Athens & 7 Day Greek Isles Cruise

Athens, then a 7 day cruise of the Greek Isles plus Kusadasi for Ephesus; independent travel with flights & hotel included. Optional Classical Greece extension.

Overview

from$3399Tour + Flights from$2899Tour Only 12days

price per person, double occupancy,* based on May 28, 2020 departure from NYC

$300 Instant Savings. Expires Jan 2, 2020.* All prices reflect savings.

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Style	Independent PackageThese un-escorted packages have no set schedule or guides, so you have the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own from your centrally-located hotel. More of these packages Freedom to explore at your own pace; unescorted
Departures	May – September 2020
Themes	Small Ship Cruises
Activity Level	Recreational
What to Expect	This is a moderately-paced, independent package. Excursions with local tour guides include a reasonable amount of walking and requires and average level of physical fitness.
Already booked?	Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more.

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Join us for an amazing journey of discovery to the most important classical sites of western civilization aboard the Celestyal Crystal. You'll experience the great treasures of Greece and the Aegean Sea without ever having to pack and unpack as you sail from port to port, visiting such world treasures as the Acropolis in Athens, ancient Ephesus – a UNESCO World Heritage site, sparkling Greek Islands, and so much more by day. All of this, plus airfare from New York and many other cities, is yours for an incredible price. We're excited about this new program and we know you will be too, but don't wait too long to book, as space is sure to sell out quickly!

Package includes

Flights
Cruise
Transfers
Hotel
Meals

Round trip flights from New York via scheduled carriers, including fuel surcharges and taxes and fees, with other gateways available on request
3 nights Deluxe accommodations at the Royal Olympic Hotel in Athens
7 nights standard inside cabin (cat. IB) aboard the Celestyal Crystal
Port Charges of $289 per person included
Cruise Tips of $10 per person per day included
23 Meals: 10 buffet breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners
On-board all-inclusive alcoholic drink package
3 Shore excursions: ancient Ephesus, medieval Lindos, and the Minoan Palace of Knossos
Sightseeing in Athens
All group transfers

Optional add-ons

Optional tour of Cape Sounion
Optional Classical Greece Extension (Value Vacation)

Why you'll love it

Tour the ancient archaeological site in Epheseus, including the 4th century Great Theatre, the Public Latrines, the Agora, the Odeon and more.
Visit Lindos, the most picturesque area of Rhodes and the most important of the three great cities of ancient times.
Discover the great Minoan Civilization and the mythological home of Zeus while visiting the largest Greek island, Crete.
Spend time in Milos relaxing on the sandy beaches, swimming in a sea cave, and exploring the fishing villages.
Explore the winding alleyways of the scenic island of Mykonos.
Discover the crowning beauty and glory of Ancient Athens -- the Acropolis.

Itinerary at a Glance

1 Depart USA
2 Athens
3 Athens & Piraeus
4 Kusadasi, Turkey
5 Rhodes, Greece
6 Heraklion (Crete)
7 Santorini
8 Santorini, Milos & Mykonos
9 Mykonos
10 Piraeus & Athens
11 Athens
Optional Excursion: Cape Sounion (purchased locally)
12 Athens/USA

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Dates & Prices

Departure Dates & Prices

Instant Savings: Get $300 off if you book by Jan. 2, 2020!

Departures & Prices, with flights per person, double occupancy*
2020 DEPARTURES
Depart / Return	Regular Price	Instant Savings	Your Price
Departs: Thu, May 28, 2020 Returns: Mon, Jun 8, 2020 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! May 28 – Jun 8	$3699	–$300	$3399	Select
Departs: Thu, Jun 11, 2020 Returns: Mon, Jun 22, 2020 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jun 11 – Jun 22	$3799	–$300	$3499	Select
Departs: Thu, Jul 9, 2020 Returns: Mon, Jul 20, 2020 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jul 9 – Jul 20	$3799	–$300	$3499	Select
Departs: Thu, Aug 6, 2020 Returns: Mon, Aug 17, 2020 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Aug 6 – Aug 17	$3899	–$300	$3599	Select
Departs: Thu, Aug 27, 2020 Returns: Mon, Sep 7, 2020 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Aug 27 – Sep 7	$3899	–$300	$3599	Select

