Costsaver: Greek Island Explorer
Day 1 - Arrive Athens
Let it sink in – the fact that you’re standing in what was once the center of the western world, where the likes of Socrates, Aristotle and Plato offered their wisdom and insights which have stood the test of time. Your launch pad to a Greek island adventure begins in the capital. There’s plenty of time to relax on the islands, so lace up your walking shoes and discover the city your way. Later, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a glimpse into what lies ahead.
Accommodations: Zafolia, Dorian Inn
Day 2 - Athens sightseeing and free time
The Acropolis looms large over Athens and today you’ll get up close and personal with this ancient citadel. Your Local Guide reveals its extraordinary history that spans thousands of years as you view the archaeological remains of temples, theaters and the mighty Parthenon, considered the most important building to survive Classical Greece. You’ll view the Panathinaiko Olympic Stadium, the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch, stopping in Syntagma Square to admire the curiously clad Evzone guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The rest of the day is yours to explore Athens on your terms, but with ancient history on your mind you may wish to embark on a Choice Experience to see the 5th-century BC Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. Or why not visit a turtle sanctuary on our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Choice Experience. This evening, if the sizzle of street food hasn’t already captured your attention, you may wish to join your fellow travelers for an optional traditional dinner at a favorite city taverna.
Accommodations: Zafolia, Dorian Inn
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Athens – Santorini
Don’t resist the urge to slow it all down as you leave the busy cityscape behind and catch a high-speed ferry to Santorini. The spectacular volcanic eruption in 1646 BC had quite the magic touch on its dramatic landscape. After checking in and an orientation tour, you'll have some time on your own to explore.
Accommodations: Kamari Beach, New Haroula
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 - Santorini free time
Don’t waste a second of your time lazing on the sun-soaked beaches of Santorini when you can ascend to its highest point for stunning views instead. This Choice Experience will reveal the iconic landscapes of the Cyclades you’ve only seen in photographs – the gleaming whitewashed buildings, cerulean blue domes and tumbling cerise bougainvillea. An alternative Choice Experience could see you board a caïque fishing boat to the volcano instead, soaking in its warm thermal waters and healing mud against the backdrop of Santorini’s enchanting cliff-top villages. This evening, there’s no better place to bid farewell to another beautiful island day than in Oia. Stroll through its marble streets to our favorite sunset spot to capture the Instagram shot of the trip.
Accommodations: Kamari Beach, New Haroula
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 - Santorini free time
Indulge in another full day to explore Santorini your way. You could choose one of several Choice Experiences to fill the day or stroll through Fira’s narrow streets shopping for last-minute souvenirs, clothing and jewelery. Incredible views of the Caldera are never far as you explore the island’s ancient paths, villages and beaches on your own. Why not make the most of your final evening in Santorini, sampling the local culinary delights with uninterrupted views of the Aegean Sea? There’s always time for one last ouzo.
Accommodations: Kamari Beach, New Haroula
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 - Santorini – Mykonos
Bound for the island playground of Mykonos. All that stands between you and the sun-kissed shores of the Cyclades is a short high-speed ferry ride. After transferring to your hotel and a short orientation tour, Mykonos is yours for the taking so don’t hold back and seek out your favorite island spots for the rest of your stay. Whitewashed houses line the narrow streets and life is rather idyllic behind the colorful wooden shutters that shield the locals from the warm Mediterranean sun.
Accommodations: Alkistis, Dimele
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 - Mykonos free time
Snap your fingers and you’ll be on the other side of the island. Well, almost. You could choose to spend your day exploring tiny Mykonos your way or join your fellow travelers for an optional Island tour driving through arid landscapes to some of its most celebrated beaches. Before you dip your toes into the water, you’ll visit Ano Mera village whose 16th-century monastery is dedicated to the protectress of Mykonos. Then continue to the beautiful Blue Flag beach of Kalafatis.
