Treasures of Greece & The Islands - Classic Group

Treasures of Greece & The Islands - Classic Group

14 Days
From

$2955

Treasures of Greece & The Islands - Classic Group

14 Days Starting and ending in Athens, Greece

Visiting: Athens, Meteora, Olympia, Mycenae, Santorini, Mykonos

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

I953MN26

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Sailing

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $2955

NB: Prices correct on 27-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Treasures of Greece & The Islands - Classic Group" tour and immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning landscapes of Greece. Begin your journey in Athens, exploring iconic sites like the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Travel through ancient cities such as Olympia and Mycenae, and witness the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora. Enjoy local culinary delights and hands-on experiences, including a cooking demonstration in Olympia and a weaving workshop in Nafplio. Sail across the Aegean Sea to the enchanting islands of Santorini and Mykonos, where you can relax on sun-soaked beaches, explore charming towns, and savor unforgettable sunsets. Conclude your adventure back in Athens, enriched by the timeless beauty and culture of Greece.

Highlights

  • Athens: Indulge in local specialties with your fellow travelers as you savor dinner in one of the city's historic neighborhoods.

  • 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.

  • Nafplio: Experience the timeless craft of hand weaving by visiting a traditional workshop. Immerse yourself in the ancient art and discover the intricate techniques passed down through generations.

  • Athens: Ascend the Acropolis with a Local Expert to admire the Parthenon, built in 5th century B.C.

  • Thermopylae: See the Leonidas Monument dedicated to the brave warrior and his 300 Spartans.

  • Meteora: With a Local Expert, visit one of the remarkable centuries-old monasteries of Meteora, teetering on towers of rock and arguably the most spectacular place to visit in Greece.

  • Delphi: With your Local Expert, walk to The Sacred Way once lined with offertory temples.

  • Santorini: Marvel at the beauty of the Aegean Sea as you sail the waters to Santorini.

Itinerary

Expand All

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, Grand Meteora, Kalambaka

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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 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: Olympia

Accommodation Name: Amalia Olympia, Arty Grand Hotel, 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: Amalia Olympia, Olympion Asty

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. Travel to the elegant town of Nafplio, known for its beautiful architecture, colorful shops and cafes. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet Maria and her daughter to learn about the ancient techniques of hand weaving. Your journey continues, following the shores of the Saronic Gulf to pass the Corinth Canal, dividing the Peloponnesse 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: Across The Mediterranean To Santorini

Location: Santorini

Accommodation Name: NOŪS Santorini, Orama, Santorini, The Majestic, Santorini

Meals Included: Breakfast

An early departure takes you to the port of Piraeus where your high-speed ferry awaits to whisk you over to the truly beautiful island of Santorini. On arrival, you are transferred to your hotel.

Day 8: The Sunsets Of Santorini Relaxed Start

Location: Santorini

Accommodation Name: NOŪS Santorini, Orama, Santorini, The Majestic, Santorini

Meals Included: Breakfast

With two more sun-drenched days on one of the most romantic islands on earth, you won't ever want to leave. Relax in clifftop restaurants, laze on the sun-soaked beaches or observe history unearthed at the site of Akrotiri. In the evening, you'll witness the first of the golden sunsets for which the island is famous.

Day 9: Santorini Your Way Relaxed Start

Location: Santorini

Accommodation Name: NOŪS Santorini, Orama, Santorini, The Majestic, Santorini

Meals Included: Breakfast

Another day to relax and unwind on the black, red and white beaches, or why not take a caique (traditional Greek fishing boat) over to the volcanic islands for a swim in the hot springs? The island's delicious cuisine, whitewashed houses that gleam in the bright Aegean sun, narrow cobblestone streets and world-renowned sunsets all combine to make Santorini a truly unique holiday experience.

Day 10: Set Sail For Mykonos

Location: Mykonos

Accommodation Name: Despotiko, Mykonos, Dorion, Mykonos, Porto Mykonos

Meals Included: Breakfast

Board the high-speed ferry bound for the island of Mykonos, playground of the rich and famous. You are met at the port and transferred to your hotel.

Day 11: Mykonos Mystique Relaxed Start

Location: Mykonos

Accommodation Name: Despotiko, Mykonos, Dorion, Mykonos, Porto Mykonos

Meals Included: Breakfast

This day is the first of two glorious days at leisure. Explore the town with its winding maze of walkways, white-washed houses, magnificent windmills and uninhibited nightlife. Perhaps watch the sunset at Shirley Valentine Beach or take a short boat ride to Delos?

Day 12: Mykonos At Leisure Relaxed Start

Location: Mykonos

Accommodation Name: Despotiko, Mykonos, Dorion, Mykonos, Porto Mykonos

Meals Included: Breakfast

Another day to explore or relax as you wish. Perhaps swim the endless array of dazzling beaches that surround the island? Or maybe enjoy a cocktail on the waterfront at Little Venice?

Day 13: Return To Athens

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Divani Palace Acropolis, New, Athens, Athens Marriott

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning, grab your final glimpse over the lustrous Aegean. You are transferred to the port for your return ferry to Athens.

Day 14: Depart Athens

Location: Athens

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bid farewell to Athens. Your journey ends with a transfer to the airport.

What's Included

  • Meals

    5 dinners and 13 breakfasts are included.

  • Personal Radio Headsets

    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.

  • Tips and Taxes

    Hotel and restaurant tips are included, along with all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

  • Baggage Handling

    Your bags are carried for you and promptly delivered to your hotel door.

  • Insight Flourish

    From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

  • Wi-Fi

    Stay connected with friends and family with complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

  • Transfers

    Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.

