Overview
Classical Greece with Iconic Aegean 4-Night Cruise
Relaxing days and fascinating knights. That is the appeal of the ancient island of Rhodes, famous for its brilliant azure waters, its Acropolis-topped village of Lindos, and its fortress-lined Old Town built by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades. This exhilarating land and cruise tour of Greece, starting with our 8-day Classical Greece vacation, includes Rhodes in the island-hopping fun that sets sail from Athens and follows a captivating course to modern Mykonos, unspoiled Patmos, medieval Rhodes, Minoan Crete, and serene Santorini (weather permitting)—with a special stop on the Turkish coast to see the amazingly preserved Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus. See the iconic sights of mainland Greece—including Athens’ monumental Parthenon and the legendary town of Olympia—before you cruise into the blues on this tour of glorious Greece.
Highlights of Classical Greece with Iconic Aegean 4-Night Cruise
Related Tours
RG|Classical GreeceRGK|With Iconic Aegean 3-Night CruiseRGH|With Iconic Aegean 4-Night CruiseRGL|With Idyllic Aegean 7-Night CruiseRGM|With Island Hopper
Private Touring
6 guests in a party: $1,212*18 guests in a party: $282*
Related Option Title
With Iconic Aegean 4-Night Cruise
Ship
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus Europe escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized European tour—without the crowds.
Product Group
Classical Greece
UNESCO Sites
Acropolis Athens|Archeological Site of Delphi|Archeological site of Mycenae|Archeological Site of Olympia|Ephesus|Medieval Town of Rhodes|Meteora|Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus
Travelers Notes
Special Features Included in this Tour: • Guided sightseeing in Athens includes an orientation drive to see the main landmarks, plus a visit to the Acropolis• Visit to the ancient town of Corinth, plus a stop at the Corinth Canal• Guided visits to archaeological sites in Olympia, Mycenae and Epidaurus • Visit to the excavations and Archaeological Museum of Delphi• Guided visit to the monasteries of Varlaam and St Stephen’s in Meteora• Visit to the site of the Battle of Thermopylae• 4-night Iconic Aegean Cruise includes visits to Mykonos, Patmos, Crete, and Santorini• Guided visit to the excavations of ancient Ephesus in Turkey • Visit to Rhodes includes guided sightseeing to the Acropolis of Lindos• [LF] Tzatziki cooking demonstration • [LF] Sirtaki dance lesson with complimentary glass of ouzo
Notes
This tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. The Greek Government has introduced a Sustainable Tourism Development Fee to all cruise tourists. This tax is applicable when a guest disembarks at a Greek island or mainland port. With your consent, Celestyal will facilitate the collection of these fees through your onboard account. Cruise details: Rotation of ports of call may vary for congestion reasons at certain ports, with or without prior notice. Inside cabin (category IB) - other cabin types are available for a supplement. Included drink package: selection of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks. Included select excursions as per detailed itinerary. Globus Host service throughout the cruise. Please ask your Travel Consultant for cruise ship details. The ship scheduled to depart for the cruise portion of your vacation is the Celestyal Discovery, operated by Celestyal Cruises.
Meals
Welcome drink in Athens; full buffet breakfast daily, 4 Lunches, 8 Dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
Day 2
ATHENS Marvels & Myths Wake-up in Athens for the start of your Greek Odyssey! Guided sightseeing is composed of an orientation drive to see Athen’s main landmarks, including Syntagma Square, the Temple of Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium, plus a visit to the iconic Acropolis. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore more. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOTS Explore the heart of Ancient Greece, in the historic empire where 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, never fail to amaze! See the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the venues of the first modern Olympic Games.
Day 3
ATHENS–CORINTH–MYCENAE–EPIDAURUS–NAUPLIA Greek History & Heroes Leave Athens and drive to Corinth, stop to take photos of the world’s deepest canal, and one of the most famous, the Corinth Canal, before joining a guided walking tour of the ancient city. Continue to Mycenae, according to legend the city walls were built by Cyclopes! Enjoy some free time for lunch before entering the excavations for a guided tour, including a visit to the museum. Reach Epidaurus for a guided visit to see the 2,300-year-old open-air auditorium. This evening, arrive at the seaside town of Nauplia. (B,D) 132 mi / 212 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEM The outdoor auditorium of Epidaurus combines perfect mathematic proportion with excellent acoustics. This fascinating archaeological treasure was used for the healing of patients from all over Greece and was dedicated to Asklepios, the god of healing.
