Compare Treasures of the Aegean 2022 by Tauck vs Mediterranean Fables Idyllic (Greece) - Superior, Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
4 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 8,990 | $ 3,515 |
| Price Per Day | $ 899 | $ 293 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small ship cruise | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
From the Parthenon to the Greek Isles, see classical antiquities and UNESCO World Heritage Sites on a land journey and cruise in the Aegean Sea aboard Wind Star, featuring a two-night hotel stay in Athens. |
Get to know the ancient gods a little better on a 11-day guided tour that takes you from mainland Greece to Turkey and the Greek Isles. Ascend to the Athens’ Acropolis, where you can walk around the towering Parthenon, a temple built to the goddess Athena. Cruise to Kusadasi and then travel with a Local Expert to the ruins of Ephesus, which was erected in the 6th Century B.C. Sail to Rhodes, where the Crusaders once built their headquarters, and to Crete, the homeplace of Zeus. Wander the charming maze of walkways in Mykonos and then gaze at the sheer cliffs of Santorini — and later, take in the most beautiful sunset you’ll ever see. |
Day 1 Arrive in Athens
Tour begins: 6:00 p.m., Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens, Greece. A transfer is included from Athens International Airport to Hotel Grande Bretagne. Meet fellow travelers at tonight's welcome cocktail reception and dinner.
MEALS : D
LODGING : Hotel Grande Bretagne
PORTOFCALL : Athens, Greece
Day 2 Athens' Acropolis & the Acropolis Museum
In the quiet early morning, before the crowds, visit the Acropolis of Athens – the rock above the city on which four of the greatest masterpieces of classical Greek art and architecture sit – the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheum, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Today's sightseeing also includes a guided tour of the new Acropolis Museum, a towering modern work of concrete and glass with a direct view of the Parthenon. Spend the rest of the day as you wish in Athens, perhaps on the Grand Promenade, a pedestrian paradise built for the 2004 Olympics. Not far from your hotel, the walkway is lined on one side with classical antiquities and on the other with modern cafés, mansions, and art galleries.
MEALS : B
LODGING : Hotel Grande Bretagne
PORTOFCALL : Athens, Greece
Day 3 Archaeological Museum & embark Wind Star
Begin your day with a guided tour through the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, considered one of the top ten museums in the world, before embarking your yacht, Wind Star, in Piraeus. Enjoy a cocktail hour, an evening briefing and dinner onboard at your leisure as the ship sails for Mykonos.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Wind Star
PORTOFCALL : Athens, Greece
Day 4 The islands of Mykonos & Delos
Wind Star arrives at the island of Mykonos, where you can take your pick of activities: a guided tour of this lively island, including a visit to the 16th-century church in the village of Ano Mera; or a boat ride to the archaeological site of Delos, where you'll find remnants of its reign as the holiest of all Greek sanctuaries. Ancient laws forbade anyone to be born or die on this island; even today, no one is allowed to stay the night! Return to Wind Star for lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure on Mykonos, exploring the labyrinthine town on your own. Dine onboard tonight as the ship continues on to the port of Kusadasi in Turkey.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Wind Star
PORTOFCALL : Mykonos, Greece
Day 5 To Kusadasi & Ephesus
Arrive this morning in the port of Kusadasi, Turkey for a guided excursion to Ephesus, one of the world's best-preserved classical cities revealing important vestiges of an ancient Roman civilization; in its heyday, marble lined the streets, fountains flowed, and an eternal flame burned upon a sacred altar. Take a walking tour of the ancient city, seeing the Odeon, Temple of Hadrian, Trajan's Fountain, the Arcadian Way and the two-tiered Library of Celsus. Have lunch at a local restaurant and a carpet demonstration before returning to the ship for cocktails. Enjoy a special dinner ashore this evening, complete with music by the Aegean Chamber Orchestra, at the Library of Celsus at Ephesus. Wind Star charts a course for the island of Patmos tonight.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Wind Star
PORTOFCALL : Ephesus, Turkey
Day 6 Cultural treasures on the Isle of Patmos
Today you'll discover the many charms of the picturesque island of Patmos, an important Christian pilgrimage site for its role in the writing of the Book of Revelations in the Christian Bible by St. John the Theologian. You'll have three choices of activities today. The first is a photography excursion through the historic heart of Chora, Patmos' capital city; with your guide, make your way through the old village's maze of winding cobblestoned streets and arched alleyways, learning to compose and capture stunning images of ancient whitewashed buildings and bell towers, rugged cliffs and hills, and blue Aegean seascapes. Alternatively, enjoy a day filled with rest and relaxation by the Aegean Sea on Agriolivadi Beach. And a third choice includes a tour of the Monastery of St. John the Theologian plus a visit to the Grotto of St. John – also known as the Cave of the Apocalypse – where tradition has it that John of Patmos received visions from Jesus that he recorded as the Book of Revelations; the grotto and the monastery have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Following lunch, you'll have free time to explore the port of Skala on Patmos, from which Wind Star will depart, bound for the island of Santorini.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Wind Star
PORTOFCALL : Patmos, Greece
Day 7 The pleasures of Santorini
Rise early to observe Wind Star's arrival at the beautiful island of Santorini. Travel ashore by motor launch for an island tour that takes you to Athinios Port and then up to Fira, the island's capital city. Here you'll visit the Prehistoric Museum of Fira, and feast your eyes on stunning views of the city's blue-domed buildings, which combine with the port to offer picture-perfect memories of this gorgeous Greek island. And you'll have the opportunity to see these treasures by cable car, atop Santorini's famous donkeys, or on foot as you make your way back down to Athinios Port. The ship offers tender service to and from the port, giving you the opportunity to explore this gem of an island at leisure until Wind Star sets sail for Monemvasia this evening.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Wind Star
