Best of Greece with 7-Day Idyllic Aegean Cruise Superior
Best of Greece with 7-Day Idyllic Aegean Cruise Superior
Best of Greece with 7-Day Idyllic Aegean Cruise Superior
17 Days Starting and ending in Athens, Greece
Visiting: Athens, Nafplion, Olympia, Delphi, Kalambaka, Meteora, Thessaloniki, Ephesus, Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, Milos
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ACOSMZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Greece and Turkey with the "Best of Greece with 7-Day Idyllic Aegean Cruise Superior" tour. Begin your adventure in Athens, exploring iconic sites like the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Travel through ancient cities such as Corinth, Mycenae, and Delphi, and experience the rich history and culture of Olympia. Delight in a traditional Greek dinner with the Karabelas family and savor the unique flavors of local honey in Delphi. The tour continues with a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, visiting stunning islands like Crete, Santorini, and Mykonos. Discover the ancient ruins of Ephesus and enjoy the vibrant streets of Thessaloniki. With expert guides, luxurious accommodations, and immersive cultural experiences, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, relaxation, and adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens City Center
Meals Included: Dinner
Put the 'oh' in opa and embark on an unforgettable exploration of an ancient land of gods and goddesses, myths and legends. Your springboard to your spellbinding holiday is the vibrant capital of Athens, an effortless mix of ancient treasures and modern verve, which you will have an opportunity to explore after being transferred to your hotel. This evening, join your Travel Director and travel companions for a light meal.
Day 2: Explore Amazing Athens Dive Into Culture
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens City Center
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join your Local Specialist for a guided morning sightseeing tour to the ancient complex that was once the 'Cradle of Western Civilization'. Along our journey into antiquity, we'll have an opportunity to explore the Acropolis with its treasures and admire the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena,the Royal Palace and the Temple of Zeus. Dive Into Culture and see remarkable displays of an ancient world during an included visit to the Acropolis Museum, and see Hadrian's Arch and the stadium where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy on your own. Stroll through the Plaka, people-watch in Syntagma Square or go in search of the city's tastiest souvlaki – the choice is yours.
Day 3: Journey To Corinth, Mycenae And Nafplion
Location: Nafplion
Accommodation Name: Amalia Nafplio
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We depart Athens this morning, crossing the mighty Corinth Canal to the wild Peloponnesian Peninsula. Arriving in Corinth, we join a Local Specialist to explore an ancient city that several empires fought over throughout the centuries. We continue to Mycenae, a mighty kingdom of Ancient Greece, where we'll see the Beehive Tombs (the Treasury of Atreus), the Lion Gate and the remains of Agamemnon's Royal Palace, in the company of a Local Specialist. Later, we'll travel to Epidaurus to visit the ancient theater and view the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the God of Medicine, whose snake-entwined staff remains the symbol of medicine to this day. Arriving in the Venetian town of Nafplion later, we'll dine in our hotel this evening.
Day 4: Continue To Ancient Olympia Connect With Locals
Location: Olympia
Accommodation Name: Amalia Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We traverse the Mountains of Arcadia to ancient Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games held in 776 BC. This evening, we Connect With Locals joining the Karabelas family for dinner on their olive and wine farm at a Be My Guest experience featuring traditional dancing and characteristic Greek philoxenia.
Day 5: Onwards To Patras And Delphi
Location: Delphi
Accommodation Name: Amalia Delphi
Meals Included: Breakfast
We join a Local Specialist this morning to delve into centuries of history. We'll visit the ancient Olympic site, the museum and the ruined remains of the Temples of Zeus and Hera. Leaving Olympia, we skirt the coastline north to Patras, crossing the Gulf of Corinth to mainland Greece before continuing to Delphi, where you may wish to try your hand at preparing some local dishes during an interactive cooking lesson.
Day 6: Off To Thermopylae And Kalambaka
Location: Kalambaka
Accommodation Name: Amalia Kalambaka
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Tread in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks, who would descend on the sanctuary of Delphi to consult with the most important oracle in the classical world. Join your Local Specialist and walk the Sacred Way to the 4th-century Temple of Apollo. View the statues immortalising the strength of the athletes who once competed in the Pythian Games, held in honor of Apollo and the Arts. Continue on to a family-ran honey farm for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Taste the rich thyme honey freshly collected from the hive and come up close to the unique biodiversity of the area. A scenic afternoon drive brings us to Thermopylae, famous for the heroic defense by Leonidas and his brave Spartans against the invading Persians. We cross the lush Thessaly region, traveling north through the 'breadbasket of Greece' towards Kalambaka.
Day 7: Admire Meteora And Return To Athens
Location: Meteora
Accommodation Name: Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens City Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The UNESCO World Heritage monasteries of Meteora are our first stop today. Join a Local Specialist to visit two of the six Eastern Orthodox monasteries that cling impressively to immense, rounded rock towers overlooking the town. A scenic drive returns us to Athens, where we'll enjoy a rousing Farewell Dinner with our travel companions and reminisce over an incredible journey through Greece.
Day 8: Athens Your Way
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens City Center
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend the day at leisure and see the city's ancient sites.
Day 9: Embark On Your 7-Day Cruise
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Journey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Spend the morning on your own exploring what was once the 'Cradle of Western Civilization'. See the city's ancient sites before boarding your cruise ship this afternoon for your seven-day cruise through the Aegean.
