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Consider extending your holiday beyond The Best of Greece. Set your sights on the Cyclades and cruise to the idyllic Greek Islands of Mykonos and Santorini.
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. We'll 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
Optional Experience
Cape Sounion
Take a relaxing trip down to the southernmost tip of Mainland Greece to see the fifth century B.C Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. See if you can spot where Byron carved his initials on one of the temple’s sixteen columns. Marvel at the sheer rugged beauty of the coastline and the ancient temple perched above a 197-foot drop down to the Aegean Sea below. Stand above the site of the world’s first lighthouse, overlooking an area steeped in classical Greek history, ever since the tragic King Aegeas threw himself from the rocky precipice into the sea below, thereby giving his name to the Aegean Sea.
Adult Price: €45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Dinner "Meze" Style In Psiri With Acropolis Illuminations
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at a wonderful restaurant located in the lively area of Psiri. Dining is “meze style”, giving you the opportunity to taste many Greek cuisine dishes, which are served in the centre of the table. Also enjoy the local free-flowing wine! Afterwards see the Acropolis beautifully illuminated as you return to your hotel (Casual dress).
Adult Price: €50.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Cape Sounion And Seafood Dinner
Take a relaxing drive along the Apollo coast to the southernmost point of Attica and visit the splendid 5th century B.C. Temple of Poseidon. The area steeped in Classical Greek history is where King Aegeas threw himself from the rocky precipice, a 197 ft drop in to the sea below, thereby lending his name to the Aegean Sea. A unique opportunity to view of the temple high above the Aegean Sea! Do not forget your cameras to capture the moment. A real Greek fish-seafood dinner in one of the most popular fish-tavernas in the area, frequented by the local people. Sitting next to the sea savour delicious seafood starters, Greek salad, fish for the main course and local wine.
Adult Price: €85.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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 'bread basket 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.
We leave the bustling city streets of Athens and cruise to Mykonos, where the Windmills of Kato Mili extend a warm evening welcome as they have to arriving seafarers for centuries. You'll have the evening free to explore the winding lanes of Chora, strolling past whitewashed cottages and tumbling cerise bougainvillea as you admire the pretty boutiques, then follow your nose to the best seafood in town. As the sun sets over Mykonos, there's no better place for cocktails than Little Venice.
Myconian Countryside tour with Hora & Little Venice
Join our Local Specialist as we head south from Chora, stopping at the leeward beach of Ornos, a picturesque fishing harbour and popular anchorage. We'll continue to the small beach of Agia Anna and Kalafatis beach. Then, we'll visit the traditional village of Ano Mera and the monastery of Panagia Tourliani, founded in 1542. The pretty village square is a perfect spot for a short break. Returning to Chora, we'll stop at Paraportiani where we’ll see the Mykonos Folklore Museum, housed in an old two-storied merchant baron's house. Continuing, we'll visit the "Little Venice" of Mykonos, Alefkandra, with its windmills and otherworldly sunsets that are a highlight of the island.
Adult Price: €67.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 9
Continue to Ancient Ephesus and Patmos
Visit the Turkish shores of Kusadasi for a complimentary Shore Experience to ancient Ephesus. We continue to Patmos, the site where the Book of Revelation was written by St. John. Here, you could choose to see the Cave of the Apocalypse and St. John's Monastery as an Optional Experience.
Patmos Countryside Tour with Hora and the Grotto of the Apocalypse
We'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Patmos to enjoy a panoramic guided tour of the island, including a magical visit to the Grotto of the Apocalypse, where it is said St John the Apostle wrote the Book of Revelation. We'll then reach the medieval town of Hora to enjoy a leisurely walk, marvel at the views of the Monastery of St John the Evangelist, and finish our tour at Scala, the port of Patmos, where we'll enjoy a welcoming coffee, tea or refreshment.
Adult Price: €67.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 10
Cruise to Crete and on to Santorini
Heraklion, Europe's oldest city, takes centre stage this morning as you explore Crete's ancient Minoan culture and heritage at the Palace of Knossos on your complimentary Shore Experience. Admire its bright wall paintings that were restored at the turn of the 20th century and explore centuries of history that predate Christ. Continue to Santorini, watching as this Cycladic island comes closer on the horizon, rising out of the Aegean with its distinctive clifftop towns. You could consider an optional Shore Experience this afternoon, passing villages and vineyards bound for Oia with its white buildings and blue-domed churches which vie for the best views over the caldera.
Spectacular Oia Village Perched On The Caldera Rim
We'll travel first to Megalochori village, one of the most authentic, unspoiled villages of the island with its distinctive architecture and character. We'll continue East, viewing distant settlements like Kamari and Monolithos, and pass through the island's capital Fira. Then, it's off to the small traditional villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli, with their delicate architecture, before eventually arriving at the settlement of Oia. You'll have plenty of time to stroll through the village's marble-paved alleys, gaze at the adorably cute shops, and take Instagram-worthy pictures of the characteristic buildings carved into the rocks, including the distinctive captains' manors.
Adult Price: €74.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Akrotiri Village Excavations
Marvel at Santorini's towering cliffs, as tender boats convey you to the port at Athinios, where a coach will take you to Santorini's most significant archaeological site, the ancient village of Akrotiri. On the way we'll stop at the ruins of the island's famous windmill for photos and to enjoy the incredible panoramic view. You’ll then have a chance to to go back in time to explore the amazing ruins of Akrotiri. These advanced people grew crops and built two- and three-story homes, shops and workshops surrounding the village square thousands of years ago. Akrotiri was a bustling town, but its inhabitants abandoned it before the Thera eruption, a mystery archaeologists and historians are still trying to solve. The ash from the volcano buried the city, preserving many of its structures and some of its incredible frescoes. Driving on to Fira, the capital of Santorini and its largest town, we'll visit the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedra famed for its elegant construction and its beautiful frescoes painted by Christoforos Assimis. Stay in Fira to shop and enjoy a coffee or a snack or take the Santorini Cable Car to the port below, an incredible descent of more than 200 meters toward the deep blue waters of the caldera. Our tender boats will be ready, once you disembark from the cable car, to bring you back to the ship.
Adult Price: €74.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 11
Disembark in Athens
This morning, disembark from your cruise ship and board a transfer to your hotel.
Transfers are provided to the airport for your return flight home. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 2
Cape Sounion
Take a relaxing trip down to the southernmost tip of Mainland Greece to see the fifth century B.C Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. See if you can spot where Byron carved his initials on one of the temple’s sixteen columns. Marvel at the sheer rugged beauty of the coastline and the ancient temple perched above a 197-foot drop down to the Aegean Sea below. Stand above the site of the world’s first lighthouse, overlooking an area steeped in classical Greek history, ever since the tragic King Aegeas threw himself from the rocky precipice into the sea below, thereby giving his name to the Aegean Sea.
Adult Price: €45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 2
Dinner "Meze" Style In Psiri With Acropolis Illuminations
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at a wonderful restaurant located in the lively area of Psiri. Dining is “meze style”, giving you the opportunity to taste many Greek cuisine dishes, which are served in the centre of the table. Also enjoy the local free-flowing wine! Afterwards see the Acropolis beautifully illuminated as you return to your hotel (Casual dress).
Adult Price: €50.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 2
Cape Sounion And Seafood Dinner
Take a relaxing drive along the Apollo coast to the southernmost point of Attica and visit the splendid 5th century B.C. Temple of Poseidon. The area steeped in Classical Greek history is where King Aegeas threw himself from the rocky precipice, a 197 ft drop in to the sea below, thereby lending his name to the Aegean Sea. A unique opportunity to view of the temple high above the Aegean Sea! Do not forget your cameras to capture the moment. A real Greek fish-seafood dinner in one of the most popular fish-tavernas in the area, frequented by the local people. Sitting next to the sea savour delicious seafood starters, Greek salad, fish for the main course and local wine.
Adult Price: €85.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Myconian Countryside tour with Hora & Little Venice
Join our Local Specialist as we head south from Chora, stopping at the leeward beach of Ornos, a picturesque fishing harbour and popular anchorage. We'll continue to the small beach of Agia Anna and Kalafatis beach. Then, we'll visit the traditional village of Ano Mera and the monastery of Panagia Tourliani, founded in 1542. The pretty village square is a perfect spot for a short break. Returning to Chora, we'll stop at Paraportiani where we’ll see the Mykonos Folklore Museum, housed in an old two-storied merchant baron's house. Continuing, we'll visit the "Little Venice" of Mykonos, Alefkandra, with its windmills and otherworldly sunsets that are a highlight of the island.