Departures & Prices, tour only per person, double occupancy*
2020 DEPARTURES
Depart / Return	Regular Price	Instant Savings	Your Price
Departs: Thu, May 28, 2020 Returns: Mon, Jun 8, 2020 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! May 28 – Jun 8	$3199	–$300	$2899	Select
Departs: Thu, Jun 11, 2020 Returns: Mon, Jun 22, 2020 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jun 11 – Jun 22	$3299	–$300	$2999	Select
Departs: Thu, Jul 9, 2020 Returns: Mon, Jul 20, 2020 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jul 9 – Jul 20	$3299	–$300	$2999	Select
Departs: Thu, Aug 6, 2020 Returns: Mon, Aug 17, 2020 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Aug 6 – Aug 17	$3399	–$300	$3099	Select
Departs: Thu, Aug 27, 2020 Returns: Mon, Sep 7, 2020 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Aug 27 – Sep 7	$3399	–$300	$3099	Select

If you want a few extra days to explore on your own, we may be able to arrange for you to stay later than the scheduled dates, including extra hotel nights and separate airport transfers, for an additional charge. Ask us about prices and availability when you reserve. More information Want to extend your trip?

Options & Fees

Optionals & Upgrades
Rooming Selection/Cabin Categories
IB (standard inside) Double Occupancy	included
IB (standard inside) Single Occupancy
May 28, 2020	+$749
Aug 6, 2020; Aug 27, 2020	+$849
All other departures	+$799
IC (superior inside) Double Occupancy	+$199
IC (superior inside) Single Occupancy
May 28, 2020	+$899
All other departures	+$999
XC (standard outside) Double Occupancy	+$399
XC (standard outside) Single Occupancy
Aug 27, 2020	+$199
May 28, 2020	+$1199
Aug 6, 2020	+$1299
All other departures	+$1249
XD (superior outside), Double Occupancy	+$499
XD (superior outside), Single Occupancy
May 28, 2020	+$1299
Aug 6, 2020; Aug 27, 2020	+$1399
All other departures	+$1349

Taxes & Fees
Port charges & tips of $359 per person¹	included

1. All port charges included in tour price.

Classical Greece Extension
Classical Greece Extension	+$899
Rooming Selection
Double Occupancy	included
Single Room Supplement	+$299

So that we can offer you the best deals, our packages are, like most hotels and cruises, priced based on double occupancy rooms or cabins. We charge solo travelers an extra fee to cover the extra costs of single occupancy rooms or cabins. (Consider: if you booked a $200/night hotel room solo, you would pay the $200 yourself; but if a couple booked the same room, each one would pay only $100.) But you only pay extra for the rooms or cabins, nothing else, including meals, sightseeing, tips, etc. Why are single rooms more?

Flights & Departure Cities

Departure Airports
New York City (NYC)	included

This package includes round-trip flights from the city listed above. Please review the flight schedule, especially if you're booking connecting flights.

Want to fly from another city? We can arrange flights from most major cities. Ask us for a quote for flights from your preferred city when you reserve, and we'll get back to you with the price and availability within 3 business days. Of course, you can also book your own flights. More information

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA

Your exciting journey to Greece begins this evening as you check in for your overnight flight.

Day 2 Athens

Arrive in Athens and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure

Royal Olympic or similar

Full Day Itinerary

You’ll be met by our representative and then escorted to your hotel, centrally located near Constitution Square and the famous Plaka (Old Town). Athens, the birthplace of western civilization, once hailed as the Paris of the Mediterranean, is now a bustling modern city, a colorful tapestry of eastern and western influences, full of outdoor cafes, pedestrian streets, parks and gardens, street bazaars, dilapidated mansions and ancient ruins.

Day 3 Athens & Piraeus

Embark on your cruise ship and set sail to the Greek Isles

Celestyal Crystal Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Transfer to Piraeus port in the afternoon to board your cruise ship, Celestyal Crystal. Enjoy the shipboard facilities as the ship sails in the evening.

