Classical Greece with Iconic Aegean 4-Night Cruise ( RGH)

13 days from Athens to Athens

2025 Tour Details

Relaxing days and fascinating knights. That is the appeal of the ancient island of Rhodes, famous for its brilliant azure waters, its Acropolis-topped village of Lindos, and its fortress-lined Old Town built by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades. This exhilarating land and cruise tour of Greece, starting with our 8-day Classical Greece vacation, includes Rhodes in the island-hopping fun that sets sail from Athens and follows a captivating course to modern Mykonos, unspoiled Patmos, medieval Rhodes, Minoan Crete, and serene Santorini (weather permitting)—with a special stop on the Turkish coast to see the amazingly preserved Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus. See the iconic sights of mainland Greece—including Athens’ monumental Parthenon and the legendary town of Olympia—before you cruise into the blues on this tour of glorious Greece.

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Notes:

This tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
Cruise details:
Rotation of ports of call may vary for congestion reasons at certain ports, with or without prior notice.
Inside cabin (category IB) - other cabins types are available for a supplement.
Included drink package: selection of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks.
Included select excursions as per detailed itinerary.
Globus Host service throughout the cruise.
Please ask your Travel Consultant for cruise ship details. The ship scheduled to depart for the cruise portion of your vacation is the Celestyal Discovery, operated by Celestyal Cruises.

The following UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be seen or visited on this vacation:

  • Acropolis Athens
  • Site of Olympia
  • Site of Delphi
  • Ephesus
  • Meteora

 Meals & Itinerary

 Meals

Welcome drink in Athens; full buffet breakfast daily, 4 Lunches, 8 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.

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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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Day 8

ATHENS (EMBARKATION)–MYKONOS Beyond the Shore ATHENS Embark on your Greek Islands cruise.
MYKONOS Free time to explore this evening.
Breakfast Breakfast Lunch Lunch Dinner Dinner

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE Your dreams of the Greek Islands come true with free time in Mykonos. This Aegean paradise of pristine waters and beaches, mixed with a lively nightlife scene is only made brighter by the iconic 16th-century windmills that dot the hillside above.


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Day 9

CRUISING: KUSADASI, TURKEY–PATMOS, GREECE Turkish Treasures KUSADASI Visit the excavations of Ephesus.
PATMOS Afternoon call.
Breakfast Breakfast Lunch Lunch Dinner Dinner

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Pull into port in Turkey to explore the fascinating Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus - one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world – with the historic ruins of the Library of Celsus, the Basilica of St. John, and the Temple of Artemis.


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Day 10

CRUISING: RHODES Blue Heaven RHODES Enjoy a full day in port. Join a guided sightseeing of the Acropolis of Lindos.
Breakfast Breakfast Lunch Lunch Dinner Dinner

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SIGHTS Rhodes is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, in addition to its gorgeous beaches, you’ll see the fascinating archaeological ruins of the legendary Lindos Acropolis – standing over 100 meters above the sea.


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Day 11

CRUISING: HERAKLION, CRETE–SANTORINI Sun, Sea & Sand HERAKLION Enjoy free time to explore.
SANTORINI Afternoon call (weather permitting).
Breakfast Breakfast Lunch Lunch 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.


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Day 12

ATHENS (DISEMBARKATION) Amazing Athens ATHENS Disembark From your ship for a free day in Athens.
Breakfast Breakfast

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE There are 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.


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Day 13

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

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 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

 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).
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