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Legendary Greece with Jewels of the Cyclades Cruise 2026
16 days from Athens to Athens
Tour Description:
Small groups translate to great experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour. Designed from the ground up for a maximum of 18 guests in Europe, this Small Group Discovery tour has everything you need to explore with up-close-and-exclusive experiences that go beyond traditional tours. Discover the highlights of Athens with a stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, a first venue of the modern Olympics games, and ponder the state of the world like an ancient philosopher at the Acropolis overlooking Athens. Embark on a train ride on the highest mountain railway in Greece, then set your sights high in Olympia—the site of the first Olympic games. Explore the ancient military city of Sparta and hear the stories of legend and lore. And from a Greek honey farm to olive groves, wine cellars, and constellations above the sea, we thank your lucky stars to be exploring modern-day Greece with you to discover the very civilized custom of rest and relaxation that wins the day on your Small Group Discovery tour of Greece.Continue your Greek adventure with a 7-night cruise amid the spectacular Cyclades Islands! Embark from Athens to discover the islands of Poros where pine, olive, and lemon trees paint the landscape green. Cruise the crystal-blue waters of the Aegean to explore the mythological isles of Poliegos and Folegandros. Even more beauty to behold beckons you to Santorini, where white and blue houses are rivaled only by the legendary sunsets that paint the volcanic island landscapes. Sail on to Paros and Delos for more delights on your course for Mykonos—the birthplace of Greek mythology. These incredibly inspiring island gems are just a few to be discovered before sailing back to Athens.
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Dates & Pricing
Start Dates Listed Below are US departure dates, please verify specific dates with your Pavlus Travel Planner
| Wednesday 13 May 26 — Friday 29 May 26
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $7,469 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 27 May 26 — Friday 12 Jun 26
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $7,489 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 29 Jul 26 — Friday 14 Aug 26
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $6,459 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 02 Sep 26 — Friday 18 Sep 26
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $7,489 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 09 Sep 26 — Friday 25 Sep 26
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $7,489 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 23 Sep 26 — Friday 09 Oct 26
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $7,469 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
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• Photo opportunity at the Corinth Canal• Scenic ride on the Odontotis rack railway to the mountain town of Kalavryta• Guided walking tour of the archaeological sites of Olympia and Mystras• [LF] Small group tasting experience during a visit to a local honey farm • Visit Pylos and Sparta • Visit to Androusa Castle includes small group visit to an olive mill with lunch • Small group wine tasting at a winery in Nemea • [LF] Day trip to Aegina includes a ferry ride, sightseeing tour, and local specialties lunch• 7-day small ship cruise in the Aegean Sea features stops at selected Greek islands including Poros, Folegandros. Santorini, Paros, Delos, Mykonos, and Syros
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. Services of the Tour director end on day 9Cruise details:The cruise portion of your vacation is operated by Variety Cruises. Rotation of ports of call may vary with or without prior notice, due to adverse weather conditions, port authority instructions, or other extraordinary conditions.There may be changes to the meals offered depending on weather conditions. Cabin category C - other cabin types are available for a supplement. Please ask your Travel Consultant for cruise ship details. The ship scheduled to depart for the cruise portion of your vacation is the MS Galileo, operated by Variety 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. Services of the Tour director end on day 9Cruise details:The cruise portion of your vacation is operated by Variety Cruises. Rotation of ports of call may vary with or without prior notice, due to adverse weather conditions, port authority instructions, or other extraordinary conditions.There may be changes to the meals offered depending on weather conditions. Cabin category C - other cabin types are available for a supplement. Please ask your Travel Consultant for cruise ship details. The ship scheduled to depart for the cruise portion of your vacation is the MS Galileo, operated by Variety Cruises.
MEALS
MEALS ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1 ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE
Your Small Group Discovery Begins! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Dinner
DinnerDay 2 ATHENS
Marvels & Myths Discover the highlights of “the Classic City” during your included Guided Sightseeing. Stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the venues of the first modern Olympics games, before visiting the Acropolis, located on a hill overlooking Athens. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
WHAT’S IN A NAME? Legend says that both Athena and Poseidon competed to have this city named after them. The god who gave its inhabitants the best gift would be the patron. Athena came out the victor when she planted an olive tree on the site where the acropolis now stands; a sign of peace and prosperity, so the city became known as Athens. Your Local Guide shares many stories and brings ancient Athens to life during your visit to the Acropolis
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 3 ATHENS–CORINTH–DIAKOPTO–KALAVRYTA–OLYMPIA
Heroes, Gods & Men Leave Athens and head for the Peloponnese peninsula, where heroic myths and legends of Hercules, the Argonauts, and Helen of Troy were born. Enjoy time en-route for a photo stop at the world’s deepest (and one of the most famous) canals, the Corinth Canal. Continue to Diakopto to board the Odontotis rack railway for a dramatic journey along the Vairaikos Canyon to the mountain town of Kalavryta. Later today, arrive in Olympia. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE All aboard for an unforgettable historic train ride on the highest mountain railway in Greece. Built over 120 years ago, this short local railway is an engineering feat that follows the Vairaikos Canyon, with some of its open-sided tunnels being carved into it, providing impressive views as it climbs. On arrival, spend some time in Kalavryta, a lovely little-known town with a big place in history
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 4 OLYMPIA–KALAMATA
Ancient Wonders Start the day with a guided walking tour of the archaeological site of Olympia, birthplace of the ancient Olympic games and the site of the Temple of Hera, from where the Olympic torch is lit. After this captivating visit, discover the sweeter side of Olympia with a [LF] visit to a honey farm. (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Since the times of ancient Greece, honey has been a core ingredient of Greek gastronomy. According to myth, bees were the messengers of the gods, and their honey brought with it special powers and healing properties. Your small group enjoys a sweet experience at a local honey farm, passed down through the generations. Get up close to hear the buzz about bees, honey, and local rural life directly from the family beekeepers. Then taste local products that are fit for the gods!