Day 4 Kusadasi, Turkey

Half day tour of ancient Ephesus

Celestyal Crystal Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Arrive in Kusadasi, Turkey this morning. Just ten kilometers from the port is the ancient city of Ephesus, where you will find immortal relics of the Hellenistic, Roman and Early Christian era. At the archaeological site you will be given a guided tour among the Agora, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the marble-paved main Street of Kouretes, the Baths of Scholastica, Trajan’s Fountain, the Public Latrines, the Residences of the Patricians, the Prytaneum, and the Temple of Hadrian.

The Great Theatre, built in the 4th century B.C. could accommodate 24,000 spectators and is famous even today for its acoustics. The finds from the excavations, which have yet brought to light only 13% of ancient Ephesus, reside in the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus, in the city of Seljuk.

During the excursion you will have the opportunity to ramble, bargain for jewelry, cosmetics or leather products at small shops.

Return to the ship for dinner and overnight.

Day 5 Rhodes, Greece

Half day medieval tour of Lindos
Remainder of the afternoon to explore the Greek island of Rhodes

Celestyal Crystal Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Today you'll visit Rhodes, the beautiful "Island of Roses." In the heart of the city of Rhodes is the largest inhabited medieval town in Europe, a fascinating web of Byzantine, Turkish and Latin ruins. Its might fortifications provide the finest surviving examples of defensive architecture of the time.

Lindos, with its whitewashed houses clustered beneath a soaring castle-capped acropolis, is Rhodes’ most picturesque village and most important Doric settlement because of its natural harbor and vantage point built 125 meters above sea level. Drive along the picturesque south-eastern coastline, dotted with whitewashed villages, to Lindos one of the most important of the three great cities of ancient times. See how this entire city is guarded by medieval walls which were constructed by the knights of St. John in the 13th century. Within them stands the ancient Acropolis of Lindos, on the brink of a precipice 400 feet above the sea. From the Acropolis, marvel at the breathtaking views covering the great expanse of the Aegean Sea and St. Paul’s Bay, where the apostle cast anchor during his historic voyage to Ephesus.

Walk along the Knight’s Street in the heart of historical Rhodes. See the seven lodges of the Order, which still bear their corresponding crests, as you continue along the cobblestone streets. At the top of Knights Street, view the Grand Master’s Palace. You will be awed by the imposing fort’s Gothic architecture as you learn about the fascinating era of the Knights.

Spend the rest of the afternoon independently exploring Rhodes at your own pace.

Day 6 Heraklion (Crete)

Half day sightseeing tour of the Minoan Palace of Knossos, the first European civilization
Afternoon at leisure

Celestyal Crystal Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Arrive in Heraklion early this morning. Crete is the largest and the most rugged of the Greek islands. It is also the home of the great Minoan Civilization and the mythological home of Zeus. The palace at Knossos was an intricate collection of over 1,000 interlocking rooms, including the Hall of the Royal Guard, the Hall of the Double Axes, the King's Chamber with the alabaster throne, the Queen's Apartment, as well as beautiful courtyards and shrines. The palace was used as a religious and administrative center, as well as for workshops for artisans and food processing. The ruins have largely been excavated and much of them colorfully painted and restored, decorated with frescoes and shields.

Back in Heraklion the open air market is a must-see, where a boisterous crowd buys and sells everything from goats and sheep to huge cauldrons of fresh yogurt. Other points of interest here include the Archaeological Museum, one of the finest in Greece, housing exquisite findings from Knossos and other Minoan ruins, numerous Venetian fortresses, fountains and loggias scattered throughout the city and the Historical Museum of Crete, with its Byzantine and folklore collections. Return to your ship this evening to sail overnight to Kusadasi.

Walking in the archaeological site of Knossos will be on uneven gravel surfaces. Passengers may not be allowed to enter the site with big bags or backpacks.

Day 7 Santorini

Full day in Santorini

Celestyal Crystal Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Arrive this morning to the striking island of Santorini, which is a volcanic crater immersed in the sea. The island is famous for its breathtaking and rugged landscapes, whitewashed houses, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques which cling to steep cliffs, accessible by foot, cable car or mule.

