Classical Greece & Greek-Isles Cruise with South Carolina Senior Lawyers
Overview
Style | Custom Group Freedom to explore at your own pace; unescorted |
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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. |
Package includes
- Flights
- Cruise
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Round trip flights from CLT including taxes & fees
- Airport meet and greet
- All transfers as per itinerary in private coach
- 6 nights in Deluxe and first class hotel accommodations with porterage
- 3 nights standard inside cabins aboard Celestyal Discovery
- 21 Meals: 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 9 dinners
- On-board drink package during dining hours
- 2 Shore Excursions: Ancient Ephesus and Minoan Palace of Knossos
- Comprehensive sightseeing as per itinerary with entrance fees
- Professional English-speaking tour director throughout the tour (including cruise)
Optional add-ons
- Optional shore excursions: Patmos countryside with Hora & Grotto, and the Spectacular Oia Village
Itinerary at a Glance
- 1 May 17: Depart USA
- 2 May 18: Athens
- 3 May 19: Athens, Mycenae & Olympia
- 4 May 20: Olympia, Nafpaktos & Delphi
- 5 May 21: Delphi & Kalambaka
- 6 May 22: Meteora & Athens
- 7 May 23: Athens & Mykonos
- 8 May 24: Kuşadası, Turkey & Patmos, Greece
- Optional Excursion: Patmos countryside tour with Chora & Grotto (purchased locally), $77
- 9 May 25: Heraklion & Santorini
- Optional Excursion: Spectacular Oia Village (purchased locally), $86
- 10 May 26: Athens
- 11 May 27: Depart Athens/Arrive USA
Videos
Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 May 17: Depart USA
- Check in for your overnight flight to Greece
Day 2 May 18: Athens
- Arrive in Athens, Greece, where you'll be met and escorted to your hotel
- Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure
- Join your fellow travelers for a festive welcome dinner
Royal Olympic Hotel or similar Dinner
Full Day ItineraryArrive today in Athens. 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, and gardens, street bazaars, dilapidated mansions, and ancient ruins.
After some time at leisure, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers.
Day 3 May 19: Athens, Mycenae & Olympia
- Drive across the Corinth Canal to Olympia
- Visit the famous theater of Epidaurus
- Spend the evening at leisure in Olympia
Amalia Hotel Olympia or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, board your touring coach and begin a tour of Greece's classical cities. 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 elsewhere in Europe.
Here, you'll visit the famous theater of Epidaurus, the best preserved in Greece, which reached the height of its fame in the 5th and 4th centuries B.C. The acoustics are so perfect that every word can be heard, even from the last of the 55 tiers.
Continue to ancient Mycenae, which, according to the poets, was founded by Perseus and built with the aid of the mythological Cyclops. Then, drive to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, for dinner and overnight.
Day 4 May 20: Olympia, Nafpaktos & Delphi
- Enjoy a morning tour of the archaeological site and museum at Olympia
- Embark on an afternoon drive via Patras to Rion, Antirion, and picturesque Nafpaktos
- Spend the evening at leisure in Delphi
Amalia Hotel Delphi or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, 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, you'll drive via Patras to Rion, Antirion, and picturesque Nafpaktos, where, according to mythology, Hercules slew the Erymanthine boar and where you'll view the lovely circular Venetian harbor. Continue our drive to Delphi for dinner and overnight.
Day 5 May 21: Delphi & Kalambaka
- Enjoy a morning tour of Delphi
- Spend the evening at leisure in Kalambaka
Amalia Hotel Kalambaka or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryAfter 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, you'll depart for the small town of Kalambaka, built at the foot of the majestic gray rocks, where the river Pinios leaves Pindos Mountain.
Day 6 May 22: Meteora & Athens
- Enjoy a morning tour of the Meteora monasteries
- This afternoon, drive back to Athens via Thermopylae
- Spend the evening at leisure in Athens
Royal Olympic Hotel or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryThis 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 A.D. 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 into your hotel. Later this evening, enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 7 May 23: Athens & Mykonos
- Board your cruise ship and set sail
- Enjoy the evening at leisure on the island of Mykonos
Celestyal Discovery or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryTransfer to the port this morning to board your cruise ship, Celestyal Discovery. In the afternoon, enjoy the sun, sea breezes, pool, and other onboard facilities.