Day 8 Aegean cruising & Monemvasia
After a leisurely morning spent cruising the Aegean Sea, Wind Star arrives midday at the town of Monemvasia, located on a small, rock-like island off the Peloponnese's east coast that was separated from the mainland by an earthquake around 375 AD. Nicknamed "the Gibraltar of the East" or simply "the Rock," Monemvasia has over the past thousand years or so been ruled by the Byzantine Empire, the Venetian Republic and the Ottoman Empire before becoming part of an independent Greece in the 19th century. Traces of its many occupiers over the centuries can be found throughout the island, some of which are revealed on a walking tour through the cobbled pathways of this fascinating town. You'll also have some time to explore as you wish before Wind Star departs the island and continues her cruise to Nafplion.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Wind Star
Day 9 Nafplion, Mycenae & Epidaurus
Nafplion (also known as Nauplion), on the Peloponnese Peninsula, is considered one of the most beautiful and romantic towns in Greece. Nestled by the sea with two mountains and a fortress overlooking the town, the unique architecture of Nafplion includes ancient walls, medieval castles, Ottoman fountains, Venetian and Neoclassical buildings. This historic city is the starting point for your choices of exploration today. One choice includes visits to three important sites around the Bay of Argolis – the architectural remnants of the tomb of Agamemnon; Palmidi Castle, set high above the town of Nafplion; and, after lunch, a guided walking tour of Nafplion, followed by some time to explore on your own. Or, visit Agamemnon's tomb at Mycenae and the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. This 4th-century amphitheatre is still used for performances today and is known for remarkable acoustics that allow the voice of a speaker on stage to reach some 15,000 spectators. Epidaurus was also home to one of the most renowned healing centers in the classical world. This choice also includes a winery lunch and some free time to check out Nafplion as you please. Return to the ship for farewell cocktails followed by dinner, as Wind Star sets sail to return to Piraeus (Athens).
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Wind Star
PORTOFCALL : Nafplion, Greece
Day 10 Journey home
Tour ends: 9:00 AM, Eleftherios Venizelos, Athens' International Airport. Disembark Wind Star for an 8:15 AM transfer. Flights should depart after 11:45 AM due to disembarkation schedules which cannot be guaranteed.
MEALS : B
PORTOFCALL : Athens, Greece
Day 1: Athens, City of Gods
You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. At 19:00, join your Insight Vacations Representative and fellow travellers for a Welcome Drink.
Divani Caravel Hotel, Athens., Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre.
Day 2: The Glories of Athens
See all the remarkable glories of Athens on a tour of the city. The highlight, of course, is a visit to the Acropolis with the remarkable Parthenon. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.
Divani Caravel Hotel, Athens., Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre.
Breakfast
Day 3: Cruising to Thessaloniki Relaxed Start
The morning is at your leisure. Late afternoon, board your cruise ship and set sail for the ancient city of Thessaloniki. While cruising, enjoy an exquisite variety of Mediterranean dishes as well as flavours, aromas and spices from around the world. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served on-board daily. Your cruise includes a selection of alcoholic beverages and non alcoholic hot and cold beverages are included.
MV Celestyal Crystal (or similar).
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 4: Discover Thessaloniki Relaxed Start
Today you will have time to explore Greece's second largest city. Walk along the waterfront and enjoy the many cafes along Aristotelous Square and see ancient monuments such as the Arch of Galerius.
MV Celestyal Crystal (or similar).
Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine
Day 5: Kusadasi Relaxed Start
This afternoon explore the Turkish port of Kusadasi and explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus with a Local Expert. In the evening, sail on to Rhodes.
MV Celestyal Crystal (or similar).
Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine
Day 6: Rhodes Relaxed Start
Upon arrival at Rhodes, chosen by the Crusaders as their fortified headquarters, the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Join your Local Expert on an included walking tour of the old town surrounded by medieval walls and visit the Acropolis of Lindos or simply enjoy a relaxing day on the golden beaches. In the evening, your cruise continues to Crete.
MV Celestyal Crystal (or similar).
Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine
Day 7: Discovering Crete and Santorini Relaxed Start
Sail to Crete, home to the birthplace of Zeus according to the Greek mythology. There is time at leisure to explore Heraklion or perhaps join a Local Expert for an Optional visit to the site of King Minos' Palace in Knossos. In the afternoon, set sail for Santorini and gaze at the sheer cliffs and dazzling panorama. Explore the capital of Thira, with its clifftop restaurants and cafés, breathtaking views and amazing sunsets. This evening is free for you to explore Santorini's nightlife.
MV Celestyal Crystal (or similar).
Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine
Day 8: Mykonos Relaxed Start
The full day is yours to relax and explore Mykonos, with its dazzling sugar cube houses and whitewashed windmills. This evening, there is time to enjoy the buzzing nightlife.
MV Celestyal Experience (or similar).
Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine
Day 9: Mykonos to Milos Relaxed Start
Today is yours to enjoy the gorgeous island of Milos, with its crystal waters and white cliffs. There will be time to explore the capital of Plaka or soak up the sun on the flat rocks of Sarakiniko Beach.
MV Celestyal Crystal (or similar).
Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine
Day 10: Athens at Leisure Relaxed Start
Disembark in the morning and transfer to your hotel where you are at leisure. Relax, shop or bargain in the local market. Perhaps ask about an optional experience to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion?
Divani Caravel Hotel, Athens., Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre.
Breakfast
Day 11: Depart Athens
Bid farewell to Athens. Your journey ends with a transfer to the airport.
Breakfast
