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Grecian Fables - Idyllic

4.5/5 Based on 6 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Locally Guided Coach Group Cruise Island Hopping Scenic
Our Price From 8,902 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 178 Per Person
 Trip Length
15 Days
 Trip Starts
Athens
 Trip Finishes
Athens
15 Day Grecian Fables - Idyllic Itinerary (Insight Vacations)
Countries Explored: Greece, Turkey
Trip Style
Regional Journey
Departures
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Max. Group Size
40
Guide Level
Fully Guided, Locally Guided
Trip Code
I989

Overview

Read 6 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Insight Vacations 15 Day Grecian Fables - Idyllic. Journey across the Aegean Sea, cruise to the islands of Crete, Santorini and Mykonos. Visit the sites of Athens including the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus. Explore Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Itinerary

An Insight host will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel, where there is time to settle in and relax. (DW) Stay: Divani Palace Acropolis, New Hotel, Athens Marriott Hotel

Today your mythical Grecian discovery encapsulates the intriguing history of ancient Greece. Begin with an exploration revealing the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Arch of Hadrian. Next, your Local Expert takes you to the Acropolis, one of the most important ancient sites in the Western world. Crowning the top is the Parthenon, visible from almost everywhere in the city. 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.

Continue to Thermopylae, famous as the mountain pass where King Leonidas led his Spartan army, along with fellow Greek soldiers, into battle against the Persians in 480 B.C. See the memorial dedicated to Leonidas and his courageous Spartans. Then on to your hotel in Kalambaka for a delicious dinner from a fresh, seasonal menu. (B/DW) Stay: Divani Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka / Grand Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka.

With your Local Expert, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora, meaning 'in the air.' The massive pinnacles of smooth rock are ancient, yet could also be the setting for a science fiction tale. Visit one of the monasteries, that adds to the strange and beautiful landscape and enjoy stunning views over the Peneios Valley. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Why not explore with a relaxed walk on the nature trails? Alternatively, you may wish to visit the Natural History Museum. (B)

Travel south, stopping at the foothills of Mount Parnassus. Ascend the Sacred Way of Delphi with your Local Expert. Pass the Parian marble Treasury of the Athenians and Polygonal Wall, with its interlocking stones still perfectly intact after thousands of years. You'll approach the Temple of Apollo, where for 14 centuries the mysterious Oracle of Delphi breathed her enigmatic ‘words,' rumoured to have successfully predicted events related to the Argonauts expedition and the Trojan War. 

Your travels continue to Olympia, where dinner is served in your hotel. (B/DW) Stay: Arty Grand Hotel, Olympia / Amalia Hotel Olympia.

It's all in the name. Ancient Olympia is the site where the Ancient Olympic Games began in 776 B.C., in dedication to Zeus. See the ruined Temple of Zeus that was built to honor the ruler of the gods.

Continue your exploration through time to the athletes gymnasium and the Ancient Stadium of Olympia with its characteristic arch. The start and finish points for the sprint track are still marked by stones and there is time to capture your own memory, with a photo at the starting line.

In the evening, join a local chef for an entertaining cooking demonstration, showcasing classic Greek cuisine. Experience authentic Greek flavors, as you savor dishes prepared for your Highlight Dinner. (B/DW)

Visit the ruined city of Mycenae with a Local Expert. Walk through the Lion Gate, visit the royal beehive-tombs and see the giant Cyclopean stones used to build the city walls. Later, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet the artisans at a family-run pottery studio and view beautiful works of art. Travel to the elegant town of Nafplio, known for its beautiful architecture, colorful shops and cafes. Your journey continues, following the shores of the Saronic Gulf to pass the Corinth Canal, dividing the Peloponnese and mainland Greece, and arriving in Athens. 

In the evening, enjoy a hearty dinner in true Greek style, complete with wine and good cheer. (B/DW) Stay: Divani Palace Acropolis, New Hotel, Athens Marriott Hotel

The morning is at your leisure. Late afternoon, board your cruise ship and set sail for the ancient city of Thessaloniki. While cruising, enjoy an exquisite variety of Mediterranean dishes as well as flavors, aromas and spices from around the world. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served on-board daily. Your cruise includes a selection of alcoholic beverages and non alcoholic hot and cold beverages are included. (B/DW) Stay: MV Celestyal Crystal (or similar).

Today you will have time to explore Greece's second largest city. Walk along the waterfront and enjoy the many cafes along Aristotelous Square and see ancient monuments such as the Arch of Galerius. (B/LW/DW)

This afternoon explore the Turkish port of Kusadasi and explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus with a Local Expert.

In the evening, sail on to Crete. (B/LW/DW)

Start your morning on Crete, Greece's largest island, and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean. Home to myths and legends, including Zeus' birthplace and the Minotaur, embark on an epic tour to the capital city of Heraklion and absorb the rich history of Europe's first advanced civilization with a visit to King Minos' Palace in Knossos.

