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Classical Greece with Iconic Aegean 4
Night Cruise 2027 - 13 days from Athens to Athens
Tour Description:
Relaxing days and fascinating knights. That is the appeal of the ancient island of Rhodes, famous for its brilliant azure waters, its Acropolis-topped village of Lindos, and its fortress-lined Old Town built by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades. This exhilarating land and cruise tour of Greece, starting with our 8-day Classical Greece vacation, includes Rhodes in the island-hopping fun that sets sail from Athens and follows a captivating course to modern Mykonos, unspoiled Patmos, medieval Rhodes, Minoan Crete, and serene Santorini (weather permitting)—with a special stop on the Turkish coast in Kusudasi. See the iconic sights of mainland Greece—including Athens’ monumental Parthenon and the legendary town of Olympia—before you cruise into the blues on this tour of glorious Greece.
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Dates & Pricing
Start Dates Listed Below are US departure dates, please verify specific dates with your Pavlus Travel Planner
| Sunday 11 Apr 27 — Saturday 24 Apr 27 | Starting at $4,680 | Get a Quote | |
| Sunday 18 Apr 27 — Saturday 01 May 27 | Starting at $4,780 | Get a Quote | |
| Sunday 25 Apr 27 — Saturday 08 May 27 | Starting at $5,000 | Get a Quote | |
| Sunday 02 May 27 — Saturday 15 May 27 | Starting at $5,000 | Get a Quote | |
| Sunday 09 May 27 — Saturday 22 May 27 | Starting at $5,000 | Get a Quote | |
| Sunday 16 May 27 — Saturday 29 May 27 | Starting at $5,000 | Get a Quote | |
| Sunday 23 May 27 — Saturday 05 Jun 27 | Starting at $5,000 | Get a Quote | |
| Sunday 30 May 27 — Saturday 12 Jun 27 | Starting at $5,000 | Get a Quote | |
| Sunday 06 Jun 27 — Saturday 19 Jun 27 | Starting at $5,000 | Get a Quote | |
| Sunday 13 Jun 27 — Saturday 26 Jun 27 | Starting at $5,000 | Get a Quote | |
| Sunday 20 Jun 27 — Saturday 03 Jul 27 | Starting at $5,000 | Get a Quote | |
| Sunday 27 Jun 27 — Saturday 10 Jul 27 | Starting at $5,000 | Get a Quote | |
| Sunday 04 Jul 27 — Saturday 17 Jul 27 | Starting at $5,000 | Get a Quote | |
| Sunday 11 Jul 27 — Saturday 24 Jul 27 | Starting at $4,750 | Get a Quote | |
| Sunday 18 Jul 27 — Saturday 31 Jul 27
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $5,300 | Get a Quote | |
| Sunday 25 Jul 27 — Saturday 07 Aug 27
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $5,040 | Get a Quote | |
| Sunday 01 Aug 27 — Saturday 14 Aug 27
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $5,040 | Get a Quote | |
| Sunday 08 Aug 27 — Saturday 21 Aug 27
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $5,040 | Get a Quote | |
| Sunday 15 Aug 27 — Saturday 28 Aug 27 | Starting at $4,750 | Get a Quote | |
| Sunday 22 Aug 27 — Saturday 04 Sep 27 | Starting at $5,000 | Get a Quote | |
| Sunday 29 Aug 27 — Saturday 11 Sep 27 | Starting at $5,100 | Get a Quote | |
| Sunday 05 Sep 27 — Saturday 18 Sep 27 | Starting at $5,200 | Get a Quote | |
| Sunday 12 Sep 27 — Saturday 25 Sep 27 | Starting at $5,200 | Get a Quote | |
| Sunday 19 Sep 27 — Saturday 02 Oct 27 | Starting at $5,200 | Get a Quote | |
| Sunday 26 Sep 27 — Saturday 09 Oct 27 | Starting at $5,000 | Get a Quote | |
| Sunday 03 Oct 27 — Saturday 16 Oct 27 | Starting at $5,000 | Get a Quote |
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingSpecial Features Included in this Tour: • Guided sightseeing in Athens includes an orientation drive to see the main landmarks, plus a visit to the Acropolis• Visit to the ancient town of Corinth, plus a stop at the Corinth Canal• Guided visits to archaeological sites in Olympia, Mycenae and Epidaurus • Visit to the excavations and Archaeological Museum of Delphi• Guided visit to the monasteries of Varlaam and St Stephen’s in Meteora• Visit to the site of the Battle of Thermopylae• 4-night Iconic Aegean Cruise includes visits to Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete, and Santorini• Visit to Kusudasi, Turkey • [LF] Tzatziki cooking demonstration • [LF] Sirtaki dance lesson with complimentary glass of ouzo
Notes:
This tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. The Greek Government has introduced a Sustainable Tourism Development Fee to all cruise tourists. This tax is applicable when a guest disembarks at a Greek island or mainland port. With your consent, Celestyal will facilitate the collection of these fees through your onboard account. Cruise details: Rotation of ports of call may vary for congestion reasons at certain ports, with or without prior notice. Inside cabin (category IB) - other cabin types are available for a supplement.Included soft drinks with meals, and unlimited filter coffee, tea, water, and juice throughout the day. Globus Host service throughout the cruise. Please ask your Travel Consultant for cruise ship details. The ship scheduled to depart for the cruise portion of your vacation is the Celestyal Discovery, operated by Celestyal Cruises.
This tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. The Greek Government has introduced a Sustainable Tourism Development Fee to all cruise tourists. This tax is applicable when a guest disembarks at a Greek island or mainland port. With your consent, Celestyal will facilitate the collection of these fees through your onboard account. Cruise details: Rotation of ports of call may vary for congestion reasons at certain ports, with or without prior notice. Inside cabin (category IB) - other cabin types are available for a supplement.Included soft drinks with meals, and unlimited filter coffee, tea, water, and juice throughout the day. Globus Host service throughout the cruise. Please ask your Travel Consultant for cruise ship details. The ship scheduled to depart for the cruise portion of your vacation is the Celestyal Discovery, operated by Celestyal Cruises.
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1 ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE
Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink
Day 2 ATHENS
Marvels & Myths Wake-up in Athens for the start of your Greek Odyssey! Guided sightseeing is composed of an orientation drive to see Athen’s main landmarks, including Syntagma Square, the Temple of Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium, plus a visit to the iconic Acropolis. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore more. (B)
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
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 3 ATHENS–CORINTH–MYCENAE–EPIDAURUS–NAUPLIA
Greek History & Heroes Leave Athens and drive to Corinth, stop to take photos of the world’s deepest canal, and one of the most famous, the Corinth Canal, before joining a guided walking tour of the ancient city. Continue to Mycenae, according to legend the city walls were built by Cyclopes! Enjoy some free time for lunch before entering the excavations for a guided tour, including a visit to the museum. Reach Epidaurus for a guided visit to see the 2,300-year-old open-air auditorium. This evening, arrive at the seaside town of Nauplia. (B,D)
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
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast
DinnerDay 4 NAUPLIA–OLYMPIA
Ruins & Recipes Take a scenic drive across the Arkadian Mountains of the Peloponnese peninsula to reach Olympia, dedicated to Zeus, and birthplace of the Olympic Games. Join a guided walking tour of the archaeological site and visit the museum. This evening, [LF] attend a cooking demonstration to learn how to make traditional Greek tzatziki. (B,D)
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
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 5 OLYMPIA–PATRAS–DELPHI
Digs & Dances Depart Olympia, drive by the busy seaport of Patras and cross the spectacular Rion-Antirion bridge. Journey along the coast to reach Delphi, considered by ancient Greeks to be the center of the world where the oracles of Apollo predicted the fate of many a man. Take a guided walking tour of the excavations and Archaeological Museum to discover more. This evening, step into the culture when you [LF] learn how to dance the sirtaki while sipping a glass of ouzo, the traditional Greek spirit closely associated with friendship and laughter. (B,D)
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
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 6 DELPHI–METEORA AREA
Monasteries in Magical Greece Drive north past Lamia and Trikala to reach Meteora, which can be translated as “suspended in the air.” Prepare to be inspired by the breathtaking views afforded by this UNESCO-listed area. Enjoy a fascinating guided visit to the Monastery of St. Stephen and the Holy Monastery of Varlaam, perched atop the vertical rock formations. (B,D)
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
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 7 METEORA AREA–THERMOPYLAE–ATHENS
Grecian Battles & Beauty This morning, sit back and relax for a scenic drive. Stop at Thermopylae, learn about the famous battle and see the statue of the Spartan King, Leonidas. Continue to Athens and enjoy a leisurely afternoon and evening exploring. (B)
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
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 8 ATHENS (EMBARKATION)–MYKONOS
Beyond the Shore Today board your Celestyal cruise ship and set sail for Mykonos, one of the most celebrated of the Cyclades Islands. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore the island. See the iconic 16th-century windmills that dot the hillside, and the colorful homes of Little Venice. Browse the charming streets and stores and try some of the local delicacies. (B,L,D)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
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
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 9 CRUISING: KUSADASI, TURKEY–PATMOS, GREECE
Turkish Treasures Today reach the coast of Turkey and disembark at Kusudasi. Perhaps take an optional shore excursion and head to the incredible archaeological site of Ephesus, be captivated by stories as you follow a Local Guide on a fascinating walking tour to discover more about the city. This afternoon, sail to Patmos known as “the Island of the Apocalypse” as it is said to be where St. John the Evangelist wrote the Book of the Revelation. Enjoy an afternoon call with free time to discover more. (B,L,D)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE 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
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 10 CRUISING: RHODES
Blue Heaven Enjoy a full day on the island of Rhodes with its idyllic mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. Why not stroll around the crusader-influenced main town with its impressive buildings and quaint cobbled alleyways or join an optional shore excursion to discover more. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SIGHTS One of the original Seven Wonders of the World, the Colossal of Rhodes, a statue of the sun-god Helios said to be over 100ft high, once stood at the harbour greeting visitors to the island. While he is no longer there, you won’t notice his absence as there is plenty more to see, do and discover - this island has something for everybody!
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 11 CRUISING: HERAKLION, CRETE–SANTORINI
Sun, Sea & Sand This morning reach Crete, the largest of the Greek islands and disembark in Heraklion, enjoy free time to explore, or join one of the optional shore excursions. Later, set sail and arrive at the iconic island of Santorini. Enjoy free time to stroll along the charming streets, marvel at the amazing views, browse the stores, and try local specialties. (B,L,D)
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
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 12 ATHENS (DISEMBARKATION)
Amazing Athens This morning, disembark from your ship. Enjoy a free day in Athens, absorb more art and culture in one of the museums, browse the stores, or try local specialties. (B)
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
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 13 ATHENS
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Accommodations
Accommodations| Athens | Athens | Nauplia | Olympia | Olympia | Delphi | Meteora Area |
Zafolia
First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
87-89 Alexandras Avenue Athens Greece
Attractive 7-story Hotel situated near museums, 1 km from Larisis train station & 35 km from El. Venizelos Airport.
First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
87-89 Alexandras Avenue Athens Greece
Attractive 7-story Hotel situated near museums, 1 km from Larisis train station & 35 km from El. Venizelos Airport.
