Best of Greece with 4-Day Aegean Cruise Superior

Price

From 3.260 € per person

Duration

12 Days

Destination

More than 1

Greece's classical culture meets modern metropolis Embark on an odyssey through the antiquities of Greece

Greece's classical culture meets modern metropolis as you pass through Athens, Mycenae, Olympia and more. Embark on an odyssey through the antiquities of Greece. Explore the medieval Old Town on the 'Island of Roses' and pick your spot in Santorini for the best sunsets over the Aegean.

Information
Tour Plan
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What's included

Destination

Aegean Islands , Athens , Central Greece , Corinth , Crete , Cyclades , Delphi , Dodecanese , Greece , Kalambaka , Kusadasi , Mykonos , Nafplio , Olympia , Patmos , Peloponnese , Rhodes , Santorini , Turkey Discover Destinations

Departure Location

Athens

Return Location

Athens

Price includes

A guided tour of important places
Accommodation in single twin share room
Breakfast in hotel
Professionally guided tour
Transport to/and from hotel

Price does not include

Entrance tickets to monuments and museums
First Entrance fees
Meals, unless expressly states
Medical insurance and emergency insurance
Observation and participation in allowed activities
Other International flights
Porterage for a maximum of two bags per person
Service Charges
Services not specifically stated in the itinerary
Tips to guide and driver
Unlimited bottled water
Visa arrangements

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12

Day 1

Arrive Athens (2 Nights)

Put the 'oh' in opa and embark on an unforgettable exploration of an ancient land of gods and goddesses, myths and legends. Your springboard to your spellbinding holiday is the vibrant capital of Athens, an effortless mix of ancient treasures and modern verve, which you will have an opportunity to explore after being transferred to your hotel. This evening, join your Travel Director and travel companions for a Welcome Reception, including a light meal and welcome drink.

Day 2

Athens Sightseeing and Free Time

Join your Local Specialist for a guided morning sightseeing tour to the ancient complex that was once the Cradle of Western Civilisation. Along our journey into antiquity, we'll have an opportunity to explore the Acropolis with its treasures. We'll admire the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, the Royal Palace, Temple of Zeus and the Agora, once the haunt of Socrates and Plato. 'Dive Into Culture' and see remarkable displays of an ancient world during an included visit to the Acropolis Museum, and see Hadrian's Arch and the stadium where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy on your own. Stroll through the Plaka, people watch in Syntagma Square or go in search of the city's tastiest souvlaki - the choice is yours.

Optional Experience

Cape Sounion

Take a relaxing trip down to the southernmost tip of Mainland Greece to see the fifth century B.C Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. See if you can spot where Byron carved his initials on one of the temple’s sixteen columns. Marvel at the sheer rugged beauty of the coastline and the ancient temple perched above a 197-foot drop down to the Aegean Sea below. Stand above the site of the world’s first lighthouse, overlooking an area steeped in classical Greek history, ever since the tragic King Aegeas threw himself from the rocky precipice into the sea below, thereby giving his name to the Aegean Sea.

Adult price from: 40.00 euros

Optional Experience

Dinner "Meze" Style In Psiri With Acropolis Illuminations

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at a wonderful restaurant located in the lively area of Psiri. Dining is “meze style”, giving you the opportunity to taste many Greek cuisine dishes, which are served in the centre of the table. Also enjoy the local free-flowing wine! Afterwards, see the Acropolis beautifully illuminated as you return to your hotel. (Casual dress)

Adult price from: 50.00 euros

Optional Experience

Cape Sounion And Seafood Dinner

Take a relaxing drive along the Apollo coast to the southernmost point of Attica and visit the splendid 5th century B.C. Temple of Poseidon. The area steeped in Classical Greek history is where King Aegeas threw himself from the rocky precipice, a 197 ft drop in to the sea below, thereby lending his name to the Aegean Sea. A unique opportunity to view of the temple high above the Aegean Sea! Do not forget your cameras to capture the moment. A real Greek fish-seafood dinner in one of the most popular fish-tavernas in the area, frequented by the local people. Sitting next to the sea savour delicious seafood starters, Greek salad, fish for the main course and local wine.

