Grecian Explorer with 3-Nights Cruise | 14 days 13 nights

Itinerary

DAY 01. ARRIVAL / ATHENS.

Arrival at the Athens airport, welcome assistance and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Athens.

DAY 02. CITY TOUR / ATHENS.

The day is dedicated to exploring the city of Athens. We begin with a panoramic tour to the most important monuments and landmarks of the city including the Panathinaikon stadium, the Zappeion, the temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, Syntagma square, the Parliament, the tomb of the unknown soldier, Schliemann's house, the Academy, the University, the National Library, and the old Parliament. Next we head for our guided visit to the Acropolis, including the Propylae, the temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon, the Erechtheion. Later, we continue with a guided visit to the Acropolis museum voted one of the best museums in the world. Afternoon at leisure to explore Plaka, the picturesque old part of the city, and why not, some shopping at Ermou street.

DAY 03. CORINTH CANAL, EPIDAURUS, NAFPLION, MYCENAE / OLYMPIA.

After our breakfast we depart towards the Peloponnese. First stop will be at the impressive Corinth canal and we continue to Epidaurus with its theater, famous for its acoustics. Our day continues as we will be arriving in Nafplion for a short stop. Our next visit will be to Mycenae «rich in gold» as Homer mentions, with the Cyclopean walls, and the tomb of Agamemnon with the famous Lion’s Gate. In the afternoon, we will be crossing the mountains of the Peloponnese to arrive in Olympia for dinner and overnight.

DAY 04. OLYMPIA / DELPHI.

Built on the banks of the River Alfios, Olympia is beautiful, green, and placid. We will enjoy a tour through the remains of the Ancient Olympia Complex (home of the original Olympic Games), including the Temple of Zeus, the Palaestra, and Phidias’s Workshop. We continue to the local museum, one of the richest in Greece, with the impressive statue of Hermes of Praxitelis. In the afternoon, we will start heading north, driving around Patras, over the impressive Rio-Antirio bridge, through Nafpaktos and Itea, to Delphi for dinner and overnight.

DAY 05. DELPHI / KALAMBAKA.

Delphi used to be the most sacred spot in the world and a pilgrimage center for many centuries in the antiquity. You will admire the Sanctuary of Apollo, walk the Sacred way, and visit the temple of Apollo, home of Pythia (the oracle). We continue to the local museum with the famous bronze statue of the Charioteer. In the afternoon we will be crossing the mountains of central Greece to arrive in Kalambaka for dinner and overnight.

DAY 06. METEORA / ATHENS.

This morning we will be visiting Meteora. Amazing rock formations, like towers of sandstone, stand ageless, and have provided sacred retreat for monks over the centuries. A number of monasteries are hidden on top of Meteora. The view over the plain is breathtaking. Meteora is considered among the most beautiful areas of mainland Greece and belongs to Unesco's list of world heritage monuments. After our visit, we will take the road back to Athens. On the way, we will make a short stop at Thermopylae, to admire the statue of Leonidas king of Sparta. Overnight in Athens.

DAY 07. PIRAEUS – MYKONOS / MYKONOS.

In the morning we will be transferred to the port of Piraeus to catch the local ferry to Mykonos. Arrival in Mykonos and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 08. AT LEISURE / MYKONOS.

At leisure to explore the famous island, a meeting point of the international “jet set”. Discover its amazing beaches, and enjoy the unique night-life.

DAY 09. AT LEISURE / ON CRUISE.

Another day to explore more of the beauties of Mykonos. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the port to embark the «Celestyal cruises» cruise ship for the «Iconic Aegean» cruise.

DAY 10. KUSADASI – PATMOS / ON CRUISE.

Arrival in Kusadasi early in the morning and depart for your included excursion to ancient Ephesus, and the covered bazaar in Kusadasi. In the afternoon, the ship will arrive in Patmos with the famous monastery of St. John and the Grotto of the Apocalypse.

DAY 11. RHODES / ON CRUISE.

Arrival in Rhodes early in the morning. During our included “Medieval” tour, we will visit the Acropolis of Lindos and the citadel of the Knights (Rhodes’ old town).

DAY 12. HERAKLION – SANTORINI / SANTORINI.

Arrival in Heraklion early in the morning. Possibility of an optional excursion to the Minoan Palace of Knossos. In the afternoon we will arrive at the unique island of Santorini, where we will disembark and transfer to our hotel.

DAY 13. AT LEISURE / SANTORINI.

At leisure to explore the magical island of Santorini. Discover Fira & Oia with the breathtaking views to the volcano, and enjoy one of the best sunsets in the Aegean. Explore the unique black-sanded beaches or take a boat tour to the islands of the caldera.

DAY 14. DEPARTURE

Morning at leisure until the time to transfer to the airport for a short domestic flight, connecting with your international return flight home.