Classical Greece Plus Greek Island Adventure (RGN)

14 days from Athens to Athens

 2024 Tour Details »2025 Tour Details

Athens to Athens and everything in between makes this Greek adventure one for the history books. From the mysterious ruins dedicated to Greek deities, to the magnificent realms of the great philosophers, your imagination will overflow with the sights, tastes, and ancient tales of Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora, and more mind-blowing experiences—all between the blue skies and seas. Set sights on the sea with visits to the islands of Crete, Naxos, and Paros to unveil the mysteries, myths, and marvelous history that awaits you along with idyllic villages, pristine shores and so much more! You’ll find plenty of island time to wine, dine, and dream in sidewalk cafés and tavernas, creating a few legendary memories of your own.

To know more about the visas for this vacation, click here

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 DESTINATIONS & SIGHTSEEING

Sightseeing:

ATHENS
Welcome drink; guided sightseeing, visit the Acropolis

CORINTH
Guided visit

MYCENAE
Guided visit of the excavations and museum

EPIDAURUS
Guided visit of the 2,300-year-old open-air theater

OLYMPIA
Guided visit of the archaeological site and the museum; LF learn how to make the traditional Greek tzatziki appetizer

DELPHI
Guided visit of the excavations, visit the Archaeological Museum; LF learn to dance the sirtaki and have a glass of Ouzo

METEORA AREA
Guided visit of the Varlaam and St. Stephen’s Monasteries

THERMOPYLAE
Guided visit

CRUISING
Seven-night cruise to Kea, Delos, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Kythira, Nauplia, Hydra or Spetses

Cruise Details:

  • Rotation of ports of call may vary for congestion reasons at certain ports with or without prior notice.
  • Outside cabin (category B)
  • Outside cabin (category A)
  • All cabins with two lower beds or one double bed and private shower and toilet.
  • Globus Host service in Athens.
  • The yacht scheduled to depart for the cruise portion of your vacation is the Harmony G, operated by Variety Cruises.

Headsets throughout the tour

Notes:

NOTES:

  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
  • Itineraries can be changed at the discretion of Variety Cruises and of the vessel’s captain in case of adverse weather conditions—winds of 6/7 Beaufort or more, depending on the vessel—on port authorities not allowing a vessel to leave port, or in case of other extraordinary conditions. Such itinerary changes do not automatically entitle passengers to any refunds, but Variety Cruises guarantees that passengers are disembarked at the advertised port of disembarkation in time for their flights.

Transportation:

Motorcoach; Yacht Cruise. Free Wi-Fi available on your motorcoach and in most hotel lobbies.

 Meals

 Meals & Itinerary

Welcome drink in Athens; full buffet breakfast daily; 6 three-course dinners

 Itinerary

Day 1

ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.

Day 2

ATHENS Marvels & Myths ATHENS Guided sightseeing includes a visit to the Acropolis and a stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Free time this afternoon and evening.
Breakfast Breakfast

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS Explore the heart of Ancient Greece, in the historic empire where 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, never fail to amaze! See the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the venues of the first modern Olympic Games.

Day 3

ATHENS–CORINTH–MYCENAE–EPIDAURUS–NAUPLIA Greek History & Heroes CORINTH Cross the canal and visit ancient Corinth.
MYCENAE Free time for lunch. Guided visit of the excavations and museum.
EPIDAURUS Guided visit to the 2,300-year-old open-air auditorium before continuing to Nauplia.
Breakfast Breakfast Dinner Dinner
132 mi / 212 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEM The outdoor auditorium of Epidaurus combines perfect mathematic proportion with excellent acoustics. This fascinating archaeological treasure was used for the healing of patients from all over Greece and was dedicated to Asklepios, the god of healing.

Day 4

NAUPLIA–OLYMPIA Ruins & Recipes Take a scenic drive through the Arkadian Mountains.
OLYMPIA Join a guided visit to the archaeological site and the museum. LF Attend a cooking demonstration this evening to learn how to make traditional Greek tzatziki.
Breakfast Breakfast Dinner Dinner
112 mi / 181 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Dip into the delicious tradition of Greek tzatziki – a mix of yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and herbs such as dill, mint, parsley, and thyme. Learn how to make this quintessential recipe loved the world over.

Day 5

OLYMPIA–PATRAS–DELPHI Digs & Dances Drive by the busy seaport of Patras.
DELPHI Join a guided visit to the excavations and Archaeological Museum. This evening, LF learn how to dance the sirtaki while sipping a glass of ouzo.
Breakfast Breakfast Dinner Dinner
149 mi / 239 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITION Dance in the steps of Zorba the Greek to learn the sirtaki. This passionate and dramatic dance goes very well with a glass of ouzo, the anice-infused drink the locals are so fond of.