In the evening, your cruise continues to Santorini. (B/LW/DW)

Arrive in Santorini and gaze at the sheer cliffs and dazzling panorama. Explore the capital of Thira, with its clifftop restaurants and cafés, breathtaking views and amazing sunsets.

This evening is free for you to explore Santorini's nightlife. (B/LW/DW)

The full day is yours to relax and explore Mykonos, with its dazzling sugar cube houses and whitewashed windmills.

This evening, there is time to enjoy the buzzing nightlife. (B/LW/DW)

Today is yours to enjoy the gorgeous island of Milos, with its crystal waters and white cliffs. There will be time to explore the capital of Plaka or soak up the sun on the flat rocks of Sarakiniko Beach. (B/LW/DW)

Disembark in the morning and transfer to your hotel where you are at leisure. Relax, shop or bargain in the local market. Perhaps ask about an optional experience to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion? (B) Stay: Divani Palace Acropolis, New Hotel, Athens Marriott Hotel

Bid farewell to Athens. Your journey ends with a transfer to the airport. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Athens, Meteora, Delphi, Mycenae, Ephesus, cross the Corinth Channel with Local Experts
  • 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 honor 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.
  • Kalambaka: Your Travel Director will provide an orientation of this town situated at the base of the extraordinary Meteora rocks.
  • 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 honor 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 from your Local Expert.
  • 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.
  • 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 Amphitheater and visit the House of the Virgin Mary.
  • Olympia: Chef Farije shares with you her 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.

  • 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.
  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • 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.

  • Athens: Get to know your fellow travelers over a delightful Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
  • Olympia: Taste unique flavors and savor Greek regional specialties over a colorful Highlight Dinner.
  • Athens: Toast the culmination of your vacation with a lively Celebration Dinner in true Greek style at a local restaurant.
  • Dining Summary: 12 Dinners with Wine (DW), 14 Breakfasts (B), 6 Lunches with Wine (LW)

  • 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.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Trip Reviews (6) Most Recent 'Grecian Fables - Idyllic' Reviews

4.5
AVG. RATING 4.5 / 5
6 Reviews
5 Star
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4 Star
50%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Grecian Fables - Idyllic 0 , VIC, Australia, Jun 2023
Our follow-on tour with Insight (prior trip was the Country Roads of Croatia) met with our expectations, albeit Europe is very expensive and will impact on our decision regarding future travel. Asia looks more attractive. Meteora was a stand out. The coach trips were at times, quite long. The cruise on a mid sized ship was terrific, not overcrowded ...read more and you could enjoy cruising. The islands were very nice. Insight needs to be more upfront with excursion costs pre booking so travellers know the real cost of the tours upfront. Further, we recommended to Insight that travellers wear name tags. It’s to difficult to remember 35 names in a short period of time.
Amazing Greece Holiday   0 , QLD, Australia, May 2019
Yvonne Brooks of Global Journeys was very helpful in assisting our booking with Insight Vacations for the holiday to Greece (Grecian Dreams). I would certainly come back to her when booking for my next trip (4th booking with her).

The inland tour (6 days) was amazing because we had a such great tour guide who could explain the history of Greece ...read more in a such way that made it easy for us to understand. We were lucky with the weather when cruising on Aegean seas. The entertainment provided on the Celestyal Cruises was very good but food was average. Our tour guide on the cruise was good for nothing (we got told that she was replacing the other tour guide because she/he was sick).

Overall our holiday was a pleasant one and hope that we can visit Greece again in the future.
Ancient Greece   0 , New Zealand, Sep 2018
It was really good having a guide who could be our local expert. Nina was excellent. Anna, our cruise director was also very good at getting us to the front of the line!
Meeting Ancient Greece 2 , VIC, Australia, Jul 2017
My wife chose this tour because neither of us had ever been to Greece, but we have had a long term interest in its history and culture. We thought the tour may offer us the chance to see a number of sites in a short time with the luxury of not having to manage the transport and our luggage - and it did! We had a thoroughly enjoyable time, managed ...read more the physical demands (despite our years) and learned a lot. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable, but also patient and caring. Full marks to Insight for the detailed planning and management of this tour. We could not fault our accommodation or the coach and our driver was exceptional. Highly recommended.

We were grateful for the opportunities this offered, but for anyone at all put off by large crowds and mass organisation, this may not be for you.
Great Tour 0 , Australia, May 2016
This tour was all inclusive with no options added. Both the Tour Director and Bus driver were excellent and enhanced the experience. Tour pace was good and places visited excellent. Would highly recommend to anyone wishing to see Greece. The 4 day/3 night cruise was enough to get a feeling of the Greek Islands. One of the best Insight tours we ...read more have done. Will definitely use Insight again and book thru Global Journeys as it was extremely easy and very professional.
Includes everything you would want to see in Greece 2 , WA, Australia, Sep 2015
A wonderful tour that includes everything you would want to see in Greece, highly recommend! The tour guides and tour directors where beyond amazing and where a wealth of knowledge. They really made each day very special.
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