Overview
Operated by ?
Continue your Greek adventure with a fantastic 7-night cruise on the Aegean Sea. Transfer from Athens to Piraeus to embark on your ship. Sail to Istanbul, Turkey, and board a private tender boat for an excursion through the Bosphorus Strait between Europe and Asia. Stroll the Spice Market in Istanbul. An overnight docking means more time to explore this fascinating city before sailing for Canakkale in north-western Turkey—the area that includes historic Troy and Gallipoli. Cruise across the Aegean to the Greek port of Volos—where, according to mythology—Jason and his Argonauts were trained by the centaur Chiron. Cruise to the island of Crete, and visit the ancient sites in Heraklion and Knossos—the center of 3000-BC Minoan civilization and fascinating Greek myths. Your ship sails on to the “Black Pearl of the Aegean”—Santorini. Join in an excursion to the clifftops perched on the volcanic caldera. Continue to the vibrant island of Mykonos. Explore its narrow streets lined with white- washed buildings and see its symbolic windmills. Time to shop and soak up the sun (or shade) in classic Greek style. Return to Athens to conclude your cruise. This escorted tour of Greece and spectacular Mediterranean cruise are the stuff of legend!
Highlights
Welcome drink; guided sightseeing, visit the Acropolis
CORINTH Guided visit
MYCENAE Guided visit of the excavations and museum
EPIDAURUS Guided visit of the 2,300-year-old open-air theater
OLYMPIA Guided visit of the archaeological site and the museum; [LF] learn how to make the traditional Greek tzatziki appetizer
DELPHI Guided visit of the excavations, visit the Archaeological Museum; [LF] learn to dance the sirtaki and have a glass of Ouzo
METEORA AREA Guided visit of the Varlaam and St. Stephen’s Monasteries
THERMOPYLAE Guided visit
CRUISING
Seven-night cruise to Athens, Kusadasi (Turkey), Rhodes, Heraklion, Santorini, Milos, Mykonos
CRUISE DETAILS:
- Rotation of ports of call may vary for congestion reasons at certain ports with or without prior notice.
- Cabin categories: Inside cabin (category IB) Outside cabin (category XB)
- All cabins with two lower beds and private shower and toilet.
- Full entertainment program on board.
- Included drink package: selection of non-alcoholic & alcoholic drinks.
- Globus Host service throughout the cruise.
- Please ask your Travel Consultant for cruise ship details. At time of printing, the ship scheduled to depart for the cruise portion of your vacation is the Celestyal Crystal, operated by Celestyal Cruises. Certain departures may be operated by other Celestyal Cruises ships of similar standard.
2020 Tour itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Total meals included:
- 15 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 11 dinners
ATHENS, GREECE.
Day1
Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink with your Tour Director.
ATHENS
Day2
. Sightseeing with a Local Guide features a visit to the world-famous ACROPOLIS, perched high on a rocky outcrop overlooking the city. Here, see the Parthenon, the Erechtheum with its Porch of Maidens, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Enjoy a panoramic view that includes glimpses of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Theater of Dionysus, and the beautifully preserved Theseum, where Socrates taught. Later, a city orientation tour features the Parliament House and a picture stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Dating back to the 2nd century AD, it is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble, and was host to the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympics in 1896. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, perhaps join an optional dinner outing to sample local fare.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
ATHENS–CORINTH–MYCENAE–EPIDAURUS–NAUPLIA
Day3
Cross the spectacular Corinth Canal, and visit ANCIENT CORINTH, where St. Paul preached. Two highlights today: MYCENAE, where 19th-century excavations reveal impressions of the splendors so vividly described by Homer. Admire the Beehive Tombs, known as the Treasury of Atreus; the Lion Gate, Europe’s oldest known monument; the remains of Agamemnon’s Royal Palace; the impressive fortifications of the Citadel and visit the museum. A short drive brings you to EPIDAURUS for a tour of its amazingly well-preserved 2,300-year-old open-air theater. Overnight in nearby Nauplia.
Today’s Distance: 132 mi / 212 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
NAUPLIA–OLYMPIA
Day4
. Spectacular scenery abounds on the way through the Arkadian Mountains. Spend the afternoon in OLYMPIA, where athletes of antiquity competed in honor of the king of deities. Learn about the history of those original Olympic Games as you walk among the impressive remains of the Gymnasium and the Temples of Hera and Zeus. Also visit the MUSEUM that displays Praxiteles’ magnificent statue of Hermes. Tonight, LF enjoy a COOKING DEMONSTRATION and learn how to make the traditional Greek tzatziki appetizer.
