08 Days: Athens, Delphi, Kalambaka , Meteora, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos

Tour overview:

Start in Athens, one of the world’s oldest cities, with a panoramic tour of the monuments and landmarks of Athens as well as a guided tour of the Acropolis. Travel 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. You will then board the Iconic Aegean ship, your home for the next 3 nights. Cruise through the emerald waters and marvel at the breathtaking Greek islands. Explore beautiful Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Heraklion, and seductive Santorini.

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Day 1 - Arrival / Athens

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

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Day 2 - City tour / Athens

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. (B)

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Day 3 - 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)

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Day 4 - 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)

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Day 5 - Athens – Mykonos / on cruise

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. (BLD)

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Day 6 - Kusadasi – Patmos / on cruise

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. (BLD)

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Day 7 - Heraklion – Santorini / on cruise

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”. (BLD)

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Day 8 - Piraeus / Departure

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

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