This evening, arrive at the gorgeous island of Mykonos and transfer from the port via a complimentary shuttle. Enjoy an independent stroll through Mykonos town with its labyrinth of winding alleyways, whitewashed buildings, basket-laden donkeys, cascading geraniums, and upscale shops and cafés.
Day 8 May 24: Kuşadası, Turkey & Patmos, Greece
- Enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of ancient Ephesus
- Spend the afternoon at leisure on the Greek island of Patmos
Celestyal Discovery or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, arrive in Kuşadası, Turkey. 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 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 excavation findings, which have yet to reveal 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.
Later this afternoon, return to your ship for lunch aboard as you sail toward Patmos, Greece. Disembark at Skala harbor, a lively place with whitewashed houses, flowered courtyards, taverns, and shops. The Island of Patmos is famous in history as where St. John wrote the Book of Revelation, which you can explore on an optional excursion.
Return to the ship for dinner and overnight.
Optional Excursion: Patmos countryside tour with Chora & Grotto (purchased locally), $77Begin your panoramic tour from the port and drive to the central part of the island. Visit the Cave of the Apocalypse in the main town, Chora. This grotto is believed to be where John received the visions he recorded in the Book of Revelation. The nearby Monastery of St. John the Theologian, built on one of the island's highest points, houses priceless icons and manuscripts in its treasury. The grotto and monastery have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Continue to the windmills of Chora, once the landmark of all Aegean Islands. Drive around the island to see its outstanding natural beauty, comprised of rocky hills, tongues of land reaching out into the sea, and an intricate coastline of tranquil bays and coves. Your tour will conclude in Scala, a quaint port town. A refreshment or coffee will be offered at Arion Café, the oldest and most picturesque downtown café.
Day 9 May 25: Heraklion & Santorini
- Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of the Minoan Palace of Knossos, the first European civilization
- Spend the evening at leisure in Santorini
Celestyal Discovery or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryArrive 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 birthplace 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, and 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 been mainly excavated, and much of them colorfully painted and restored, decorated with frescoes and shields.
Heraklion's open-air market is a must-see, where a boisterous crowd buys and sells everything from goats and sheep to vast cauldrons of fresh yogurt. Other points of interest include the Archaeological Museum, one of the finest in Greece, exquisite housing 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 the ship to continue sailing to Santorini. This striking island is a volcanic crater immersed in the sea famous for its breathtaking and rugged landscapes, whitewashed houses, open-air cafés, and glittering boutiques that cling to cliffs, accessible by foot, cable car, or mule.
Note: 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.
Optional Excursion: Spectacular Oia Village (purchased locally), $86Enjoy a half-day of sightseeing, beginning with a scenic drive where you can admire the panoramic view of the Aegean Sea and the neighboring islands. Oia Village is an excellent example of Cycladic architecture built on the Caldera rim. Explore the village, walking along the cobblestone streets and admiring the white-washed houses with blue shutters and domes, some of the most photogenic in Greece. Your coach will bring you back to the port of Athinios, where you will embark on your tender boats to return to the ship for a final evening at sea.
Day 10 May 26: Athens
- Disembark the ship in Athens
- Enjoy a tour of Athens
Royal Olympic Hotel or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryDisembark from your ship in Athens.
Witness 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 Olympian Zeus, the Panathinaikon Stadium (site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1986), 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, the University, and the 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.
Celebrate your last evening in Greece with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 11 May 27: Depart Athens/Arrive USA
- Bid farewell to Greece as you're escorted to the airport to board your flight home
- Arrive in the USA later today
Breakfast
At the ports of Mykonos, Patmos & Santorini, disembarkation is by tender boats, weather permitting. Kusadasi & Patmos stops might be in inverted order. Passengers taking the optional shore excursions disembark first. The itinerary listed, including ports of call, embarkation/disembarkation times, shore excursions and prices, were correct at time of publication. We and our partner, Celestyal Cruise Lines, will do our utmost to adhere to the itinerary as listed, but due to sea conditions and other factors, minor changes to the itinerary may be necessary, and some shore excursions shown may not be available. As necessary, Celestyal Cruise Lines may also substitute another ship from their fleet of similar size and amenities. We will do our very best to immediately inform travelers of any such changes.
Hotels & Ship
Hotels
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
Cruise Ship
Trip Details
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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.
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Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Please review the visa & entry requirements.
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Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Something else? Just ask!
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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.
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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.
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What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
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What should I know about Greece? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
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What should I know about Turkey? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.