12 Days/ 11 Nights

Tour Overview
In 12 days, explore the history and culture of Greece while taking in the beautiful scenery. Start in Athens, Greece’s historic capital and the birthplace of the Olympics. Explore its world-famous monuments, including the Acropolis, which has fascinated travelers for centuries. travel north to Delphi to visit the temple of Apollo and walk the Sacred way. Next, we journey to Meteora, one of the most beautiful areas of mainland Greece with breathtaking views of the plains. Take a ferry to the island of Zakynthos with its well-known Navagio beach and the Blue Caves. Then relax on a 3-night cruise through the islands of the Aegean on the Iconic Aegean cruise ship. Take in beautiful Mykonos and the sunsets of seductive 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 – City tour / Athens (B)

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. Afternoon at leisure to explore Plaka, the picturesque old part of the city, and why not, some shopping at Ermou street.

Day 03 – Corinth canal, Epidaurus, Nafplion, Mycenae / Olympia (B,D)

After our breakfast we depart towards the Peloponnese. First stop will be at the impressive Corinth canal and we continue to Epidaurus with its theater, famous for its acoustics. Our day continues as we will be arriving in Nafplion for a short stop. Our next visit will be to Mycenae «rich in gold» as Homer mentions, with the Cyclopean walls, and the tomb of Agamemnon with the famous Lion’s Gate. In the afternoon, we will be crossing the mountains of the Peloponnese to arrive in Olympia for dinner and overnight.

Day 04 – Olympia / Zakynthos (B)

Built on the banks of the River Alfios, Olympia is beautiful, green, and placid. We will enjoy a tour through the remains of the Ancient Olympia Complex (home of the original Olympic Games), including the Temple of Zeus, the Palaestra, and Phidias’s Workshop. We continue to the local museum, one of the richest in Greece, with the impressive statue of Hermes of Praxitelis. After the visits, you will separate from the rest of the group and take a private transfer to the port of Kyllini from where you will embark on the local ferry to Zakynthos. Arrival at Zakynthos port and private transfer to your hotel. Rest of the afternoon at leisure for you to explore the beautiful town of Zakynthos.

Day 05 – The unique “Navagio” (shipwreck) beach and the Blue Caves / Zakynthos (B)

Early this morning, you will be joining a unique excursion (subject to weather conditions – please see note 5 below). You will be travelling by boat around the north shores of the island, to the famous “Navagio” beach, among the most photographed beaches in the world. Our boat excursion will continue to the famous “Blue Caves”, where you will be able to see the unique blue colors and why not, take a dip in the caves. Be alert and you may spot dolphins or sea-turtles as we cruise back to the port. Return to the hotel and rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Day 06 – Zakynthos – Delphi / Delphi (B,D)

Morning will be at leisure for you to enjoy more of Zakynthos town on your own, until the time for your transfer to the port. The ferry ride will bring you back to Kyllini port from where you will take a private transfer to the meeting point, where you will later join the tour to the rest of the sites of classical Greece. The drive will take you around Patras, over the impressive Rio-Antirio bridge, through Nafpaktos and Itea, to Delphi for dinner and overnight.

Day 07 – Delphi / Kalambaka (B,D)

Delphi used to be the most sacred spot in the world and a pilgrimage center for many centuries in the antiquity. You will admire the Sanctuary of Apollo, walk the Sacred way, and visit the temple of Apollo, home of Pythia (the oracle). We continue to the local museum with the famous bronze statue of the Charioteer. In the afternoon we will be crossing the mountains of central Greece to arrive in Kalambaka for dinner and overnight.

Day 08 – Meteora / Athens (B)

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.

Day 09 – Athens – Mykonos / on cruise (AI)

Breakfast and transfer to Piraeus port to embark on «Celestyal cruises» for the three night «Iconic Aegean» cruise. Arrival in Mykonos in the afternoon. Free time to explore the bustling town of Mykonos until late in the evening.

Day 10 – Kusadasi – Patmos / on cruise (AI)

Early in the morning you will be arriving at the port of Kusadasi. Disembarkation for your included shore excursion to “Ancient Ephesus through the Ages”. Around mid-day, the ship will set sail again for a short trip to Patmos. Do no miss the optional excursion to the famous monastery of St. John and the Grotto of the Apocalypse.

Day 11 – Heraklion – Santorini / on cruise (AI)

Arrival in Heraklion early in the morning. During your included excursion you will be visiting the Minoan Palace of Knossos with the legendary Minotaur. Return on board an in the afternoon we will arrive at the unique island of Santorini. You can choose to take the cable car up to Fira town or follow an optional excursion to “Spectacular Oia village perched on the caldera rim”.

Day 12 – Piraeus / Departure (B)

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

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