Greece & Aegean Islands Cruise
Greece & Aegean Islands Cruise
$3674
Greece & Aegean Islands Cruise
15 Days Starting and ending in Athens, Greece
Visiting: Athens, Aegina, Hydra, Poros, Corinth, Nauplia, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Sparta, Mystra, Olympia, Patras, Delphi, Kalambaka, Meteora, Mykonos, Rhodes, Heraklion, Knossos, Santorini, Oia, Europe
Tour operator:
Tour code:
6660-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
5-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
You've seen photos of the ancient Athens Acropolis, dating back to the 5th century BC—now’s your chance to see it in person. You've watched the Olympics on TV—now is your chance to visit Olympia, legendary home of the first Olympic Games. You've dreamed of cruising in the Greek Islands—now’s your chance to sail into the deep-blue waters of the Aegean Sea and experience these islands yourself. All of this and more await you on this budget-minded Greece tour and cruise. Step back in time on your guided visits to many of Greece's historic sites. In addition to the Athens Acropolis, visit the archaeological site of Mycenae, dating back to 1350 to 1200 BC; the amazingly well-preserved, 2,300-year-old open-air theatre in Epidaurus, which still seats 14,000 spectators; and the medieval Byzantine Citadel of Mystra, a castle founded in 1249. You’ll also visit the spectacular mountain landscape of Meteora with its 24 rock-top monasteries set in almost inaccessible sandstone peaks. Spend the last days of your Greece vacation on a 4-night cruise on the Aegean Sea, cruising to some of the world’s most beautiful islands. Visit Mykonos, Greece's most famous cosmopolitan island, with its seafront village, sandy beaches, and whitewashed houses. Explore Kusadasi, Turkey, where an included excursion takes you to the fascinating Roman, Greek, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus. Visit Patmos, where St. John the Divine wrote the Revelation; and Rhodes, one of Europe's largest medieval towns with ramparts and palaces built during the Crusades. Discover Heraklion, Crete, nestled picturesquely between two mountain ranges with archaeological treasures and spectacular scenery. Explore Santorini (weather permitting), a dormant volcano offering one of the world's most breathtaking panoramas. Picturesque fishing villages, sparkling blue waters, and ancient sites offer the perfect mix for a vacation of a lifetime. Your spectacular Greek tour and cruise is truly an affordable dream vacation!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Athens, Greece
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Hotel
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to start exploring the Greek capital with the help of your CosmosGO app. Later, meet your Local Host.
Day 2 : Athens
Location: Athens, Aegina, Hydra, Poros
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
A day to relax and discover Athens at leisure. Our suggestion: join an optional day cruise to the islands of Aegina, Hydra, and Poros. In the evening, free time to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the tavernas and nightclubs in the old Plaka district with its narrow streets and sound of bouzouki music.
Day 3 : Athens - Corinth - Nauplia
Location: Athens, Corinth, Nauplia
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join the included guided tour of Athens, featuring the highlights of this ancient capital and a visit to the Acropolis. Cross the Corinth canal, a project conceived in ancient Greece but only completed in 1893, then head for the coast to the picturesque seaside town of Nauplia.
Day 4 : Nauplia - Epidaurus - Mycenae - Sparta
Location: Nauplia, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Sparta
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, stop in Epidaurus, located in the hilly countryside dotted with pine trees and oleanders. In this magnificent setting, visit the ancient open-air theatre, which can still seat 14,000 spectators. Later, enjoy the included guided excursion to the archaeological site and museum of Mycenae, with the imposing ruins of the great city that dominated the eastern Mediterranean world from the 15th to the 12th century B.C. It played a vital role in the development of classical Greek culture and is linked to the Homeric epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey. Travel into the Peloponnese to Sparta, where history hangs between reality and legend.
Day 5 : Sparta - Mystra - Olympia
Location: Sparta, Mystra, Olympia
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy the included sightseeing of the medieval Byzantine citadel of Mystra, at one time known as the “Florence of the East.” Before arriving in Olympia, stop to visit an olive oil museum.
Day 6 : Olympia - Patras - Delphi
Location: Olympia, Patras, Delphi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore Olympia, where the athletes of antiquity performed as a tribute to the king of deities, Zeus. Spend free time in this pretty town or learn more about the history of the Olympic Games on the optional sightseeing tour. Later, drive north to Patras, the capital of the Peloponnese and the west coast’s largest port. Continue crossing the spectacular Rion-Antirion bridge through the picturesque fishing villages along the south coast of the mainland to legendary Delphi.
Day 7 : Delphi - Kalambaka
Location: Delphi, Kalambaka
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy free time in town or the optional morning sightseeing of the archaeological site of Delphi, where the oracle of Apollo spoke. It was the site of the omphalos, the 'navel of the world’. Blending harmoniously with the superb landscape and charged with sacred meaning, Delphi in the 6th century B.C. was indeed the religious hub and symbol of unity of the ancient Greek world. On to Kalambaka.
Day 8 : Kalambaka - Meteora - Athens
Location: Kalambaka, Meteora, Athens
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover Meteora, a cluster of Christian-Orthodox monasteries perched in an unforgettable manner on a set of rising rock formations. They were originally built by hermit monks living in caves carved into the rocks. Your included visit is certainly the day’s highlight. Continue south to Athens.
Day 9 : Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend a full day at leisure to explore the unseen parts of the city or to visit a museum. Tonight, enjoy the optional Greek dinner.
Day 10 : Athens - Embarkation Port - Mykonos
Location: Athens, Mykonos
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early morning embarkation and afternoon cruising in the Aegean. Arrive this evening in Mykonos, a granite island and the most typical of the Cyclades. Its white and blue houses, windmills, and chapels seem to make the island’s light even more translucent. Spend some time visiting a taverna or just wandering around the town, enjoying its timeless beauty.
