Classical Greece with Idyllic Aegean 7-Night Cruise ( RGL)

16 days from Athens to Athens

2024 Tour Details

Equal parts fresh air, fresh cuisine, and joyous laughter, the enviable Mediterranean lifestyle is based on the simple concept of balance. Seven nights on land and seven nights at sea strike the perfect equilibrium between ruins and resorts, baklava and beaches, and mythical gods and sun worshipers on this airy Mediterranean land and cruise tour. After journeying from temple to fascinating temple on our Classical Greece tour, you’ll sail from port to breathtaking port to take in the mesmerizing sights of Ephesus, coastal Turkey, and the Greek Isles. The island cruising begins on the cultural coast of Rhodes and continues to the glittering isles of Crete, Santorini (weather permitting), Milos, and Mykonos, all while the sirtaki—the lively dance made popular in the classic movie Zorba the Greek—is a joyous constant throughout this big fat Greek vacation.

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 Meals & Itinerary

 Meals

Welcome drink in Athens; full buffet breakfast daily, 6 Lunches, 11 Dinners

 Itinerary

Day 1

ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling 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) Beyond the Shore ATHENS Embark on your Greek Islands cruise.
Breakfast Breakfast Dinner Dinner

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Set sail from Athens for a captivating course on the blue Aegean Sea to explore the exquisite beauty of the Greek Islands and Turkey. Marvel at the beauty of the island of Mykonos, also known as the island of the winds, revel in the unspoiled panoramas of Patmos, the magic of medieval Rhodes, Minoan Crete, and serene Santorini—with a special stop on the Turkish coast to see the amazingly preserved Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus.


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Day 9

CRUISING: THESSALONIKI Island Life & Times THESSALONIKI Free time to explore.
Breakfast Breakfast Lunch Lunch Dinner Dinner

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE in the Greek port city of Thessaloniki on the Aegean Sea. You’ll find remnants of fascinating Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history in this cultural capital of Greece. Dine on delicious Greek specialties and wander the lively streets, or simply stretch out on the shore to take it all in.


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Day 10

CRUISING: KUSADASI, TURKEY Turkish Treasures KUSADASI Visit the excavations of Ephesus.
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 11

CRUISING: HERAKLION, CRETE Greek Mythology & Marvels HERAKLION Visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos.
Breakfast Breakfast Lunch Lunch Dinner Dinner

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
MYTHS & LEGENDS Marvel at the architecture of the Palace of Knossos in Crete’s city of Heraklion. Here, you’ll envision epic tales of Greek mythology- the Labyrinth, the Minotaur half-man/half-beast, and the legends of Daedalus and Icarus.


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Day 12

CRUISING: SANTORINI, GREECE Sun, Sand & Sea SANTORINI Free time (weather permitting).
Breakfast Breakfast Lunch Lunch Dinner Dinner

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT With its postcard-like scenery, the lofty volcanic footprint of Santorini’s Oia caldera landscape embodies the essence of the Cyclades Islands. Spend free time amid azure seas and white and blue houses that line the maze of alleyways.


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Day 13

CRUISING: MYKONOS Mediterranean Magic MYKONOS Enjoy free time in Mykonos.
Breakfast Breakfast Lunch Lunch Dinner Dinner

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEMS 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 14

MILOS Goddess of Love MILOS Enjoy free time to explore.
Breakfast Breakfast Lunch Lunch Dinner Dinner

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Like love, Milos is both beautiful and dramatic in nature, with its enticing beaches and volcanic terrain. Here, an iconic statue was found hundreds of years ago – known as the famous Venus de Milo – a tribute to the Greek goddess Aphrodite.


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Day 15

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 16

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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