Compare Classical Greece with Iconic Aegean 4-Night Cruise by Globus vs 14-Day Mythology-Inspired Trip to Greece: Athens, Delphi, Peloponnese, Naxos, Crete by Greeking.me

Day 1: ARRIVE IN

ATHENS, GREECE Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel 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 HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC 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 HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL 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)

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE 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: RHODES

Blue Heaven RHODES Enjoy a full day in port. Join a guided sightseeing of the Acropolis of Lindos. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SIGHTS Rhodes is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, in addition to its gorgeous beaches, you’ll see the fascinating archaeological ruins of the legendary Lindos Acropolis – standing over 100 meters above the sea.

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Day 11: CRUISING: HERAKLION, CRETE–SANTORINI

Sun, Sea & Sand HERAKLION Enjoy free time to explore.
SANTORINI Afternoon call (weather permitting). (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS The largest island in Greece, Crete captures all the wonder you have imagined a Greek island to be – a brilliant landscape of ancient ruins, lively sidewalks, and stunning beaches.

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Day 12: ATHENS (DISEMBARKATION)

Amazing Athens ATHENS Disembark From your ship for a free day in Athens. (Breakfast)

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE 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 13: ATHENS

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

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Days 1-3: Athens

Welcome to Greece! Once you reach Athens’ International Airport, your driver will welcome you and take you to your accommodation for a quick rest. After freshening up, you'll be ready to take over the highlights of Athens in a 3-hour walk tour across the popular neighborhoods of Syntagma, Plaka, Monastiraki, and Psyrri, before arriving at a traditional Greek tavern to try some cult-classic Greek delicacies along with local wine; your Greek trip is off to a good start!

The 2nd day will begin with a tour of the Acropolis Hill and the modern Acropolis Museum. Your licensed guide will share an insight into Greek Mythology, narrating fascinating tales in regard to the site. Following some free time for lunch, it's time for your drive to Cape Sounion through the picturesque Athens Riviera; you can even opt for a one-hour stop at the Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center or Lake Vouliagmeni for a swim.

On the third day of your mythical adventure, you will visit the Ancient Agora, the place where democracy was born, and all of its significant monuments, including the Stoa of Attalos and the Temple of Hephaestus. Afterward, enjoy a stroll in the Plaka area and explore the island-like Anafiotika. The rest of the day will be free for you to explore the city on your own or even indulge in a dive in one of the excellent Athenian beaches nearby!

Day 4: Delphi

Time to leave Athens and explore the rest of Greece. Hop on your private vehicle for a road trip to Delphi, a historic town approximately 2.5 hours north of Athens. Visit the world-famous Oracle of Delphi, characterized by many as 'navel of the earth', and the alleged point of contact between gods and mortals. Learn about Pythia, the high priestess of the Oracle, and how she would go into a trance from inhaling fumes from the buried body of a Python. Pythia was given the power of prophecy by Apollo, with the whole of the ancient Greek world seeking her guidance before making an important decision. Take in the eerie atmosphere and let the mysterious myths of your guide ignite your imagination! After the guided tour around the Oracle of Apollo, take a brief lunch break at a local restaurant to taste delicious Greek flavors before hitting the road back to Athens.

Day 5: Nafplio & Mycenae

How about delving into the gorgeous Peloponnese peninsula? Get awestruck by the beauty of Mycenae, the city that according to Greek mythology was founded by Perseus, the son of Zeus and Danae. Discover the mythological background of King Agamemnon with the help of your knowledgable guide and learn how he started the war against Troy as described in Homer’s epic poem, 'The Iliad.'

Up next is the romantic Nafplio, a seaport city that carries an uncomparable old-time charm. Walk the cobbled alleys decorated by colorful Bougainvillea flowers and enjoy breathtaking views from one of its highest points. Did you know that Nafplio was the first capital of the new Greek state? Listen to the rich history of the city along with the popular Greek myths that are associated with it, including the one that wants Nafplio's origins connected with Nauplius, the son of Poseidon, from whom the city was allegedly named after. Marvel at the Venetian architecture that is prominent all around Nafplio and snap some Instagram-perfect photos before heading back to Athens.

Days 6-8: Naxos

Pack your bags and off you go; the island of Naxos is your next stop! As soon as you reach Naxos, your driver will be waiting to greet you and take you to your accommodation in the heart of the marvelous Naxos town. You will visit the islet of Palatia, where according to legend, Theseus abandoned his lover, Ariadne after having killed the Minotaur in Knossos. This is where you will come upon the trademark of Naxos, the scenic Portara, that was designed to serve as an entrance to a temple, believed to have been dedicated to Apollo, that remained unfinished.

The next day, you’ll visit the ancient temple of Apollo and Demeter, one of the best-reserved ancient Greek temples. Experience Naxos’ rich culture and tradition with a visit to a ceramic pottery workshop; you will even get to pick a souvenir to take back home! Next, we will head to a local distillery that has been producing the traditional citron liqueur for over a century. After tasting the strong spirit, you will stop for lunch at the village of Apeiranthos, considered the crown jewel of Naxos, before continuing your walk. Your day will come to an with a tour of the Olive Press Museum, where you will taste Greek extra virgin olive oil; no olive oil will ever compare!

Following a busy week, on the 8th day of your trip, you’ll get to rest and enjoy yourselves in any way you wish!

Days 9-14: Crete

Because only one Greek island is never enough, it is time for you to move on from Naxos to Crete, and its capital city, Heraklion. As soon as you arrive at Heraklion, your driver will take you to your hotel to recuperate. The rest of your afternoon will be free, so you will have the chance to explore the magical city

The next day, listen to your friendly guide while strolling the impressive Knossos Palace and pay a visit to the Archeological Museum of Heraklion; you’ll be amazed by the exhibits of the Minoan Civilization and will learn about mythical and historical facts of that era. On day 11, you’ll have a day off.

On day 12, hop on your private vehicle to Chania and get introduced to this enchanting Cretan region with a highlights tour. Wander around the cobbled alleys of the Old Town of Chania and learn about the local traditions, gastronomy, and culture

The penultimate day of your trip will find you on a road-trip to the East Province of Chania along with another small group of people. Discover churches built on rocks, a local cheese factory, a 'raki' distillery, and traditional tucked-away eateries that will make this trip unforgettable! You will also stop by the folklore museum of Apokoronas, where you will discover handicrafts and every-day items that reflect the history of the region. Savor your lunch at a traditional 'kafeneio' in the countryside and mingle with the friendly locals; it doesn't get Greeker than that!

Unfortunately, all good things come to an end, and so has your extraordinary trip to Greece. Your driver will take you to the airport to catch your flight with plenty of time to spare. After having experienced Greece like a local, we are sure it won't be long until you come back. Until next time!