Day 4
NAUPLIA–OLYMPIA Ruins & Recipes Take a scenic drive across the Arkadian Mountains of the Peloponnese peninsula to reach Olympia, dedicated to Zeus, and birthplace of the Olympic Games. Join a guided walking tour of the archaeological site and visit the museum. This evening, [LF] attend a cooking demonstration to learn how to make traditional Greek tzatziki. (B,D) 112 mi / 181 kmLOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Dip into the delicious tradition of Greek tzatziki – a mix of yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and herbs such as dill, mint, parsley, and thyme. Learn how to make this quintessential recipe loved the world over.
Day 5
OLYMPIA–PATRAS–DELPHI Digs & Dances Depart Olympia, drive by the busy seaport of Patras and cross the spectacular Rion-Antirion bridge. Journey along the coast to reach Delphi, considered by ancient Greeks to be the center of the world where the oracles of Apollo predicted the fate of many a man. Take a guided walking tour of the excavations and Archaeological Museum to discover more. This evening, step into the culture when you [LF] learn how to dance the sirtaki while sipping a glass of ouzo, the traditional Greek spirit closely associated with friendship and laughter. (B,D)149 mi / 239 kmLOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITION Dance in the steps of Zorba the Greek to learn the sirtaki. This passionate and dramatic dance goes very well with a glass of ouzo, the anice-infused drink the locals are so fond of.
Day 6
DELPHI–METEORA AREA Monasteries in Magical Greece Drive north past Lamia and Trikala to reach Meteora, which can be translated as “suspended in the air.” Prepare to be inspired by the breathtaking views afforded by this UNESCO-listed area. Enjoy a fascinating guided visit to the Monastery of St. Stephen and the Holy Monastery of Varlaam, perched atop the vertical rock formations. (B,D) 155 mi / 249 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT SACRED SITES Perched atop soaring huge cliffs are the monasteries of Meteora, of which six are still active. Visit the beautiful monasteries of Varlaam and St. Stephen’s to marvel at this serenely mystical landscape with breathtaking views from above. Long revered for the perfect monastic retreat from the world outside, Meteora’s spectacular array of massive sandstone cliffs create a surreal setting unlike any other.
Day 7
METEORA AREA–THERMOPYLAE–ATHENS Grecian Battles & Beauty This morning, sit back and relax for a scenic drive. Stop at Thermopylae, learn about the famous battle and see the statue of the Spartan King, Leonidas. Continue to Athens and enjoy a leisurely afternoon and evening exploring. (B) 236 mi / 380 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDARY LIVES The story of the Battle of Thermopylae is hard to beat for drama. You may recognize this tale of the heroic, yet doomed Spartans of 480 BC fighting against the Persian army, which is dramatized in the film “300.” Their brave battle endures as a valiant symbol of bravery and sacrifice for a patriotic cause.
Day 8
ATHENS (EMBARKATION)–MYKONOS Beyond the Shore Today board your Celestyal cruise ship and set sail for Mykonos, one of the most celebrated of the Cyclades Islands. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore the island. See the iconic 16th-century windmills that dot the hillside, and the colorful homes of Little Venice. Browse the charming streets and stores and try some of the local delicacies. (B,L,D)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE Your dreams of the Greek Islands come true with free time in Mykonos. This Aegean paradise of pristine waters and beaches, mixed with a lively nightlife scene, is only made brighter by the iconic 16th-century windmills that dot the hillside above.
Day 9
CRUISING: KUSADASI, TURKEY–PATMOS, GREECE Turkish Treasures Today reach the coast of Turkey and disembark at Kusudasi. Head to the incredible archaeological site of Ephesus, be captivated by stories as you follow your Local Guide on a fascinating walking tour to discover more about the city. This afternoon, sail to Patmos known as “the Island of the Apocalypse” as it is said to be where St. John the Evangelist wrote the Book of the Revelation. Enjoy an afternoon call with free time to discover more. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Pull into port in Turkey to explore the fascinating Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus - one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world – with the historic ruins of the Library of Celsus, the Basilica of St. John, and the Temple of Artemis.