Adult price from: 81.00 euros

Optional Experience

Dinner "Meze" Style in Psiri

Adult price from: 50.00 euros

Day 3

Athens – Corinth – Mycenae – Epidaurus – Nafplion

We depart Athens this morning, crossing the mighty Corinth Canal to the wild Peloponnesian Peninsula. Arriving in Corinth, we join a Local Specialist to explore an ancient city that several empires fought over throughout the centuries. We continue to Mycenae, a mighty kingdom of ancient Greece, where we'll see the Beehive Tombs, (the Treasury of Atreus), the Lion Gate and the remains of Agamemnon's Royal Palace, in the company of a Local Specialist. Later, we'll travel to Epidaurus to visit the ancient theatre and view the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the God of Medicine, whose snake-entwined staff remains the symbol of medicine to this day. Arriving in the Venetian town of Nafplion later, we'll dine in our hotel this evening.

Day 4

Nafplion – Olympia

We traverse the Mountains of Arcadia to ancient Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games held in 776 BC. This evening, we 'Connect With Locals' joining the Karambellas family on their olive and wine farm for a Be My Guest dinner, some traditional dancing and characteristic Greek philoxenia.

Day 5

Olympia – Patras – Delphi

We join a Local Specialist this morning to delve into centuries of history. We'll visit the ancient Olympic site, the museum and the ruined remains of the Temples of Zeus and Hera. Leaving Olympia, we skirt the coastline north to Patras, crossing the Gulf of Corinth to mainland Greece before continuing to Delphi, our home for the night.

Day 6

Delphi – Thermopylae – Kalambaka

Tread in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks, who would descend on the sanctuary of Delphi to consult with the most important oracle in the classical world. Join your Local Specialist and walk the Sacred Way to the 4th-century Temple of Apollo. View the statues immortalising the strength of the athletes who once competed in the Pythian Games, held in honour of Apollo and the Arts. A scenic afternoon drive brings us to Thermopylae, famous for the heroic defence by Leonidas and his brave Spartans against the invading Persians. We cross the lush Thessaly region, the 'bread basket of Greece', the travel over the Pourmaraki Pass towards Kalambaka.

Day 7

Kalambaka – Meteora – Athens

The UNESCO World Heritage monasteries of Meteora are our first stop today. Join a Local Specialist to visit two of the six Eastern Orthodox monasteries that cling impressively to immense, rounded rock towers overlooking the town. A scenic drive returns us to Athens, where we'll enjoy a rousing Farewell Dinner with our travel companions and reminisce over an incredible journey through Greece.

Day 8

Embark – Mykonos Free Time

We depart Athens, boarding our ship to cruise the azure waters of the Aegean, bound for Mykonos. Spend the evening getting lost in its labyrinthine lanes lined by white-washed cottages and tumbling cerise bougainvillea.

Optional Experience

Minoan Palace of Knossos - 1st European Civilization

The ancient city of Knossos the residence of the wise King Minos and the Minotaur, with constant habitation from the Neolithic era until the 5th century A.D., is beyond doubt the land that “gave birth” to the first civilization of Europe, the Minoans. The palace of Knossos spreads around a large Central Court. You will reach the awe inspiring Throne Room, the fresco of the “Prince of the Lilies”, the imposing Grand Staircase, the Queen’s Megaron. Walking through the apartments of the Knossos palace and observing the finds even as a visitor, you will feel part of this cultural heritage. There is time for a stop in the city of Heraklion before boarding the ship again.

