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Marvel at the ancient treasures and enchanting islands of Greece and visit spectacular Ephesus in Turkey on this 12-day tour and Aegean Sea cruise. Witness 2,500 years of history at the mighty Acropolis in Athens and enjoy a relaxing island-hopping cruise around the azure Aegean Sea, visiting Mykonos, Patmos, Crete, Rhodes, and Santorini, and stopping at Turkey's beautiful Anatolian coast to explore Ephesus, one of the Mediterranean's best-preserved Roman cities. After the cruise, continue with an unforgettable journey through Greece's classical and medieval past, discovering the stunning archaeological ruins of Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi, and the incredible rock monasteries of Meteora
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Itinerary at a glance:
Aegean sea cruise (4 nts) Olympia (1 nt) Delphi (1 nt) Kalambaka (1 nt) Athens (1 nt)
Today, board your international flight from the US to Athens, the capital of Greece.
On arrival at Athens International Airport, meet your local representative and transfer to your 5-star hotel. After checking in, enjoy time this evening to have dinner at your choice of the many enticing tavernas and restaurants near your hotel.
Today, set off on a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Greece's capital. With a 3,500-year history, this captivating city blends bustling plazas and cobbled lanes with classical antiquities dating to the 5th century BC, as well as landmarks left by the Roman, Venetians, and Ottomans. Your explorations begin with a tour of the modern and ancient highlights, including Constitution Square, the Parliament House, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier, and the National Library. See sites such as Hadrian's Arch, the Temple of Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games, en route to the Acropolis*: the stunning citadel that looms high over the city. Here, marvel at the masterworks of Athens' golden age, including the sublime Parthenon, Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, and Erechtheion. Finally, explore the Acropolis Museum*, a stunning contemporary home to statues and sculptures discovered at the Acropolis site. After the remainder of the day at leisure, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
Included: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner
After breakfast, transfer to Athens' port and board your comfortable cruise ship for your 4-night Aegean islands cruise, starting with the picture-perfect island of Mykonos. Sail the azure waters of the Mediterranean to this sun-washed and glamorous isle, known for its whitewashed houses, stone windmills, sandy beaches, and electrifying nightlife. After docking in Mykonos Town in the early evening, choose to sample some of the lively bars and trendy shops before a late-evening departure for Kusadasi, on Turkey's Anatolian coast.
Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, your ship arrives in Kusadasi, Turkey. Here, join our included morning tour to Ancient Ephesus*, the best-preserved collection of classical ruins in the entire Mediterranean region. Once a flourishing Roman port city, relics include the façade of the Celsus Library, columned roads, ruined shops and temples, and a 25,000-seater theater where St. Paul once preached. Having explored Ephesus, set sail for Patmos, the island where St. John is said to have witnessed the visions that inspired the Revelation, the last book of the Old Testament. If you wish, take an optional tour to the saint's grotto and 11th-century hilltop monastery perched above it or relax at your leisure in the pretty port town of Scala. Tonight, cruise toward Rhodes.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your ship docks at Rhodes, known as the ‘Island of Knights,' early this morning. On arrival, enjoy a guided tour to Acropolis of Lindos and Citadel of the Knights*. View the rock-top Acropolis of the whitewashed village of Lindos and explore Rhodes' Old Town, Europe's largest inhabited medieval town. Enter this walled enclave of cobbled streets, built by the Knights of St. John over 500 years ago during the time of the Crusades, and admire the 14th-century Palace of the Grand Masters and Street of the Knights, the latter lined with the lodging ‘inns' of knights from different countries. This evening, your ship sets sail for Crete.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today's first port of call is Heraklion, Crete's bustling capital. Here, choose to participate in an optional tour to the Palace of Knossos, the remnants of a vast Minoan palace that was the mythological seat of King Minos. Explore the restored ruins of this 7,000-year-old royal complex and uncover the mysterious legend of the Minotaur. Alternatively, choose to stay in Heraklion and explore its old town areas independently, perhaps discovering highlights such as its Venetian harbor fortress, lively shopping areas, and Lion Square, centered on the 17th-century Venetian Morosini Fountain. Later, cruise to Santorini, the most spectacular of Greece's Cyclades Islands, formed by a massive volcanic eruption in around 1,600 BC. Marvel at the sea-filled caldera and Santorini's white buildings atop its black cliffs as you approach this postcard-worthy island, and after docking in the afternoon, set off to experience its charms. If you wish, join an optional tour to the cliff-top town of Oia to watch Santorini's celebrated sunsets. Tonight, your ship cruises back toward Athens.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your wonderful 4-night cruise ends this morning when you disembark for your 4-day tour of some of Greece's major classical and medieval treasures. Settle into a deluxe coach and travel to the man-made passage, Corinth Canal, one of the smallest ocean canals today in the world. After a photo stop, continue to Epidaurus to view its incredible 4th-century theater, one of the greatest and the best preserved Greek theaters. Later, transfer to the world famous UNESCO site, the remains of Mycenae via the seaside city of Nafplion. Mycenae is a hilltop town associated with the legend of King Agamemnon who commanded the 10-year expedition against Troy, which was considered to be the Homeric city of Atreides. Explore the best of the ruins here, seeing such prized features as the Lion Gate, Cyclopean Walls, and the Royal Tombs. Enjoy dinner in your hotel in Olympia tonight.