Day 8 Santorini, Milos & Mykonos

Half day at leisure in Milos
Independently stroll through Mykonos this evening

Celestyal Crystal Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Depart Santorini early this morning and set sail for the mesmerizing island of Milos. Dramatically emerging from the Aegean Sea before you, you’ll be spellbound by Milos’ volcanic landscape, juxtaposed with quaint white stone fishing villages. Spend the day relaxing on one of the many beaches, swimming in serene sea caves, and discovering the colorful boathouses that magically emerge from the sea.

Return to the ship and sail to Mykonos.

This evening, arrive at this gorgeous island and transfer from the port via complimentary shuttle. Enjoy an independent stroll through Mykonos town with its labyrinth of winding alleyways and whitewashed buildings, basket-laden donkeys, cascading geraniums and upscale shops and cafés.

Day 9 Mykonos

Continue to explore Mykonos on your own

Celestyal Crystal Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Spend today exploring Mykonos independently, enjoying its picture-perfect beaches, or join an optional shore excursion

Early this evening, return to the ship for dinner and sail overnight to Piraeus.

Day 10 Piraeus & Athens

Disembark ship and transfer to your hotel
Remainder of the day at leisure to explore Athens

Royal Olympic or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Disembark from your ship at Piraeus and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a full day to explore Athens. Your hotel is ideally located in the heart of the city, within short distance of many major attractions, as well as the best shopping and dining. Our Athens representatives will offer you some exclusive optional shore excursions to the city’s highlights.

Day 11 Athens

Morning tour of Athens, including the Acropolis
Afternoon at leisure to explore Athens, or join an optional tour

Royal Olympic or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, enjoy the striking contrast between breathtaking monuments of a glorious past and modern elegant structures during your tour of Athens. Visit the Acropolis, the crowning beauty and glory of Ancient Athens, with its many monuments atop its rocky base, including the awesome Parthenon, the Propylea, the temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion, with its Porch of Maidens. Drive to the Roman Temple of Olympic Zeus, the Panathinaikon Stadium (site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896), and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament House on Constitution Square. See views of government buildings and elegant structures of the 19th century. Drive along Panepistimiou Avenue and view the Catholic Cathedral, the Academy, University, and National Library. In contrast, conclude your tour with a visit to the new Acropolis Museum, a marvel of architecture with a full exhibition of the glory of Ancient Athens.

Optional Excursion: Cape Sounion (purchased locally)

Drive along the coastal road past countless coves and the beautiful beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza to Cape Sounion. Dominated by the spectacular Temple of Poseidon, the sanctuary at Sounion is one of the most important archaeological sites in Attica. Although evidence suggests that the site dates back to the prehistoric period, the sanctuary is first mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey, as the place where Menelaos stopped during his return from Troy to bury his helmsman, Phrontes Onetorides. Learn about the rich history of this area as you take in stunning views of the Aegean on this fascinating optional excursion.

€49 per person

Day 12 Athens/USA

Bid farewell to Athens as you’re escorted to the airport to board your return flight
Your journey comes to an end as your arrive in the USA later today
Or take advantage of your included flight and continue on our Classical Greece Extension

Breakfast

Classical Greece Optional Extension

Why not take advantage of your already-included international airfare and visit the classical cities of Corinth, Mycenae, Olympia, and Delphi? Your extension includes superior hotels, most meals and guided touring of the most fascinating sites, including entrance fees to places visited. This extension is part of our Value Vacation, and groups may be larger than our small group tours.

Day 12 Athens, Mycenae & Olympia

Drive across the Corinth Canal to Olympia, en route visit the famous theatre of Epidaurus
Evening at leisure in Olympia

Amalia Hotel Olympia or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast this morning, board your touring coach and begin a tour of the classical cities of Greece. Drive across the Corinth Canal, which connects the Ionian Sea with the Aegean, to the Peloponnesian Peninsula, where 4,000 years of history are more fully and comprehensibly illustrated than anywhere else in Europe.

Here we'll visit the famous theater of Epidaurus, the best preserved in Greece, which reached the height of its fame in the 5th & 4th centuries B.C. The acoustics are so perfect that even from the last of the 55 tiers, every word can be heard. Continue to ancient Mycenae, which, according to the poets, was founded by Perseus and built with the aid of the mythological Cyclops. Drive on to Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic games, for dinner and overnight.

