ATHENS, MYKONOS, EPHESUS, PATMOS, RHODES, CRETE, SANTORINI, DELPHI AND OLYMPIA
The Greeks have a word for that 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
- 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)
- 19 meals: 9 full buffet American breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L) and 6 dinners (D)
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours in Athens, Olympia and Delphi
- Three 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
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/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. B Royal Olympic…
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 Apr 30, 2019 | Reserve after Apr 30, 2019 | Select Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2019 | w/ eCheck Discount | Sale | After Sale | ||
| May 25 | June 4 | May 25 - Jun 4 | $3,699 | $3,799 | $4,099 | Sold Out |
| June 15 | June 25 | Jun 15 - Jun 25 | $3,899 | $3,999 | $4,299 | Sold Out |
| August 24 | September 3 | Aug 24 - Sep 3 | $3,799 | $3,899 | $4,199 | Book Now: |
| September 7 | September 17 | Sep 7 - Sep 17 | $3,799 | $3,899 | $4,199 | Book Now:  Selling Fast! |
| September 14 | September 24 | Sep 14 - Sep 24 | $3,599 | $3,699 | $3,999 | Sold Out |
| September 21 | October 1 | Sep 21 - Oct 1 | $3,399 | $3,499 | $3,799 | Sold Out |
| October 5 | October 15 | Oct 5 - Oct 15 | $3,199 | $3,299 | $3,599 | Sold Out |
| October 12 | October 22 | Oct 12 - Oct 22 | $3,199 | $3,299 | $3,599 | Book Now: |
| October 19 | October 29 | Oct 19 - Oct 29 | $3,099 | $3,199 | $3,499 | Book Now: Selling Fast! |
Rates are per person based on double occupancy.
Single room supplement is $599
For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9:00-5:30 EST) at 800-337-7773.
CABIN UPGRADE: Rates are based on inside cabin (without window).
Upgrade to higher category cabin:
- – Outside cabin with a porthole: add $249 per person / $299 single
- – Outside cabin with a window: add $279 per person / $349 single
- – Upper Deck Outside cabin with a window: add $349 per person / $449 single
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 within 48 hours of reservation. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. 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 |
2019: Apr. 13, Apr. 27, May 4, Jun. 15, Jul. 13, Aug. 24, Sep. 7, Sep. 14, Sep. 21, Oct. 5 | Emirates Airlines | New York (EWR) | 11:55PM | 9:30PM |
2019: May 18 | Lufthansa Airlines | New York (JFK) | 9:55PM | 1:30PM |
2019: May 25 | United Airlines | Newark (EWR) | 5:30PM | 4:30PM |
2019: Jul. 27 | Swiss Airlines/Austrian Airlines | New York (JFK) | 9:00PM | 2:30PM |
2019: Oct. 12 | Emirates | New York (JFK) | 11:55PM | 9:30PM |
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!
