GREECE & THE AEGEAN
  15 DAYS FROM $2,169 US  
Details below or click here for more information INQUIRY FORM

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Day 1 Arrive in Athens, Greece
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to start exploring the Greek capital. Later, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

Day 2 Athens
A day to do just as you please. You could also join an optional day cruise to the islands of Aegina, Hydra, and Poros. In the evening, free time to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the tavernas and nightclubs in the old Plaka district with its narrow streets and sound of bouzouki music. (Breakfast)

Day 3 Athens–Corinth–Epidaurus–Nauplia
Join the included sightseeing tour of Athens, featuring the highlights of this ancient capital and a visit to the Acropolis. Next, westward to the Corinth Canal. Journey into the Argolis to make a stop in Epidaurus. Visit the open-air theater, which can still seat 14,000 spectators, then head for the coast and overnight in Nauplia. (Breakfast)

Day 4 Nauplia–Mycenae–Sparta
This morning, enjoy the included excursion with a Local Guide to Mycenae, a city fortress cursed by the gods but rich in gold and warrior kings. Motor south in the afternoon deep into the Peloponnese to Sparta for an overnight. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 5 Sparta–Mystra–Olympia
Your morning highlight will be the included sightseeing of the medieval Byzantine citadel of Mystra, at one time known as the “Florence of the East.” In the afternoon, drive to Olympia. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 6 Olympia–Patras–Delphi
Focus on Olympia, where the athletes of antiquity performed in honor of the king of deities. Learn more about the history of the Olympic Games on the optional sightseeing tour. In the afternoon, drive north towards Patras, the capital of the Peloponnese and the west coast’s largest port. Then, proceed through the picturesque fishing villages along the south coast of the mainland to mythical Delphi, crossing the spectacular Rion-Antirion Bridge. (Breakfast)

Day 7 Delphi–Kalambaka
Optional morning sightseeing of the archaeological site of Delphi. In the afternoon, drive north by way of Lamia and on to Trikala in Thessaly for an overnight in Kalambaka. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 8 Kalambaka–Meteora–Athens
A short drive to Meteora, which is a cluster of monastic buildings perched in an unforgettable manner on a set of rising rock formations. Your included visit is certainly the day’s highlight. Later, drive south via Lamia to Athens for an overnight. (Breakfast)

Day 9 Athens
A full day at leisure to explore the unseen parts of the city, or maybe even join one of the many optionals available. (Breakfast)

Day 10 Athens–Piraeus (Embarkation)–Mykonos
Early morning embarkation and an afternoon spent cruising in the Aegean. Evening arrival in Mykonos, a granite island and the most typical of the Cyclades. Its cubic houses, windmills, and chapels seem to make the island’s light even more translucent. Spend some time visiting a taverna or just wandering around the town, enjoying its timeless beauty. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 11 Kusadasi, Turkey & Patmos, Greece
Two ports of call today. First, Kusadasi on the Turkish coast. An optional morning excursion takes you to the fascinating Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus. Next, discover the tiny Greek island of Patmos, where St. John the Divine wrote the Revelation. The 11th-century monastery with its valuable manuscript collection is well worth a visit. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 12 Rhodes
Dock in Rhodes, largest of the Dodecanese Islands and site of the Colossus of Rhodes, a 105-foot statue destroyed by an earthquake in 224 BC. All day is dedicated to the island of Rhodes. Explore the sights in the historic Old City with its ramparts and palaces built by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades. Another possibility: join an optional excursion to Lindos and the fabulous Temple of Athena. And if sightseeing is not your thing, Rhodes’ sun-drenched beaches and colorful shopping districts are within easy walking distance of the port. Sail from Rhodes around dinner time. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 13 Crete & Santorini
Morning at Heraklion on the island of Crete. A few miles away is Knossos, the center of the 3000 BC Minoan civilization; an optional excursion can be booked. Next port of call (weather permitting) is Santorini, the “Black Pearl of the Aegean.” The optional shore excursion here takes you up to the cliff-top village of Oia for one of the world’s most breathtaking panoramas. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 14 Piraeus (Disembarkation)–Athens
Early morning arrival in Piraeus; drive to Athens. More time to explore the unseen parts of the city or do some last-minute shopping. (Breakfast)

Day 15 Athens
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS WITH US
Learn more about booking an air-inclusive vacation - the reasons why include, you'll receive free airport transfer on published dates and your air will be coordinated with your vacation.

AIRPORT TRANSFER TIMES
Details about airport transfer times, prices and what's included with your vacation.

Vacation Highlights

INCLUDED FEATURES
Headsets throughout the land tour Visits to Epidaurus, Sparta, Mystra, Olympia, Delphi, Kalambaka, Meteora, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Rhodes, Heraklion

Notes:
We recommend that you plan to spend about US$40 per person for gratuities to the service personnel on board.
Port taxes of approximately US$140 are included in the price.

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS
Peloponnese, Mount Parnassus, Arcadian Mountains, Corinth Canal, Rion-Antirion Bridge

INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.

GUIDES
Local Guide for city sightseeing in Athens, Mycenae; services of a professional Tour Director

STANDARD INCLUDED FEATURES
Learn more about transportation, hotels, and other standard included features offered.

Accommodations

MEALS
Buffet breakfasts; 4 lunches; 7 dinners

HOTELS - (F) First-Class (ST) Superior Tourist-Class (T) Tourist Class
ATHENS Coral (F), NAUPLIA Rex (ST), SPARTA Maniatis (ST), OLYMPIA Olympion Asty (F), DELPHI Parnassos (ST) or Acropole (ST), KALAMBAKA Antoniadis (F), ATHENS Golden Age (F) or Coral (F)

TRANSPORTATION
Touring by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach. Cruise in fully air-conditioned inside cabins with private shower and toilet. Outside cabins are available; all port taxes are included.

Optional Excursions

Important Note: the following list of optional excursions are examples only for this vacation as they are the excursions that are being offered for this vacation in the current travel year. These optional excursions might or might not be offered next year, as well as new optional excursions might be offered. Information about what optional excursions will be offered for your vacation will be available later this year into next year. If no example excursions are listed, please check back later.

Here's a list of optional excursions you can enjoy during your vacation. Whether it's a special dinner, a local show or a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional excursions are a wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further. Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.

Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, days of operation, group interests, and general feasibility for your vacation. The approximate value listed gives you a good, general idea of what you can expect to pay but may vary once you are on your vacation. Some information provided might be in a foreign currency.

CITY: Athens

A Taste Of Athens
First by coach into the centre of Athens where you will pick up the "train" which will take you at a leisurely pace for about 20 minutes around the old part of Athens, the "Plaka" - a good way to get a first impression of the layout, shops and points of interest. Re-board your coach to continue to a Taverna for a Greek feast with unlimited local wine. On the way back to the hotel view the illuminated Acropolis.
Approximate value: EUR €49 per person

Aegean Cruise
Visit three Greek islands and enjoy lunch on board your modern cruise ship. Visit the Saronic islands of Aegina, Poros and Hydra. On Hydra there are no cars, the only means of transportation is by donkey.
Approximate value: EUR €85 per person

Cape Sounion
Leave Athens, following the beautiful coastal road past the Athenians' favorite summer resorts to Cape Sounion. Visit the famous Temple of Poseidon, god of the sea. From the summit you'll enjoy a wonderful view of the Saronic Islands.
Approximate value: Please check back later per person

Acropolis Museum
A guided tour of the new Acropolis Museum, which was opened in 2009 and has been cited as one of the most important museums in the world. All the finds from the Acropolis have been collected here - more than 4000 art crafts are on display.
Approximate value: EUR €30 per person

CITY: Delphi

Delphi Archeological Site
Ancient Delphi is situated on the southern slopes of Mount Parnassus, overlooking the sacred valley and Itea Harbour, and home to the oracle of the sun god Apollo. Visit the oracle site, the Temple of Apollo, the Athenian treasury, stadium and theatre.
Approximate value: EUR €22 per person

CITY: Nauplia

By Night
Late afternoon, take a small caique to the little island of Bourtzi with free time to explore. Then sail back to Nauplion to enjoy a dinner in a typical small Greek restaurant in the old part of town.
Approximate value: EUR €28 per person

CITY: Olympia

Olympia Archaeological Site
This ancient site is the most famous of Greek sanctuaries, where Zeus was worshipped and where his ivory and gold statue was counted among the Seven Wonders of the World. Olympic Games were held here between 776 BD and 393 AD. Your local guide will bring Olympia back to life with her commentary.
Approximate value: EUR €22 per person

CITY: Shore Excursion

Rhodes & Lindos
Drive along the picturesque south-eastern coastline, dotted with white-washed villages, to Lindos, one of the most important of the three great cities of ancient times. From the Acropolis, marvel at the breathtaking views covering the great expanse of the Aegean Sea. After the guided tour of the Acropolis, enjoy some free time on your own in Lindos village. Return to Rhodes city for a short visit to a ceramic factory.
Approximate value: EUR €53 per person

Old City & Philerimos
Drive along the medieval walls to the summit of Mount Smith, the Acropolis of ancient Rhodes. The view encompasses the nearby Temple of Apollo, the stadium of Diagoras and the port, once protected by the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. The drive continues across the island to Philerimos to the restored Byzantine Church. After the visit and some free time, return to Rhodes for a guided walk of the old walled city.
Approximate value: EUR €54 per person

St. John Monastery & Grotto
Enjoy a short drive to the village of Chora, where the Monastery of St. John is built within the walls of a strong fortification, then continue to the nearby Grotto of the Apocalypse and the Monastery of the Apocalypse above it. Afterwards, return back to the port of Scala for some free time in this quaint and picturesque town.
Approximate value: EUR €51 per person

Scenic Island Tour
An interesting tour has been designed for those passengers who prefer to discover the beauties of Patmos by coach. Drive to the central part of the island "Chora" and continue around the island to see its landscape of outstanding natural beauty. The tour ends at the port of Scala with free time in the quaint and picturesque little town. A refreshment will be offered at Arion Café, the oldest and most beautiful café of the town.
Approximate value: EUR €39 per person

Kusadasi-Ancient Ephesus
Drive through the colorful town of Kusadasi and along the coast to reach Ephesus, famous in antiquity for its Temple of Diana - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - and later the home of St. John. Discover innumerable monuments, view the symbols all around and marvel at the fact that one is still able to read the inscriptions in the ancient Greek language. Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time in Kusadasi.
Approximate value: EUR €62 per person

Ephesus & Virgin Mary's House
Drive through the colorful town of Kusadasi to reach Mt. Koressos. Situated in a small valley, the humble chapel lies on the site of the little house where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days. Continue on to Ancient Ephesus through the Magnesian Gate for a guided walking tour which will take you through one of the most magnificent excavations in the world. Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time in Kusadasi.
Approximate value: EUR €65 per person

Palace of Knossos/ Archeological Museum
Crete is the largest and the most rugged of the Greek islands. It is also the home of the great Minoan Civilization and the mythological home of Zeus. After a short drive through the town of Heraklion the tour will arrive at the Knossos excavations. Your guide will lead you on a journey of discovery to learn of the sophisticated culture that flourished thousands of years ago on this island.
Approximate value: EUR €58 per person

A Taste Of Crete
The tour begins from the Venetian lion-guarded port of Heraklion with a drive through the city to the famous wine producing area of Peza, south of Heraklion. The first stop is a modern winery, then the journey continues through rural villages and hilly countryside, with a photo stop to view one of the oldest farmhouses. The tour continues through the islands. At the quaint market town of Archanes, you can sample an assortment of Cretan snacks and locally produced wine, while listening to typical Greek live music.
Approximate value: EUR €54 per person

Thira & Oia Village
Traveling along the road you will have the unique opportunity to admire the panoramic view of the Aegean Sea and the neighboring islands. Built on the Caldera rim, Oia Village is an excellent example of Cycladic architecture. Explore the village walking along the cobble-stone streets, then proceed to the town of Thira, an attractive town perched on the Caldera rim. Time to stroll through the lanes or relax over a coffee.
Approximate value: EUR €55 per person

Santorini Sailing & Volcano
Sail along the strange formations of the volcanic shores, where black lava rocks and white pumice are combined beautifully with the red color of lava. Take a walk to the top of the volcanic island where sulphur is spewed into the air by one of the craters. In the distance, admire the breathtaking sight of Thira town with its white washed houses clinging precariously on the rim of the Caldera. Take time to swim in the warm waters heated by Hot Springs.
Approximate value: EUR €55 per person

Butterflies Valley & Walking
Drive along the western side of the island of Rhodes, where lies the Valley of the Butterflies, one of the most attractive destinations on the island. Driving back to Rhodes Town continue the tour on foot, following the guide through the narrow, cobblestone streets. The most imposing building of medieval Rhodes, the Palace of the Grand Masters, dominates the end of the Street of the Knights, which goes through colorful shops to the 15th century Hospital of the Knights, now housing the Archaeological Museum.
Approximate value: EUR €49 per person