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Insight - Grecian Fables Eclectic - Standard, Classic Group (04/2023 - 04/2023) (H989BMZN18)

15 Days From Athens to Athens 
Tour Style: Eastern Mediterranean Cruising
Insight Brochure Price from $4,325.00
Brochures: Ancient Civilizations 2023 v2
Visits: Greece, Turkey

Journey across the Aegean Sea during this 15-day guided tour of Greece and Turkey. In Athens, a Local Expert will share the history of the Temple of Olympian Zeus and several other sites, including the Acropolis and the Temple of Athena Nike. Cruise to Istanbul, explore the spice market and travel along the bosphorus, before arriving in Cannakale. Sail to Thessaloniki, Greece's largest city, and Volos. Gaze at the sheer cliffs of Santorini from the village of Oia perched atop the caldera rim — and later, take in the most beautiful sunset you’ll ever see.
Choice Highlights

Well-being
  • : Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas. In Athens, your knowledgeable local Insight host will ensure your time in this city is seamless.
  • : Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with onboard washroom. Alternate vehicles without onboard washroom or 40 seats may be used on occasion. 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.   ​
  • : Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
  • : We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
  • : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Travel Director
  • : "Not only does it have a land in two continents, but Istanbul is the only city in the world which was the capital of three empires: the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires."
  • : "I love how guests react to hearing the Zorba the Greek song. It’s amazing that one old song can still unite and spread so much enthusiasm."
  • : "The trick to really connecting with the Greeks is to say 'Kalimera!' (Good morning!) loud and proud to everyone you meet each morning, as we do, and to relax long enough to let your sense of humour come though. The Greeks appreciate people who lay the cards on the table, are authentic and show interest in the places they visit. "

Authentic Dining
  • Athens: Get to know your fellow travelers 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.
  • Dining Summary: 12 Dinner with Wine (DW), 14 Breakfast (B), and 6 Lunch with Wine (LW)

Top Rated Highlights
  • 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.
  • Crete: Explore Istanbul in Turkey. Visit Kavala, Thessaloniki, Volos and Santorini in Greece.
  • Istanbul: Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus in Istanbul, where you'll pass Ottoman palaces, old mansions and fortresses.
  • Oia: With you Local Expert, explore this village of Santorini during your included shore excursion.

Insight Experiences
  • 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.

Make Travel Matter
  • Archaeological site of Mycenae: Discover ancestral pottery methods at an artist's studio that preserves important skills and ancient traditions.

Insight Tour Itinerary

Day 1Welcome to Athens
An Insight host will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel, where there is time to settle in and relax. At 19:00, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception, and get to know your fellow travellers over a delightful evening of dinner and wine.
Visits: Athens
Meals: Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: Divani Caravel Hotel, Athens., Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre.
Day 2Athens, City of Gods
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.
Visits: Athens, Thermopylae, Kalambaka
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: Divani Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka., Grand Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka.
Day 3The Pinnacles of Meteora Relaxed Start
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.
Visits: Kalambaka, Meteora
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Divani Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka., Grand Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka.
Day 4The Sacred Way and onto Olympia
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.
Visits: Kalambaka, Delphi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: Amalia Hotel Olympia., Arty Grand Hotel, Olympia.
Day 5Ancient Olympia
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.
Visits: Archaeological Site of Olympia
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: Arty Grand Hotel, Olympia., Amalia Hotel Olympia.
Day 6Mycenae and Nafplio
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® Experience as you meet the artisans at a family-run pottery studio and view beautiful works of art.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.
Visits: Archaeological site of Mycenae, Nafplion, Athens
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: Divani Caravel Hotel, Athens., Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre.
Day 7Set Sail for Turkey Relaxed Start
Board your ship this afternoon and set sail for vibrant Istanbul, a city where continents collide. 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 onboard daily. Your cruise includes a selection of alcoholic beverages and non alcoholic hot and cold beverages.
Visits: Athens, Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: MV Celestyal Crystal (or similar).
Day 8Cruise the Bosphorus Relaxed Start
Arrive in Istanbul in the afternoon and board a cruise along the Bosphorus. Pass the palaces of Dolmabahce and Ciragan and enjoy the rich past emerging as you glide through both sides of the city.
Visits: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: MV Celestyal Crystal (or similar).
Day 9Exploring Istanbul Relaxed Start
Enjoy a full day walking through the lively streets, bustling with friendly locals, as aromatic spices fill the air. Take in the beautiful palaces and churches, adorned with colourful mosaics. Be sure to taste local treats such as Turkish delight and baklava.
Visits: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: MV Celestyal Crystal (or similar).
Day 10Explore Kavala
Explore the atmospheric port city of Kavala today, also known as “the blue city” due to the crystal blue waters surrounding the bay. During free time, trace back Kavala’s history in the old town or relax at a café on the seafront. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit the ruins of the ancient city of Philippi?
Visits: Kavala
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: MV Celestyal Crystal (or similar).
Day 11Discover 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.
Visits: Thessaloniki
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: MV Celestyal Crystal (or similar).
Day 12Explore Volos Relaxed Start
Spend your day at leisure today exploring the bustling city of Volos. Why not wonder along the harbour and dine in one of the picturesque restaurants, taking in the views of fishing boats and yachts that line the seafront?
Visits: Volos
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: MV Celestyal Crystal (or similar).
Day 13Santorini sightseeing Relaxed Start
Wake up in Santorini with a full morning at leisure to relax. Gaze at the sheer cliffs of Santorini and dazzling panorama. Explore the capital of Thira, with its clifftop restaurants and cafés, breathtaking views and amazing sunsets. With your Local Expert visit the Cycladic village of Oia, one of the most picturesque villages of the island boasting panoramic views of the caldera.
Visits: Santorini
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: MV Celestyal Crystal (or similar).
Day 14Athens 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?
Visits: Athens
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Divani Caravel Hotel, Athens., Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre.
Day 15Depart Athens
Bid farewell to Athens. Your journey ends with a transfer to the airport.
Visits: Athens
Meals: Breakfast


Available Room Types: Single, Triple, Twin
Child: ages 5 to 17

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