Aegean Odyssey Idyllic Route Moderate B
Aegean Odyssey Idyllic Route Moderate B
Aegean Odyssey Idyllic Route Moderate B
11 Days Starting and ending in Athens
Visiting: Athens, Thessaloniki, Kuşadası, Crete, Fira, Mykonos, Milos
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GICM1MN19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 45
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
All the ancient treasures and irresistible beauty of the Aegean are yours to discover on this incredible visit to Athens and the stunning Greek islands – the perfect trip for lovers of history and the good things in life. Wander the streets of the picturesque town of Heraklion on Crete and admire landscapes and whitewashed houses on Santorini.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Athens (2 Nights)
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Hotel, Zafolia Dorian Inn President
Dive right into a land of myths and legends. This one’s the perfect experience for history and culture buffs, with a little bit of island-style relaxation thrown in for good measure. Your springboard to an idyllic holiday in the Aegean is vibrant Athens, which you'll have an opportunity to explore your way this evening. Gyros anyone?
Day 2 : Athens Sightseeing And Free Time
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Zafolia, Dorian Inn, President Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Prepare for an exhilarating journey into antiquity today. You’ll enjoy an extraordinary encounter with the ancients when you join your Local Specialist for an in-depth visit to some of the world’s most treasured sights. A visit to the Acropolis to see Athena's Parthenon is the stuff of dreams, and there are plenty of stories to learn about as you hear how this was once the center of western civilization. Make your way to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier next and watch the march of the Evzone guards before taking the rest of the afternoon to explore your way. That could mean getting lost in the labyrinthine lanes of vibey Plaka, but you may wish to spend your evening at a lively café soaking up the characteristic Greek zest for life.
Day 3 : Athens – Embark 7-Day Cruise (7 Nights)
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Aegean Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
You’ll have a final morning in Athens to get some final sightseeing under your belt, or perhaps choose a lazy start to your day to set the tone for your laidback adventure on the Aegean seas. Later, you’ll board your cruise ship for your exhilarating seven-night cruise to the Greek Isles and beyond. Settle in for a glorious week of glittering seascapes, laidback island living and epic ancient history that will captivate you at every turn. All aboard!
Day 4 : Thessaloniki Free Day
Location: Athens, Thessaloniki
Accommodation: Aegean Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will have time to explore Greece's second largest city. Walk along the waterfront and enjoy the many cafes along Aristotelous Square and see ancient monuments such as the Arch of Galerius.
Day 5 : Kusadasi (Turkey)
Location: Thessaloniki, Kuşadası
Accommodation: Aegean Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Turkish port of Kusadasi is your gateway to the ancient Greek City of Ephesus. You wouldn’t believe the treasures you’re about to see as you make your way down the marble avenue lined with what was once the homes of rich Ephesians to the Library of Celsus in Ephesus. Get to grips with the Hellenistic and Roman heritage of this UNESCO-listed site as you stroll along its marble colonnades and admire the Temple of Artemis learning all about its important role as an ancient Greek trading city in the Mediterranean. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the beautifully preserved remains of the city before returning to your ship in time for your evening departure.
Day 6 : Crete
Location: Kuşadası, Crete
Accommodation: Aegean Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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, you may choose to 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. Alternatively drive deep into the beautiful countryside and experience the true flavor of Cretan lifestyle.
Day 7 : Santorini
Location: Crete, Fira
Accommodation: Aegean Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Santorini and gaze at the sheer cliffs and dazzling panorama. Discover the capital of Thira, with its clifftop restaurants and cafés, breath-taking views and amazing sunsets. Take a step back in time if you wish to explore Santorini’s most significant archaeological site, the Cycladic Bronze-age village of Akrotiri. Feeling more adventurous? See Santorini off the beaten track in a 4x4. This evening is free for you to explore Santorini's buzzing nightlife.
Day 8 : Mykonos Free Day
Location: Fira, Mykonos
Accommodation: Aegean Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You’ll have a full day to explore Mykonos so there’s no need to rush, though you’ll want to get out and about exploring those charming rambling streets of Chora. Make your way to ‘Little Venice’ and see how the quaint white houses with their colorful balconies plunge straight into the edge of the sea. Stroll past charming cottages and tumbling cerise bougainvillea in search of a quiet spot overlooking the Old Port with a refreshing drink. Or take an optional visit the Sacred Island of Delos, the birthplace of Apollo, a favorite stop for lovers of history and archaeology. In the evening there is time to enjoy the buzzing nightlife.
Day 9 : Mykonos - Milos
Location: Mykonos, Milos
Accommodation: Aegean Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Say a sad farewell to Mykonos, but not for too long as you’ll arrive in Milos ready to bite into one of its mouth-watering watermelon pies. Bask in the former stunning home of the famous Venus de Milo. You could choose to soak up the glorious sunshine in its turquoise waters or explore the ‘Island of Colors' on an Optional Experience that will reveal the beauty of one of the most laidback Greek islands. After a day of wonderful sightseeing in the Greek islands, it’s time to return to Athens. You’ll come together with new friends, toasting to what has been an incredible encounter with an ancient and beautiful land.
Day 10 : Disembark – Athens (1 Night)
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Novotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Arriving in Athens this morning, you’ll disembark and transfer to your hotel. Ditch your sea legs and get your final fix of the Greek capital your way. There’s time for a bit of souvenir shopping in Monastiraki or perhaps an afternoon of people-watching in Syntagma Square. You’ll want to make sure you fuel up on some of your favorite local treats along the way or go in search of the city's tastiest souvlaki.
Day 11 : Depart Athens
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your enchanting journey has sadly come to an end. All that’s left is to say a fond farewell to your travel companions at the end of a memorable holiday and the promise that you’ll return one day soon.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation options include Athens Zafolia Hotel/Dorian Inn/President Hotel and Aegean Cruise.
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Meals
The tour includes 10 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners.
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Transport
Transportation for sightseeing and transfers as mentioned in the itinerary.
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Fully Guided
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from the start and end points are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions and personal spending are not included.
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Visa Fees
Any applicable visa fees are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and cruise staff are not included.
Mode of Transport
You’ll have a final morning in Athens to get some final sightseeing under your belt, or perhaps choose a lazy start to your day to set the tone for your laidback adventure on the Aegean seas. Later, you’ll board your cruise ship for your exhilarating seven-night cruise to the Greek Isles and beyond.
Accommodation
Your hotel will be dependent on your departure date. Accommodation options include Athens Zafolia Hotel/Dorian Inn/President Hotel and Aegean Cruise.
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, English speaking local guide on this tour.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in a itinerary.
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
The maximum group size is 45 people.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Complimentary airport transfers are provided in the Eastern Mediterranean region at any time on the first and last day of the holiday or on other days in conjunction with pre and / or post-tour accommodation booked through Insight Vacations.
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What type of tour is this?
This tour is categorized under 'Cruise' as its primary tag, and includes activities related to Coach tours (worldwide), Cultural, History, Island Hopping, and Walking.
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What is the accommodation like?
Accommodation options for the tour include Athens Zafolia Hotel/Dorian Inn/President Hotel and Aegean Cruise, dependent on the departure date.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty and joy of taking a guided vacation with Costsaver is that you get to meet, travel and make friends with people from all over the world.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Costsaver is part of The Travel Corporation, which has been in business for over 100 years.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Costsaver is proud to be a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation started in 2008. To date the charity has donated over US$2 million to assist underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism initiatives around the globe.
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Low Deposit
Costsaver requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of costsaver charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions