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Best of Greece with 7-Day Eclectic Aegean Cruise Deluxe
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Best of Greece with 7-Day Eclectic Aegean Cruise Deluxe
Abandon your sea legs to explore the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, palm-tree lined avenues of Thessaloniki and the shores of Santorini, renowned as the most romantic town in Greece with its Venetian architecture and nostalgic Neoclassical mansions.
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Trip code
WGOK
Best of Greece with 7-Day Eclectic Aegean Cruise Deluxe
Abandon your sea legs to explore the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, palm-tree lined avenues of Thessaloniki and the shores of Santorini, renowned as the most romantic town in Greece with its Venetian architecture and nostalgic Neoclassical mansions.
Put the 'oh' in opa and embark on an unforgettable exploration of an ancient land of gods and goddesses, myths and legends. Your springboard to your spellbinding holiday is the vibrant capital of Athens, an effortless mix of ancient treasures and modern verve, which you will have an opportunity to explore after being transferred to your hotel. This evening, join your Travel Director and travel companions for a Welcome Reception, including a light meal and welcome drink.
Join your Local Specialist for a guided morning sightseeing tour to the ancient complex that was once the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation'. Along our journey into antiquity, we'll have an opportunity to explore the Acropolis with its treasures and admire the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, the Royal Palace, Temple of Zeus and the Agora, once the haunt of Socrates and Plato. Dive Into Culture and see remarkable displays of an ancient world during an included visit to the Acropolis Museum, and see Hadrian's Arch and the stadium where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy on your own. Stroll through the Plaka, people-watch in Syntagma Square or go in search of the city's tastiest souvlaki – the choice is yours.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 3
Journey to Corinth, Mycenae and Nafplion
We depart Athens this morning, crossing the mighty Corinth Canal to the wild Peloponnesian Peninsula. Arriving in Corinth, we join a Local Specialist to explore an ancient city that several empires fought over throughout the centuries. We continue to Mycenae, a mighty kingdom of Ancient Greece, where we'll see the Beehive Tombs (the Treasury of Atreus), the Lion Gate and the remains of Agamemnon's Royal Palace, in the company of a Local Specialist. Later, we'll travel to Epidaurus to visit the ancient theatre and view the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the God of Medicine, whose snake-entwined staff remains the symbol of medicine to this day. Arriving in the Venetian town of Nafplion later, we'll dine in our hotel this evening.
We traverse the Mountains of Arcadia to ancient Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games held in 776 BC. This evening, we Connect With Locals joining the Karambellas family for dinner on their olive and wine farm at a Be My Guest experience featuring traditional dancing and characteristic Greek philoxenia.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Amalia Olympia
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 5
Onwards to Patras and Delphi
We join a Local Specialist this morning to delve into centuries of history. We'll visit the ancient Olympic site, the museum and the ruined remains of the Temples of Zeus and Hera. Leaving Olympia, we skirt the coastline north to Patras, crossing the Gulf of Corinth to mainland Greece before continuing to Delphi, our home for the night.
Tread in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks, who would descend on the sanctuary of Delphi to consult with the most important oracle in the classical world. Join your Local Specialist and walk the Sacred Way to the 4th-century Temple of Apollo. View the statues immortalising the strength of the athletes who once competed in the Pythian Games, held in honour of Apollo and the Arts. A scenic afternoon drive brings us to Thermopylae, famous for the heroic defence by Leonidas and his brave Spartans against the invading Persians. We cross the lush Thessaly region, the ‘breadbasket of Greece', then travel over the Pourmaraki Pass towards Kalambaka.
The UNESCO World Heritage monasteries of Meteora are our first stop today. Join a Local Specialist to visit two of the six Eastern Orthodox monasteries that cling impressively to immense, rounded rock towers overlooking the town. A scenic drive returns us to Athens, where we'll enjoy a rousing Farewell Dinner with our travel companions and reminisce over an incredible journey through Greece.
Spend the day at leisure on your own and see the city's ancient sites.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 9
Embark on Your 7-Day Cruise
Spend the morning on your own exploring what was once the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation'. See the city's ancient sites before boarding your cruise ship this afternoon for your seven-night cruise through the Aegean.