Day 10: Explore The Vibrant Streets Of Thessaloniki
Location: Thessaloniki
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Journey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will have time to explore Greece's second largest city. Walk along the waterfront and enjoy the many cafes along Aristotelous Square and see ancient monuments such as the Arch of Galerius.
Day 11: Explore The Iconic Ephesus Ruins
Location: Ephesus
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Journey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arrive in Kusadasi, your gateway to the ancient City of Ephesus. You'll join an included Ancient Ephesus sightseeing tour revealing the Hellenistic and Roman heritage of this UNESCO-listed site. Stroll along its marble colonnades and admire the façades of the Library of Celsus and Temple of Artemis before returning to your ship for your evening departure.
Day 12: Crete
Location: Crete
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Journey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your morning on Crete, Greece’s largest island, and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean. Home to myths and legends, including Zeus' birthplace and the Minotaur, you may choose to embark on an epic tour to the capital city of Heraklion and absorb the rich history of Europe’s first advanced civilization with a visit to King Minos' Palace in Knossos. Alternatively drive deep into the beautiful countryside and experience the true flavor of Cretan lifestyle.
Day 13: Enjoy Sunny Santorini
Location: Santorini
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Journey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up in Sunny Santorini the Cycladic Island with sheer cliffs and dazzling panorama. Explore the capital of Thira, with its clifftop restaurants and cafés, breath-taking views, and amazing sunsets. You could consider an optional Shore Experience this afternoon, passing villages and vineyards bound for Oia with its white buildings and blue-domed churches which vie for the best views over the caldera. This evening is free for you to explore Santorini's buzzing nightlife.
Day 14: Marvel At Mykonos
Location: Mykonos
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Journey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a full free day to explore the narrow rambling streets of Chora, strolling past white-washed cottages and tumbling cerise bougainvillea in search of a quiet spot overlooking the Old Port with a refreshing drink. You could choose an optional visit the Sacred Island of Delos, the birthplace of Apollo, where an archaeological treasure trove awaits.
Day 15: Journey To Milos
Location: Milos
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Journey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dock in the former home of the famous Venus de Milo. There's time to explore the 'Island of Colors' on an Optional Experience, alternatively you may prefer trek to the heart and soul of Milos sampling the best of local cuisine on the move, in a tour designed to stimulate and excite the senses. Depart this evening for Athens, celebrating a final evening on board with new friends.
Day 16: Disembark In Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Divani Palace Acropolis
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, disembark from your cruise ship and transfer to your hotel.
Day 17: Journey Home
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfers are provided to the airport for your return flight home.
What's Included
-
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.
-
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, is included.
-
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included.
-
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included.
-
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals are included.
-
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are included.
-
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing are included.
-
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys) is included.
-
Optional Experiences and free time
Optional experiences and free time are included.
-
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
What's Not Included
-
Flights
Flights to and from the destination are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
-
Optional Shore Excursions
Optional shore excursions during the cruise are not included.
-
Visa Fees
Visa fees, if applicable, are not included.
-
Gratuities for Cruise Staff
Gratuities for cruise staff are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury with an air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable journey across Greece. Enjoy a scenic 7-day cruise on the MV Celestyal Journey, exploring the Aegean Sea and its stunning islands.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels such as Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, and Crowne Plaza Athens City Center, offering comfort and convenience throughout your journey. Experience the unique architecture of Amalia hotels in Nafplio, Olympia, Delphi, and Kalambaka, and enjoy the MV Celestyal Journey cruise ship for a memorable Aegean cruise.
Dining Summary
12 Dinner (D)16 Breakfast (B)6 Lunch (L)
Dive Into Culture
Athens: Visit the Acropolis Museum containing remarkable antiquities giving visitors an insight into the lives of Athenians centuries ago.
Check out our Q&As
-
What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to a honey farm in Delphi where you can taste special thyme honey and learn about beekeeping. In Olympia, you will have a traditional Greek experience with the Karabelas family on their olive and wine farm, including dinner and dancing.
-
What can I expect during the visit to Meteora?
During the visit to Meteora, you will join a Local Specialist to visit two of the six Eastern Orthodox monasteries that are perched on immense rock towers, offering impressive views over the town.
-
What is the significance of the visit to Delphi?
In Delphi, you will walk the Sacred Way to the Temple of Apollo with a Local Specialist, exploring the site where ancient Greeks consulted the oracle. You will also visit a family-run honey farm as part of a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
-
What activities are available during the cruise portion of the tour?
During the cruise, you will explore Thessaloniki, visit the ancient ruins of Ephesus, and have the option to tour Heraklion in Crete. You can also enjoy the views and nightlife in Santorini, explore Mykonos, and visit Milos, known as the 'Island of Colors'.
-
Are there any optional experiences available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional experiences available such as a cooking lesson in Delphi, a tour to the Palace of Knossos in Crete, and a visit to the Sacred Island of Delos from Mykonos.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.1 Select your preferred date
Friday - Sunday
May 16, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025Friday - Sunday
May 23, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jun 13, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jun 20, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jun 27, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jul 04, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jul 25, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025Friday - Sunday
Aug 22, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025Friday - Sunday
Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025Friday - Sunday
Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025Friday - Sunday
Sep 19, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar 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.
-
Terms and Conditions
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.