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 5 KALAMATA–EXCURSION TO PYLOS & A LOCAL OLIVE MILL
Liquid Gold This morning, enjoy a visit to Pylos a typical Greek seaside town. Stroll around the charming streets, see the castle perched above the town or relax in a local café and watch the world go by. Later this morning, join your small group for a special visit to a local family-owned olive mill and enjoy a lunch of local produce. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Getting closer to local experiences is a big advantage for a small group! Enjoy a visit to Androusa Castle overlooking the olive groves; learn about the world famous kalamata olives, the traditions of olive oil production; then enjoy tasting it, together with a lunch of home-made dishes prepared with fresh, local produce
BreakfastLunch
BreakfastLunchDay 6 KALAMATA–SPARTA–MYSTRAS
Land of Legends Enjoy an orientation tour of Sparta, one of the most important cities in Ancient Greece, famous for its military prowess and a beautiful lady called Helen. Later, head to Mystras for a guided sightseeing tour of the UNESCO nominated archeological site; a fortified town on the side of Mount Taygetus that was at its prime during the Byzantine era. (B,D)
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE After a busy day of sightseeing, your small group deserves to live large with the 5-star, personalized hospitality of the Kyniska Palace Hotel. Located in the foothills of Mount Taygetos, this boutique hotel combines luxury and charm with the relaxation you crave. This evening, unwind far from the crowd to stretch out by the pool and soak in the stunning views of this idyllic location
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 7 MYSTRAS–NEMEA–ATHENS
Yamas! En-route back to Athens, travel through the fertile plains to discover one of Greece’s most prestigious wine producing districts. Stop off at one of the wineries in the Nemea area to enjoy a wine-tasting. Continue your journey to Athens, with much more to explore. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ANCIENT TRADITIONS According to myth the god Dionysis introduced wine to Greece, and it is an art that has been practised there for thousands of years. The Nemea winemaking region is renowned for the Agiorgitko grape, which has been cultivated there for over 3000 years. During the wine-tasting experience, gain insight into this and other local winemaking traditions
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 8 ATHENS. EXCURSION TO AEGINA
Island Hopping! [LF] Take a short ferry ride to the idyllic Aegina, a small island that has so much to offer. A sightseeing tour of the island includes the monastery of Aghios Nektarios and the town of Aegina. Savor; a mouth-watering lunch at a local restaurant plus some free time to explore more, before returning to Athens by ferry. (B,L)
LOCAL FAVORITE
IN A NUTSHELL Your day in Aegina gives you the real taste of Greek island life. A stunning island belonging to the Saronic island group, it is a fertile, green island famous for producing one of Greece’s most appreciated products – the pistachio nut. As you browse the charming streets look out for the delicious, local pistachio specialties which are well worth a try, a sweet conclusion to an unforgettable Greek vacation!
BreakfastLunch
BreakfastLunchDay 9 ATHENS (EMBARKATION)–POROS
Fair Winds and Following Seas This afternoon board your small cruise ship and join your fellow passengers for a welcome drink. Set sail for your cruise of the Cyclades islands. Arrive in Poros this evening in time to explore with a relaxing stroll. Later, depart for an overnight journey to Poliegos. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEMS Poros consists of two islands, Sferia and Kalavria, connected by a bridge. It is a verdant green island with pine, olive and lemon groves surrounding Poros Town, built on the volcanic rock of Sferia. It is said that Kalavria was once dedicated to the god Apollo, but he swapped it for Delphi with Poseidon!
