ATHENS, MYKONOS, EPHESUS, PATMOS, RHODES, CRETE, SANTORINI, DELPHI AND OLYMPIA
The Greeks have a word for a feeling that expresses joy, fun, passion and loving life: kefi. Our 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 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 soak up sun, breezes, and timeless vistas. Let’s raise a glass of ouzo to finding your kefi on this odyssey through spectacular Greece and the Greek Islands.
Itinerary at
a Glance
- 1 night in Athens
- 4-night Greek Island Cruise (including Mykonos, Crete, Santorini and more)
- 1 night in Delphi
- 1 night in Olympia
- 2 nights in Athens
Tour
Highlights
Your Tour
Includes
- Round-trip airfare from New York area
- Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- Intra-Greece ground transportation and transfers by air-conditioned motorcoach
- Accommodation at first-class and deluxe hotels
- 4-night Celestyal Cruise (includes unlimited non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks on board*, gratuities for crew and port charges)
- 20 meals: 9 full buffet American breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L) and 7 dinners (D)
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours in Athens, Olympia and Delphi
- Two included shore excursions and optional shore excursions available to purchase on board the cruise
- English-speaking guides (cruise escort and guide for land portion)
- Professional guides for included sightseeing tours
*Excludes platinum bar list and premium beverages including premium liquors and wines, and freshly squeezed juices.
Tour Itinerary
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 of Piraeus to board our ship and settle into the cruising lifestyle. Our first port of call is Mykonos, where iconic windmills and whitewashed homes harmonize with stylish restaurants and trendy clubs. You’ll have 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…
Greek Island Cruise/Kusadasi–Ephesus/Patmos
This morning, we dock in Kusadasi, Turkey, 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 St. John’s Monastery and the Grotto of the Apocalypse. Dinner is on the ship.
Celestyal Cruises | Breakfast, Lunch,…
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 picturesque Lindos, where whitewashed houses are clustered beneath a clifftop acropolis dedicated to the goddess Athena. Here we’ll see the powerful fortifications that still stand today, including the Citadel of the Knights, a rare combination of Greek setting and Gothic architecture! We’ll continue sailing later today.
Celestyal Cruises | Breakfast, Lunch,…
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 you can stroll the charming Lion’s Square, sample a bougatsa (local pastry) at a café or join an optional excursion to see the ruins of the Palace of Knossos.
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. Santorini is actually a group of islands, and we’ll stop in Thira. You’ll fall in love with the whitewashed houses, narrow streets and outdoor cafes…
Disembark Cruise Ship/Athens/Delphi
We bid farewell to the wonderful crew of our Celestyal ship near Athens and take off for a three-day road trip to the classical cities of mainland Greece. We’ll pass through several ancient towns, including Thebes (home of King Oedipus), on our way to Delphi, set majestically on the slopes of Mt. Parnassus, for a guided excursion. 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, as well as see the glorious “Charioteer of Delphi,” one of the best known and preserved examples of classical bronze…
Delphi/Nafpatkos/Olympia
Today we pass through the beautiful medieval town of Nafpatkos on our way to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. 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….
Olympia/Mycenae/Athens
On our way to Athens, we’ll visit the wonderfully preserved 2,300-year-old theater of Epidaurus. Our travels continue to ancient Mycenae, founded by Perseus and built with the help of the mythological Cyclops, or at least that’s what the poets say! We’ll see excavations that reveal the splendors vividly described by Homer. Sites include the Beehive Tombs, Treasury of Atreus, Lion Gate (Europe’s oldest known monument), remains of Agamemnon’s Royal Palace and the impressive fortifications of the Citadel. We’ll check-in at our city-center hotel later today.
Electra…
Athens
Our guided morning tour takes you 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. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore Athens on your own. Our hotel is located within easy walking…
Guided Tour Pricing
Price includes round-trip airfare from the U.S. (Land-only pricing available on request.)
| Depart | Return | Depart - Return | Best Value Pricing - Reserve by Aug 31, 2020 | Reserve after Aug 31, 2020 | Select Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2020 | w/ eCheck Discount | Sale | After Sale | ||
| October 3 | October 13 | Oct 3 - Oct 13 | $3,399 | $3,499 | $3,799 | Book Now: |
| October 10 | October 20 | Oct 10 - Oct 20 | $3,399 | $3,499 | $3,799 | Book Now: |
| October 17 | October 27 | Oct 17 - Oct 27 | $3,499 | $3,599 | $3,899 | Book Now: |
| October 24 | November 3 | Oct 24 - Nov 3 | $3,199 | $3,299 | $3,599 | Book Now: |
| 2021 | 2021 | w/ eCheck Discount | Sale | After Sale | ||
| March 20 | March 30 | Mar 20 - Mar 30 | $2,799 | $2,899 | $3,199 | Book Now: |
| April 3 | April 13 | Apr 3 - Apr 13 | $2,799 | $2,899 | $3,199 | Book Now: |
| April 10 | April 20 | Apr 10 - Apr 20 | $2,999 | $3,099 | $3,399 | Book Now: |
| May 1 | May 11 | May 1 - May 11 | $3,199 | $3,299 | $3,599 | Book Now: |
| May 8 | May 18 | May 8 - May 18 | $3,399 | $3,499 | $3,799 | Book Now: |
| May 22 | June 1 | May 22 - Jun 1 | $3,299 | $3,399 | $3,699 | Book Now: |
| June 12 | June 22 | Jun 12 - Jun 22 | $3,199 | $3,299 | $3,599 | Book Now: |
| September 4 | September 14 | Sep 4 - Sep 14 | $3,199 | $3,299 | $3,599 | Book Now: |
| September 11 | September 21 | Sep 11 - Sep 21 | $3,199 | $3,299 | $3,599 | Book Now: |
| September 18 | September 28 | Sep 18 - Sep 28 | $3,199 | $3,299 | $3,599 | Book Now: |
| October 2 | October 12 | Oct 2 - Oct 12 | $3,199 | $3,299 | $3,599 | Book Now: |
| October 9 | October 19 | Oct 9 - Oct 19 | $2,999 | $3,099 | $3,399 | Book Now: |
| October 16 | October 26 | Oct 16 - Oct 26 | $2,999 | $3,099 | $3,399 | Book Now: |
| November 6 | November 16 | Nov 6 - Nov 16 | $2,799 | $2,899 | $3,199 | Book Now: |
Rates are per person based on double occupancy.
