Grecian Fables Idyllic - Superior, Classic Group
Grecian Fables Idyllic - Superior, Classic Group
Grecian Fables Idyllic - Superior, Classic Group
15 Days Starting and ending in Athens
Visiting: Athens, Meteora, Olympia, Stadium at Olympia, Mycenae, Thessaloniki, Kusadasi, Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, Milos
Tour operator:
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
20 - 40
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Journey across the Aegean Sea, cruise to the islands of Crete, Santorini and Mykonos. Visit the sites of Athens including the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus. Explore Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Divani Palace Acropolis, NEW Hotel, Athens Marriott Hotel
Accommodation Name: Divani Palace Acropolis or NEW Hotel or Athens Marriott Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner with Wine
An Insight host will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel, where there is time to settle in and relax.
Day 2: Athens, City Of Gods
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Divani Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka.
Accommodation Name: Divani Meteora Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Today your mythical Grecian discovery encapsulates the intriguing history of ancient Greece. Begin with an exploration revealing the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Arch of Hadrian. Next, your Local Expert takes you to the Acropolis, one of the most important ancient sites in the Western world. Crowning the top is the Parthenon, visible from almost everywhere in the city. See the Temple of Athena Nike, also known as the Temple of the Wingless Victory, and the six stone-carved caryatids that make up the Porch of the Maidens on the Erechtheion. Continue to Thermopylae, famous as the mountain pass where King Leonidas led his Spartan army, along with fellow Greek soldiers, into battle against the Persians in 480 B.C. See the memorial dedicated to Leonidas and his courageous Spartans. Then on to your hotel in Kalambaka for a delicious dinner from a fresh, seasonal menu.
Day 3: The Pinnacles Of Meteora Relaxed Start
Location: Meteora
Accommodation: Divani Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka., Grand Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka.
Accommodation Name: Divani Meteora Hotel or Grand Meteora Hotel
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: Olympia
Accommodation: Arty Grand Hotel, Olympia., Amalia Hotel Olympia.
Accommodation Name: Amalia Hotel or Arty Grand Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
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: Stadium at Olympia
Accommodation: Arty Grand Hotel, Olympia., Amalia Hotel Olympia.
Accommodation Name: Amalia Hotel or Arty Grand Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
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 Highlight Dinner.
Day 6: Mycenae And Nafplio
Location: Mycenae
Accommodation: Divani Palace Acropolis, NEW Hotel, Athens Marriott Hotel
Accommodation Name: Divani Palace Acropolis or NEW Hotel or Athens Marriott Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
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, complete with wine and good cheer.
Day 7: Cruising To Thessaloniki Relaxed Start
Location: Thessaloniki
Accommodation: MV Celestyal Journey (or similar).
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Journey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
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: MV Celestyal Journey (or similar).
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Journey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine
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: MV Celestyal Journey (or similar).
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Journey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine
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: MV Celestyal Journey (or similar).
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Journey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine
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 Crete And Santorini Relaxed Start
Location: Santorini
Accommodation: MV Celestyal Journey (or similar).
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Journey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine
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: MV Celestyal Journey (or similar).
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Journey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine
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: MV Celestyal Journey (or similar).
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Journey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine
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: Divani Palace Acropolis, NEW Hotel, Athens Marriott Hotel
Accommodation Name: Divani Palace Acropolis or NEW Hotel or Athens Marriott Hotel
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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Expertly Guided Tours
Enjoy the expertise of Local Experts as you explore Athens, Meteora, Delphi, Olympia, Mycenae, Nafplio, and the ancient site of Ephesus.
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7-Night Cruise
Experience a superior 7-night cruise with a choice of four cabin decks, each cabin located on the ship exterior, complete with air conditioning, safety deposit box, and TV.
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Meals Included
Savor a variety of dining experiences, including dinners with wine at select destinations and onboard your cruise.
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Transportation
Personal radio headsets provided for tours, allowing you to wander without missing any commentary.
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MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience
Engage in a meaningful cultural exchange at a family-run pottery studio in Mycenae.
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Authentic Local Experiences
From a cooking demonstration of Greek cuisine to exploring the vibrant towns and ancient ruins, immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Greece and Turkey.
What's Not Included
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International Airfare
Flights to and from the tour starting point are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended but not included.
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Optional Excursions
Excursions and activities outside the itinerary are available for an additional cost.
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Personal Expenses
Expenses for personal nature like souvenirs, laundry, and tips are not included.
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Meals Not Specified
Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary are to be covered by the traveler.
Mode of Transport
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
Accommodation
Choose from four cabin decks for the 7 night cruise portion of your tour. Each cabin is located on the ship exterior, complete with air conditioning, safety deposit box and TV.
Check out our Q&As
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What countries does the Grecian Fables Idyllic - Superior, Classic Group tour visit?
The Grecian Fables Idyllic - Superior, Classic Group tour visits Greece and Turkey.
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What are some highlights of the tour?
Some highlights of the tour include visiting the Acropolis in Athens, exploring the monasteries of Meteora, walking The Sacred Way in Delphi, seeing the Temple of Zeus at the Archaeological Site of Olympia, exploring the Archaeological Site of Mycenae, an orientation of Nafplio, crossing the Corinth Canal, and discovering the ancient site of Ephesus.
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Is there a cruise included in this tour?
Yes, there is a cruise included in this tour.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the cruise?
During the 7 night cruise portion of the tour, accommodation is provided in cabins located on the ship exterior, complete with air conditioning, safety deposit box, and TV.
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What is the transport description for the tour?
Personal radio headsets are provided to 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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Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts and ends in Athens.
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What is the pick-up and drop-off location for the tour?
The pick-up and drop-off location for the tour is Athens Airport.
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What is the pick-up and drop-off time for the tour?
The pick-up time is on arrival and the drop-off time is on departure.
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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