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 10 POLIEGOS–FOLEGANDROS
Sun, Sand & Sea This morning wake- up to the turquoise waters and spectacular beaches of Poliegos, the largest uninhabited island in the Aegean. Enjoy a swim in the pristine waters before diving into a delicious BBQ lunch. Later sail to Folegandros and uncover one of the Cyclades’s best kept secrets. Time to explore the town and Venetian castle before trying some local specialities. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Even though it is one of the smaller and lesser-known islands, Folegandros is bursting with beauty. The stunning main town of Chora is like a perfect postcard with its white buildings dramatically poised on a cliff. Stroll around Castro the oldest part of the town and admire the Panagia church perched on top of a hill overlooking Chora
BreakfastLunch
BreakfastLunchDay 11 FOLEGANDROS–SANTORINI
Bright & Beautiful This morning, arrive in Santorini and explore Fira, the capital. Meander the charming streets lined with white and blue houses, browse the shops or laze on one of the island’s idyllic beaches. This evening from the ship’s deck you can admire a world-famous Santorini sunset. (B,D)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE With its postcard-like scenery, the lofty volcanic footprint of Santorini’s Oia caldera landscape embodies the essence of the Cyclades Islands. During an optional excursion visit the best bits of Santorini, including a guided visit of Oia and the archaeological site of Akrotiri, often referred to as the “Greek Pompeii.”
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 12 SANTORINI–ANTIPAROS–PAROS
Masterpiece Material This morning set sail for Paros, before arriving stop at the neighbouring island of Antiparos for a swim stop in the beautiful bay. Explore delightful Parikia, the capital of Paros, or join an optional excursion to see more of the island. This evening a delicious dinner awaits in a local tavern. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Historically known for its fine white marble, used to construct some of the most important Greek structures, including the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus in Olympia, Paros nowadays captures the imagination as an idyllic Greek island - dotted with traditional villages, framed by stunning beaches, and surrounded by pristine waters
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 13 PAROS–DELOS–MYKONOS
The Heart of the Action Stop for a few hours on the island of Delos, considered the sacred island and center of the Cyclades Islands. Set sail for Mykonos, stopping first at one of the charming bays for a spot of swimming before continuing to the port. See the iconic 16th-century windmills that dot the hillside, and the colorful homes of Little Venice before rubbing shoulders with the jet-set in the lively bars. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
MYTHS & LEGENDS Known as the birthplace of the immortals in Greek mythology, the island of Delos is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis– rendering it sacred- that no mortal is permitted to be born, live, or die here, the island and its magnificent archaeological site may only be visited
BreakfastLunch
BreakfastLunchDay 14 MYKONOS–SYROS
Sweet Greek Delights Time for a morning swim before sailing to Syros, the capital of the Cyclades islands. Relax on one of the sandy beaches or join an optional excursion to discover more of this island that has been inhabited for about 7000 years. Taste authentic Cycladic cuisine with a meal in a small family-run taverna. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
TASTY TREATS Syros is famous for its culinary offerings, especially its sweets and cheeses. It is particularly proud of its loukoumi, the flavored gummy sweets that are known elsewhere as “Turkish Delight.” The loukoumatzides can often be found selling their wares to ferry passengers arriving in the port
BreakfastLunch
BreakfastLunchDay 15 SYROS–KYTHNOS–CAPE SOUNION–ATHENS
What’s in a Name? A last dip in the sea at Kolones Bay, Kythnos before heading back towards Athens. From the ship, admire the Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounion. This evening, in Athens, join the captain and your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
MYTHS & LEGENDS On the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula, not too far from Athens, Cape Sounion was emotionally important for Athenians, as the last landmark in view for the ancient Athenian seafarers and warriors sailing away. The Temple of Poseidon on the cape served as the first sight of land for Attica sailors upon their return home from ocean voyages or war. It was also here, according to mythology, that the founder of Athens, King Aegeus, threw himself into the waves which would come to bear his name - the Aegean Sea
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 16 ATHENS
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Disembark your ship. (B)
Accommodations
Accommodations| Athens | Athens | Olympia | Kalamata | Mystras |
Amalia
First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
10.Amalias Ave. Athens Greece
"Centrally located in Syntagma Square, Amalia Hotel Athens is right across the National Gardens. It features comfortable 97 guest rooms with satellite TV and Free Wi-Fi internet access.The modern guest rooms are all fitted with air conditioning and either face the National Gardens and the Parliament or the Lycabettus Hill. The Hotel offers a rich American buffet breakfast and a la carte lunch or dinner which are the proud mark of the Amalia's in-house bistrot restaurant. Light snacks and drinks are avaialble throughout the day at the Chrysalis Lobby Lounge bar.The property is just a 10-minute walk from the Acropolis and Plaka, next to the commercial district of Ermou providing easy access to the main metro and tram terminals. The hotel has been awarded with the Green Key eco-label due to its environmentally friendly policies."
First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
10.Amalias Ave. Athens Greece
"Centrally located in Syntagma Square, Amalia Hotel Athens is right across the National Gardens. It features comfortable 97 guest rooms with satellite TV and Free Wi-Fi internet access.The modern guest rooms are all fitted with air conditioning and either face the National Gardens and the Parliament or the Lycabettus Hill. The Hotel offers a rich American buffet breakfast and a la carte lunch or dinner which are the proud mark of the Amalia's in-house bistrot restaurant. Light snacks and drinks are avaialble throughout the day at the Chrysalis Lobby Lounge bar.The property is just a 10-minute walk from the Acropolis and Plaka, next to the commercial district of Ermou providing easy access to the main metro and tram terminals. The hotel has been awarded with the Green Key eco-label due to its environmentally friendly policies."
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