Adult price from: 74.00 euros

Optional Experience

Mykonian Countryside tour with Hora & Little Venice

The shore-experience with the coach and your local expert sets off from Chora. Next stop at the south, the leeward beach of Ornos, a picturesque fishing harbour which is a popular anchorage and then on to the small beach of Agia Anna and Kalafatis beach. During the trip back to Chora, you will visit the traditional village of Ano Mera and the monastery of Panagia Tourliani, founded in 1542. The pretty village square is perfect spot for a short break. Returning to Chora you will stop at Paraportiani. A few metres down you will meet the Mykonos Folklore Museum, which is housed in an old two-storied merchant baron’s house. You continue towards the “Little Venice” of Mykonos, Alefkandra, with its windmills and the almost otherworldly sunsets.

Adult price from: 67.00 euros

Day 9

Kusadasi – Patmos

Touch the Turkish coastline and visit the port of Kusadasi for a complimentary Shore Experience to the ancient city of Ephesus. We continue to Patmos later, where the Book of Revelations was written by St. John. Here, you could choose to visit the Cave of the Apocalypse on an Optional Experience.

Optional Experience

Olive Oil Tasting With Dinner

We will spend our evening in the upmarket central neighbourhood of Kolonaki,located on the slope of Lycabettus hill. This old aristocratic Athenian district, abundant with high end boutiques, art galleries and trendy little cafes, is home to a unique gastronomy centre. Here you will be warmly welcomed and invited to taste and discover the the texture of the star ingredient in Greek diet, olive oil. After the tasting, savour authentic Greek recipes, prepared with the highest quality locally sourced ingredients.

Adult price from: 48.00 euros

Optional Experience

Patmos Countryside Tour with Hora And Grotto Of Apocalypse

We visit Patmos a UNESCO “World Heritage Monument” and enjoy a panoramic guided tour of the island, a magical visit to the Grotto of the Apocalypse, where it is said St John the Apostle wrote the Book of Revelation. We reach the medieval town of Hora to enjoy a leisurely walk, marvel at the views of the Monastery of St John the Evangelist, and culminate our tour at Scala the port of Patmos where we enjoy a welcoming coffee, tea or refreshment.

Adult price from: 67.00 euros

Day 10

Rhodes Free Time

The enchanting Old Town of Rhodes takes centre stage today as we walk in the footsteps of the medieval knights who conquered this land on our Complimentary Shore Experience.

Optional Experience

Medieval tour - Acropolis of Lindos and the Citadel of the Knights Lindos, situated 55 km (40 miles) from the city of Rhodes, is known for its clifftop acropolis. Here we'll find the ancient Temple of Athena, built in 300 B.C. and erected on the location of an older monument. The ancient city-state of Lindos was for many centuries the most important on the island, reaching its heyday in the 6th century B.C. At the ancient city of Rhodes, we'll go through D’Amboise Gate to walk on the Street of the Knights where we'll find Knight's residences separated according to Order, which still bear their corresponding crests.

Adult price from: 74.00 euros

Day 11

Heraklion – Santorini

We sail to Heraklion on the island of Crete, where we have the opportunity to delve into the centuries-old culture and heritage of the Minoans at the Palace of Knossos. Our final stop today is the beautiful volcanic island of Santorini with its cliff-top villages, where you might consider an optional Shore Experience to the sun-kissed village of Oia.

Optional Experience

Spectacular Oia Village Perched On The Caldera Rim

Our drive through the crescent shaped island offers unsurpassable views of the lace-like caldera, the little islands of Thirasia, Palea and Nea Kameni. Our route takes us through Fira, the islands capital, past small traditional settlements of Firostefani and Imerovigli arriving at the beautiful and romantic village of Oia.Iconic Cycladic architecture of white washed houses, blue domed churches and blue shutters, buildings that look like they are trickling down the islands’ cliffs await. Time at leisure in spectacular Oia, to stroll through the marble-paved alleys, to gaze at the gorgeous shops, find and capture perfect pictures moments. After our time at leisure, we return to the ship.

Adult price from: 74.00 euros

Day 12