Grecian Fables Idyllic - Premium, Classic Group
Grecian Fables Idyllic - Premium, Classic Group
$7824
Grecian Fables Idyllic - Premium, Classic Group
15 Days Starting and ending in Athens, Greece
Visiting: Athens, Meteora, Delphi, Olympia, Mycenae, Thessaloniki, Kusadasi, Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, Milos
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Grecian Fables Idyllic - Premium, Classic Group" tour, a captivating journey through Greece and Turkey that immerses you in the rich tapestry of ancient civilizations. Begin in Athens, where you'll explore iconic landmarks like the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus with a Local Expert. Traverse the historic streets of Plaka, and venture to the breathtaking Meteora monasteries. Discover the sacred grounds of Delphi and Olympia, and wander through the ruins of Mycenae. Experience the charm of Nafplio and the engineering marvel of the Corinth Canal. Cruise the Aegean Sea aboard the luxurious MV Celestyal Journey, visiting the enchanting Greek islands of Crete, Mykonos, Santorini, and Milos, as well as the Turkish port of Kusadasi. Delight in authentic Greek dining experiences and enjoy the comfort of premium accommodations throughout your adventure. This tour promises a blend of cultural exploration, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable memories.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Divani Palace Acropolis, New, Athens, Athens Marriott
Meals Included: Dinner
An Insight host will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel, where there is time to settle in and relax. Join your Travel Director and get to know your fellow travelers over a delightful evening of dinner.
Day 2: Athens, City Of Gods
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Divani Meteora, Kalambaka
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Begin your journey into ancient Greece today, where the history of this remarkable civilization comes to life. Explore Athens with an Insight Choice experience. Choose to visit the city's renowned ancient sites with a Local Expert, or venture into the dynamic Plaka neighborhood, guided by your Travel Director. Next, venture to Thermopylae, the mountain pass where King Leonidas and his Spartan warriors made their legendary stand against the Persians in 480 B.C. Pay tribute at the memorial honoring their courage before continuing to your hotel in Kalambaka for a delicious dinner crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Day 3: The Pinnacles Of Meteora Relaxed Start
Location: Meteora
Accommodation Name: Divani Meteora, Kalambaka, Grand Meteora, Kalambaka
Meals Included: Breakfast
With your Local Expert, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora, meaning 'in the air.' The massive pinnacles of smooth rock are ancient, yet could also be the setting for a science fiction tale. Visit one of the monasteries, that adds to the strange and beautiful landscape and enjoy stunning views over the Peneios Valley. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Why not explore with a relaxed walk on the nature trails? Alternatively, you may wish to visit the Natural History Museum.
Day 4: The Sacred Way And Onto Olympia
Location: Delphi
Accommodation Name: Arty Grand Hotel, Olympia., Amalia Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel south, stopping at the foothills of Mount Parnassus. Ascend the Sacred Way of Delphi with your Local Expert. Pass the Parian marble Treasury of the Athenians and Polygonal Wall, with its interlocking stones still perfectly intact after thousands of years. You'll approach the Temple of Apollo, where for 14 centuries the mysterious Oracle of Delphi breathed her enigmatic ‘words,' rumoured to have successfully predicted events related to the Argonauts expedition and the Trojan War. Your travels continue to Olympia, where dinner is served in your hotel.
Day 5: Ancient Olympia
Location: Olympia
Accommodation Name: Arty Grand Hotel, Olympia., Amalia Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
It's all in the name. Ancient Olympia is the site where the Ancient Olympic Games began in 776 B.C., in dedication to Zeus. See the ruined Temple of Zeus that was built to honor the ruler of the gods. Continue your exploration through time to the athletes gymnasium and the Ancient Stadium of Olympia with its characteristic arch. The start and finish points for the sprint track are still marked by stones and there is time to capture your own memory, with a photo at the starting line. In the evening, join a local chef for an entertaining cooking demonstration, showcasing classic Greek cuisine. Experience authentic Greek flavors, as you savor dishes prepared for your dinner.
Day 6: Mycenae And Nafplio
Location: Mycenae
Accommodation Name: Divani Palace Acropolis, New, Athens, Athens Marriott
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Visit the ruined city of Mycenae with a Local Expert. Walk through the Lion Gate, visit the royal beehive-tombs and see the giant Cyclopean stones used to build the city walls. Later, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet the artisans at a family-run pottery studio and view beautiful works of art. Travel to the elegant town of Nafplio, known for its beautiful architecture, colorful shops and cafes. Your journey continues, following the shores of the Saronic Gulf to pass the Corinth Canal, dividing the Peloponnese and mainland Greece, and arriving in Athens. In the evening, enjoy a hearty dinner in true Greek style.