Accommodations: Alkistis, Dimele
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 - Mykonos free time
Grab your front-row seat to the goings-on in Mykonos's old port as you sit perched on one of the brightly painted wooden balconies characteristic of Little Venice. There’s time today to wander through the shopping streets of Chora village and see the 16th-century windmills of Kato Mili that look out over the bay. For history lovers, there’s no better way to spend your day than joining an optional visit to nearby Delos, the legendary birthplace of Apollo and his twin sister Artemis. On this captivating exploration of what was once the most important site in ancient Greece, you’ll see many artefacts that have been collected in the ruins of this sacred site. After a day of sightseeing, you’ll want to make the most of your final evening in this island playground. Seek out a taverna with beautiful views of the sunset and toast to another day in paradise with new friends.
Accommodations: Alkistis, Dimele
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 - Mykonos – Athens
Leaving island life behind, it’s time to return to Athens for a final exhilarating encounter with the vibrant Greek capital. Transfer to your Athens hotel, then spend the evening in the narrow lanes of Plaka following your nose past its 19th-century facades to find the best souvlaki in town. A lively evening lies ahead if you’ve yet to have your fill of good times with good friends. Keep your toes tapping to the street music that fills the air and find a taverna with your name on it.
Accommodations: Zafolia, Dorian Inn
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 - Depart Athens
Your journey through Athens and the Greek islands reveals why Ancient Greece was the chosen land for gods and goddesses, philosophers, poets and famous personalities. As you prepare for your return journey and long after you arrive home, you’ll remember the generous spirit, postcard-perfect scenery and legacy of the ancients that are among the many gifts that Greece has given you. Say farewell to your new friends at the end of your holiday.
Meals: Breakfast
Mykonos
Mykonos's many captivating attributes make it one of the most celebrated Greek holiday islands. Its main village is a colorful maze of narrow streets lined with white-washed houses, many with bright blue doors and shutters. As an attractive backdrop, famous windmills are lined up like toy soldiers on the hillside, vestiges of a time when wind power was used to grind grain. Mykonos has churches and chapels scattered about the island; quite a number of them are located right in town. Radiant flowers spill over white-washed walls and shady courtyards. In addition to swimming, sunning, water-skiing and surfing, visitors find endless shopping opportunities. Artists have relied on Mykonos' beautiful setting to inspire them. The most photographed site is the Paraportiani, a cluster of white-washed churches resting below windmills. Mykonos's museums include an Archaeological Museum, which houses relics from the Trojan War, a Folk Art Museum and a Maritime Museum. The best beaches are Aghios Stephanos, Psarou, Kalafatis, Onros, Panormos and Elia.
Excursions
Mykonos: Stunning Mykonos - 4 hours
Mykonos: Stunning Mykonos - 4 hours
Mykonos town is best known for its whitewashed buildings and today you have an introductory tour through its labyrinth of cobbled streets. Meet your driver and guide at the port before seeing the iconic windmills and the area known as Little Venice, where coloured balconies adorn the white facades and hang above the lapping waves. If of interest, you may like to visit the Maritime Museum, which exhibits ship models from the early Minoan period until the 20th century. Alternatively, you could explore the many jewellery shops and boutiques. Finish your tour with a visit to a traditional local bakery before your private transfer back to your cruise ship.
Highlights:
- Explore the whitewashed houses and beaches of Mykonos and discover seafaring heritage dating back to pre-Minoan times at the Maritime Museum
- Admire the island's iconic windmills and taste the delicacies at a local bakery
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local guide for 4 hours
• Entrance fees to all sights and museums
• All taxes
Exclusions:
• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities
Athens
Even though you've probably come here to see the "glory that was Greece," perhaps best symbolized by the Parthenon and the superb statues and vases in the National Archaeological Museum, allow some time to make haste slowly in Athens. Your best moments may come sitting at a small cafe, sipping a tiny cup of the sweet sludge that the Greeks call coffee, or getting hopelessly lost in the Plaka -- only to find yourself in the shady courtyard of an old church, or suddenly face to face with an ancient monument you never knew existed. With only a little advance planning, you can find a good hotel here, eat well in convivial restaurants, enjoy local customs such as the refreshing afternoon siesta and the leisurely evening volta (promenade or stroll) -- and leave Athens planning to return, as the Greeks say, tou chronou (next year).
Excursions
Athens - Ancient Corinth Tour - 4.5 hours
Athens - Ancient Corinth Tour - 4.5 hours
In the morning, you will be met by your English-speaking guide upon disembarkation from the cruise ship to commence the tour. Upon completion of the tour, you will be transferred back to the ship.
Departure for the excursion to Corinth and Cenchreae, from the where St. Paul left for Ephesus. Stop to view the Corinth Canal connecting the Aegean with the Ionian Sea. Ancient Corinth is sited inland at the foot of Mount Acrocorinth. The City’s ‘Long Wall’ began from the summit of the mountain, encompassed the city and ended at the port of Lechaio, which was the artificial harbor built on the shore of the Gulf of Corinth.
In the area of the city itself, the ruins are those of its Agora (Forum) as it was in the days of the Romans in the 1st century AD. On the northern side of the agora, seven of the thirty-eight columns of the Ancient Temple of Apollo (6th century BC) still stand. To the northeast of the Agora are the remains of the Theater and the Roman Odeon. Among the ruins of the Roman Forum, the Bema can be seen single structure from where St. Paul preached to the Corinthians. Corinth was the city where St. Paul created one of the biggest Christian communities in Europe. A visit to the Museum is also included as well as a stop at the small port of Lechaio, where Paul disembarked.
Duration: Approximately 4½ hours
Notes:
• Sun protection is recommended
• Comfortable non-slip shoes for uneven cobble or marble streets/steps is recommended
• Bottle of water - recommended
Argolis – Mycenean & Epidavros Adventure w/lunch - 9 hours
Argolis – Mycenean & Epidavros Adventure w/lunch - 9 hours
Guests will be met by our English speaking guide to commence the tour. Upon completion of the tour, transfer will be provided back to the ship.
We begin this exiting tour with a scenic drive along the Saronic Gulf to the Corinth Canal, which connects the Aegean Sea to the Ionian Sea After a short stop we drive on to Mycenae, the Homeric city of the Atreides. Visit the Lions Gate, the Cyclopean Walls and the famous Royal Tombs of King Agamemnon. Continue to Nafplion through the fertile plain of Argolis. The picturesque town nestling at the foot of a cliff crowned by the mighty ramparts of the Palamidi Fortress was the first capital of Greece. After lunch in Mycenae, leave for in the hinterland of Epidavros to visit the sanctuary of Asklepios, the most brilliant centre of healing in the ancient world and the 4th century theatre is one of the most perfect and the best preserved of the ancient Greek theatres.
Duration: approx: 9 hours
Notes:
• Sun protection is recommended
• Comfortable non-slip shoes for uneven cobble or marble streets/steps is recommended
• Bottle of water - recommended
Flavors of Athens - 5 hours
Flavors of Athens - 5 hours
Highlights/Description:
• Explore the streets of Athens and visit some of the best food stores
• Sample a selection of sweet and savory local delicacies
• Enjoy a cup of Greek coffee
• Visit the city's central food market
• Learn about the local food culture and gastronomy
• Private and possible to customize on the way
Tantalize your taste buds and gain insights into Greek gastronomy with this delicious private tour. Learn all about the tastes Athenians cherish and sample appetizing local treats. Discover small shops, explore the city's central food market and find out for yourself what the local food culture is really like.
Tour Duration: 4-5 Hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Licensed, English-speaking foodie guide
- Applicable taxes
Not Included:
- Transfers
- Meals, unless otherwise noted
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
Jewish Tour in Athens - 5 hours
Jewish Tour in Athens - 5 hours
Highlights/Description:
Discover the long history of Greece together with its Jewish community’s history and visit the most important Jewish sites on this private tour.
Your tour begins with a visit the Athens Jewish Museum to enjoy a guided tour of the museum's collections.
