Ancient Ruins & Full-Board Aegean Cruise
Greece & Turkey in 10 Days • 8 Nights in Destination
/person
Natalie
Travel crafter
Our classic tour of Greece's main historical sights combined with an unforgettable 3-night full-board cruise to discover the most sought-after islands and sights in the Aegean Sea!
Trip Highlights
- Acropolis of Athens
- Crete
- Kalambaka
- Mykonos
- Santorini
- Kusadasi
Included
All flights
Accommodation
All transfers.
Activities
Some meals
Availability
Departures available until October 2023
Available Group tours
Solo travelers from + $770
Add up to 4 nights to your stay
- WHAT'S THIS?
Categories available
charm included
superior from + $300
- WHAT'S THIS?
Select a day to go to next step
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
1 | 2 | |||||
3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 |
24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
29 | 30 | 31 |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |||
5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
Categories Available:
charm
From $2,899
- Accommodation in Charm category hotels and in an Interior Stateroom on a Greek Island Cruise.
superior
From $3,199
- Accommodation in Superior category hotels and in an Exterior Stateroom on a Greek Island Cruise.
Accommodation: 8 Nights
Itinerary
Experience the history and culture of Greece. Discover the ancient Acropolis ofAthens and the capital's vibrant neighborhoods.Continue to the mysterious sanctuary of Delphi and the gravity-defying monasteries of Meteora.Next, embark on a relaxing 3night full-board cruise across the Aegean, stopping along the way to visit Mykonos, Crete, Santorini and the historic port of Kusadasi in Turkey
Ready to dive into the wonders of one of the greatest civilisations of all time and walk in the footsteps of the greats, from Socrates to Aristotle? Head to your departure airport, ready for a flight to Athens *, the Greek capital. Night on board.
* If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Touch down in Athens and transfer to the hotel, in the heart of the city where you can soak up the hustle and bustle of the mega-metropolis. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure, exploring the vibrant Athenian neighbourhoods and sampling delicious Greek cuisine. Overnight stay in Athens.
Breakfast at the hotel. Discover Athens today with a guided sightseeing tour. Begin with a panoramic tour of the city to see the Parliament Building, the University, National Library and Academy of Arts. Be awe-struck by the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium, carved from marble and famous as the site of the first modern Olympics in 1896. Next, pay a visit to the spectacular Athens Acropolis to explore one of the most famous archaeological sites on earth! Walk in the footsteps of the greats and finish the tour with an eye-opening visit to the New Acropolis Museum, home to the most impressive treasures unearthed from the Acropolis and ancient Athens.* The remainder of the day is free at your leisure to soak up the lively atmosphere of the city come nightfall and dine on delicious Greek cuisine. Alternatively, why not opt for an excursion to the amazing Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion?** Overnight stay in Athens.
* From January 1st 2023, the entrance fee to the Acropolis will be included.
Please note: At the Athens Acropolis, the terrain is quite uneven underfoot and includes a number of stairs. It may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility.
** Optional Excursion to Cape Sounion: Set off for Cape Sounion to see the amazing Temple of Poseidon, the ruins of which date back to the Golden Age of Athens. Overlooking the sea, the silhouette of this ancient temple is one of the most picturesque sights in Greece. Entrance fee to be paid at the destination (approx. 10 euros per person).
Breakfast at the hotel. Leave the capital behind as you travel to Delphi, thought to be the center of the ancient Greek world. In Ancient Greece, Delphi was the home of the Pythia, a priestess who had the ability to consult the Oracle in order to tell the future. Visit the archaeological site, home to the Temple of Apollo, the Athenian Stoa and the Treasury of the Athenians, and take in the captivating mountain views. Next, depart to Kalambaka (approx. 3.5 hr journey), home to amazing rock formations and ancient hilltop monasteries. Check-in and get settled at the hotel before enjoy an evening at your leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in Kalambaka.
Please note: At Delphi, the terrain is quite uneven underfoot and includes a number of stairs and steep paths. It may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility.
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day discovering the fascinating heritage of Meteora on an excursion to the floating Monasteries of Meteora.* Perched atop gravity-defying rocky peaks, the monasteries of Meteora are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the 6 remaining monasteries are still active today. Established between the 12th and 16th centuries, the monks chose this isolated and hard to reach location to build their monasteries in order to escape the political and religious upheaval of the Middle Ages. Visit up to two of these ancient sites and enjoy the amazing views across the Plain of Thessaly. Afterwards, depart to Athens and transfer to the hotel (approx. 4.5 hr journey). The evening is free at your leisure to explore the atmosphere of Syntagma Square or enjoy the city's lively nightlife. Overnight stay in Athens.
* Entrance fee must be paid at the destination (approx. 3 euros per person at each monastery).
Please note: At Meteora, the terrain is quite uneven underfoot and you will be required to climb a number of stairs in order to visit the monasteries. It may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility. Modest dress is required to enter the monasteries of Meteora. This includes a long skirt (not trousers) and covered neckline/shoulders for women, and long trousers for men.
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the port of Lavrio this morning, where you'll board the ship ready to embark on an unforgettable full-board 3-night cruise around the eternal Greek islands. Your home for the next three nights is fully-equipped to ensure you have a memorable experience. Make the most of the Greek sunshine at the onboard pool and savour authentic Greek cuisine with three meals a day and an unlimited drinks package. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy! Set sail across the Aegean Sea, headed for your first stop of the journey: Mykonos! Famous for its vibrant nightlife and picture-perfect architecture, arrive in the evening and enjoy some time to explore at your leisure, soaking up the Mediterranean ambience or stopping for a sunset cocktail at a local taverna. Return to the ship and spend the night on board.
Full-board. This morning you'll anchor in Kusadasi, on Turkey's Aegean coast. This port city is the gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the region. Disembark and set off on an included excursion to Ephesus to discover the secrets of this fascinating Greco-Roman Site. Back on board, leave Turkey behind as you navigate towards the island of Patmos. Part of Greece’s Dodecanese island group, Patmos is a famous place of Christian pilgrimage. To learn more about its spiritual heritage, we recommend an optional excursion to the Monastery of St. John.* Otherwise, spend some time exploring the island's pretty towns and tranquil coastline at your leisure. Back on board, why not enjoy a drink at the bar as you leave Patmos behind, ready to continue your adventure through the Aegean tomorrow morning! Night on board.
*Optional Excursion to the Monastery of St. John: Founded in 1088, this incredible monastery is named after St. John of Patmos, the author of the Book of Revelations. Pay a visit to this important centre of religious learning before heading to the sacred Grotto of the Apocalypse, said to be the place where St. John received his heavenly visions.
Full-board. As the sun rises this morning, you'll arrive at the the port of Heraklion on the historic island of Crete. Famed for its rich Minoan heritage this large island is one of the most popular in all of Greece. Disembark and set off on an included excursion to the Palace of Knossos. A bronze-age archaeological site, the Palace of Knossos was once the center of the Minoan civilization and the birthplace of the famous Minotaur and the labyrinth myth! After exploring this legendary site, head back to the ship and set sail for Santorini, believed by some to be the lost city of Atlantis! Nowadays, its better known for its sophisticated atmosphere and sensational sunset views. Get to know the island better with an optional excursion to Oia, famed for its blue-domed roofs and charming cobblestone streets.* Depart Santorini in the evening and enjoy a relaxing night on board.
*Optional Oia Tour in Santorini: Discover the cobblestoned streets of Oia as you enjoy a tour of this pretty town. Take in the fabulous views from its hilltop streets and admire the blue-domed roofs of its white buildings and you get to know Santorini's best-loved destination!
Please note: For departures during the month of November 2022 or 2023 or between March 17th and March 24th 2023, the cruise will not visit the island of Crete. During these periods, the optional Oia Tour in Santorini will be included.
Breakfast on board. Disembark the ship this morning and take a transfer back to Athens. After checking in at the hotel, the remainder of the day is free to enjoy the Greek capital at your leisure. Do some last-minute souvenir shopping, perhaps for some authentic Greek sandals or local delicacies or pay a visit to some of the city's top sights such as the beautiful National Gardens, the National Museum of Contemporary Art or the Technopolis Cultural Center. Overnight stay in Athens.
Breakfast at the hotel.* Sadly, it's time to bring your unforgettable journey through Greece to an end. At the indicated time, transfer to Athens airport for a flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip.
* Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.
** Dependant on the choice of flight, you may arrive back in the US the following day.
10 days trip including flights*
9 days and 8 nights in destination
1
NYC - ATH
2
NYC - ATH
Athens
3
Athens
4
Kalambaka
5
Athens
6
Celestyal Cruises
7
Celestyal Cruises
8
Celestyal Cruises
9
Athens
10
ATH - NYC
* It may change depending of your departure city, departure date and arrival date.
The calendar does not display internal flights, trains or other transportation included in the itinerary.
