Grecian Fables Idyllic

An Insight host will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel, where there is time to settle in and relax. Join your Travel Director and get to know your fellow travellers over a delightful evening of dinner. (D) Stay: Divani Palace Acropolis, New Hotel, Athens Marriott Hotel

Begin your journey into ancient Greece today, where the history of this remarkable civilisation comes to life. Explore Athens with an Insight Choice experience. Choose to visit the city's renowned ancient sites with a Local Expert, or venture into the dynamic Plaka neighbourhood, guided by your Travel Director.

Next, venture to Thermopylae, the mountain pass where King Leonidas and his Spartan warriors made their legendary stand against the Persians in 480 B.C. Pay tribute at the memorial honouring their courage before continuing to your hotel in Kalambaka for a delicious dinner crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients. (B/D) Stay: Divani Meteora, 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) Stay: Divani Meteora, Kalambaka, Grand Meteora, Kalambaka

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/D) Stay: Arty Grand Hotel, Olympia / Amalia 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 honour 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 flavours, as you savour dishes prepared for your dinner. (B/D)

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. Continue to the elegant town of Nafplio, known for its beautiful architecture, colourful shops and cafes. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet master weaver Maria Gonidou and her daughter Nefeli at their boutique studio in Nafplio. Learn about the traditional Greek weaving techniques that they are preserving for future generations and see a live demonstration on ancient looms.

Later, your journey follows the shores of the Saronic Gulf, passing the Corinth Canal en route to Athens. In the evening, enjoy a hearty dinner in true Greek style. (B/D) Stay: Divani Palace Acropolis, New Hotel, Athens Marriott Hotel

The morning is at your leisure. In the late afternoon, board your cruise ship and set sail for Kuşadası. While cruising, enjoy an exquisite variety of Mediterranean dishes, as well as flavours, aromas and spices from around the world. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served on board daily. Your cruise includes a selection of hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages during meals. (B/D) Stay: MV Celestyal Journey (or similar).

This afternoon explore the Turkish port of Kuşadası and explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus with a Local Expert. In the evening, sail on to Rhodes. (B/L/D)

Enjoy a day at leisure in Rhodes to relax or explore at your own pace. Stroll the medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where cobbled lanes lead to artisan boutiques, shaded courtyards and lively cafes. You might choose to join an Optional Experience to the hill of Philerimos, where your Local Expert will guide you through the medieval monastery, the mosaic-lined Golgotha path and the 15th-century Church of St George Hostos.

Alternatively, join another Optional Experience on a scenic drive to the ancient town of Lindos. Here, ascend to the Acropolis to see the Doric Temple of Athena Lindia and enjoy sweeping views over St. Paul's Bay. (B/L/D)

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/L/D)

Arrive in Santorini and gaze at the sheer cliffs and dazzling panorama. Explore the capital of Thira, with its clifftop restaurants and cafes, breathtaking views and vibrant atmosphere.

Later, perhaps join an Optional Experience to the postcard-perfect village of Oia, famed for its whitewashed houses, blue domes and spellbinding sunset views. This evening is free for you to explore Santorini's nightlife. (B/L/D)

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/L/D)

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/L/D)

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)