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.
After our breakfast we depart northwards towards Delphi, which used to be the most sacred place in the world and a pilgrimage center for many centuries in antiquity. You will admire the Sanctuary of Apollo, walk the Sacred way, and visit the temple of Apollo, home of Pythia (the oracle). In the afternoon, and after a short break for lunch (not included) we will be crossing the mountains of central Greece to arrive in Kalambaka for dinner and overnight. (BD)
Day 3 - 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. (B)
Day 4 - City tour / on cruise
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, and the Erechtheion. Later, we will be transferred to the port of Piraeus to embark on “Celestyal Cruises” for your 7-night “Idyllic Aegean” cruise.(BD)
Day 5 - Thessaloniki / on cruise
Arrival In the morning at the port of Thessaloniki, the capital of the north as the Greeks call it. You will have the whole day to explore the city on your own, or you may join an optional excursion, to see the city, visit the Royal tombs of Vergina, or explore the land of Alexander the Great by visiting Pella and the Royal tombs of Vergina. In the evening we set sail to Turkey. (B,L,D)
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.(B,L,D)
Day 7 - Crete / on cruise
Arrival in Heraklion early 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.(B,L,D)
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. You will have plenty of time to explore the volcano, the sites and the villages of this amazing island, either on your own or by joining optional shore excursions.(B,L,D)
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 2:00 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 nightlife in Chora (Mykonos town).(B,L,D)
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 one of the several optional excursions that will unreveal the most beautiful parts of the island. Early in the evening, we will set sail for the journey back to Piraeus.(B,L,D)
Day 11 - Piraeus / Departure
Arrival at Piraeus port early in the morning. Breakfast on board. Disembarkation and transfer to the Athens airport for your departure.(B)