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Highlights of Greece with 3-Day Aegean Cruise Moderate A
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Highlights of Greece with 3-Day Aegean Cruise Moderate A
This is where it all began - the literature, art and laws that have shaped western civilisation as we know it today. You won't need to imagine great philosophers debating their truths in the corridors of the Agora, between the columns of the Parthenon or with the Oracle of Delphi. You'll get to see where this happened first-hand on this 8-day adventure to the heart of ancient empires and the sun-kissed shores of the Greek Isles.
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You are viewing the consumer version of the trip page.Please click here to return to search results where you can access the agent version of these trip pages.
You are viewing the consumer version of the trip page.Please click here to return to search results where you can access the agent version of these trip pages.
This is where it all began - the literature, art and laws that have shaped western civilisation as we know it today. You won't need to imagine great philosophers debating their truths in the corridors of the Agora, between the columns of the Parthenon or with the Oracle of Delphi. You'll get to see where this happened first-hand on this 8-day adventure to the heart of ancient empires and the sun-kissed shores of the Greek Isles.
Athens was once the centre of the world and for a short spell it will be the centre of yours. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the Greek capital your way. Evidence of the city's former status as the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation' can be seen around every turn, so lace up your walking shoes and pound the pavements in search of the artistry, architecture and archaeological treasures that have made Athens a popular stop for history lovers. Later, meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Zafolia
Day 2
Athens sightseeing – Delphi (1 Night)
Today you'll come face-to-face with the impressive ancient backdrop that followed you throughout yesterday's solo sightseeing - the Acropolis. A Local Specialist joins you for a sightseeing tour through what remains of the ancient citadel, including the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena. View the Panathinaiko Olympic Stadium, the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch, stopping at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to admire the curiously clad Evzone guards. Later, follow the road taken by the ancient Greeks who once sought the wisdom of the Oracle, arriving in Delphi for your overnight stay.
Walk the Sacred Way to the Temple of Apollo - the same path that Alexander the Great once trod, demanding to hear that he would conquer the entire ancient world. Your Local Specialist will reveal the ancient site's captivating history and some of the Oracle's prophecies, many of which would eventually come true. You'll also discover Delphi's fame as the host of the Pythian Games, dedicated to Apollo and the arts. A scenic drive takes you to Thermopylae, most notably the site of the heroic defence by King Leonidas and his brave Spartans against the invading Persians. Later arrive in Kalambaka, where you dine tonight at your hotel.
The mystical monasteries of Meteora cling almost implausibly to the rounded rock towers that overlook Kalambaka. Joining a Local Specialist this morning, you'll visit this heavenly Eastern Orthodox complex, built by monks in the 14th century to stave off attacks from the invading Turks. Return to Athens later this afternoon where the rest of the day is free to do as you wish. An Optional Experience this evening could see you indulge in tasty traditional cuisine. Join your new friends for a taverna evening including dancing and drinks.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Zafolia
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 5
Embark 3-night cruise – Mykonos (3 Nights)
Set your watch to the laid-back pace of the Greek Islands, boarding your three-night cruise through the Aegean where your only priorities will be good food, good friends and good times. With that in mind, your first stop ticks all the boxes as you enjoy your time on Mykonos rambling through the narrow streets of Chora, sharing the sun-dappled courtyard with lazy cats and welcoming locals. You could choose to join an optional countryside tour with a Local Specialist, visiting several of the island's beaches, the 16th-century monastery at Ano Mera and Little Venice with its brightly painted wooden balconies overlooking the old harbour. Your cruise sails east to Turkey through the night.
A brief brush with the Turkish coast transports you back in time to what remains of the incredible ruins of Ephesus. Walk down the pillar-lined Curetes Street towards the ornate façade of the Library of Celsus and view what remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the World's Seven Ancient Wonders. Your next stop is Patmos, most famously the location where the disciple John wrote the Book of Revelation in the New Testament. See the Grotto of the Apocalypse first-hand when you join an Optional Experience with a Local Specialist, with time in medieval Hora to stretch your sea legs.
Europe's oldest city comes to life on your visit to the Palace of Knossos in Heraklion on the island of Crete. Walk through its imposing northern entrance and admire the bright wall paintings that were restored at the turn of the 20th century, revealing insights into Minoan civilisation several thousand years before Christ. The dramatic volcanic landscape of Santorini rising out of the deep blue Aegean is our final destination today. You'll have time to join an Optional Experience to some of the island's villages which cling to the volcanic cliffs, including Oia with its distinctive white buildings and blue-domed churches which vie for the best views over the caldera.
And just like that we're back in Athens after an exhilarating encounter with ancient Greek history and laid-back island life in the Aegean. You've seen the haunts of Socrates, Aristotle and Plato and admired many of the world's greatest ancient treasures. Close the curtain on stories that span several millennia as you disembark your cruise ship and transfer to the airport.
Audio Headsets provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
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Luxury air-conditioned coach
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Variety of Optional Experiences
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City orientation tours
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes
LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS REVIEWS
Highlights of Greece with 3-Day Aegean Cruise Moderate A Trip Reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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Excellent tour!
Trip Rating
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5
A dream come true! Such a remarkable experience to set foot and walk along the magnificent man made structures of Ancient Greece and Turkey. Ana and Nikos, our Travel Directors were excellent and Gino, was a very safe driver.
Thrilled to see the wonders of North & Eastern Europe, beautiful and memorable experiences we will hold close to our hearts. Blessed to have a gentle and ever patient Tour Director in Veronica and Martin, our driver, took great care in taking us to and from our destinations.
Good coverage of Greece. Less driving than some of the other tours I have taken with Costsaver. The cruise ship isn’t as nice as an **competitor information removed by Feefo** or **competitor information removed by Feefo**. However we spent most of our time touring so our usage of the ship was mostly breakfast & sleeping.
Costsaver has significant coverage for the areas they tour at a great price. Choose to do most of the optionals and you will be very happy. Greece coverage was great. We would love to go back. This is my 4th tour with them
Excellent tour. The guides were very knowledgeable and friendly. Met many people on the tour. The tour was a great way to see alot of Greece in a short time.
The Itinerary on the land portion was great. The monastery was one of the most amazing places I have seen. I loved the Acropolis and the Temple of Apollo. The only problem I had was trying to sleep on a box spring only at the Famissi Eden motel in Kalambaka. The motel itself was great, and the grounds were beautiful. The buffet dinner and breakfast were both wonderful. But they really need to invest in mattresses!
Our guide on the land portion, Nancy, was amazing, Her knowledge of the history of Greece made the trip special. She helped us understand not only what we were seeing, she also made the exhibits and artifacts come alive. And our driver Zack got us everywhere safely and on time. The cruise director, Anne was the most organized and efficient person I have ever seen. We were first in line and got the best local specialists for our tours which really made the cruise special. Our guide in Turkey, whose name is pronounced John put spelled a different way, was very knowledgeable and entertaining.
Onward flights from Athens airport should not be scheduled before 12:00 noon.
Celestyal Cruise Ship: Operating this itinerary will be the Celestyal Olympia.
Itinerary: Occasionally the itinerary may be altered due to sailing conditions on the Aegean Sea, religious holidays or any other unforeseen circumstances.
Flights: Onward flights from Athens airport should not be scheduled before 12 noon.
Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
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