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Jewels of Greece and Aegean Islands

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8 days

SEMI-INDEPENDENT TOUR: Combine classic Greek history with sun-kissed islands on this 8-day group tour which takes in the key sites of the mainland and includes a 3-night island hopping cruise. Discover the legendary Acropolis in Athens, marvel at the cliff-top monasteries of Meteora and relax on the beaches of Mykonos. Cross into Turkey to see the ruins of Ephesus and wander the streets of white-washed Oia and Fira on Santorini.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

8 days

Starts

Athens

Ends

Athens

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by a tour guide for days 1 - 4

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 45

Minimum age

5 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Mondays, March - October

Hotel Rating

3-4 star hotels & cruise ship

Countries

Greece

Arrival Transfer

Yes - one transfer per booking

Departure Transfer

Yes - one transfer per booking

Meals included

Breakfast: 7, Lunch: 3, Dinner: 4
Per person from
CAD$3,404.00
Save 20% today
Total From
$8,510.00
CAD$6,808.00
Deposit From
Final payment
CAD$2,553.00
$5,531.50

Tour Highlights

Athens - Discover some of the world's most famous architecture, from the Panathenaic Stadium to the legendary Acropolis
Meteora - Marvel at the magical and sacred cliff-top monasteries in one of the most beautiful regions of Greece
Santorini - Wander the streets of the pretty whitewashed towns of Oia and Fira or relax on the volcanic black sand lava beaches
Kusadasi - Hop into Turkey for an optional excursion to the incredible ruins of Ephesus, home to the Library of Celsus
Delphi - Follow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims along the Sacred Way and admire the Temple of Apollo
Mykonos - Relax on the Greek island's famous beaches and enjoy a glass of wine in one of the town's many bars
Crete - Enjoy an optional excursion to the Minoan Palace of Knossos which was the home of the Minotaur in Greek mythology
Thermopylae - Visit the site where King Leonidas made his infamous final stand against the Persians in 480BC

Included

7 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners
4 nights 3-4 star hotels
A 4-day/3-night Greek Islands cruise, interior (IA/IB) cabin, with all meals and accompanying drinks, port taxes, and service charges. Options to upgrade to an Exterior (XA/XB) cabin or Balcony (BA) cabin for a supplement.
One Airport arrival on Day 1 and one departure transfer on day 8 per booking
Guided sightseeing in Athens, Delphi, and Meteora
Services of an English-speaking tour guide for all scheduled sightseeing from days 1 - 4 and services of local guides for included sightseeing
Entrance fees for all included sites
All transfers and transportation in modern air conditioned vehicles
Note: Touring is operated in conjunction with other tourist groups, not solely On The Go. You will join travellers who booked through other operators for sightseeing each day, some staying in different hotels, and spend your evenings at leisure. The group can vary in size from 20 - 45 persons. Guiding may be in an additional language to English

Not Included

International flights and visas
A hotel tax of €7.00 per room per night to be paid directly to the hotel at time of check in. See Trip Notes additional info for details
Meals and drinks not mentioned in the inclusions, including additional drinks on the cruise
Optional excursions to Ephesus, Patmos, Knossos, and Oia - book and pay locally

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Athens!

Welcome to Greece! On arrival in Athens, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to head out and explore the city, an incredible contrast of the ancient and the modern.

Overnight: Athens

Day 2 - Athens sightseeing

Today we embark on a guided coach tour of Athens. We take in important highlights of the city including the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Zappeion and the Panathenaic Stadium, which is the only stadium in the world built entirely from marble. We also see the Greek Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Later we head to Athens' most iconic attraction - the legendary Acropolis. The Acropolis is an ancient citadel built atop a rock overlooking the city. As well as the amazing view, we take in the highlights of the site, including the Temple of Athena Nike, the Propylae and the most famous of all ancient Greek architecture, the Parthenon. We visit the excellent Acropolis Museum and the afternoon is at leisure to wander the streets of the picturesque Plaka district.

Itinerary Alterations Please Note:

For the departure of 24 March 2025 this Athens city tour will not be operated due to a National holiday.

Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - The Delphi Sanctuary

Athens - Delphi - Kalambaka. Leaving Athens, we head north towards Delphi, which was once one of the world's most sacred sites and an important pilgrimage destination. We admire the UNESCO-listed Sanctuary of Apollo and follow the footsteps of ancient Greeks on the Sacred Way. Admire the remains of the Temple of Apollo, home of the legendary Pythian Oracle. After our visit, we cross the mountains of Central Greece to Kalambaka.

Overnight: Kalambaka
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 - Meteora & Thermopylae

Kalambaka - Meteora - Athens. Today we visit Meteora, where tiny sacred monasteries perch atop incredible towering rock formations. Meteora is considered one of the most beautiful regions in the whole of Greece and the view from the cliffs is breathtaking.

After our visit to Meteora, we begin to make our way back to Athens. We stop at Thermopylae, where King Leonidas and 300 Spartans made a famous last stand against the Persians in 480 BC. A statue now stands here in the Spartan king's honour. After a quick photo opportunity, we continue to Athens, where the evening is at leisure.

Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Cruising to Mykonos

Athens - Mykonos. Enjoy a final breakfast in Athens before we transport you to Lavrio Port where you board your boat for a four-day / three-night Greek island cruise. Your tour is independent from here. Settle in onboard before you depart for Mykonos, the island famous for its pristine white sand beaches and busy nightlife. There's free time to explore Mykonos town and relax with a glass of wine in one of the islands many bars.

Overnight: Mykonos (onboard)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Ephesus & Patmos

Mykonos - Kusadasi (Turkey) - Patmos. Today we have a trip into Turkey as we dock at Kusadasi and you can join an optional visit to the legendary marble ruins of Ephesus. Highlights of these famous ruins include the Temple of Serapis and the colossal Library of Celsus.

After our visit, the ship sets sail for the small Greek island of Patmos. Here you can join an optional visit to the famous monastery of St John and the Grotto of the Apocalypse. This site is believed to be where John of Patmos had the visions that he recorded in the Book of Revelation.

Overnight: Patmos (onboard)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Crete & Santorini

Patmos - Crete - Santorini. Early this morning we dock at Heraklion, Crete. There's an optional visit to the Minoan Palace of Knossos. Legend has it this is where King Minos dwelt and kept his son, the Minotaur, hidden in a labyrinth beneath the city.

We sail to the enchanting island of Santorini this afternoon. Santorini is considered one of the prettiest islands in the world, with black sand lava beaches and pretty whitewashed towns. There's free time to explore the island and you may opt to ride the cable car up to Fira town or join an optional excursion to Oia village, perched on the rim of a volcanic caldera.

Itinerary Alterations Please Note: For the winter period departures (28 Oct 2024 / Nov 2024 / March 2025 / November 2025) the cruise will NOT be calling at Heraklion. Instead, it will be arriving in Santorini in the morning and spend the whole day in Santorini.

Overnight: Santorini (onboard)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Athens

Santorini - Athens. Today we cruise back to Athens. Enjoy breakfast onboard before disembarkation at Lavrio port and an included transfer to the airport.

Meals: Breakfast

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Pre-Tour Accommodation - Athens (From price)

Double

$125per passenger

Twin

$125per passenger

Single

$235per passenger

Post-Tour Accommodation - Athens (From price)

Double

$125per passenger

Twin

$125per passenger

Single

$235per passenger

Additional Excursions

Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.

Balcony Cabin Upgrade (From Price)

$665

per passenger

Exterior Cabin Upgrade (From Price)

$285

per passenger

Hotels

In Greece a variety of hotels are used in various locations. The Cruise boat and hotels listed are examples of some commonly used hotels. We reserve the right to substitute these for ones of a similar standard when necessary.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

Polis Grand
Athens

In the heart of Athens, the Polis Grand is a contemporary hotel with excellent facilities. Guest rooms are well appointed with elegant furniture and all modern conveniences. Some rooms are equipped with a balcony with fantastic views over to the Acropolis. The hotel benefits from a number of eateries which serve up an array of Greek and international cuisine as well as tasty coffee and delicious pies. Definitely head for a cocktail in the evening at the roof garden bar for amazing views across the city.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
The Golden Age Hotel of Athens
Athens

The Golden Age Hotel of Athens is a 4 star hotel, located close to the Kolonaki District. A 5 minute walk from the Megaro Mousikis Metro Station, the urban chic property is 2 stops away from the centre of Athens. Each guest room is soundproofed, air conditioned and feature an ensuite bathroom and blackout drapes. Be sure to try the hotel's daily American buffet breakfast, that includes traditional Greek options. There are two restaurants onsite that serve gourmet Meditteranean cuisine.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Titania Hotel
Athens

Nestled in the historic centre of Athens, the Titiana offers beautiful accommodation all classically designed. The ensuite guest rooms are furnished to a high standard with neutral tones and wooden flooring. Breakfast is served in the impressive rooftop Olive Garden restaurant which affords amazing views across the city including the Acropolis. The hote offers complimentary Wi-Fi and a fitness centre.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Hotel Amalia
Kalambaka

Hotel Amalia is embedded on 14 acres of beautiful greenery. Built from traditional materials to match its surrounds, the hotel features extensive gardens, a large swimming pool and distant views of the Meteora Rocks. Guestrooms are spacious and fully equipped with the latest facilities. In the dining area, a rich American buffet breakfast is served with both local and international cuisine available for lunch and dinner. Relax by the fireplace in the hotel’s cosy lounge bar and listen to piano music as you sip a cocktail.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Hotel Divani Meteora
Kalambaka

Offering the chance to enjoy traditional Greek hospitality within a contemporary setting is the Hotel Divani Meteora. Surrounded by natural beauty, the hotel is set in front of the World Heritage-listed Meteora sandstone monasteries. The fully renovated hotel has a welcoming decor, with warm shades and a luxury wooden floor. A tranquil restaurant offers delicious Mediterranean cuisine and there is an outdoor and indoor pool. You can also unwind after a day of exploring in the sauna steam bath or bubbling Jacuzzi.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Celestyal Journey Cruise Boat
Island Cruise

Welcome to the Celestyal Journey, where a star is born to illuminate the seas and create celestial memories for all aboard. With 7 exquisite restaurants, 8 glittering bars, fully equipped gyms, and 2 inviting swimming pools, the journey promises a perfect blend of luxury and well-being. The diverse culinary offerings on board invite you to feast like the ancients. Take advantage of the Sozo Experience, where mind, body, and spirit find harmony, ensuring your cruise is full of relaxation and rejuvenation.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 star cruise boat

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.

2025
Twin/Double
Single
17 Mar - 24 Mar
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$4,255$3,404
$6,335$5,068
31 Mar - 7 Apr
Save 20%
$4,615$3,692
$6,865$5,492
7 Apr - 14 Apr
Save 20%
$4,615$3,692
$6,865$5,492
14 Apr - 21 Apr
Save 20%
$4,615$3,692
$6,865$5,492
21 Apr - 28 Apr
Save 20%
$4,615$3,692
$6,865$5,492
28 Apr - 5 May
Save 20%
$4,615$3,692
$6,865$5,492
5 May - 12 May
Save 20%
Sold Out
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12 May - 19 May
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