be – a brilliant landscape of ancient ruins, lively sidewalks, and stunning beaches.
Cultural capital
HERAKLION: Guided walking tour includes sights of the Venetian Walls, St. Minas Cathedral, and the Church of St. Titus. Taste a Greek Koulouri. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - SIGHTS & BITES: The bustling capital of Crete boasts over 3000 years of history and multi-cultural influences. While walking along its narrow streets see the most famous historic and cultural sites. Join the locals and taste a Koulouri one of the most popular Greek street foods.
Myths & Legends
HERAKLION: Free day.
Return flight to Athens. (B)
FREE TIME TIPS - EXPLORE MORE: of Heraklion, a place of myths and legends; known as the birthplace of Zeus and epitomised by the legends of Daedalus and Icarus, the Minotaur, and the labyrinth at the incredible Minoan Palace of Knossos.
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 vacation—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.
- 8 Breakfasts, 3 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: 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. - Heraklion: Galaxy Hotel Iraklio (Deluxe):
This Hotel is centrally located in an upscale and convenient area of Heraklion. The 127 contemporary and elegant guest rooms are equipped with anatomic mattresses, espresso machines, USB sockets, flat screen TV and complimentary bathroom amenities. Two restaurants, a cafè and a lounge bar are at Guest's disposal. A gym, hammam and seasonal outdoor swimming pool are available free of charge, there are power banks in the public areas and Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property.
- 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.
- Services of the Tour Director end on day 6. Island portion includes services of a local expert.
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
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Globus Worldwide (2025-26)
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 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.
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