Included: Breakfast, Dinner at hotel
After breakfast, visit the Ancient Olympia*, the birthplace of the idea and site of the Ancient Olympic Games. Discover the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus and the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, which hosts important treasures such as the famous statue of Praxiteles, Herms. After your tour, travel through Achaia and Rio-Antirio toward Delphi, passing through the picturesque towns of Nafpaktos and Itea. Tonight, enjoy dinner in your hotel in Delphi.
Included: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner at hotel
A visit to the magnificent classical site of Delphi* is one of the highlights of any tour of Greece. This morning, venture to this mountainside complex, set on the slopes of Mt. Parnassus. Once considered the ‘navel of the earth,' this ancient sanctuary has its roots in the 6th century BC and was home to the oracle of Apollo, which issued cryptic predictions and advice to visiting leaders and pilgrims. Walk up to the site for a guided tour of the highlights, including the Sanctuary of Apollo where the oracle, Pythia, the temple priestess, delivered her prophecies, and the beautiful Doric Treasury of the Athenians, built to house offerings to Apollo. Plus, don't miss the Delphi Museum*, which houses a fascinating collection of finds from the site, including the beautiful statue of the bronze charioteer. Afterward, depart for the lovely town of Kalambaka in Central Greece, situated near Meteora. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel in Kalambaka before retiring for the night.
Included: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner at hotel
Teetering high on sandstone pillars that were first settled by hermits in the 11th century, the UNESCO-listed rock monasteries of Meteora were largely built between the 12th and 15th centuries as inaccessible religious retreats. This morning, visit a selection of breathtakingly situated monasteries to view some of the priceless icons and treasures they hold and soak up the bird's-eye views from their jaw-droppingly high terraces. After the tour, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Kalambaka on your own expense. Then, make the journey back to Athens, bypassing Trika, Lamia and Thermopylae where a stop will be made to visit the memorial of Leonidas and the brave 300 Spartans. This evening, sit down to a special farewell dinner with your fellow travelers at a local restaurant in Athens.
Included: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner
After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Athens airport for your homeward flight to the US.
Included: Breakfast at hotel
6 nights hotel accommodation at deluxe 5 or 4 -star hotels
10 breakfasts at hotel or on cruise, 4 lunches on the cruise , 9 dinners on the cruise or at the hotel or at local restaurants including the Farewell Dinner in Athens.
English-speaking Tour manager throughout the tour and on board of the cruise
English-speaking assistance at the airport/pier transfers
Sightseeing tours, including admission fees, as shown in itinerary
Athens: Acropolis, Acropolis Museum
Meteora: 2 Monasteries
Mycenae, Epidaurus, Delphi: Archaeological sites
Complimentary one bottled mineral water on the coach daily
Deluxe air-conditioned coach with a professional driver
Group airport transfers upon arrival and departure
Personal audio headset systems for an enhanced touring experience (on select larger groups).
Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 10 guests
4 nights' Aegean Island Cruise on MS Celestyal Olympia or similar
Shore excursions include:
Ancient Ephesus through the Ages
Medieval Tour - Acropolis of Lindos and the Citadel of the Knights
Daily activities on board including yoga, dance and more
All port & service charges
Unlimited classic drinks package on board of the cruise
Transfers to/from Piraeus Port
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Strategically located at the beginning of Mitropoleos street, the hotel is only a stone’s throw away from Syntagma square, the center of Athenian life with the eponymous Metro station. It is also next to Ermou street, the principal shopping street of Athens – but also adjacent to the new capital food district of Athens, with irresistible gastronomy propositions waiting tο be savored. Electra Metropolis Hotel bridges a glorious past with an exciting future, in a rare mix of timeless modernity. It is brimming with character and attention to detail, while boasting architectural, design and artistic elements that stand out.
Enjoy your drink at Thalassa and Horizons bar and watch the Aegean Sea shimmer before your eyes. Celestyal Olympia includes lounges, bars, restaurants, a fully equipped gym, a library, a children’s playground, and an array of shops selling traditional Greek products and tax-free goods.
★ ★ ★ ★
Europa is located in the Western Peloponnese and more specifically in Ancient Olympia, an area called "Valley of the Gods", the birthplace of the Olympic Games. This wonderful and traditional hotel is located at the top of the green hill Drouvas, at the foot of which is the Holy Alta with its magnificent monuments and the stadium of the Ancient Olympic Games. The hotel harmonizing the traditional architecture of the place with the family atmosphere, offering warm and kind service, is the top accommodation proposal in the area for both lovers of classic tourism and for those who seeking tranquility of nature or alternative activities.
★ ★ ★ ★
Amalia Hotel Delphi has an exquisite location at the foot of mount Parnassus. The room balconies and the public areas of the hotel offer a panoramic view of the green valley, all the way to the sea, the town of Itea and the beautiful town of Galaxidi. All guest rooms have natural light, through windows, terraces or balconies, which are fully air-conditioned or heated depending on the season and are equipped with all necessary facilities.
★ ★ ★ ★
Grand Meteora Hotel is located at the foot of Meteora, in the heart of the Thessaly plain. It is the most imposing and impressing accommodation in the area, next to the picturesque village of Kastraki, and only 3 kilometers away from the historic center of Kalambaka. Its name is relevant to what the visitor expects to see when visiting the area. A fascinating experience of sight, colours and images in time. The hotel stands out for its special architecture and high aesthetics. Earth tones, stone and wood dominate the entire building and create the sense of a familiar and cosy atmosphere all around.
Upgrade your stay in to Celestyal Cruises or Similar (Category XC)
