Grecian Fables Idyllic - Superior, Classic Group
Athens
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Journey across the Aegean Sea, cruise to the islands of Crete, Santorini and Mykonos. Visit the sites of Athens including the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus. Explore Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Availability
From 09/06/2024 to 13/10/2024
Departure dates & prices
Dates
Availability
Price
What's included
Highlights.
12 Dinner with Wine (DW)14 Breakfast (B)6 Lunch with Wine (LW): Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
: Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency.
We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
: We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
: From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
: Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
: If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times.
If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Athens: Get to know your fellow travellers over a delightful Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
Olympia: Taste unique flavours and savour Greek regional specialities over a colourful Highlight Dinner.
Athens: Toast the culmination of your vacation with a lively Celebration Dinner in true Greek style at a local restaurant.
Olympia: Chef Farije shares with you her passion for local ingredients and high quality products.
Learn how to make tzatziki and other regional dishes during a fun and immersive cooking demonstration.
Athens: Ascend the Acropolis with a Local Expert to admire the Parthenon, built in 5th century B.
C.
Steps away you'll see the Temple of Athena Nike, also known as the Temple of the Wingless Victory, and the six stone-carved caryatids that make up the Porch of the Maidens on the Erechtheion.
Athens: See the Arch of Hadrian, erected in honour of the Roman Emperor and used as a divider between the ancient city and the new Roman district, along with the remaining columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Kalambaka: Your Travel Director will provide an orientation of this town situated at the base of the extraordinary Meteora rocks.
Thermopylae: See the Leonidas Monument dedicated to the brave warrior and his 300 Spartans.
Meteora: With a Local Expert, visit one of the remarkable centuries-old monasteries of Meteora, teetering on towers of rock and arguably the most spectacular place to visit in Greece.
Delphi: With your Local Expert, walk to The Sacred Way once lined with offertory temples.
See the reconstructed Athenian Treasury and pass the superb Polygonal Wall to reach the Temple of Apollo, where the people would seek divine wisdom from the mysterious Oracle.
Archaeological Site of Olympia: The stadium of Olympia hosted the ancient Olympic Games and the Heraia, the women's games in honour of Hera.
See the Temple of Zeus, athlete's gymnasium and the stone marker where the sprint began.
Archaeological Site of Mycenae: Walk through the Lion Gate past the royal beehive-tombs where Schliemann uncovered golden treasure, while hearing tales of Agamemnon from your Local Expert.
Nafplio: Join your Travel Director in an orientation of this beautiful seaport town and see why it is named one of Greece's prettiest spots.
Corinth Canal: Cross the amazing rock-cut channel dividing the Peloponnese from mainland Greece.
Athens: Visit the Greek Islands of Crete, Mykonos, Santorini, Milos.
Explore the Turkish port of Kusadasi.
Ephesus: Discover one of the world's finest ancient sites.
Led by your Local Expert, walk the Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and Amphitheatre and visit the House of the Virgin Mary.
: Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards.
Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
: Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
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Itinerary
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Day 1 An Insight host will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel, where there is time to settle in and relax.
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Day 2 Today your mythical Grecian discovery encapsulates the intriguing history of ancient Greece. Begin with an exploration revealing the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Arch of Hadrian. Next, your Local Expert takes you to the Acropolis, one of the most important ancient sites in the Western world. Crowning the top is the Parthenon, visible from almost everywhere in the city. See the Temple of Athena Nike, also known as the Temple of the Wingless Victory, and the six stone-carved caryatids that make up the Porch of the Maidens on the Erechtheion. Continue to Thermopylae, famous as the mountain pass where King Leonidas led his Spartan army, along with fellow Greek soldiers, into battle against the Persians in 480 B.C. See the memorial dedicated to Leonidas and his courageous Spartans. Then on to your hotel in Kalambaka for a delicious dinner from a fresh, seasonal menu.
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Day 3 With your Local Expert, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora, meaning 'in the air.' The massive pinnacles of smooth rock are ancient, yet could also be the setting for a science fiction tale. Visit one of the monasteries, that adds to the strange and beautiful landscape and enjoy stunning views over the Peneios Valley. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Why not explore with a relaxed walk on the nature trails? Alternatively, you may wish to visit the Natural History Museum.
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Day 4 Travel south, stopping at the foothills of Mount Parnassus.Ascend the Sacred Way of Delphi with your Local Expert. Pass the Parian marble Treasury of the Athenians and Polygonal Wall, with its interlocking stones still perfectly intact after thousands of years. You'll approach the Temple of Apollo, where for 14 centuries the mysterious Oracle of Delphi breathed her enigmatic 'words,' rumoured to have successfully predicted events related to the Argonauts expedition and the Trojan War. Your travels continue to Olympia, where dinner is served in your hotel.
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Day 5 It's all in the name. Ancient Olympia is the site where the Ancient Olympic Games began in 776 B.C., in dedication to Zeus. See the ruined Temple of Zeus that was built to honour the ruler of the gods. Continue your exploration through time to the athletes gymnasium and the Ancient Stadium of Olympia with its characteristic arch. The start and finish points for the sprint track are still marked by stones and there is time to capture your own memory, with a photo at the starting line. In the evening, join a local chef for an entertaining cooking demonstration, showcasing classic Greek cuisine. Experience authentic Greek flavours, as you savour dishes prepared for your Highlight Dinner.
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Day 6 Visit the ruined city of Mycenae with a Local Expert. Walk through the Lion Gate, visit the royal beehive-tombs and see the giant Cyclopean stones used to build the city walls. Later, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER(R) Experience.Travel to the elegant town of Nafplio, known for its beautiful architecture, colourful shops and cafes. Your journey continues, following the shores of the Saronic Gulf to pass the Corinth Canal, dividing the Peloponnese and mainland Greece, and arriving in Athens. In the evening, enjoy a hearty dinner in true Greek style, complete with wine and good cheer.
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Day 7 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.
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Day 8 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.
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Day 9 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 Crete.
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Day 10 Start your morning on Crete, Greece's largest island, and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean. Home to myths and legends, including Zeus' birthplace and the Minotaur, embark on an epic tour to the capital city of Heraklion and absorb the rich history of Europe's first advanced civilization with a visit to King Minos' Palace in Knossos. In the evening, your cruise continues to Santorini.
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Day 11 Arrive in Santorini and gaze at the sheer cliffs and dazzling panorama. Explore the capital of Thira, with its clifftop restaurants and caf?s, breathtaking views and amazing sunsets. This evening is free for you to explore Santorini's nightlife.
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Day 12 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.
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Day 13 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.
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Day 14 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?
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Day 15 Bid farewell to Athens. Your journey ends with a transfer to the airport.
- Prices quoted valid for sale until 31 May 2024 unless otherwise stated or sold out prior.
- Price is per person and subject to availability. Accommodation (if included) is based on twin share unless otherwise stated.
- Airfare (including internal flights) is not included unless otherwise stated and, if included, is economy class unless otherwise stated.
- Local payments, "trip kittys" or food funds may apply and may be payable direct to the supplier on arrival or to your travel agent prior to your departure. Where applicable, these payments are included in the total price quoted.
- Gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.
- Additional conditions and travel restrictions may apply. Please enquire for further details.
- Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies and government charges current at time of publication.
- Additional levies, government charges and other applicable fees may apply and are beyond our control.
- Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel.
- Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.
- Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store or Bpay.
- These prices are a guide to the best price. Prices are correct as at 26 May 2024 and are subject to change without notice, due to matters outside our control, such as adverse currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases. Please enquire for further details.
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