Nothing stands between you and a morning of pure indulgence as you sail across the Aegean bound for Istanbul, the meeting place between East and West. Embark on an included Bosphorus cruise then don't resist the urge to stretch your legs in its historic Sultanahmet district this evening.
Today, visit the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets and a wonderland of carpets, lanterns, spices and teas. You'll have the rest of the day on your own to explore the city that Napoleon once called the capital of the world.
Cruise through the Dardanelles strait where Asia and Europe meet and brave warriors have fought through the ages. Today's stop is Kavala, a vibrant seaport resort perched on the slopes of Mt. Symvolo. The city is dominated by the majestic Byzantine castle and the Kamares – an aqueduct erected by Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century. Stroll through the picturesque harbour with its countless brightly coloured fishing boats moored along the waterfront or explore the sandy beaches, stately squares and stylish shops.
This morning we sail into the port city of Thessaloniki. Beyond its thick Byzantine walls, Thessaloniki is an appealing mix of the traditional and the glamorous. Wander along winding cobbled streets and palm-tree lined avenues, popping in to browse chic boutiques and feast on traditional delights in local ouzerias. Explore age-old churches, rub shoulders with the locals browsing the markets and enjoy homemade ice cream in Aristotelous Square.
You'll have the day to visit the vibrant university city of Volos, which sits in the shadow of Mt Pelion. Spend the day exploring and stop at one of the tsipouradika tavernas on the seafront Argonauts Avenue to sample the local tsipouro (pomace brandy). Return to your ship in time for an evening departure.
Admire the dramatic volcanic landscape of Santorini, an inspiring backdrop for an encounter with laid-back island life. Embark on an included excursion to the stunning clifftop village of Oia, passing pretty villages of whitewashed houses and vineyards set against Santorini's magnificent caldera. Marvel at Oia's iconic blue domed church, a true pinch-me moment.
This morning, disembark from your cruise ship for your transfer to the airport. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
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About this trip
About this trip
What's included
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon
15 nights
Accommodation
Trip Summary Meals Icon
33 Meals
1 Be My Guest, 1 Farewell Dinner, 1 Welcome Reception, 15 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 9 Dinners
Trip Summary Transport Icon
On-trip Transport
All transport shown
The Trafalgar difference
Connect With Locals
Say opa! to an Olympic Be My Guest experience with the Karambellas family on their olive and wine farm, followed by a traditional dinner and dancing.
Dive Into Culture
Visit the Acropolis Museum containing remarkable antiquities giving visitors an insight into the lives of Athenians centuries ago.
Sightseeing highlights
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Explore Athens, Meteora, Delphi, Olympia, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Corinth and village of Oia with a Local Specialist
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Visit the Acropolis and Museum in Athens, the ancient ruins in Corinth, the ancient theatre at Epidaurus, the Olympic Stadium in Olympia, the home of the Oracle at Delphi, and the incredible rock monasteries in Meteora, Istanbul, Kavala, Thessaloniki, Volos and Santorini
Experience Ti Filled Icon
View the Parthenon, Agora, Royal Palace and Temple of Zeus in Athens, the Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus and the battle site at Thermopylae
Experience Ti Filled Icon
See the Corinth Canal, the Lion Gate and Agamemnon's Palace at Mycenae
Moderate: Cat. IA/IB/IC Standard Inside 2-berth cabinSuperior: Cat. XA Standard Outside 2-berth cabinPremier: Cat. XB Superior Outside 2-berth cabinPremium: Cat. XC Superior Outside 2-berth cabin
Itinerary: Occasionally the itinerary may be altered due to sailing conditions on the Aegean Sea, ferry schedules, religious holidays or unforeseen circumstances.
Celestyal Cruise Ship: Operating this itinerary will be Celestyal Crystal or other ship from the Celestyal fleet.
Flights: Onward flights from Athens airport should not be scheduled before 2pm.
Shared Rooming: Room Share is not available on this trip.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
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Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them.
What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional)
Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.