Day 6

DELPHI–METEORA AREA Monasteries in Magical Greece Drive past Lamia and Trikala en route to Kalambaka.
METEORA Guided visit of the Varlaam and St. Stephen’s Monasteries.
Breakfast Breakfast Dinner Dinner
155 mi / 249 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SACRED SITES Perched atop soaring huge cliffs are the monasteries of Meteora, of which six are still active. Visit the beautiful monasteries of Varlaam and St. Stephen’s to marvel at this serenely mystical landscape with breathtaking views from above. Long revered for the perfect monastic retreat from the world outside, Meteora’s spectacular array of massive sandstone cliffs create a surreal setting unlike any other.

Day 7

METEORA AREA–THERMOPYLAE–ATHENS Grecian Battles & Beauty THERMOPYLAE Stop at the battle site.
ATHENS Free time late afternoon and evening.
Breakfast Breakfast
236 mi / 380 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES The story of the Battle of Thermopylae is hard to beat for drama. You may recognize this tale of the heroic, yet doomed Spartans of 480 BC fighting against the Persian army, which is dramatized in the film “300.” Their brave battle endures as a valiant symbol of bravery and sacrifice for a patriotic cause.

Day 8

ATHENS–HERAKLION, CRETE Marvels & Myths ATHENS Fly to the island of Crete.
HERAKLION This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Breakfast Breakfast Dinner Dinner

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS The largest island in Greece, Crete captures all the wonder you have imagined a Greek island to be – a brilliant landscape of ancient ruins, lively sidewalks, and stunning beaches.

Day 9

HERAKLION Saints & Sweets HERAKLION Guided walking tour includes sights of the Venetian Walls, St. Minas Cathedral, and the church of St. Titus. LF Taste a traditional bougatsa pastry.
Breakfast Breakfast

LOCAL FAVORITE
SIGHTS & BITES The bustling capital of Crete boasts over 3000 years of history and multi-cultural influences. While walking along its narrow streets see the most famous historic and cultural sites. Join the locals and taste a traditional bougatsa—one of the most popular Greek sweet treats.

Day 10

HERAKLION–NAXOS Tempting Traditions Take a high speed ferry to the island of Naxos.
NAXOS Guided sightseeing to see the highlights of Naxos with its cobblestone alleys and Venetian castles. LF Taste the famous citrus spoon dessert at a local kafenio (cafè).
Breakfast Breakfast Dinner Dinner

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES The “glykó tou koutalioú” or “sweet of the spoon” comes from an old Arabic custom that was later adopted by the Byzantines. A gesture of hospitality offered to welcome guests. They are what the name suggests, a dessert served on a spoon. Normally made from fruit, the concept may sound simple, but there is a lot of pride and tradition involved; recipes are handed down through the generations together with the special presentation silverware.

Day 11

NAXOS Mediterranean Magic NAXOS Day at Leisure
Breakfast Breakfast

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE of this lush green island. Stroll the charming streets shopping for souvenirs; sample the locally produced olives, grapes, figs, and citrus fruit. Discover more of the ancient Greek ruins; or head to the beach for a refreshing dip in the sparkling waters of the Aegean!

Day 12

NAXOS–PAROS Sun, Sand & Sea Take a short ride on a high speed ferry to the island of Paros.
PAROS Guided sightseeing of the highlights features a visit to the Panagia Ekatontapiliani the “Church of a Hundred Doors”. This evening enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Breakfast Breakfast Dinner Dinner

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Historically known for its fine white marble, which was used to construct some of the most important Greek structures, including the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus in Olympia, Paros nowadays captures the imagination as an idyllic Greek island - dotted with traditional villages, framed by stunning beaches and surrounded by pristine waters.

Day 13

PAROS–ATHENS Amazing Athens Return to Athens by ferry.
ATHENS Later today enjoy free time in the city.
Breakfast Breakfast

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE with countless ways to enjoy free time in the birthplace of democracy, arts, science, and the philosophy of western civilization! Explore the urban landscapes and lively restaurants in this historic capital and enjoy the sunny slopes of this iconic city. Stroll in the shadow of the Acropolis in the village atmosphere of Plaka. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets to browse jewelry stores and ceramics shops, then linger in a sidewalk café or taverna to celebrate your Greek adventure.

Day 14

ATHENS Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast Breakfast

 Accommodations

ATHENS

ZAFOLIA

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class
  Free Wifi

NAUPLIA

AMALIA NAUPLIA

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class
  Free Wifi

OLYMPIA

EUROPA

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class
  Free Wifi

DELPHI

AMALIA DELPHI

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class
  Free Wifi

METEORA AREA

AMALIA KALAMBAKA

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class
  Free Wifi

HERAKLION

GALAXY HOTEL IRAKLIO

Hotel as shown or similar
Deluxe
  Free Wifi

NAXOS

NAXOS PALACE

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class
  Free Wifi

PAROS

NARGES

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class
  Free Wifi

 Optional Excursions

Contact your Travel Consultant for more information.
Price Ranges

$ ($50 USD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 USD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 USD)
$$$$ (Over $150)



* The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price includes a limited time promotional offer(s) – please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Globus).