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 May 28, 2021 | Reserve after May 28, 2021 |
Select Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2021 | w/ eCheck Discount | Sale | After Sale | ||
| September 4 | September 14 |
September 4 - September 14 |
$3,499 | $3,599 | $3,899 |
Book Now: |
| September 11 | September 21 |
September 11 - September 21 |
$3,499 | $3,599 | $3,899 |
Book Now: |
| September 18 | September 28 |
September 18 - September 28 |
$3,499 | $3,599 | $3,899 |
Book Now: |
| October 2 | October 12 |
October 2 - October 12 |
$3,999 | $4,099 | $4,399 | Sold Out |
| October 9 | October 19 |
October 9 - October 19 |
$3,629 | $3,729 | $4,029 |
Book Now: |
| October 16 | October 26 |
October 16 - October 26 |
$3,499 | $3,599 | $3,899 |
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| November 6 | November 16 |
November 6 - November 16 |
$3,199 | $3,299 | $3,599 |
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| 2022 | 2022 | w/ eCheck Discount | Sale | After Sale | ||
| March 19 | March 29 |
March 19 - March 29 |
$2,899 | $2,999 | $3,299 |
Book Now: |
| April 9 | April 19 |
April 9 - April 19 |
$3,199 | $3,299 | $3,599 |
Book Now: |
| May 7 | May 17 |
May 7 - May 17 |
$3,199 | $3,299 | $3,599 |
Book Now: |
| May 14 | May 24 |
May 14 - May 24 |
$3,199 | $3,299 | $3,599 |
Book Now: |
| May 21 | May 31 |
May 21 - May 31 |
$3,199 | $3,299 | $3,599 |
Book Now: 
Selling Fast!
|
| June 18 | June 28 |
June 18 - June 28 |
$3,299 | $3,399 | $3,699 |
Book Now: |
| July 9 | July 19 |
July 9 - July 19 |
$3,499 | $3,599 | $3,899 |
Book Now: |
| August 20 | August 30 |
August 20 - August 30 |
$3,499 | $3,599 | $3,899 |
Book Now: |
| September 10 | September 20 |
September 10 - September 20 |
$3,199 | $3,299 | $3,599 |
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| September 24 | October 4 |
September 24 - October 4 |
$3,199 | $3,299 | $3,599 |
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| October 8 | October 18 |
October 8 - October 18 |
$2,999 | $3,099 | $3,399 |
Book Now: |
| October 22 | November 1 |
October 22 - November 1 |
$2,899 | $2,999 | $3,299 |
Book Now: |
Rates are per person based on double occupancy.
Single room supplement is $599
CABIN UPGRADE: Rates are based on inside cabin (without window).
Upgrade to a higher category cabin!
2021: All Dates
- 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
2022: Mar.19, Apr. 9, May 7, May 21, Jun. 18, Jul. 9, Aug. 20, Oct. 8, Oct. 22
- Outside cabin with a porthole: add $249 per person / $548 single
- Outside cabin with a window: add $299 per person / $628 single
- Upper Deck Outside cabin with a window: add $399 per person / $758 single
2022: Sep. 10, Sep. 24
- Outside cabin with a porthole: add $349 per person / $708 single
- Outside cabin with a window: add $399 per person / $798 single
- Upper Deck Outside cabin with a window: add $529 per person / $958 single
For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9:00am – 5:30pm 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 your non-refundable, non-transferable deposit, which must be received at the time of reservation. Deposits are $99 per person for all 2021 departures, and $300 per person for all 2022 departures. Full payment is due 120 days prior to departure. Baggage fees may apply. Space and prices subject to availability. Please see the smarTours Terms and Conditions for complete booking information.
Optional Tours Customize your trip with these optional tours.
*NEW* Indicated optional tours are now available to pre-book when you reserve your trip. This is the best option to guarantee your spot on your preferred optional tour!
Availability and pricing are subject to change. Optional tours require a minimum number of participants in order for the tour to operate. If you choose to book your optional tour while on your trip, payments are non-refundable and should be made by cash or credit card (VISA, MasterCard or AmEx, subject to service charge).
Oia Village
- Santorini
- From approx. $86 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 |
| 2021: September – November | Emirates | New York (EWR) | 11:55PM | 9:30PM |
| 2022: All Dates | 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!