Adult Price: €67.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 9
Patmos Countryside Tour with Hora and the Grotto of the Apocalypse
We'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Patmos to enjoy a panoramic guided tour of the island, including a magical visit to the Grotto of the Apocalypse, where it is said St John the Apostle wrote the Book of Revelation. We'll then reach the medieval town of Hora to enjoy a leisurely walk, marvel at the views of the Monastery of St John the Evangelist, and finish our tour at Scala, the port of Patmos, where we'll enjoy a welcoming coffee, tea or refreshment.
Adult Price: €67.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 10
Spectacular Oia Village Perched On The Caldera Rim
We'll travel first to Megalochori village, one of the most authentic, unspoiled villages of the island with its distinctive architecture and character. We'll continue East, viewing distant settlements like Kamari and Monolithos, and pass through the island's capital Fira. Then, it's off to the small traditional villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli, with their delicate architecture, before eventually arriving at the settlement of Oia. You'll have plenty of time to stroll through the village's marble-paved alleys, gaze at the adorably cute shops, and take Instagram-worthy pictures of the characteristic buildings carved into the rocks, including the distinctive captains' manors.
Adult Price: €74.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 10
Akrotiri Village Excavations
Marvel at Santorini's towering cliffs, as tender boats convey you to the port at Athinios, where a coach will take you to Santorini's most significant archaeological site, the ancient village of Akrotiri. On the way we'll stop at the ruins of the island's famous windmill for photos and to enjoy the incredible panoramic view. You’ll then have a chance to to go back in time to explore the amazing ruins of Akrotiri. These advanced people grew crops and built two- and three-story homes, shops and workshops surrounding the village square thousands of years ago. Akrotiri was a bustling town, but its inhabitants abandoned it before the Thera eruption, a mystery archaeologists and historians are still trying to solve. The ash from the volcano buried the city, preserving many of its structures and some of its incredible frescoes. Driving on to Fira, the capital of Santorini and its largest town, we'll visit the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedra famed for its elegant construction and its beautiful frescoes painted by Christoforos Assimis. Stay in Fira to shop and enjoy a coffee or a snack or take the Santorini Cable Car to the port below, an incredible descent of more than 200 meters toward the deep blue waters of the caldera. Our tender boats will be ready, once you disembark from the cable car, to bring you back to the ship.
Adult Price: €74.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
11 breakfasts, 3 cruise lunches, 8 dinners (including Be My Guest)
Trip Summary Transport Icon
On-trip Transport
All transport shown
Included Highlights that will delight you
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. (Day 4)
Dive into Culture
Visit the Acropolis Museum containing remarkable antiquities giving visitors an insight into the lives of Athenians centuries ago. (Day 2)
Sightseeing highlights
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Explore Athens, Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi and Meteora 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
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
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Optional Experiences and free time
Experience Tick Thin Icon
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Experience Tick Thin Icon
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Experience Tick Thin Icon
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Handcrafted Highlights
Experience Tick Thin Icon
VIP entry to many sights
Feefo T T Icon
LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELERS REVIEWS
Best of Greece with 3-Day Aegean Cruise Premier Trip Reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
Overall Rating
4.3
Out of 5
Based on 56 independent reviews
Trip Rating
Customer experience
Trip rating is the overall quality of the itinerary and trip
4.2
Out of 5
5
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26
4
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24
3
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2
2
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2
1
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2
Customer experience is the standard of service you receive
Nia is the best guide we have had with 3 trips with Trafalgar. Costas was an excellent bus driver. Very caring and interactive people. Our 3 day cruise was a disappointment. Our guide,Dimitri, was more concerned about get us through things than our experience. We couldn’t disembark in Mykonos and Santorini was overrun with tourists and we couldn’t get to any of the sites The five star rating is for Nia and Costas
Celestyal Cruise Ship: Operating this itinerary will be Celestyal Olympia or other ship from Celestyal Fleet
Port Taxes: All prices are inclusive of port taxes and tips and are accurate as of July 2020.
Moderate: Cat. IA/IB/IC Standard Inside 2-berth cabin Superior: Cat. XA Standard Outside 2-berth cabin Premier: Cat. XB Superior Outside 2-berth cabin Premium: Cat. XC Superior Outside 2-berth cabin
Triple cabins are available on this trip.
Flights: Onward flights from Athens airport should not be scheduled before 12noon.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
Shared Rooming: Room Share is not available on this trip.
Itinerary: Occasionally the itinerary may be altered due to sailing conditions on the Aegean Sea, ferry schedules, religious holidays or unforeseen circumstances.
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.
Double-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) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
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 traveling as part of a family group.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange your flights to arrive on or before day 1.
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