Continuing we will descend to the Ancient Agora, where an ancient Synagogue is thought to date from the 3rd century CE. On the way you will enjoy a stop at the the Cathedral at the statue of Archbishop Damaskinos.
We will continue walking into the heart of the city visiting the flea market at Avissinias Square which is also called "Yousouroum" after an influential Greek Jew.
We will continue our visit to the New Holocaust monument and the Beth Shalom Synagogue in the Thission area.
You may choose to end your tour with lunch at Gostijo, the only Kosher restaurant in Athens.
Tour Duration: 5 Hours
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Licensed, English-speaking guide
- Entrance Fees
- Applicable taxes
Not Included:
- Transfers
- Meals, unless otherwise noted
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
Bits & Bites Athens street food walking tour approx 3 hours
Bits & Bites Athens street food walking tour approx 3 hours
Start on a walking tour of the local markets: The senses of taste and smell are so powerful that Greece will intoxicate you and create a mystical experience. Take a look, sniff, and taste the vegetable, meat, and fish markets of Athens. Try the traditional Greek tastes: Greek sweets, koulouri, sausages, olive oil, olives, cheeses, rusks, Greek alcohol (wine, ouzo), and spices and herbs.
-Ariston (for tyropitta)
-Zisis, traditional small fish bites in a paper cone
-Bairaktaris Souvlaki
-Varvakios central food and spice market, then visit Ouzeri for ouzo-meze
-Traditional honey dough bites in Lukumades
-Brettos, for a shot glass of masticha,
-Time permitting, go for a Greek coffee at Café Melina in Plaka
The program and shops visited are indicative and may differ on the day depending on opening hours
Available May to October, morning to mid-afternoon*
Inclusions: Licensed English-speaking guide, Metro Tickets, Taxes
Exclusions: Gratuities, Personal expenses, anything not mentioned above, Snacks or meals
Tips: Wear flat, comfortable walking shoes a hat & plenty of sunscreen. Don’t eat before the tour!
Acropolis & Plaka walking tour approx 3 hours
Acropolis & Plaka walking tour approx 3 hours
Start this fascinating tour with a visit to the magnificent Acropolis, and admire the world's masterpieces, the Temple of Apteros Nike, the Erechtheum and the eternal Parthenon. The marble monuments and temples built in the classical times remind us that the Acropolis is more than the living history of Greece: it is the western world's prototype of aesthetics. After the visit of the Acropolis, enjoy a walking tour the wonderful alleys of the old Plaka area, one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods of Athens. Its architecture is mostly neoclassical and dating from King Otto’s time. Plaka and the Parliament were the only composites of the city of Athens when it first became a capital in 1834. The neighbourhood is an historic centre, full of beautiful buildings, Byzantine churches, little shops, cafe, bars and taverns.
Inclusions: Licensed English-speaking guide / Entrance fees to the Acropolis /Taxes
Exclusions: Gratuities / Personal expenses/ anything not mentioned above
Tips: Not recommended for those with walking / health difficulties
Wear flat, comfortable walking shoes & carry a cold bottle of water with you on hot days. In the summer, wear a hat and plenty of sunscreen.
Athens Scavenger Hunt - 4 hours
Athens Scavenger Hunt - 4 hours
Highlights/Description:
- Discover Athens in a fun way
- Learn about contemporary Athens
- View significant landmarks and sights
- Visit local shops
- Enjoy panoramic vistas
- Savor drinks and snacks that Athenians cherish
- Interact with locals
The ultimate treasure hunt! Follow the directions, hunt for, and solve clues, and view fascinating landmarks and lesser-known jewels in a fun way. Interact with locals, learn about our way of life, taste treats and drinks that locals cherish, and discover our city most in an exciting and enticing way. The objective of the game is to beat other groups of your fellow travelers by gaining more points than them. Points are won by following simple, yet cunning, instructions and solving several clues and challenges specially designed for travelers that are new to our city. Be the first team to complete the tasks and you will triumph!
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- English-Speaking game moderator
- Entrance fees
- Applicable taxes
Not Included:
- Transfers
- Meals, unless otherwise noted
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses