Athens, Mycenae, Nafplio, Olympia, Delphi, Mykonos, Crete & Santorini
The Greeks have a word for a feeling that expresses joy, fun, passion and loving life: kefi. Our special women-only Greece land and island tour lets you fully embrace the spirit of this region, which gave birth to Western civilization, the Olympics and the healthful Mediterranean diet! You’ll not only experience all of the Greek classics—seeing the Acropolis and Parthenon, sailing the sparkling-blue Aegean Sea, and stopping at mythical islands like Mykonos, Crete, and Santorini. Along the way, you’ll enjoy special women-focused experiences which will allow you to learn more about the role of women in Greece’s history as well as the role of the Olympian goddesses on Greek myth and legend. Let’s raise a glass of ouzo to finding your kefi on this odyssey through spectacular Greece and the Greek Islands.
Welcome to Athens, the capital of Greece. This evening, our tour director hosts a welcome dinner.
Accommodations: NYX Esperia Palace Hotel Athens or similar Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Athens
Our guided morning tour takes us to the famed Acropolis, a must-see UNESCO World Heritage site described as the “most striking and complete ancient Greek monumental complex still existing in our times.” We'll see the stunning Parthenon, dedicated to Athena, the Erechtheum with its graceful Porch of Caryatids, and the ruins of the Temple of Zeus before descending the Acropolis for a panoramic drive past the Royal Palace, government buildings and elegant homes of modern Athens. | Next, we'll meet a mythology expert and learn about the world of Ancient Greek godesses!|After our lecture, we'll visit to the oldest tavern in the old city. Here, we'll meet Maria who can teach us how to cook traditional Greek dishes before we savor our delicious lunch!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Athens – Mycenae – Nafplio – Olympia
Today we take off for a three-day road trip to the classical cities of mainland Greece. We'll visit the wonderfully preserved 2,300-year-old theater of Epidaurus. Next, we'll visit ancient Mycenae, founded by Perseus and built with the help of the mythological Cyclops, or at least that’s what the poets say! Here, we'll see excavations that reveal the splendors vividly described by Homer including the Beehive Tombs, Treasury of Atreus, Lion Gate (Europe’s oldest known monument), the remains of Agamemnon’s Royal Palace, and the impressive fortifications of the Citadel. | We'll continue to a pottery workshop which is operated by two sisters. Here, we'll have the chance to learn more about this art form and create our own pieces! In Nafplio, a picturesque and romantic city, we'll have time to explore and relax. This afternoon, we'll depart for Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. We'll enjoy dinner at our hotel this evening after check-in.
Accommodations: Arty Grand Hotel or similar Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Olympia – Nafpaktos – Delphi
This morning, we'll join a local expert to tour the archaeological site and museum at Olympia, where the games were conceived as a tribute to Hercules, son of Zeus. As an enduring link between the ancient games and today’s Olympics, the Olympic flame is still lit here in Olympia. We'll view the impressive remains of the Gymnasium and the Temples of Hera and Zeus, as well as see the magnificent Hermes of Praxiteles, the most famous statue in the Olympia Museum. After visiting Olympia, we will pass through the beautiful medieval town of Nafpaktos on our way to Delphi. Tonight, we'll gather for dinner at the hotel.
Accommodations: V Hotel Delphi or similar Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Delphi – Arachova – Athens
After breakfast, we'll visit Delphi archaeological site where we'll marvel at the ruins of Sanctuary of Apollo, walk the marble Sacred Way and admire the fourth-century BC theater still in use today. We'll also see the glorious “Charioteer of Delphi,” one of the best known and preserved examples of classical bronze statues. On our way back to Athens, we'll stop in Arachova, a ski resort town in the mountains, for some free time to wander around the town. After we arrive in Athens later today, we'll check into our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Embark on Greek Island Cruise – Mykonos
Sailing is the best way to see the idyllic Greek Islands, and today we'll embark on four sun-kissed days and starry nights with the award-winning Celestyal Cruises! Refreshed with a sumptuous breakfast, we’ll journey to the port to board our ship and settle into the cruising lifestyle. This evening, our first port of call is Mykonos, where iconic windmills and whitewashed homes harmonize with stylish restaurants and trendy clubs. We'll have have free time to stroll through the town, explore shops and winding streets, and watch the local scene from a seaside taverna or café before heading back to the ship.
