Jewels of Greece & Idyllic Aegean (With 7-Nights Cruise) 11 Days
11 Days: Athens, Delphi, Kalambaka, Kusadasi, Rhodes, Crete, Santorini, Milos, Mykonos, Piraeus
Tour overview:
This tour is aptly named as you will be visiting some of the Jewels of Greece by land as well as cruising for 7 nights through the idyllic Aegean Sea. Visit Delphi and Meteora as well as exploring the capital, Athens. Your 7-night cruise makes stops in Kusadasi, Rhodes, Crete, Milos and Mykonos
Day 1 - Arrival / Athens
Arrival at the Athens airport, welcome assistance and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Athens.
Day 2 - Delphi / Kalambaka
Today, you will depart for a 2-Day tour, heading to Delphi. Built on the slopes of mount Parnassos overlooking the vast olive groves and the Corinthian gulf, Delphi used to be the most sacred spot in the world and a pilgrimage center for many centuries in antiquity. You will admire the Sanctuary of Apollo, walk the Sacred way, see the temple of Apollo, home of Pythia (the oracle), before continuing your drive to Kalambaka for overnight. (BD)
Day 3 - Meteora / Athens
This morning, you will be visiting Meteora, one of the most beautiful areas of mainland Greece and part of UNESCO’s list of world heritage monuments. 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 and the view over the plain is breathtaking. Return drive to Athens in the afternoon, stopping on the way at Thermopylae, to see the statue of Leonidas, commemorating the battle of the 300, against the Persians. (B)
Day 4 - City tour / on cruise
A morning panoramic tour will take you around to the most important monuments and landmarks of the city including: Panathinaikon stadium, Zappeion, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, Syntagma square, Parliament, tomb of the unknown soldier, Schliemann's house, Academy, University, National Library, and old Parliament. You will then visit the Acropolis, including the Propylaea, the temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon, and the Erechtheion; and the Acropolis Museum where findings from the area, like the Caryatides, have found their home. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Piraeus port, to embark on “Celestyal Journey” for the magnificent 7-night “Idyllic Aegean” cruise. (BD)
Day 5 - Thessaloniki / on cruise
Around mid-day you will arrive at the port of Thessaloniki, the capital of the north as the Greeks call it. You may explore the city on your own, or you can join an optional excursion, to see the city, visit the Royal tombs of Vergina, experience local wineries and local tastes. In the evening, we set sail to Turkey. (BLD)
Day 6 - Kusadasi / on cruise
Just after mid-day you will be arriving in Kusadasi in Turkey. Opportunity for optional excursion to “Ancient Ephesus through the Ages”. Make sure you explore the local bazar in Kusadasi and bargain for your souvenirs! Return on board for the overnight sail to Crete.(BLD)
Day 7 - Crete / on cruise
Arrival at Heraklion port in the morning. You may explore the picturesque Cretan capital on your own, or you can join an optional excursion to visit the Palace of Knossos, or to experience the Cretan countryside and lifestyle. (BLD)
Day 8 - Santorini / on cruise
This morning you will be arriving to the most famous of the Aegean islands, Santorini. The ship will be staying here until past midnight giving you the opportunity to explore the stunning beauties of this island and its life. See the volcano, explore the sites and the villages of the island, and make sure to watch the sunset from Oia, the most famous and picturesque village of the island with the breathtaking views to the volcano and the caldera. (BLD)
Day 9 - Mykonos / on cruise
Arrival at the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos in the morning, the favorite island of the international “jetset”. The ship will stay here till 2:00am past midnight, giving you the opportunity to explore the island, take a swim in one of its unique sandy beaches, or mingle with the crowds to experience the unique and bustling nightlife in Chora (Mykonos town). (BLD)
Day 10 - Milos / on cruise
In the morning, we will be arriving at Milos with its unparalleled morphology, stunning landscapes, wind and sea sculptured rock formations, soft sandy beaches, secluded coves and crystal-clear waters. The whole day will be available to explore the island on your own, or join an optional excursion that will guide you to the most beautiful villages, beaches, and sites of the island. (BLD)
Day 11 - Piraeus / Departure
Arrival at Piraeus port in the morning. Breakfast on board. Disembarkation and transfer to the Athens airport for your departure.