Today’s Distance: 112 mi / 181 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
OLYMPIA–PATRAS–DELPHI.
Day5
Pass by the busy seaport of Patras, proceed to mystic Delphi. The afternoon is devoted to a fascinating tour of the ancient sanctuary of the god Apollo in its dramatic setting on Mount Parnassus. Hear about the Oracle and tour the EXCAVATIONS. End the day with a visit to the ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM to admire the Charioteer, an extraordinary 5th-century BC bronze statue. A highlight this evening is LF a DANCE LESSON, where you’ll learn how to dance the sirtaki, made famous in the movie Zorba the Greek, accompanied by a glass of Ouzo.
Today’s Distance: 149 mi / 239 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
DELPHI–METEORA AREA
Day6
Drive past Lamia and Trikala to Kalambaka in the unreal, fantastic landscape of Meteora with its rock-top monasteries. Visit VARLAAM MONASTERY, famous for its frescoes, and ST. STEPHEN’S MONASTERY, featuring a unique collection of icons and an incredible panoramic view.
Today’s Distance: 155 mi / 249 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
METEORA AREA–THERMOPYLAE–ATHENS
Day7
. Today’s highlight is a guided visit to THERMOPYLAE, the site of the heroic battle of Leonidas’ 300 doomed Spartans against Xerxes’ huge Persian army. On the way back to Athens, your Tour Director will tell you about Thebes, the setting of Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, and Marathon, where 10,000 Athenians defeated more than twice that number of Persian invaders in 490 BC. Tonight, maybe join an optional dinner at a local restaurant.
Today’s Distance: 236 mi / 380 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
ATHENS–PIRAEUS (EMBARKATION)
Day8
Head to the port city of Piraeus, where your cruise ship awaits to whisk you into the crystal-blue waters of the Aegean Sea.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
CRUISING: ISTANBUL, TURKEY
Day9
This afternoon, arrive in Istanbul, founded as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago. Catch glimpses of Topkapi Palace, residence of the Ottoman sultans in the 15th century; Sultan Ahmed I’s Blue Mosque, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture; and Hagia Sophia, symbol of Istanbul.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
ISTANBUL
Day10
Another full day to experience this mesmerising gateway between the Orient and the Occident. A private tender boat will take you on your included CRUISE on the Bosphorus strait that divides Europe and Asia. Then back to dry land to stroll around the SPICE MARKET. Join a shore excursion to complete your visit in Istanbul. Your ship departs in the early evening.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
CRUISING: CANAKKALE
Day11
Enter the Dardanelles Strait and dock at Canakkale in northwestern Turkey. Choose from exciting optional excursions to learn about this strategic area which boasts Troy and Gallipoli, where wars have been waged throughout the centuries.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
CRUISING: VOLOS, GREECE
Day12
Back in Greece, explore lively Volos, the enchanting area where mythology’s centaur Chiron taught heroes such as Jason, leader of the Argonauts. You might enjoy visiting the archaeological museum, home to superb collections from the Neolithic, Hellenistic, and Byzantine eras.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
CRUISING: HERAKLION, CRETE
Day13
Discover Crete, the largest of the Greek islands. With an expert guide, visit KNOSSOS, center of the 3000-BC Minoan civilization. Stroll through the frescoed palace ruins with its ties to mythology’s King Minos and the terrifying half-man/half-bull Minotaur imprisoned in the labyrinth.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
CRUISING: SANTORINI, GREECE–MYKONOS
Day14
Visit two ports today. First (weather permitting) is SANTORINI, the “Black Pearl of the Aegean.” Don’t miss the included excursion to clifftop Oia, dramatically perched on the sheer side of the island’s caldera. With its brilliant whitewashed buildings, striking blue-domed roofs, and breathtaking views, this is Greece at its iconic best. Later, dock at Mykonos, where you’re greeted by the charming collection of windmills. Time to wander the narrow, shop-lined streets or to relax at a shaded taverna before returning to your ship.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
PIRAEUS (DISEMBARKATION)–ATHENS
Day15
After breakfast on board, disembark for a final day in Athens. Tonight is your chance to join an optional dinner outing to try the local fare.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
ATHENS
Day16
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Things to note
- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
Extend your stay
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Zafolia
First-Class
Attractive 7-story Hotel situated near museums, 1 km from Larisis train station & 35 km from El. Venizelos Airport.