Day 13 Olympia, Nafpaktos & Delphi

Morning tour of the archaeological site and museum at Olympia
Afternoon drive via Patras to Rion, Antirion and picturesque Nafpaktos
Evening at leisure in Delphi

Amalia Hotel Delphi or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning we'll tour the archaeological site and museum at Olympia, where the Olympic games were conceived as a tribute to Hercules, son of Zeus. These games were the most important international event in the Hellenic world from 776 B.C. to 393 A.D. and continue today, with the lighting of the Olympic flame that is carried by runners throughout the world. Visit the Sanctuary of the Olympian Zeus and the Museum.

This afternoon we drive via Patras to Rion, Antirion and picturesque Nafpaktos, where according to mythology, Hercules slew the Erymanthine boar and where we'll view the lovely circular Venetian harbor. Continue our drive to Delphi for dinner and overnight.

Day 14 Delphi & Kalambaka

Morning tour of Delphi
Evening at leisure in Kalambaka

Amalia Hotel Kalambaka or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast we'll explore the ancient site of Delphi, located on the slopes of the breathtaking Mount Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty. Here lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios, the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo and the museum, which contains masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture including the famous bronze Charioteer. The site had been sacred since at least the Bronze Age. According to legend, the shrine was originally guarded by the she-dragon Pytho. She was killed by Apollo who then took over the oracle. In antiquity, Delphi was regarded as the center of the world.

Later, we'll depart for the small town of Kalambaka, built at the foot of the majestic gray rocks, at the point where the river Pinios leaves the Pindos Mountain.

Day 15 Meteora & Athens

Morning tour of Meteora monasteries
Afternoon drive back to Athens via Thermopylae
Evening at leisure in Athens

Royal Olympic or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

This morning we will visit the spectacular Meteora monasteries, perched upon the summits of some precipitous and isolated rocky pinnacles, which rise above the almost flat valley of the Pinios river, 5.5 miles beyond Kalambaka. The monastic history of Meteora goes back to the 11th century AD, when the monks constructed inaccessible eagle's nests in the crannies of these rocks and today, four are still occupied.

Later this afternoon we'll drive back to Athens, via Thermopylae, famous battleground from the Persian wars. Arrive in Athens and check in at our hotel.

Day 16 Athens/USA

Today you'll be escorted to the airport and bid farewell to Athens as you board your flight back home
Your exciting journey comes to an end as you arrive in the USA later today

Breakfast

Hotels

Amalia Hotel Delphi

First Class

Superbly located on a mountain slope at the foot of Mount Parnassus, the Amalia Hotel Delphi enjoys a breathtaking view of the green valley below stretching all the way down to the sea and the picturesque ports of Itea and Galaxidi. The Amalia Hotel is also conveniently located near the museum and archaeological sites of Delphi, considered by the ancient Greeks to be the center of the world.

More information

Amalia Hotel Kalambaka

First Class

Located on a 14-acre property just a few minutes away from the town of Kalambaka, the Amalia Hotel Kalambaka boasts extensive gardens and beautiful views of the Meteora Rocks.

More information

Royal Olympic

Deluxe

The family run hotel is located directly opposite the Temple of Zeus and the National Garden, overlooking the Acropolis and a short walk to the new Acropolis Museum.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

Cruise Ship

Celestyal Crystal

If you've taken a few cruises before, you may be accustomed to large, luxurious ships appointed with every possible amenity. Celestyal Cruise ships are generally smaller and more agile, better suited for navigating the shallow waters and small ports of the Mediterranean, Aegean & Caribbean Seas. These mid-sized ships are practical, comfortable, and equipped with all necessary modern conveniences but offer more basic cabin amenities, less on-board entertainment, and fewer dining options than larger ocean liners. Some restaurants may feature buffet style service and limited a la carte selections.

More information

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Trip Details

What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Please review the visa & entry requirements.
Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
Should I purchase travel protection? Yes! Protect your travel investment with a travel protection plan, available to U.S. residents (excluding overseas territories).
What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
What should I know about Greece? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Turkey? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.