Day 11 : Kusadasi, Turkey & Patmos, Greece
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early morning docking at Athens’ port; disembark and drive to Athens. Time to relax, visit a museum, or to do some last-minute shopping.
Day 12 : Rhodes
Location: Rhodes
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dock in Rhodes, largest of the Dodecanese Islands and site of the legendary Colossus of Rhodes, a 105-foot statue destroyed by an earthquake in 224 BC. Explore the sites in the historic Old City with its ramparts and palaces built by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades. Another possibility: join an included excursion to Lindos and the Citadel of the Knights. If sightseeing is not your preference, Rhodes’ sun-drenched beaches and vibrant shopping districts are within easy walking distance of the port. Depart from Rhodes around dinner time.
Day 13 : Crete & Santorini
Location: Heraklion, Knossos, Santorini, Oia
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the morning in Heraklion on the island of Crete. A few miles away is Knossos, the hub of the 3000-BC Minoan civilization; an optional excursion can be booked. Next port of call (weather permitting) is Santorini, the “Black Pearl of the Aegean.” The optional shore excursion here takes you up to the cliff-top village of Oia for one of the world’s most breathtaking panoramas.
Day 14 : Disembarkation Port - Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Early morning docking at Athens’ port; disembark and drive to Athens. Time to relax, visit a museum, or to do some last-minute shopping.
Day 15 : Athens
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Transportation
Travel through Greece and Turkey with a mix of guided tours, scenic drives, and a cruise on the Celestyal Discovery. Enjoy comfortable transportation between historical sites, picturesque towns, and beautiful islands.
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Accommodation
Stay at the Moxy Athens City, Hotel Rex in Nafplio, Maniatis Hotel in Sparta, Olympia Palace in Ancient Olympia, Apollonia in Delphi, and Famissi Eden Resort Hotel in Kalambaka.
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Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily; 4 lunches; 7 dinners.
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Guided Tours
Included guided tours of Athens, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Mystra, and Meteora.
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Cruise
Cruise on the Celestyal Discovery with included basic drink package and select excursions.
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UNESCO Sites
Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Acropolis Athens, Archeological site of Mycenae, Archeological site of Mystras, Ephesus, Medieval Town of Rhodes, Meteora, and Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus.
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursions
Optional sightseeing tours such as the day cruise to the islands of Aegina, Hydra, and Poros, and the shore excursion to the cliff-top village of Oia in Santorini.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks not included in the basic drink package.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and cruise staff are not included.
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Upgrades
Upgrades for cabins on the cruise are available but not included in the base price.
Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily; 4 lunches; 7 dinners
Notes
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. CRUISE DETAILSPrices are based on Inside cabin (category IB) - All air-conditioned cabins with private shower and toilet. Upgrades available.Rotation of ports of call may vary for congestion reasons at certain ports with or without prior notice.Included select excursions as per detailed itinerary.Full entertainment program on board.Included drink package: selection of non-alcoholic & alcoholic drinks.Cosmos Host service throughout the cruise.
UNESCO Sites
Acropolis Athens|Archeological site of Mycenae|Archeological site of Mystras|Ephesus|Medieval Town of Rhodes|Meteora|Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus
Accommodation
Stay at the Moxy Athens City, a funky eco-friendly hotel with modern decor and amenities including free high-speed Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and 24/7 vending machines. Other accommodations include Hotel Rex in Nafplio, Maniatis Hotel in Sparta, Olympia Palace in Ancient Olympia, Apollonia in Delphi, and Famissi Eden Resort Hotel in Kalambaka.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Greece and Turkey with a mix of guided tours, scenic drives, and a cruise on the Celestyal Discovery. Enjoy comfortable transportation between historical sites, picturesque towns, and beautiful islands, with included excursions and optional sightseeing tours.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes a mix of guided tours, scenic drives, and a cruise on the Celestyal Discovery. Comfortable transportation is provided between historical sites, picturesque towns, and beautiful islands, with included excursions and optional sightseeing tours.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect on this tour?
You will stay at various hotels including the Moxy Athens City, a funky eco-friendly hotel with modern decor and amenities such as free high-speed Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and 24/7 vending machines. Other accommodations include Hotel Rex in Nafplio, Maniatis Hotel in Sparta, Olympia Palace in Ancient Olympia, Apollonia in Delphi, and Famissi Eden Resort Hotel in Kalambaka.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes buffet breakfasts daily, 4 lunches, and 7 dinners.
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What can I do during my free time in Athens?
During your free time in Athens, you can explore the Greek capital with the help of the CosmosGO app, enjoy the lively atmosphere of the tavernas and nightclubs in the old Plaka district, or visit a museum. There is also an optional Greek dinner available on one of the evenings.
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What are some of the highlights of the cruise portion of the tour?
The cruise portion includes visits to Mykonos, Kusadasi in Turkey, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete, and Santorini. Highlights include exploring the historic Old City of Rhodes, visiting the Citadel of the Knights in Lindos, and enjoying the breathtaking panoramas from the cliff-top village of Oia in Santorini.
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Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?
Yes, there are several optional excursions available, including a day cruise to the islands of Aegina, Hydra, and Poros, an optional sightseeing tour in Olympia, and an optional shore excursion to Knossos in Crete and the cliff-top village of Oia in Santorini.
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What kind of entertainment is available on the cruise ship?
The cruise ship, Celestyal Discovery, offers a full entertainment program on board. Additionally, an included basic drink package provides a selection of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks.
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What UNESCO World Heritage Sites will I visit on this tour?
The tour includes visits to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Acropolis in Athens, the archaeological site of Mycenae, the archaeological site of Mystras, Ephesus, the Medieval Town of Rhodes, Meteora, and the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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