Classical Greece Land & Cruise

Day 1 : Fly to Athens

We board our overnight flight to Athens.

Day 2 : Arrive in Greece

Today we arrive in Athens and check in to our luxurious accommodations ideally located in the city center.

We have the afternoon to explore the city or relax after our flight.

Day 3 : Athens City Tour

Today enjoy a guided tour of Athens. Visit the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, seeing first-hand the storied masterpieces of classical Greek architecture, and look out over the city from the ancient citadel. The city tour also takes us to Parliament, the Presidential Palace, the temple of Olympian Zeus, as well as the Olympic Stadium.

Tonight, we have dinner at a Greek taverna.

Day 4 : Delphi

We depart Athens this morning for Delphi, one of the most important archaeological sites in the country. We arrive via Thebes, Livadeia and the picturesque village of Arachova on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, spending time at the site and the Delphi Archaeological Museum.

Afterwards, we pass through charming villages en route to our comfortable accommodations in Kalambaka.

Day 5 : Meteora

Travel to Meteora where several monasteries lie between Earth and sky atop huge rocks featuring priceless historical and religious treasures. These ancient pinnacles were once home to hermit monks as early as the 9th century, finding an ideal place for solitude and prayer. We’ll visit two of these monasteries today - St. Stephen’s and Varlaam.

We return to Athens via Thermopylae with a short stop to see the Leonidas Monument.

Day 6 : Cruise to Mykonos

Our casual four-night cruise aboard the Celestyal Olympia begins today. Our cruise takes us to five Greek islands plus Kusadasi, a Turkish coastal city.

Say goodbye to Athens and leave from its port for Mykonos. Famous for beautiful sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife, there is time in the evening to explore this Mediterranean paradise’s open-air tavernas, whitewashed buildings, and cobblestone streets. Late this evening we depart Mykonos and set sail for Kusadasi.

Day 7 : Kusadasi & Patmos

Today we visit two ports of call: Kusadasi and Patmos, both brimming with historical sites.

In the morning, we arrive on the Turkish coast for a tour of ancient Ephesus, one of the Mediterranean’s largest Roman archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Houses of the Patricians, and more.

In the afternoon, our ship sails to the island of Patmos. We enjoy free time in Scala Port or take optional tours of the Grotto of the Apocalypse or the Monastery of Saint John, who dictated the visions that became the Book of Revelations.

After dinner, our cruise ship departs for Rhodes.

Day 8 : Rhodes

The largest island in the Dodecanese chain, Rhodes was once surrounded by Byzantine walls and fortresses built by the Knights of Rhodes in the 1300s. Present day Rhodes still looks much as it did then. Begin with a tour through Lindos and within its awe-inspiring acropolis, a clifftop archaeological site with extraordinary views of the Mediterranean Sea. Next we tour Rhodes, exploring the Street of the Knights, winding alleys, towers, decorated façades, and glimpse the marvelous Grand Master’s Palace. After dinner, our ship sails for Crete and Santorini.

Day 9 : Crete & Santorini

Today we visit two ports of call: Heraklion on the island of Crete, and the volcanic isle of Santorini.

In Crete we view the astonishing Venetian fortress at the harbor gate with time to discover the “old town” areas such as the gorgeous pedestrian mall at the 25th of August Street, or take an optional tour of the Minoan Palace of Knossos.

In Santorini we admire the breathtaking caldera, created by the island’s volcano in ancient times, or take an optional tour to the Oia, a romantic cliffside town that is the most photographed location in all of Greece, featuring whitewashed houses and spectacular sunsets.

Day 10 : National Archaeological Museum

This morning, we arrive just outside of Athens at Piraeus.

Disembark after breakfast and visit the National Archaeological Museum, devoted to ancient Greek art and antiquities.

The rest of the afternoon is ours for exploration and relaxation. Find unusual gifts at the Monastiraki flea markets, or take a stroll through Anafiotika or Pláka, both charming neighborhoods with great personality, shops and eateries.

In the evening, we celebrate our adventure at a Holiday Vacations Farewell Dinner.

Day 11 : Fly Home

We fly home with wonderful memories of our Greek adventure.