Grecian Fables

Trip Type: Eastern Mediterranean Cruising

Greece | 15 Days

NZD 0.00 /Person

Journey across the Aegean Sea, cruise to the islands of Crete, Santorini and Mykonos. Visit the sites of Athens including the Acropolis and the Tem...

Grecian Fables

Journey across the Aegean Sea, cruise to the islands of Crete, Santorini and Mykonos. Visit the sites of Athens including the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus. Explore Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Itinerary

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. At 19:00, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception, and get to know your fellow travellers over a delightful evening of dinner.

Accommodation:

Divani Palace Acropolis, New, Athens, Athens Marriott

Locations Visited:

Athens

Athens, City of Gods

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.

Accommodation:

Divani Meteora, Kalambaka

Locations Visited:

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.

Accommodation:

Divani Meteora, Kalambaka, Grand Meteora, Kalambaka

Locations Visited:

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.

Accommodation:

Arty Grand Hotel, Olympia., Amalia Olympia

Locations Visited:

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.

Accommodation:

Arty Grand Hotel, Olympia., Amalia Olympia

Locations Visited:

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, complete with wine and good cheer.

Accommodation:

Divani Palace Acropolis, New, Athens, Athens Marriott

Locations Visited:

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.

Accommodation: