Grecian Fables

Welcome to Athens

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 travellers over a delightful evening of dinner.

Divani Palace Acropolis, New, Athens, Athens Marriott

• Athens

Athens, City of Gods

Begin your journey into ancient Greece today, where the history of this remarkable civilisation comes to life. Explore Athens with an Insight Choice experience. Choose to visit the city's renowned ancient sites with a Local Expert, or venture into the dynamic Plaka neighbourhood, guided by your Travel Director. Next, venture to Thermopylae, the mountain pass where King Leonidas and his Spartan warriors made their legendary stand against the Persians in 480 B.C. Pay tribute at the memorial honouring their courage before continuing to your hotel in Kalambaka for a delicious dinner crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Divani Meteora, Kalambaka

• Athens
• Thermopylae
• Kalambaka

The Pinnacles of Meteora Relaxed Start

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.

Divani Meteora, Kalambaka, Grand Meteora, Kalambaka

• Kalambaka
• Meteora
• Kalambaka

The Sacred Way and onto Olympia

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.

Arty Grand Hotel, Olympia., Amalia Olympia

• Kalambaka
• Delphi
• Archaeological Site of Olympia

Ancient Olympia

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 honour 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 flavours, as you savour dishes prepared for your dinner.

Arty Grand Hotel, Olympia., Amalia Olympia

• Archaeological Site of Olympia

Mycenae and Nafplio

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, colourful 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.

Divani Palace Acropolis, New, Athens, Athens Marriott

• Archaeological Site of Olympia
• Archaeological Site of Mycenae
• Nafplion
• Athens

Cruising to Thessaloniki Relaxed Start

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 flavours, 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.

MV Celestyal Journey (or similar).

• Athens
• Thessaloniki

Discover Thessaloniki Relaxed Start

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.

MV Celestyal Journey (or similar).

• Thessaloniki
• Kusadasi

Kusadasi Relaxed Start

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.

MV Celestyal Journey (or similar).

• Kusadasi
• Crete

Crete Relaxed Start

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.

MV Celestyal Journey (or similar).

• Crete
• Santorini
• Crete

Discovering Santorini Relaxed Start

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.

MV Celestyal Journey (or similar).

• Santorini

Mykonos Relaxed Start

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.

MV Celestyal Journey (or similar).

• Santorini
• Mykonos

Mykonos to Milos Relaxed Start

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.

MV Celestyal Journey (or similar).

• Mykonos
• Milos

Athens at Leisure Relaxed Start

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?

Divani Palace Acropolis, New, Athens, Athens Marriott

• Milos
• Athens

Depart Athens

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

• Athens