Day 10
CRUISING: RHODES Blue Heaven Enjoy a full day on the island of Rhodes with its idyllic mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. Follow your Local Guide for the included sightseeing of the Acropolis of Lindos. Later, why not stroll around the crusader-influenced main town with its impressive buildings and quaint cobbled alleyways. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SIGHTS One of the original Seven Wonders of the World, the Colossal of Rhodes, a statue of the sun-god Helios said to be over 100ft high, once stood at the harbour greeting visitors to the island. While he is no longer there, you won’t notice his absence as there is plenty more to see, do and discover - this island has something for everybody!
Day 11
CRUISING: HERAKLION, CRETE–SANTORINI Sun, Sea & Sand This morning reach Crete, the largest of the Greek islands and disembark in Heraklion, enjoy free time to explore, or join one of the optional shore excursions. Later, set sail and arrive at the iconic island of Santorini. Enjoy free time to stroll along the charming streets, marvel at the amazing views, browse the stores, and try local specialties. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS The largest island in Greece, Crete captures all the wonder you have imagined a Greek island to be – a brilliant landscape of ancient ruins, lively sidewalks, and stunning beaches.
Day 12
ATHENS (DISEMBARKATION) Amazing Athens This morning, disembark from your ship. Enjoy a free day in Athens, absorb more art and culture in one of the museums, browse the stores, or try local specialties. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE There are countless ways to enjoy free time in the birthplace of democracy, arts, science, and the philosophy of western civilization! Explore the urban landscapes and lively restaurants in this historic capital and enjoy the sunny slopes of this iconic city. Stroll in the shadow of the Acropolis in the village atmosphere of Plaka. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets to browse jewelry stores and ceramics shops, then linger in a sidewalk café or taverna to celebrate your Greek adventure.
Day 13
ATHENS Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departures
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Zafolia | Attractive 7-story Hotel situated near museums, 1 km from Larisis train station & 35 km from El. Venizelos Airport. | Athens | 87-89 Alexandras Avenue | First-Class |
| 2 | Stanley Hotel | Located in Athens city center and just few steps away from Metaxourgeio Metro Station, this hotel offers 380 air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, and a balcony. The hotel features a roof garden with a nice pool area, an open-air lounge bar and a restaurant, from where guests can also enjoy lovely views of the Acropolis, Mount Lycabettus and the Saronic Gulf. Among its amenities you can also find a well-equipped fitness center and a sauna. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout. | Athens | 1 Odysseos St, at Karaiskaki Square | Superior First-Class |
| 3 | Amalia Nauplia | Neoclassical-style Hotel situated on tree-lined grounds with landscaped courtyards, 1 mile from city center. | Nauplia | National Road Argos | First-Class |
| 4 | Amalia Olympia | This 147 room hotel is set in a beautiful Mediterranean landscape filled with olive trees. The spacious white marbled lobby affords endless views of the surrounding green scenery along with the open air terrace of the lounge café. Amenities include a restaurant, large outdoor seasonal swimming pool, spacious lounges and a lobby bar with fireplace. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property. | Olympia | Pyrgou-Olympias Main Rd | First-Class |
| 5 | Europa | Hotels Europa is built on the top of Drouvas Hill in Ancient Olympia (UNESCO World Heritage Site), at the foot of which is sited the Sacred Alti with brilliant monuments and the stadium of the Ancient Olympic Games. | Olympia | Archaia Olympia - Drouva | First-Class |
| 6 | Amalia Delphi | At the foot of Mount Parnassus overlooking olive groves and the Ionian Sea, and just minutes away from the archaeological site and museum, the temple of Apollo, and Castalia spring. The modern guest rooms are air-conditioned and have Wi-Fi and minifridges. Other amenities include an outdoor pool and an inviting lounge bar with a fireplace, where guests can relax and take in the breath taking Delphian scenery. | Delphi | 1 Apollonos Street | First-Class |
| 7 | Amalia Kalambaka | Amalia Hotel is a beautiful setting just minutes away from the town of Kalambaka. The hotel is embedded on 14 acres of greenery and has been built with traditional materials to match its surroundings. | Kalambaka | National Road | First-Class |
