Overview
Highlights of Greece Escape plus 4-night Iconic Cruise
The iconic Greek Islands are yours to discover on a guided cruise and tour of Greece. You’ve dreamed of the sparkling blue waters of the Aegean Sea and strolling among whitewashed buildings above pristine beaches. Now you can have both with a guided tour of Greece and a Greek Islands cruise. History comes alive on your guided visits to many of Greece's ancient sites. In addition to the Acropolis and Olympia, you'll also visit the ruins in Mycenae, dating from 1,350 to 1,200 BC and described in Homer’s epic poem, “The Iliad.” In ancient Greece, people traveled to Delphi to seek the wisdom of the Oracle. Learn about the Oracle, tour the excavations, and visit the Archaeological Museum. To add to your Greek experience, enjoy a cooking demonstration where you learn to make traditional tzatziki; take a sirtaki dance lesson; and try a glass of Ouzo. Plus, you'll be accompanied by an expert Tour Director who will bring this country to life by sharing its history, stories, and insider secrets.Take your escorted Greek vacation adventure further! Cruise the Greek Islands for four nights to experience the world-renowned Aegean Sea portion of the Mediterranean. Sail from Athens in an outside cabin aboard a Celestyal Cruise ship to Mykonos. Next, you’ll sail towards the shores of Turkey to visit Kusadasi and the ancient excavations of Ephesus. Then, cruise to the island of Rhodes. You’ll see the clifftop acropolis of Lindos and Athena’s Temple. Sail, weather permitting, to the panoramic and volcanic island of Santorini—“The Black Pearl of the Aegean.” Relax while basking in the beauty of the sea as you return to Athens for guided sightseeing. From the picturesque fishing villages to ancient historic sights and sailing the Aegean Sea, this guided tour of Greece has it all—including four spectacular nights on a Greek Island cruise.
Highlights of Highlights of Greece Escape plus 4-night Iconic Cruise
Product Group
Highlights of Greece Escape plus 3-night Iconic Cruise
Related Option Title
January & March 2020 Travel
UNESCO Sites
Acropolis Athens|Archeological Site of Delphi|Archeological Site of Olympia
Private Touring
6 guests in a party: $518*18 guests in a party: $155*
Price Details US
All Escapes by Globus tours and departures are excluded from the following Globus discounts: Book Early & Save Discounts, Second Tour Discount and Small Group Discount. Port Taxes $159 & Gratuities $40 to service personnel on board the ship are included as are gratuities for Cruise Host.
Notes
CRUISE DETAILS Rotation of ports of call may vary for congestion reasons at certain ports with or without prior notice.Outside cabin (category XA) - All cabins with two lower beds and private shower and toilet.Full entertainment program on board.Included drink package: selection of non-alcoholic & alcoholic drinks.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 Olympia, operated by Celestyal Cruises.The cruise itinerary for the departures October 19 also stops in Crete. Port of call are as follows – Athens -Mykonos – Kusadasi – Patmos – Rhodes - Crete – Santorini – Athens.
Inclusions
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect vacation—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides, to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites!
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome drink.
Day 2
ATHENS–CORINTH CANAL–MYCENAE–OLYMPIA Ruins & Recipes CORINTH CANAL Photo stop.MYCENAE Guided visit of the excavations and museum. OLYMPIA Attend a [LF] cooking demonstration this evening and learn how to make the traditional Greek tzatziki appetizer. (B,D) 174 mi / 280 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 3
OLYMPIA–DELPHI Digs & Dances OLYMPIA Join a guided visit of the archaeological site and the museum. DELPHI [LF] Learn how to dance the sirtaki in a dance class while sipping a glass of Ouzo. (B,D) 137mi/220kmLOCAL 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 love.
Day 4
DELPHI–ATHENS The Navel of the World DELPHI Guided visit of the excavations and Archaeological Museum.ATHENS Free time. (B) 118 mi / 190 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDS & LORE Discover the ancient sanctuary of Apollo in its dramatic setting on Mount Parnassus. In ancient times it was considered the Navel of the Earth as according to mythology this was the place where the four eagles of Zeus met after they were released from the four corners of the world. It was also home to the most famous Oracle.
Day 5
ATHENS–(EMBARKATION): MYKONOS Beyond the Shore ATHENS Embark on your Greek Islands cruise.MYKONOS Free time to explore this evening. (B,L,D)FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE 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 6
CRUISING: KUSADASI, TURKEY–PATMOS, GREECE Turkish Treasures KUSADASI Visit the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus. PATMOS Afternoon call. (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 7
CRUISING: RHODES Blue Heaven RHODES Join a guided sightseeing of the Acropolis of Lindos. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SIGHTS Rhodes is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, in addition to its gorgeous beaches, you’ll see the fascinating archaeological ruins of the legendary Lindos Acropolis – standing over 100 meters above the sea.
Day 8
CRUISING: SANTORINI, GREECE Sun, Sea & Sands SANTORINI Free time to explore (weather permitting). (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT With its postcard-like scenery, the lofty volcanic footprint of Santorini’s Oia caldera landscape embodies the essence of the Cyclades Islands. Spend free time amid azure seas and white and blue houses that line the maze of alleyways.
Day 9
ATHENS (DISEMBARKATION) Marvels & Myths After breakfast on board, disembark.ATHENS Guided sightseeing includes the Acropolis and a picture stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT 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 10
ATHENS Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departures
# | Air Start Date | Land Start Date | Land End Date | Land Only Price | Discount | Final | Departure Code | Status |
Hotels
# | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
1 | 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 |
2 | 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 |
3 | 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 |
4 | 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 |
5 | 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 |