Single room supplement is $599
*Oct. 26 Departure: Please note that on this departure, visitors will stay in Olympia and then in Delphi (reverse order). All sightseeing and the remainder of the itinerary remain the same.
CABIN UPGRADE: Rates are based on inside cabin (without window).
Upgrade to higher category cabin:
- – Outside cabin with a porthole: add $249 per person / $448 single
- – Outside cabin with a window: add $299 per person / $598 single
- – Upper Deck Outside cabin with a window: add $349 per person / $698 single
For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9:00-9:00 EST and Sat-Sun, 10:00-6:30 EST) at 800-337-7773.
Reservations and Payments
Reservations can be made by phone (1-800-337-7773) and will be confirmed upon receipt of $300 per person non-refundable, non-transferable deposit which must be received at the time of reservation*. A second non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $300 is due 60 days after the date of your reservation. Full payment is due 120 days prior to departure. *If the reservation date is within 70 days of the final payment due date, both first and second deposits are due at the time of reservation. Baggage fees may apply. Space and prices subject to availability. For complete booking information and terms & conditions click here.
Optional Tours Customize your trip with these optional tours.
Book optional tours on board the cruise ship, operated by Celestyal Cruises. You may pay with Euros or with your credit card. Please note that you will likely incur a transaction fee from your credit card company if you pay by credit card. Tours are subject to availability and minimum participation. Please note that optional tours are non-refundable.
Oia Village
- Santorini
- From approx. 72 Euro Per Person
Driving along the road you will have the unique opportunity to admire the panoramic view of the Aegean Sea and the neighboring islands. A unique sight is the various layers of lava that can be seen on the face of the rock, each layer being another phase of the activity of the volcano. Built on the Caldera rim, Oia Village is an excellent example of Cycladic architecture. Explore the village walking along the cobble-stone streets and the white washed houses with blue shutters where one gets the impression that they are a beautiful travel poster. After Oia the bus will drive you up to…
Featured Accommodations
Before You Depart
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Flights from the U.S. and back are on the following schedules. Please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing customs and immigration if you are planning a connecting flight. We recommend at least three-and-a-half hours. Please note that flight schedules are subject to change without prior notice.
| Departure | Airline | Airport | Depart | Return |
2020: Oct. | Emirates | New York (EWR) | 11:55PM | 9:30PM |
2021: Sep. – Nov. | Emirates | New York (EWR) | TBA | TBA |
ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT
Our selected airlines do not assign seats in advance, and smarTours is not involved in seat assignments. Seat assignments can only be arranged at the airport upon check-in.
LAND-ONLY TRAVELERS
International flights to/from the U.S. are not included. Land-only travelers are responsible for arranging entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. smarTours cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by air schedule changes and delays. Unused land services are non-refundable.
Main Tour: Land-only services start upon independent check-in at Athens hotel on Day 2 of the itinerary listed on the tour page. Land-only services end after breakfast at Athens hotel on Day 11 of the itinerary listed on the tour page.
PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION
You must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. U.S. citizens do not require visas. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the respective consulates for current visa requirements to all their travel destinations. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.
TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS
Your airline tickets along with final instructions and additional travel tips will be sent to you 7–10 days before the scheduled departure of your tour. Please make sure to advise us in case your address changes.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Immunizations are not currently required. However, you may wish to consult your personal physician or local public health authorities as to their suggestions.
CLIMATE
Expect daytime high temperatures in the 60s in April and November; 70s in May and October and 80s in September. Evenings and early mornings may be cooler.
NON-INCLUDED MEALS AND SIGHTSEEING
The hotels used on this tour offer several dining choices, with the average cost for dinner (excluding drinks) in a casual restaurant about $20–$25 per person. Your hotel will accept credit cards for your non-included meals. Optional sightseeing tours and evening activities will be offered.
CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY
Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards. However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency or U.S. Dollars. Your hotels will be able to exchange cash to local currency. It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations.
BAGGAGE
Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage (suitcase) max. 44 pounds, and one carry-on not exceeding 18”x10”x8”. We recommend that you do not overpack and that you take a variety of casual separates with climate and comfort in mind.
Multimedia
Check out photos taken by smarTours travelers on this trip of a lifetime!