Location
87-89 Alexandras Avenue, Athens, Greece
Hotel Facilities
- Pool
- Fitness Room
- Luggage Storage
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
- Elevator
- Gift Shop
- Spa Services
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Parking/Valet
- Free WiFi
- Currency Exchange
- Business Center
Room Facilities
- In-Room Safe
- Smoking Rooms
- Cable/Satellite
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Mini-bar
- Coffee Maker
- Wake-Up Calls
- Desk
- Internet Access
- Air Conditioning
- Television
- Hair Dryer
- Room Service
- Alarm Clock
- Phone
Wyndham Grand Hotel Athens
Superior First-Class
This sleek, contemporary 276-room hotel in the heart of Athens boasts an amazing roof terrace with outdoor swimming pool and bar-restaurant with panoramic views over the iconic Acropolis. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property and there is also a sauna and gym.
Location
Megalou Alexandrou, Athens, Greece
Hotel Facilities
- Dry Cleaning
- Spa Services
- Fitness Room
- Elevator
- Business Center
- Hot Tub
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge desk
- Free WiFi
- Luggage Storage
- Currency Exchange
- Pool
- Parking/Valet
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Hair Dryer
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Wake-Up Calls
- Desk
- In-Room Safe
- Window Opens
- Voicemail
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Room Service
- Air Conditioning
- Coffee Maker
- Climate Control
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Smoking Rooms
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- Phone
- Mini-bar
- Internet Access
- Complimentary Newspaper
Amalia Nauplia
First-Class
Neoclassical-style Hotel situated on tree-lined grounds with landscaped courtyards, 1 mile from city center.
Location
National Road Argos, Nauplia, Greece
Hotel Facilities
- Luggage Storage
- Free WiFi
- Business Center
- Elevator
- Currency Exchange
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge desk
- Gift Shop
- Pool
- Laundry Available
Room Facilities
- Television
- Internet Access
- Desk
- Phone
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Alarm Clock
- Mini-bar
- In-Room Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Air Conditioning
- Non-smoking Rooms
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.
Location
Pyrgou-Olympias Main Rd, Olympia, Greece
Hotel Facilities
- Parking/Valet
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
- Pool
- Luggage Storage
- Bar/Lounge
- Free WiFi
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Wake-Up Calls
- Television
- Phone
- Air Conditioning
- Internet Access
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Climate Control
- Window Opens
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Desk
- Hair Dryer
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
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.
Location
Archaia Olympia - Drouva, Olympia, Greece
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Pool
- Parking/Valet
- Bar/Lounge
- Luggage Storage
- Currency Exchange
- Elevator
- Restaurant On-Site
- Gift Shop
- Laundry Available
- Business Center
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Phone
- In-Room Safe
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Smoking Rooms
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Mini-bar
- Alarm Clock
- Hair Dryer
- Internet Access
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Room Service
- Desk
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
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.
Location
1 Apollonos Street, Delphi, Greece
Hotel Facilities
- Elevator
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
- Business Center
- Laundry Available
- Currency Exchange
- Restaurant On-Site
- Concierge desk
- Gift Shop
- Pool
- Luggage Storage
- Parking/Valet
Room Facilities
- Room Service
- Air Conditioning
- Hair Dryer
- In-Room Safe
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Phone
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Desk
- Internet Access
Amalia Kalambaka
First-Class
Amalia Hotel is a beautiful setting just minutes away from the town of Kalambaka. The hotel is embedded on 14 acres of greenery and has been built with traditional materials to match its surroundings.
Location
National Road, Kalambaka, Greece
Hotel Facilities
- Business Center
- Elevator
- Pool
- Parking/Valet
- Gift Shop
- Luggage Storage
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Free WiFi
- Concierge desk
- Dry Cleaning
- Currency Exchange
Room Facilities
- In-Room Safe
- Phone
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Television
- Alarm Clock
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Hair Dryer
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Air Conditioning
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Desk
- Internet Access
