Jewels of Greece & Idyllic Aegean (With 7-Nights Cruise) 11 Days
11 Days: Athens, Delphi, Kalambaka, Kusadasi, Rhodes, Crete, Santorini, Milos, Mykonos, Piraeus
Tour overview:
This tour is aptly named as you will be visiting some of the Jewels of Greece by land as well as cruising for 7 nights through the idyllic Aegean Sea. Visit Delphi and Meteora as well as exploring the capital, Athens. Your 7-night cruise makes stops in Kusadasi, Rhodes, Crete, Milos and Mykonos
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.
Day 2 - 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 3 - 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 4 - 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. After some free time to explore Plaka, the picturesque old part of the city, you will be transferred to the port to embark on “Celestyal Cruises” for your 7-night “Idyllic Aegean” cruise. (BD)
Day 6 - Rhodes / on cruise
Arrival in Rhodes in the morning where the ship will be docked for the whole day. During your included “Medieval” tour, we will visit the Acropolis of Lindos and the citadel of the Knights (Rhodes’ old town). Return on board of the evening. (BLD)
Day 7 - Crete / on cruise
Arrival in Heraklion early in the morning where we will stay the entire day until midnight. 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 8 - Santorini / on cruise
This morning we will be arriving at most famous island of the Aegean, Santorini. The ship will be staying here for the whole day until past midnight giving you the opportunity to explore the amazing beauties of this island and its life. You may opt for an optional shore excursion to “Oia perched on the Caldera rim”, but you will also have plenty of time to explore other sites of this amazing island and the volcano, either on your own or by joining other optional excursions. (BLD)
Day 10 - Milos, Mykonos / on cruise
In the morning we will approach at the unique island of Milos. Spend your morning exploring the magnificent island with the unique morphology and the unparalleled beaches. Early in the afternoon we continue our adventure to Mykonos. We will arrive early in the evening and you will have the whole night to explore the bustling night-life of the favorite island of the international “jetset”. The following day, will also be available for you to explore the beaches of this unique island or follow an optional excursion to the sacred island of Delos. In the evening we will set sail for the return journey to Athens. (BLD)
Day 11 - Piraeus / Departure
Arrival at Piraeus port early in the morning. Breakfast on board. Disembarkation and transfer to the Athens airport for your departure.