Accommodations: MS Celestyal Discovery Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Greek Island Cruise: Kusadasi – Ephesus – Patmos
This morning, we dock in Kusadasi, Türkiye, a short drive from Ephesus. Considered the world’s best-preserved classical city and famous for its Temple of Artemis, Ephesus is one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. We'll return in time for lunch on the ship as we sail to scenic Patmos, a significant Christian pilgrimage destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site. See optional tours for information about an excursion to the countryside and the Grotto of Apocalypse. We'll enjoy dinner tonight on our ship.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Greek Island Cruise: Rhodes
Today’s port of call is beautiful Rhodes, home to a large medieval city that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fascinating web of Byzantine, Turkish and Latin ruins. We'll visit the Acropolis of Rhodes where we'll wander through the ruins of the Hellenistic Temple of Apollo with its impressive columns. Next, we'll head for Philerimos, one of the great tourist attractions of the island with its beautiful Monastery. Back in Rhodes, we'll learn more about the Knights and how they lived in the Palace of Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes. This is one of the most atmospheric and intriguing areas of Rhodes, where we'll delve into the very heart and soul of its history. Consider an optional excursion to Philerimos and the Palace of the Knights. We'll continue sailing later today.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Greek Island Cruise: Crete (Heraklion) – Santorini
Awaken to Crete, an island rich with history and culture. We'll come ashore in the bustling capital Heraklion, where we can enjoy some free time to stroll the charming Lion’s Square, sample a bougatsa (local pastry) at a café.
We'll return to the ship in time for lunch, as we continue sailing to romantic and utterly breathtaking Santorini, set on a volcanic crater immersed in the sea. Early this evening, we'll arrive in Santorini, a group of islands, and we'll stop in Thira. We'll fall in love with the whitewashed houses, narrow streets and outdoor cafes that line the steep cliffs, accessible by foot, cable car or mule. Later, we'll return to the ship for a final night at sea.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Disembark Cruise & Depart Athens
Today we bid farewell to the wonderful crew of our Celestyal ship near Athens. The ship disembarkation starts at approximately 6 AM.
Meals: Breakfast
Guided Tour Pricing
We are working diligently to secure future tour dates and pricing for this itinerary. Please fill out the "Request a Future Date" form linked below, and we will notify you once dates are available.
The Celestyal Discovery is recently renovated and the latest addition to Celestyal's fleet of ships. Celestyal Cruises organizes a variety of cruises in the Mediterranean with older and renovated ships offering comfortable and modest accommodations. Celestyal prides itself as being a Greek company made up of local experts, offering travelers wonderful experiences on their shore excursions.
Slow the pace of your tour with a pre- and/or post-night stay so you can arrive refreshed, acclimate to the time zone if needed, and depart leisurely, ensuring a seamless transition into and out of your journey.
Pre-Night in Athens
From $229 per person based on double occupancy
Start our tour off on the right foot! Arrive a day early and enjoy more time to recover from travel, adjust to any time differences, and feel well-rested and relaxed on our first day of touring.
Post-Night in Athens
From $229 per person based on double occupancy
Extend your stay by one night at the end of our tour to make the most of additional free time for exploring our final city, shopping for last-minute souvenirs, or dining at that restaurant you’ve been wanting to try. Or, use this extra day to relax before beginning the journey home or to your next destination.
Optional Tours
Enhance your trip with these optional tours. Indicated optional tours are available to pre-book when you reserve your trip and can be added to your reservation up to final payment. This is the best option to guarantee your spot on your preferred optional tour! Optional tours require a minimum number of participants. Optional tours are non-refundable unless they do not operate.
Some optional tours can be purchased in-destination and may cost extra. The payment methods and currency information to purchase tours in-destination will be provided on final documentation.