Day 7: Cruising To Thessaloniki Relaxed Start
Location: Thessaloniki
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Journey (or similar).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The morning is at your leisure. Late afternoon, board your cruise ship and set sail for the ancient city of Thessaloniki. While cruising, enjoy an exquisite variety of Mediterranean dishes as well as flavors, aromas and spices from around the world. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served on-board daily. Your cruise includes a selection of alcoholic beverages and non alcoholic hot and cold beverages are included.
Day 8: Discover Thessaloniki Relaxed Start
Location: Thessaloniki
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Journey (or similar).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will have time to explore Greece's second largest city. Walk along the waterfront and enjoy the many cafes along Aristotelous Square and see ancient monuments such as the Arch of Galerius.
Day 9: Kusadasi Relaxed Start
Location: Kusadasi
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Journey (or similar).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This afternoon explore the Turkish port of Kusadasi and explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus with a Local Expert. In the evening, sail on to Crete.
Day 10: Crete Relaxed Start
Location: Crete
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Journey (or similar).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your morning on Crete, Greece’s largest island, and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean. Home to myths and legends, including Zeus' birthplace and the Minotaur, embark on an epic tour to the capital city of Heraklion and absorb the rich history of Europe’s first advanced civilization with a visit to King Minos' Palace in Knossos. In the evening, your cruise continues to Santorini.
Day 11: Discovering Santorini Relaxed Start
Location: Santorini
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Journey (or similar).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arrive in Santorini and gaze at the sheer cliffs and dazzling panorama. Explore the capital of Thira, with its clifftop restaurants and cafés, breathtaking views and amazing sunsets. This evening is free for you to explore Santorini's nightlife.
Day 12: Mykonos Relaxed Start
Location: Mykonos
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Journey (or similar).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The full day is yours to relax and explore Mykonos, with its dazzling sugar cube houses and whitewashed windmills. This evening, there is time to enjoy the buzzing nightlife.
Day 13: Mykonos To Milos Relaxed Start
Location: Milos
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Journey (or similar).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is yours to enjoy the gorgeous island of Milos, with its crystal waters and white cliffs. There will be time to explore the capital of Plaka or soak up the sun on the flat rocks of Sarakiniko Beach.
Day 14: Athens At Leisure Relaxed Start
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Divani Palace Acropolis, New, Athens, Athens Marriott
Meals Included: Breakfast
Disembark in the morning and transfer to your hotel where you are at leisure. Relax, shop or bargain in the local market. Perhaps ask about an optional experience to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion?
Day 15: Depart Athens
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bid farewell to Athens. Your journey ends with a transfer to the airport.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay in luxurious accommodations including Divani Palace Acropolis, New, Athens Marriott, Divani Meteora, Kalambaka, Grand Meteora, Kalambaka, Arty Grand Hotel, Olympia, Amalia Olympia, and MV Celestyal Journey (or similar) during your Grecian adventure.
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Luxurious Transport
Travel in comfort with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach featuring double the standard legroom and onboard washroom, along with a cruise on the MV Celestyal Journey (or similar) for island explorations.
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Dining
Enjoy 12 dinners, 14 breakfasts, and 6 lunches during your tour.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
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Baggage Handling
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Transfers
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times.
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Cooking Demonstration
Join a local chef in Olympia who will share their passion for local ingredients and high-quality products. Learn how to make tzatziki and other regional dishes during a fun and immersive cooking demonstration.
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Well-being Measures
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches. Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
What's Not Included
Optional experiences such as a visit to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion are not included and may incur additional costs.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach featuring double the standard legroom and onboard washroom, along with a cruise on the MV Celestyal Journey (or similar) for island explorations.
Dining Summary
- 12 Dinner (D)
- 14 Breakfast (B)
- 6 Lunch (L)
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Insight Experiences
- Olympia: Join a local chef who will share their passion for local ingredients and high-quality products. Learn how to make tzatziki and other regional dishes during a fun and immersive cooking demonstration.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of unique experiences such as visiting a traditional hand weaving workshop in Nafplio, a cooking demonstration with a local chef in Olympia, and exploring the ancient ruins of Ephesus with a Local Expert.
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What kind of dining experiences can I expect on this tour?
You can expect to indulge in local specialties during dinners in historic neighborhoods of Athens, taste unique Greek flavors in Olympia, and enjoy a variety of Mediterranean dishes on the cruise. The tour also includes a cooking demonstration where you can learn to make regional dishes.
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How does the tour support sustainable tourism?
The tour supports sustainable tourism by including a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Nafplio, where you visit a traditional hand weaving workshop. This experience advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
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What are some of the highlights of the cruise portion of the tour?
During the cruise, you will visit the Greek Islands of Crete, Mykonos, Santorini, and Milos, as well as the Turkish port of Kusadasi. The cruise offers a selection of Mediterranean dishes and includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. Additionally, a cruise on the MV Celestyal Journey (or similar) is included for island explorations.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions