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$3799Tour + Flights from$3299Tour Only 12days

price per person, double occupancy,* based on Apr 13, 2023 departure from NYC

$300 Instant Savings. Expires Feb 16, 2023.* All prices reflect savings.

$199 deposit. Lock in your spot for less.^††

Carefree Booking. Change your travel plans with no penalties. See details & restrictions.^†

This tour is traveling! Our partners in Greece are ready to receive you with exceptional care and protocols necessary to keep you safe and healthy. Note: Celestyal Cruise Line requires passengers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel. Please click here to review the COVID-19 entry requirements.

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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	April – September 2023
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. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols.
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.

Package includes

Flights
Cruise
Transfers
Hotel
Meals

Round trip flights from New York via scheduled carriers, including taxes & 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 and Cruise Gratuities of $339 per person included
23 Meals: 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners
On-board all-inclusive alcoholic drink package
Shore excursions, 1 in Kuşadası and 1 in Crete
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.
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.
Absorb extraordinary histories in Crete's coastal town of Heraklion.
Admire Santorini's rugged landscapes, whitewashed houses, and open-air cafes.

Itinerary at a Glance

1 Depart USA
2 Athens
3 Athens and set sail
4 Thessaloniki
5 Kuşadası, Türkiye
6 Crete
7 Santorini
8 Mykonos
9 Milos
10 Athens
11 Athens
Optional Excursion: Cape Sounion (purchased locally)
12 Athens/USA

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Dates & Prices

Instant Savings: Get $300 off if you book by Feb. 16, 2023!

Dates & Prices, with flights per person, double occupancy*, including Instant Savings discounts
2023 DEPARTURES
Dates	Regular Price	Instant Savings	Your Price
Departs U.S.: Thu, Apr 13, 2023 Finishes: Mon, Apr 24, 2023 Book by Thu, Feb 16, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Apr 13 – Apr 24	$4099	–$300	$3799	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, May 11, 2023 Finishes: Mon, May 22, 2023 Book by Thu, Feb 16, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! May 11 – May 22	$4199	–$300	$3899	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Jun 8, 2023 Finishes: Mon, Jun 19, 2023 Book by Thu, Feb 16, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jun 8 – Jun 19	$4349	–$300	$4049	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Jul 13, 2023 Finishes: Mon, Jul 24, 2023 Book by Thu, Feb 16, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jul 13 – Jul 24	$4599	–$300	$4299	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Aug 17, 2023 Finishes: Mon, Aug 28, 2023 Book by Thu, Feb 16, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Aug 17 – Aug 28	$4399	–$300	$4099	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Sep 14, 2023 Finishes: Mon, Sep 25, 2023 Book by Thu, Feb 16, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Sep 14 – Sep 25	$4199	–$300	$3899	Select

Dates & Prices, tour only per person, double occupancy*, including Instant Savings discounts
2023 DEPARTURES
Dates	Regular Price	Instant Savings	Your Price
Starts: Fri, Apr 14, 2023 Finishes: Mon, Apr 24, 2023 Book by Thu, Feb 16, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Apr 14 – Apr 24	$3599	–$300	$3299	Select
Starts: Fri, May 12, 2023 Finishes: Mon, May 22, 2023 Book by Thu, Feb 16, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! May 12 – May 22	$3699	–$300	$3399	Select
Starts: Fri, Jun 9, 2023 Finishes: Mon, Jun 19, 2023 Book by Thu, Feb 16, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jun 9 – Jun 19	$3849	–$300	$3549	Select
Starts: Fri, Jul 14, 2023 Finishes: Mon, Jul 24, 2023 Book by Thu, Feb 16, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jul 14 – Jul 24	$4099	–$300	$3799	Select
Starts: Fri, Aug 18, 2023 Finishes: Mon, Aug 28, 2023 Book by Thu, Feb 16, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Aug 18 – Aug 28	$3899	–$300	$3599	Select
Starts: Fri, Sep 15, 2023 Finishes: Mon, Sep 25, 2023 Book by Thu, Feb 16, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Sep 15 – Sep 25	$3699	–$300	$3399	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 (or after) you book. 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
Apr 13, 2023; Aug 17, 2023; Sep 14, 2023	$899
All other dates	$849
XC (standard outside) Double Occupancy	$399
XC (standard outside) Single Occupancy	$1399
XD (superior outside), Double Occupancy	$499
XD (superior outside), Single Occupancy	$1499

Taxes & Fees
Port charges & gratuities of $339 per person¹	included

1. All port charges included in tour price.

Classical Greece Extension
Classical Greece Extension	$999
Rooming Selection
Double Occupancy	included
Single Occupancy	$349

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 (or after) you book, 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 Hotel or similar

Full Day Itinerary

Our representative will meet you and then escort you 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, gardens, street bazaars, dilapidated mansions, and ancient ruins.

Day 3 Athens and set sail

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

Celestyal Crystal or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

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

Day 4 Thessaloniki

Explore the northern city of Thessaloniki

Celestyal Crystal or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

The thick Byzantine walls guarding Thessaloniki give way to an inviting mix of architectural landscapes with winding cobbled streets. Approaching the port, you will be captivated by a city that radiates culture and sophistication in golden Greek sunshine. Palm-lined avenues house charming shops and gourmet restaurants, while historic cobblestone streets present traditional tavernas and ouzerias to satisfy everyone's taste buds. Beautiful churches appear from every corner, seasonal markets sell colorful local produce, and shaded spots on Aristotelous Square are where you can sit back with homemade ice cream and watch the world pass by.

Day 5 Kuşadası, Türkiye

Enjoy Kuşadası on your own or join an included half-day tour of ancient Ephesus

Celestyal Crystal or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Arrive in Kuşadası, Türkiye this afternoon. Explore Kuşadası on your own, or join an included shore excursion to Ephesus. 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 eras. At the archaeological site, enjoy a guided tour of 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 still famous 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 Seljuk.

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

Day 6 Crete

Explore Crete's costal town of Heraklion on your own or join an included shore excursion

Celestyal Crystal or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

In the early morning, arrive in Crete's coastal town of Heraklion. Crete is the largest, most rugged Greek island and the home of the great Minoan Civilization and Zeus. Enjoy walking the waterfront and charming streets, or join a shore excursion to the ancient city of Knossos near Crete's capital Heraklion, the place that 'gave birth' to the very first civilization of Europe, the Minoans. Visit one of the continent's most important archaeological treasures. The first excavations were undertaken in the 1870s by Minos Kalokairinos, a Cretan himself. Explore the large Central Court, the marvelous Throne Room, and the imposing Grand Staircase, and see the fresco of the 'Prince of the Lilies.' Stroll through the palace apartments and view the archaeological finds of the rich cultural heritage of the Minoan civilization. Exploring from room to room, you will relive time in the Hall of the Royal Guard and the King's Chamber, hearing about the extraordinary rule of King Minos.

Day 7 Santorini

Explore the island of Santorini

Celestyal Crystal Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Wake up off the coast of the striking island of Santorini, 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 cliffs, accessible by foot, cable car, or mule. Don't forget to try one of the many restaurants jostling for the position at the caldera's edge. Then, in the evening, explore at leisure or relax on the deck, sipping cocktails or wine.

Day 8 Mykonos

Day at leisure in Mykonos

Celestyal Crystal or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Spend the day exploring Mykonos independently, enjoying its picture-perfect beaches, immaculately whitewashed houses, winding alleys, lovely churches, and delightful restaurants. You will undoubtedly recognize the picture-postcard white windmills sitting side-by-side overlooking the sea.

Day 9 Milos

Day at leisure in Milos

Celestyal Crystal or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, arrive at 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.

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

Day 10 Athens

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

Royal Olympic Hotel or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Disembark from your ship and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a full day exploring Athens. Your hotel sits in the city's heart, within a short distance of many major attractions and the best shopping and dining. In addition, 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 Hotel or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, enjoy the striking contrast between breathtaking monuments of a glorious past and elegant modern 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 an entire 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 Attica's most important archaeological sites. 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 this area's rich history 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, 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.

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. According to the poets, it was founded by Perseus and built with the aid of the mythological Cyclops. Drive on to Olympia, the 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 runners carry across the globe. 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 the 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, 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, depart for the small town of Kalambaka, built at the foot of the majestic gray rocks, at the point where the river Pinios leaves 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 Hotel or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, visit the spectacular Meteora monasteries, perched upon the summits of some steep 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, drive back to Athens via Thermopylae, a 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 & Ship

Hotels

Royal Olympic Hotel

Deluxe

This 5-star, 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. If you prefer to enjoy a cocktail by the pool while listening to relaxing music, try out the Pool Bar. The Royal Olympic features a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, a cozy library with a comfortable reading area, a fitness center and a spa.

More information

Amalia Hotel Olympia

Tourist Class

Surrounded by beautiful gardens and trees, Amalia Hotel Olympia is ideally situated not far from the archaeological sites of the Olympic Stadium, the Sanctuary of Zeus, the Temple of Hera and the archaeological museum.

More information

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

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 insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
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 Türkiye (Turkey)? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.