Rhodes with Philerimos and the Palace of the Knights
$92 per person
Day 8 Afternoon Tour
We'll begin at the Acropolis of Rhodes, which sits on the hill of St. Stephanos just outside the city, and dates from the Classical Greek period. We'll wander through the ruins of the Hellenistic Temple of Apollo with its impressive columns, and then head for Philerimos, one of the great attractions of the island. The Monastery, accessed by stone steps surrounded by Cypress trees, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary the Life-Giving Source and is unexpectedly Gothic in style. We'll visit the Byzantine Church of St. George Hostos with its rare frescoes depicting the Knights. Philerimos is also home to the 'Golgotha', a series of copper reliefs depicting the Passion of Christ. Later, we'll return to the capital Rhodes to learn more about the Knights, where they lived, and how they were the last bastion of Christianity in a region dominated by the Ottomans.
MUST BE BOOKED IN DESTINATION!
Countryside Tour with Chora and the Grotto of Apocalypse
$87 per person
Day 8 Afternoon Tour
The lovely island of Patmos is a UNESCO World Heritage Monument. Our panoramic excursion begins in the port of Skala, heading to the centre of the island and the capital of Chora. Here we'll see the Monastery of St John the Evangelist and visit the Grotto of the Apocalypse. This is where, according to the biblical account, Jesus spoke to John and told him of the Apocalypse. In the central area of Chora we find the silent windmills which stand sentry-like over the capital. Our tour continues as we head to some of the more desolate landscapes of the island, typical of the Dodecanese. Rocky hills, barren soil and promontories jutting into the sea creating dozens of coves and bays making up an intricate coastline. Here you might reflect on the legend of how the island lay at the bottom of the sea and how Zeus was prevailed upon to allow it to rise from the water.
MUST BE BOOKED IN DESTINATION!
Palace of Knossos
$92 per person
Day 10 Morning Tour
Heraklion is the birthplace of the Minoan civilization, and this optional tour takes you to the colossal palace of Knossos. Its maze of 1,500 rooms is linked to King Minos and mythic characters such as the Minotaur and Labyrinth.
MUST BE BOOKED IN DESTINATION!
Spectacular Oia Village Perched on the Caldera Rim
$92 per person
Day 10 Late Afternoon Tour
On this optional tour, we'll see one of the greatest spectacles—Oia village perched on the rim of a caldera, the remains of a volcanic eruption. First, we'll head to Megalochori, one of the most authentic and unspoiled villages on the island. Megalochori has retained its distinctive architecture, character, and charm. We'll continue eastward through a number of small, traditional communities like Firostefani and Imerovigli until we arrive in Oia. Here, we'll have plenty of time to explore, stroll the marble-paved alleys, and visit adorable shops. During our visit, we can admire the traditional buildings carved into the rocks and unusual captain's manors, and the settlement of Ammoudi at the foot of the caldera.
MUST BE BOOKED IN DESTINATION!
What to Expect
Max Group Size: 20 travelers
Activity Level: Level 3
Expect most included touring to require walking and standing periods of up to 4 hours at a time (up to 2 times per day). Included touring may feature hikes, stairs, and/or climbs which may be on hilly and/or uneven terrain at potentially high altitudes. Learn More
Pacing Level: Fast
Expect full-day tours most days with some limited free time at specific sites, for meals, and/or in the evenings. You can expect early mornings and/or long travel days by bus, and you may expect to stay in most accommodations for 1-3 nights. Learn More
New in 2025: ETIAS Visa Waiver Required for U.S. Passport Holders
A valid passport is required for international tours. Effective for travel in 2025, U.S. passport holders are required to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver. Please visit our Passports & Visas page to learn more about any required actions, next steps, and additional costs.
Most sites on the shore excursions and sightseeing include walking over uneven terrains and steps. It might not be best for those with walking difficulties. During the cruise, there are early wake-up calls as the touring starts as soon as the ship arrives at the port.
For more detailed information about this tour and destination, visit our Before You Depart section.
Marvel at ancient wonders like the famed Acropolis in Athens, the Pyramids of Giza, and the Library of Celsus at Ephesus. Visit the Old City of Jerusalem, beautiful Cyprus, the island of Rhodes, and more! View Tour ❯