  • Local Specialties

    Indulge in local specialties with your fellow travelers during dinners in historic neighborhoods and regional specialties over dinner.

  • Cooking Demonstration

    Join a local chef for a fun and immersive cooking demonstration to learn how to make tzatziki and other regional dishes.

  • Hand Weaving Workshop

    Experience the timeless craft of hand weaving by visiting a traditional workshop.

show more

What's Not Included

  • Flights

    Flights to and from the tour starting and ending points are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees, if applicable, are not included.

  • Airport Transfers for Non-Itinerary Flights

    Transfers for flights outside the itinerary start and end dates, or for additional nights accommodation not booked with Insight Vacations, are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach featuring double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Enjoy high-speed ferry transfers between islands, ensuring a comfortable and scenic journey.

Accommodation

Stay in luxurious hotels such as Divani Palace Acropolis in Athens, Divani Meteora in Kalambaka, Amalia Olympia in Olympia, NOUS Santorini in Santorini, and Despotiko in Mykonos, offering comfort and elegance throughout your journey.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of special experiences can I expect during the tour?

    During the tour, you can expect a variety of special experiences such as a cooking demonstration in Olympia where a local chef will teach you how to make traditional Greek dishes like tzatziki. In Nafplio, you will visit a traditional hand weaving workshop to learn about this ancient craft. Additionally, your Travel Director will occasionally surprise you with an 'Insight Flourish,' a local specialty representing the destination.

  • Are airport transfers included in the tour?

    Yes, airport transfers are included if your arrival and/or departure flights align with the itinerary start and end dates. If your flights are outside these times, or if you have booked additional nights of accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way to and from the airport.

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides transportation in Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach, which offers double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coaches are sanitized before the start of the tour and maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have also been implemented, and hand sanitizer is freely available on board.

  • Will I have access to Wi-Fi during the tour?

    Yes, you will have access to complimentary Wi-Fi on the coach and in the hotels where available, allowing you to stay connected with friends and family throughout the tour.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 13 breakfasts and 5 dinners. These meals are designed to give you a taste of local specialties and regional flavors.

  • What kind of activities are available during the free days in Santorini and Mykonos?

    During your free days in Santorini, you can relax in clifftop restaurants, laze on sun-soaked beaches, or visit historical sites like Akrotiri. In Mykonos, you can explore the town's winding walkways, visit the magnificent windmills, enjoy the nightlife, or take a short boat ride to Delos. You can also relax on the beaches or enjoy a cocktail on the waterfront at Little Venice.

  • What historical sites will I visit during the tour?

    The tour includes visits to several historical sites such as the Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Leonidas Monument in Thermopylae, the monasteries of Meteora, the Sacred Way and Temple of Apollo in Delphi, the ancient Olympic site in Olympia, and the ruins of Mycenae including the Lion Gate and royal beehive-tombs.

  • What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay in a variety of hotels throughout the tour, including the Divani Palace Acropolis, New, and Athens Marriott in Athens, Divani Meteora and Grand Meteora in Kalambaka, Amalia Olympia and Arty Grand Hotel in Olympia, NOŪS Santorini, Orama, and The Majestic in Santorini, and Despotiko, Dorion, and Porto Mykonos in Mykonos.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • 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.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

Reviews of this operator

Peggy Lindenborn  

Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily

02-Nov-2021

Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily is a delightful trip and our travel guides and driver, Enzo, Chris and Greg were amazing and made the trip very memorable. We saw so many places and had great experiences along the way! Thanks to them for such a wonderful vacation.!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best of Spain & Portugal

11-Jan-2023

Great itinerary, good pace, tour director was friendly and very knowledgeable and organised. Bus was very spacious and driver was great. Yes would recommend insight to friends and families

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Jacqueline Thornberry  

Scenic Iceland and the Northern Lights

31-Oct-2021

The number is our group was small which meant we got to know each other. Our tour guide, Laura Spiers, was excellent as was our driver. The food was good, and of course everything we saw in Iceland was beautiful and educational.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Kathryn Ronca  

Enchanting Canyonlands

08-Nov-2021

The trip was fantastic. Everything was well planned and exceeded my expectations. All insight personal were courteous helpful and professional Ann Manual and Kevin were a topnotch team There was attention to every detail and at all times felt safe and always a personal touch to the trip. The motor coach was clean and roomy and there was multiple wipe downs during the day All hotels were top notch and all staff at the hotels and restaurants were helpful and courteous I would recommend this trip as it gave you a fantastic view of the natural wonders of the the West.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Patrick Ong  

Italian Intermezzo

12-Jan-2023

This trip is absolutely amazing! Worth every Penny! Our Tour guide did not Disappoint.

Feefo Trusted Reviews

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Saturday

Apr 26, 2026 - May 09, 2026
$5765

Sunday - Saturday

May 10, 2026 - May 23, 2026
$5765

Sunday - Saturday

May 24, 2026 - Jun 06, 2026
$5765

Sunday - Saturday

Jun 07, 2026 - Jun 20, 2026
$6130

Sunday - Saturday

Jun 21, 2026 - Jul 04, 2026
$6575

Sunday - Saturday

Jul 05, 2026 - Jul 18, 2026
$6575

Sunday - Saturday

Jul 19, 2026 - Aug 01, 2026
$6575

Sunday - Saturday

Aug 16, 2026 - Aug 29, 2026
$6575

Sunday - Saturday

Aug 30, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026
$6130

Sunday - Saturday

Sep 13, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026
$2955

Sunday - Saturday

Sep 27, 2026 - Oct 10, 2026
$5765

Sunday - Saturday

Oct 11, 2026 - Oct 24, 2026
$5765

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

Similar Tours