11 Days: Athens, Delphi, Kalambaka, Meteora, Istanbul, Canakkale, Volos, Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, Piraeus

Tour Overview
This 11-day tour includes the best of Greece by land and sea. Explore Delphi, once the most sacred place on Earth and visit the renowned sanctuary of Apollo. Visit Meteora with its amazing rock formations. In Athens, a city tour will take you to ancient and historic landmarks, including the Panathinaikon stadium, the temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Acropolis. Explore the Plaka, the picturesque old part of the city. For the next 7 nights, you will cruise the beautiful waters of the Aegean on your Eclectic Aegean cruise. Travel to Istanbul and marvel at its history and culture. Visit Crete, the largest of the Greek islands. And take in the impressive sunsets of Santorini.

Day 01. Arrival / Athens.

Arrival at the Athens airport, welcome assistance and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Athens.

Day 02. Delphi / Kalambaka

After our breakfast we depart northwards towards Delphi, which used to be the most sacred place in the world and a pilgrimage center for many centuries in antiquity. You will admire the Sanctuary of Apollo, walk the Sacred way, and visit the temple of Apollo, home of Pythia (the oracle). In the afternoon, and after a short break for lunch (not included) we will be crossing the mountains of central Greece to arrive in Kalambaka for dinner and overnight. (BD)

Day 03. Meteora / Athens.

This morning we will be visiting Meteora. Amazing rock formations, like towers of sandstone, stand ageless, and have provided sacred retreat for monks over the centuries. A number of monasteries are hidden on top of Meteora. The view over the plain is breathtaking. Meteora is considered among the most beautiful areas of mainland Greece and belongs to Unesco’s list of world heritage monuments. After our visit, we will take the road back to Athens. On the way, we will make a short stop at Thermopylae, to admire the statue of Leonidas king of Sparta. Overnight in Athens. (B)

Day 04. City tour / on cruise.

The day is dedicated to exploring the city of Athens. We begin with a panoramic tour to the most important monuments and landmarks of the city including the Panathinaikon stadium, the Zappeion, the temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, Syntagma square, the Parliament, the tomb of the unknown soldier, Schliemann’s house, the Academy, the University, the National Library, and the old Parliament. Next we head for our guided visit to the Acropolis, including the Propylae, the temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon, and the Erechtheion. Later, we continue with a guided visit to the Acropolis museum voted one of the best museums in the world. You will then be transferred to the port to embark on “Celestyal Cruises” for your 7-night “Eclectic Aegean” cruise. (B,D)

Day 05. Istanbul / on cruise.

After an overnight sail, the cruise ship will arrive in Istanbul early in the afternoon, where you will enjoy an included tender boat cruise to Bosphorus where East meets the West, followed by a visit to the famous Grand Bazaar, where you can lose yourself in the maze of the little alleys with hundreds of little stores. Return on board for overnight. (BLD)

Day 06. Istanbul / on cruise.

The ship will spend another whole day anchored in Istanbul. You will have the opportunity to join an optional excursion of your preference either for half a day or full day, to explore the numerous historical sites of Istanbul. In the evening the ship will set sail towards the Aegean. (BLD)

Day 07. Canakkale / on cruise.

Arrival at Canakkale early in the morning where you can choose to follow one of the available optional excursions to visit legendary Troy, Assos or the historical Gallipoli. Later in the afternoon the ship will set sail for mainland Greece. (BLD)

Day 08. Volos / on cruise.

Arrival at the port of Volos early in the morning. Do not miss the optional excursion to Meteora. Amazing rock formation like sand stones hanging from the sky, stand ageless and have provided retreat for monks over the years, who have built the famous monasteries of Meteora. Return on board in the afternoon. (BLD)

Day 09. Crete / on cruise.

Arrival in Heraklion around mid-day, where the cruise ship will stay until late in the evening. During your included shore excursion to the Palace of Knossos you will have the opportunity to learn all about the Minoan civilization and the legendary Minotaur. (BLD)

Day 10. Santorini, Mykonos / on cruise.

Early in the morning you will be arriving at the unique island of Santorini. You will be amazed by the beauty of the scenery during your included excursion to “Oia perched on the caldera rim”. The views to the caldera and the volcano are simply stunning. Around mid-day, you will set sail again to arrive in Mykonos late in the afternoon. Take advantage of the complimentary shuttle service and get to know the unique Chora (Mykonos town), famous for its bustling night-life and a meeting point of the international “jet set”. (BLD)

Day 11. Piraeus / Departure.

Arrival at Piraeus port in the morning. Breakfast on board. Disembarkation and transfer to the Athens airport for your departure. (B)

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