Compare Classical Greece with Iconic Aegean 3-Night Cruise by Globus vs Greece: Ancient Ruins & Iconic Islands by G Adventures
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
Duration | 12 days | 12 days |
Price From | $ 3,720 | $ 3,484 |
Price Per Day | $ 310 | $ 290 |
Highlights |
|
|
Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
Physical Level |
|
|
Travel Themes |
|
N/A |
Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
|
|
Flights & Transport | No | Ground transport included |
Activities |
|
N/A |
Meals Included | N/A | 11 breakfasts, 1 dinner |
Description | Let the sun and games begin on this lively land and cruise tour to Classical Greece, ancient Turkey, and the breezy Greek Isles. After following in the footsteps of profound philosophers and legendary Olympians, your mind and body will set sail from Athens for three triumphant nights on the brilliant blue waters of the Aegean Sea. Trade the discus throw for dancing and the chariot games for a chair by the pool as you peacefully float to the glamourous island of Mykonos; the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus; the pilgrimage site of Patmos; the Bronze Age settlement of Knossos; and the dreamy, whitewashed isle of Santorini (weather permitting). With brilliant sights and sunsets on the itinerary from the mainland to Crete, you’re destined to bring home the golden this winning tour of Greece. |
Step back in time on a journey to Greece, where iconic ruins bring ancient history to life. Explore the awe-inspiring monuments of Athens and the stunning Cyclades islands; and run and jump in the footsteps of ancient Greek athletes at the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Then venture to the olive-covered hills and rugged coasts of the Peloponnese, where some of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey played out; and savour the delightfully fresh flavours of Greek cuisine. |
Day 1: ARRIVE IN
ATHENS, GREECE Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome drink.
ATHENS-CARYATUD-PORCH.jpg
Day 2: ATHENS
Marvels & Myths ATHENS Guided sightseeing includes a visit to the Acropolis and a stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Free time this afternoon and evening. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOTS 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.
ATHENS-ACROPOLIS.jpg
Day 3: ATHENS–CORINTH–MYCENAE–EPIDAURUS–NAUPLIA
Greek History & Heroes CORINTH Cross the canal and visit ancient Corinth.MYCENAE Free time for lunch. Guided visit of the excavations and museum.EPIDAURUS Guided visit to the 2,300-year-old open-air auditorium before continuing to Nauplia. (Breakfast,Dinner) 132 mi / 212 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEM The outdoor auditorium of Epidaurus combines perfect mathematic proportion with excellent acoustics. This fascinating archaeological treasure was used for the healing of patients from all over Greece and was dedicated to Asklepios, the god of healing.
EPIDAURUS-THEATER.jpg
Day 4: NAUPLIA–OLYMPIA
Ruins & Recipes Take a scenic drive through the Arkadian Mountains.OLYMPIA Join a guided visit to the archaeological site and the museum. [LF] Attend a cooking demonstration this evening to learn how to make traditional Greek tzatziki. (Breakfast,Dinner) 112 mi / 181 km
LOCAL 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.
OLYMPIA-TZATZIKI.jpg
Day 5: OLYMPIA–PATRAS–DELPHI
Digs & Dances Drive by the busy seaport of Patras.DELPHI Join a guided visit to the excavations and Archaeological Museum. This evening, [LF] learn how to dance the sirtaki while sipping a glass of ouzo. (Breakfast,Dinner)149 mi / 239 km
LOCAL 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 are so fond of.
DELPHI-TEMPLE.jpg
Day 6: DELPHI–METEORA AREA
Monasteries in Magical Greece Drive past Lamia and Trikala en route to Kalambaka.METEORA Guided visit of the Varlaam and St. Stephen’s Monasteries. (Breakfast,Dinner) 155 mi / 249 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT SACRED SITES Perched atop soaring huge cliffs are the monasteries of Meteora, of which six are still active. Visit the beautiful monasteries of Varlaam and St. Stephen’s to marvel at this serenely mystical landscape with breathtaking views from above. Long revered for the perfect monastic retreat from the world outside, Meteora’s spectacular array of massive sandstone cliffs create a surreal setting unlike any other.
METEORA.jpg
Day 7: METEORA AREA–THERMOPYLAE–ATHENS
Grecian Battles & Beauty THERMOPYLAE Stop at the battle site.ATHENS Free time late afternoon and evening. (Breakfast) 236 mi / 380 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDARY LIVES The story of the Battle of Thermopylae is hard to beat for drama. You may recognize this tale of the heroic, yet doomed Spartans of 480 BC fighting against the Persian army, which is dramatized in the film “300.” Their brave battle endures as a valiant symbol of bravery and sacrifice for a patriotic cause.
THERMOPYLAE.jpg
Day 8: ATHENS (EMBARKATION)–MYKONOS
Beyond the Shore ATHENS Embark on your Greek Islands cruise. MYKONOS Free time to explore this evening. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE 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.
MYKONOS.jpg
Day 9: CRUISING: KUSADASI, TURKEY–PATMOS, GREECE
Turkish Treasures KUSADASI Visit the excavations of Ephesus.PATMOS Afternoon call. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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.
KUSADASI-EPHESUS.jpg
Day 10: CRUISING: HERAKLION, CRETE–SANTORINI
Greek Mythology & Marvels HERAKLION Visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos.SANTORINI Afternoon call (weather permitting). (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT MYTHS & LEGENDS Marvel at the architecture of the Palace of Knossos in Crete’s city of Heraklion. Here, you’ll envision epic tales of Greek mythology- the Labyrinth, the Minotaur half-man/half-beast, and the legends of Daedalus and Icarus.
SANTORINI.jpg
Day 11: ATHENS (DISEMBARKATION)
Amazing Athens ATHENS Disembark From your ship for a free day in Athens. (Breakfast)
ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE There are countless ways to enjoy free time in the birthplace of democracy, arts, science, and the philosophy of western civilization! Explore the urban landscapes and lively restaurants in this historic capital and enjoy the sunny slopes of this iconic city. Stroll in the shadow of the Acropolis in the village atmosphere of Plaka. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets to browse jewelry stores and ceramics shops, then linger in a sidewalk café or taverna to celebrate your Greek adventure.
ATHENS-PLAKA-AGORA.jpg
Day 12: ATHENS
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
ATHENS-STREET-SCENE.jpg
Day 1 Athens
Arrive at any time.
Day 2 Athens
Considered the cradle of Western civilization, Athens is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Explore the iconic Acropolis with an archaeologist guide and wander among the columns of the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena. Continue to the ancient Agora—where Athenians gathered to discuss the affairs of the day—and listen to our guide bring these timeless ruins to life. Afterwards, be enriched and refreshed with drinks and a tour of local non-profit cafe, Shedia Home.
Day 3 Athens/Delphi
Take free time to explore Athens on your own, or choose to visit the National Garden. Afterward, journey to Delphi, home to the Temple of Apollo—seat of the fabled oracle of Delphi and considered the center of the world by the ancients.
Day 4 Delphi/Olympia
Explore mystical Delphi on a guided tour, then continue discovering the ruins on your own and visit the Archaeological Museum of Delphi to admire the many artifacts discovered at the site. Travel along the breathtaking Gulf of Corinth, crossing into the Peloponnese via the Rio-Antirrio bridge, an impressively long multi-span cable-stay bridge. Wind your way to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and channel your inner champion as you discover this remarkable site, where ancient Greek athletes would gather every four years to compete in a series of sporting events honoring Zeus.
Day 5 Olympia/Náfplio
Browse the Olympia Museum this morning, then travel to Náfplio, a charming port town and the first capital of modern Greece. In Náfplio, lose yourself in the winding lanes of the old town, and take in glimpses of the sapphire-hued Aegean Sea from the hilltops.
Day 6 Náfplio
Embark on an excursion to the Bronze Age city of Mycenae, where the legendary king Agamemnon ruled. Take a guided tour of the ruins, enclosed within Cyclopean walls, and enter the citadel through the famed Lion Gate—one of Europe’s oldest monumental sculptures. Return to Náfplio and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Opt to climb up to the Akronafplia fortress, or hit the beach.
Day 7 Athens/Náxos
Drive back to Athens, stopping en route at the ancient site of Epidaurus and the ruins of Corinth, where the Christian apostle Paul is said to have visited in the first century A.D. From Athens, board a ferry to the Cyclades islands. Relax on board, enjoying sparkling views of the sea, and disembark at Náxos, the largest island in the archipelago.
Day 8 Náxos
The Cyclades are known around the word for their dazzling white villages and golden beaches. On Naxos, while away your time exploring the storybook old town; opt to walk to the emblematic Temple of Apollo, overlooking the sea; or stretch out on a sandy beach.
Day 9 Santorini
Catch a ferry to postcard-perfect Santorini. Get to know this much-photographed isle at your own pace, discovering candy-colored doorways and sugar-cube buildings; and take in a spectacular sunset from the village of Oía. Savor the taste of local produce—marked by the island’s volcanic soil—or unwind at the beach.
Day 10 Santorini
This morning, sail Santorini’s breathtaking sunken caldera, and learn about the volcanic origins of the surrounding crescent-shaped ring of islands. Later, enjoy free time to explore Santorini.
Day 11 Santorini/Athens
Fly back to Athens for an adventure in Greek cookery. Head out with a local expert to a teaching kitchen and learn how to craft mezze, a platter of appetizers commonly served in southeast Europe and the Middle East. Wash down these tasty snacks with a glass of ouzo, an anise-flavored liqueur, and cheer our journey with your best “opa!”
Due to strict weight restrictions, plan on packing light for your flight. Because of current weight limits and the inability to add on more weight, checked baggage should be no heavier than 15kg, and hand luggage should weigh no more than 6kg.
Day 12 Athens
Depart at any time.