Compare Classical Greece with Iconic Aegean 3-Night Cruise by Globus vs Grecian Legends - Premium, Classic Group Premium Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 12 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 3,720 | $ 4,335 |
| Price Per Day | $ 310 | $ 361 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| 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. | Slow down and step back in time during a 12-day guided tour of Greece and Turkey. Sail to the Greek island of Patmos, where Saint John the Divine was inspired to write the ‘Book of the Apocalypse.’ Cruise to Crete and see the ruins of King Minos' Palace of Knossos with a Local Expert, then journey to Santorini, an idyllic island where you can dine at hilltop cafes with breathtaking views of the caldera. In Athens, tour the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Arch of Hadrian with a Local Expert, who will share secrets of the ancient ruins’ past. Join a Local Expert at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora for a tour of a monastery perched over the Peneios Valley. And see unique pottery pieces made by a family of artisans during a private tour of their Mycenae studio. |
Day 1: ARRIVE IN
ATHENS, GREECE Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome drink.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Day 12: ATHENS
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
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Day 1: Athens, City of Gods
You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. At 19:00, join your Insight Vacations Representative and fellow travellers for a Welcome Drink.
Day 2: Cruising to Mykonos Relaxed Start
Board your cruise ship and set sail for the lovely island of Mykonos with its dazzling sugar cube houses and whitewashed windmills. Tonight, the maze of walkways, welcoming tavernas and nightlife are yours to explore. Late in the evening, your cruise sails across the Aegean to Turkey. While cruising, enjoy an exquisite variety of Mediterranean dishes as well as flavours, aromas and spices from around the world. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served onboard daily. Your cruise includes a selection of alcoholic beverages and non alcoholic hot and cold beverages are included.
Day 3: Kusadasi and Patmos
Today explore the Turkish port of Kusadasi with a Local Expert and visit the ancient ruins of Ephesus. In the afternoon, sail to the island of Patmos where St. John the Devine was exiled by the Emperor Domitian. Later, your cruise sets sail for the island of Crete.
Day 4: Crete and Santorini Relaxed Start
In the morning, you dock at Heraklion in Crete. Perhaps join an optional visit with a Local Expert to the site of the ruins of King Minos' Palace of Knossos. Later, cruise beneath the sheer cliffs of Santorini. Explore the capital of Thira, with its clifftop restaurants and cafes, breathtaking views and amazing sunsets. In the evening you sail onto Athens.
Day 5: Athens at Leisure Relaxed Start
Disembark in the morning and transfer to your hotel where you are at leisure. Relax, shop or bargain in the local market. Perhaps ask about an optional experience to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion?
Day 6: Athens at Leisure Relaxed Start
With another day free, there's plenty to discover within this dynamic city and its mix of history and edginess - ancient and modern, with equal measures of grunge and grace. Iconic monuments, first-rate museums, lively cafes and al fresco dining are yours to enjoy at your own pace. Alternatively, why not sit back and relax by the water or perhaps pamper yourself with a treatment at the spa? Later, meet your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception, get to know your fellow travellers joining for the next portion of the trip over a delightful evening of dinner and wine.
Day 7: Athens, City of Gods
Today your mythical Grecian discovery encapsulates the intriguing history of ancient Greece. Begin with an exploration revealing the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Arch of Hadrian. Next, your Local Expert takes you to the Acropolis, one of the most important ancient sites in the Western world. Crowning the top is the Parthenon, visible from almost everywhere in the city. See the Temple of Athena Nike, also known as the Temple of the Wingless Victory, and the six stone-carved caryatids that make up the Porch of the Maidens on the Erechtheion. Continue to Thermopylae, famous as the mountain pass where King Leonidas led his Spartan army, along with fellow Greek soldiers, into battle against the Persians in 480 B.C. See the memorial dedicated to Leonidas and his courageous Spartans. Then on to your hotel in Kalambaka for a delicious dinner from a fresh, seasonal menu.
Day 8: The Pinnacles of Meteora Relaxed Start
With your Local Expert, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora, meaning 'in the air.' The massive pinnacles of smooth rock are ancient, yet could also be the setting for a science fiction tale. Visit one of the monasteries, that adds to the strange and beautiful landscape and enjoy stunning views over the Peneios Valley. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Why not explore with a relaxed walk on the nature trails? Alternatively, you may wish to visit the Natural History Museum.
Day 9: The Sacred Way and onto Olympia
Travel south, stopping at the foothills of Mount Parnassus.Ascend the Sacred Way of Delphi with your Local Expert. Pass the Parian marble Treasury of the Athenians and Polygonal Wall, with its interlocking stones still perfectly intact after thousands of years. You'll approach the Temple of Apollo, where for 14 centuries the mysterious Oracle of Delphi breathed her enigmatic ‘words,' rumoured to have successfully predicted events related to the Argonauts expedition and the Trojan War. Your travels continue to Olympia, where dinner is served in your hotel.
Day 10: Ancient Olympia
It's all in the name. Ancient Olympia is the site where the Ancient Olympic Games began in 776 B.C., in dedication to Zeus. See the ruined Temple of Zeus that was built to honour the ruler of the gods. Continue your exploration through time to the athletes gymnasium and the Ancient Stadium of Olympia with its characteristic arch. The start and finish points for the sprint track are still marked by stones and there is time to capture your own memory, with a photo at the starting line. In the evening, join a local chef for an entertaining cooking demonstration, showcasing classic Greek cuisine. Experience authentic Greek flavours, as you savour dishes prepared for your Highlight Dinner.
Day 11: Mycenae and Nafplio
Visit the ruined city of Mycenae with a Local Expert. Walk through the Lion Gate, visit the royal beehive-tombs and see the giant Cyclopean stones used to build the city walls. Later, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet the artisans at a family-run pottery studio and view beautiful works of art.Travel to the elegant town of Nafplio, known for its beautiful architecture, colourful shops and cafes. Your journey continues, following the shores of the Saronic Gulf to pass the Corinth Canal, dividing the Peloponnese and mainland Greece, and arriving in Athens. In the evening, enjoy a hearty dinner in true Greek style, complete with wine and good cheer.
Day 12: Depart Athens
Bid farewell to Athens. Your journey ends with a transfer to the airport.