Included activities
Athens Guided Sightseeing & Acropolis Tour
Discover the sights of both modern and ancient Athens including Consitution Square, the Athens Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Panathenaic Stadium and the Acropolis Museum. Entrance fees (approx. 30 euros per person) be paid at destination.
What's included: The Acropolis and the new Acropolis Museum Not included: Meals and any other service not mentioned above
Visit to Delphi Archeological Site
Head to Delphi via Thebes, Levadia and the picturesque village of Arachova, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Upon arrival, visit the archaeological site, home to the Temple of Apollo and the Treasury of the Athenians.
What's included: Transfer, Professional Guide & Visit to Delphi Archeological Site. Not included: Visit the Museum in Delphi is not included. Meals, tips and any other service not mentioned.
Meteora Monasteries
Established between the 12th and 16th centuries, visit up to two of these ancient sites and enjoy the amazing views across the Plain of Thessaly. Approx. 3 euros per person entrance fee to be paid at each monastery.
What's included: Transfer, Professional Guide & Meteora Monasteries tour Not included: Approx. 3 euros per person entrance fee to be paid at each monastery. Meals, tips and any other service not mentioned
Available Activities
Afternoon excursion to Cape Sounion in English
Set off for Cape Sounion to see the amazing Temple of Poseidon. Overlooking the sea, the silhouette of this ancient temple is one of the most picturesque sights in Greece. Approx. 10 euros per person entrance fee to be paid at destination.
Not included: Approx. 10 euros per person entrance fee to be paid at destination.
Monastery of St. John & Grotto Excursion in Patmos
Named after St. John of Patmos, the author of the Book of Revelations, pay a visit to this important centre of religious learning before heading to the sacred Grotto of the Apocalypse, said to be the place where St. John received his heavenly visions.
Oia Tour in Santorini
Discover the cobblestoned streets of Oia as you enjoy a tour of this pretty town. Take in the fabulous views from its hilltop streets and admire the blue-domed roofs of its white buildings
The price includes
- Included in all our trips. more information
- Departures from main US airports.
- International flights: US - Athens - US.
- 5 nights hotel accommodation in Charm category hotels and 3 nights on board in an Interior Stateroom on a Greek Island Cruise.See hotels included
- 5 breakfasts, 1 dinner and full-board with unlimited drinks package during the Greek Island Cruise.
- All transfers
- Visits as indicated in the itinerary with an English-speaking guide.*more informationSee itinerary
- All air taxes, fuel surcharge, port taxes and cruise ship fuel charges.
- Guide/s during the excursions.
Not included
Drinks, entrance fees,* city taxes and tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.
A number of Greek cities impose an accommodation tax, which must be paid directly to the hotel (Aprox. 3-4€ per room per night). City taxes must be paid in cash directly to the hotels.
*For departures during the month of November 2022 or 2023 or between March 17th and March 24th 2023, the cruise will not visit the island of Crete. During these periods, the optional Oia Tour in Santorini will be included.
- We recommend taking cash in the local currency with you on this trip, as withdrawing cash at ATMs is not always possible or easy in Greece. City taxes must be paid in cash directly to the hotels.
- We cannot guarantee rooms with a sea view in the Greek Islands.
- Charm Category: Interior Stateroom IA on the Greek Island Cruise.
- The group may be allocated in different hotels depending on group size and hotel availability.
- This itinerary is a semi independent tour. It includes accommodation, some activities and transfers, but you will not be accompanied by a guide throughout the entire trip.
- Hotel ratings in Greece are not governed by the same standards as those in the US, so please keep this in mind when selecting your desired accommodation category.
- Beach chairs / sun loungers are not included.
- Due to the nature of the destination the terrain can be uneven at times, it may require you to walk on a rocky path, and up and down hills.
- For wheelchair users this trip is upon request, please contact us for further information.
- Please note that there is no luggage assistance included throughout the trip. We recommend packing accordingly.
- Entry requirementsValid passport or identity card.
- VisaNo visa is required to enter the country for stays less than 90 days.
- CurrencyEuro.
- LanguageGreek.
- Electricity230 V. 50 Hz. Adapter not required.
- HealthThere are no mandatory vaccinations for travellers from the US.
- Time zoneUTC + 02:00.
- Tourist Office websitewww.visitgreece.gr
Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.
Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.
In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.
If you have reduced mobility/require the use of a wheelchair and prefer to go at your own pace, please contact our customer service team at +1 888-488-0592 or via our contact form.
Exoticca Travel Stories
Creating unforgettable memories, one traveler at a time
Pay in installments
60%
At time of booking
40%
60 days before departure