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Ancient Glories of Greece with Aegean Island Cruise

12 Days 10 Nights

CODE: RGA

From: $3800

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

Escorted

Moderate

Itinerary at a glance:

DAY 1

USA-Athens, Greece

DAY 2

Arrive Athens

DAY 3

Athens

DAY 4

Athens – Embarkation – Mykonos – Aegean Cruise

DAY 5

Kusadasi, Turkey – Patmos, Greece – Aegean Cruise

DAY 6

Rhodes – Aegean Cruise

DAY 7

Heraklion (Crete) – Santorini – Aegean Cruise

DAY 8

Disembarkation – Corinth Canal – Epidaurus – Nafplion – Mycenae – Olympia

DAY 9

Olympia – Delphi

DAY 10

Delphi – Kalambaka

DAY 11

Kalambaka – Meteora – Kalambaka – Athens

DAY 12

Athens – USA

Heraklion (Crete) – Santorini – Aegean Cruise

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

Day 1

Disembarkation – Corinth Canal – Epidaurus – Nafplion – Mycenae – Olympia

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

Accommodation:

Room Upgrades:

Day

Olympia – Delphi

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

Accommodation:

Day

Delphi – Kalambaka

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

Accommodation:

Day

Kalambaka – Meteora – Kalambaka – Athens

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

Accommodation:

Day 5

Athens – USA

After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Athens airport for your homeward flight to the US.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

Day 6

What’s included

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

Cruise inclusions

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

Athens: Electra Metropolis Hotel Or Similar

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.

Details:

Aegean Sea Cruise: Celestyal Cruises Or Similar

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.

Details:

Olympia: Europa Hotel Or Similar

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.

Details:

Delphi: Amalia Hotel Delphi Or Similar

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.

Details:

Kalambaka: Grand Meteora Hotel Or Similar

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.

Details:

Delphi: Amalia Hotel Delphi Or Similar

Kalambaka: Grand Meteora Hotel Or Similar

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