Best of Greece with 3-Day Aegean Cruise Premier
Best of Greece with 3-Day Aegean Cruise Premier
$3544
Best of Greece with 3-Day Aegean Cruise Premier
12 Days Starting and ending in Athens, Greece
Visiting: Athens, Nafplion, Olympia, Delphi, Kalambaka, Meteora, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Crete
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WGALMN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Religion and Spiritual, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Greece and Turkey with the "Best of Greece with 3-Day Aegean Cruise Premier" tour. Begin your adventure in Athens, exploring iconic sites like the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Travel through ancient Corinth, Mycenae, and Olympia, where you'll connect with locals and experience traditional Greek hospitality. Discover the mystical rock monasteries of Meteora and the historic site of Delphi. The tour includes a captivating 3-day Aegean cruise, visiting the stunning islands of Mykonos, Crete, and Santorini, as well as the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey. Enjoy expertly guided tours, luxurious accommodations, and authentic cultural experiences, all while savoring delicious Greek cuisine. This tour promises a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, offering a truly immersive experience in the heart of the Mediterranean.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens City Center
Meals Included: Dinner
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 light meal.
Day 2: Explore Amazing Athens Dive Into Culture
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens City Center
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join your Local Specialist for a guided morning sightseeing tour to the ancient complex that was once the 'Cradle of Western Civilization'. Along our journey into antiquity, we'll have an opportunity to explore the Acropolis with its treasures and admire the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena,the Royal Palace and the Temple of Zeus. 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.
Day 3: Journey To Corinth, Mycenae And Nafplion
Location: Nafplion
Accommodation Name: Amalia Nafplio
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 theater 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: Continue To Ancient Olympia Connect With Locals
Location: Olympia
Accommodation Name: Amalia Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 Karabelas family for dinner on their olive and wine farm at a Be My Guest experience featuring traditional dancing and characteristic Greek philoxenia.
Day 5: Onwards To Patras And Delphi
Location: Delphi
Accommodation Name: Amalia Delphi
Meals Included: Breakfast
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, where you may wish to try your hand at preparing some local dishes during an interactive cooking lesson.
Day 6: Off To Thermopylae And Kalambaka
Location: Kalambaka
Accommodation Name: Amalia Kalambaka
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 honor of Apollo and the Arts. Continue on to a family-ran honey farm for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Taste the rich thyme honey freshly collected from the hive and come up close to the unique biodiversity of the area. A scenic afternoon drive brings us to Thermopylae, famous for the heroic defense by Leonidas and his brave Spartans against the invading Persians. We cross the lush Thessaly region, traveling north through the 'breadbasket of Greece' towards Kalambaka.
Day 7: Admire Meteora And Return To Athens
Location: Meteora
Accommodation Name: Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens City Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 And Cruise To Stunning Mykonos
Location: Mykonos
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Discovery
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We leave the bustling city streets of Athens and cruise to Mykonos, where the Windmills of Kato Mili extend a warm evening welcome as they have to arriving seafarers for centuries. You'll have the evening free to explore the winding lanes of Chora, strolling past whitewashed cottages and tumbling cerise bougainvillea as you admire the pretty boutiques, then follow your nose to the best seafood in town. As the sun sets over Mykonos, there's no better place for cocktails than Little Venice.
Day 9: Continue To Ancient Ephesus And Patmos
Location: Kusadasi
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Discovery
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit the Turkish shores of Kusadasi for a complimentary Shore Experience to ancient Ephesus. We continue to Patmos, the site where the Book of Revelation was written by St. John. Here, you could choose to see the Cave of the Apocalypse and St. John's Monastery as an Optional Experience.
Day 10: Cruise To Crete And On To Santorini
Location: Crete
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Discovery
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You may decide to explore Crete's ancient Minoan culture and heritage at the Palace of Knossos. Admire its bright wall paintings that were restored at the turn of the 20th century and explore centuries of history that predate Christ. Or choose to drive deep into the beautiful countryside and experience the true flavor of Cretan lifestyle. Continue to Santorini, watching as this Cycladic island comes closer on the horizon, rising out of the Aegean with its distinctive cliff-top towns. You could consider an optional Shore Experience this afternoon, passing villages and vineyards bound for Oia with its white buildings and blue-domed churches which vie for the best views over the caldera.
Day 11: Disembark In Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens City Center
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, disembark from your cruise ship and board a transfer to your hotel.
Day 12: Journey Home
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfers are provided to the airport for your return flight home.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation is provided in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour package.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
The tour covers all hotel tips, charges, and local taxes.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Daily breakfast and up to half of your evening meals are included.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Transportation is provided by a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Optional Experiences and free time
The tour offers optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.
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On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
If necessary, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
What's Not Included
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Optional excursions
Optional excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included in the tour package.
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Visa fees
Visa fees and related expenses are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury with an air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, and enjoy a 3-day Aegean cruise on the MV Celestyal Discovery, with optional experiences and free time included.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels such as Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, and Crowne Plaza Athens City Center in Athens, Amalia Nafplio, Amalia Olympia, Amalia Delphi, and Amalia Kalambaka, and enjoy a cruise on the MV Celestyal Discovery.
Dining Summary
- 8 Dinner (D)
- 11 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Lunch (L)
Dive Into Culture
- Athens: Visit the Acropolis Museum containing remarkable antiquities giving visitors an insight into the lives of Athenians centuries ago.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a 'Be My Guest' experience in Olympia where you will join the Karabelas family for dinner on their olive and wine farm, featuring traditional Greek dancing. Additionally, in Delphi, you will visit a family-run honey farm to taste thyme honey and learn about beekeeping.
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What is the significance of the places visited in Delphi?
In Delphi, you will walk the Sacred Way to the Temple of Apollo, which was a significant site for the ancient Greeks who consulted the oracle there. The visit also includes a stop at a honey farm, which contributes to local biodiversity and land regeneration efforts.
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What can I expect during the cruise portion of the tour?
During the cruise, you will visit Mykonos, Kusadasi for a complimentary Shore Experience to ancient Ephesus, Patmos, Crete, and Santorini. Optional experiences include visiting the Cave of the Apocalypse in Patmos and exploring the Palace of Knossos in Crete.
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How does the tour incorporate local specialists?
Local Specialists will guide you through various historical sites, including the Acropolis in Athens, the ancient city of Corinth, Mycenae, and the monasteries of Meteora, providing in-depth insights into the history and culture of these locations.
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What are some of the historical sites visited on this tour?
The tour visits several historical sites including the Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens, the ancient ruins in Corinth, the theater at Epidaurus, the Olympic Stadium in Olympia, the Oracle at Delphi, and the rock monasteries in Meteora.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar 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 trafalgar 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