Best of Greece and 7-Day Cruise

17 Days
Featuring: Athens, Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nauplia, Olympia, Delphi, Kalambaka, Meteora, Thermopylae, Solonika, Istanbul, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete, Santorini

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Day 1  Depart USA - Overnight flight to Athens.

Day 2  Arrive Athens (2nights) You are met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, enjoy a welcome drink with our Tour Director.

Day 3  Athens sightseeing & at leisure - Our morning sightseeing tour includes the Acropolis and the Parthenon. We'll see the Agora, the Acropolis Museum, Royal Palace, the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, and the stadium built for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, before free time. (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 4
Athens - Nauplia - We drive to the bridge across the Corinth Canal. Then we visit the remains of the ancient city of Corinth, en route to Mycenae, to see the Beehive Tombs, the Treasury of Atreus, Lion Gate and remains of Agamemnon's Royal Palace. On to the Sanctuary of Aesculapius, God of Medicine, to visit the amphitheatre. Finally, we arrive in Nauplia. (Buffet Breakfast/ Dinner)

Day 5  Nauplia - Olympia - We drive through the Mountains of Arcadia to Olympia, where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 B.C. Next we stroll around the ancient Olympic Stadium and the Temples of Zeus and Hera, on our visit of this Archaeological site. (Buffet Breakfast/ Dinner)

Day 6  Olympia - Delphi - This morning we head to Patras for a ferry across the Gulf of Corinth to mainland Greece. Then on to Delphi on the slopes of mighty Mount Parnassus, home of the Oracle. We walk the Sacred Way to the Sanctuary of Apollo and visit the Archeological site. (Buffet Breakfast/ Dinner)

Day 7  Delphi - Kalambaka - A morning drive takes us over the Pourmaraki Pass to Lamia, continuing via Trikala to Kalambaka. Then from here, we take a trip to the incredible monasteries of Meteora, perched on giant rocks above the town. We will visit two of these to admire the beautiful Byzantine frescoes and the views. (Buffet Breakfast/ Dinner)

Day 8  Kalambaka – Athens - Enjoy a scenic drive along the coast to Thermopylae, site of the famous battle between the Spartans and Persians. We return to Athens for our final night in this fascinating city. (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 9  Embark Piraeus - After completing your Best of Greece tour, you are transferred to Piraeus. We board our ship and cruise towards Solonica, a great city and artistic centre. (Buffet Breakfast/ Dinner)

Day 10  Salonica - At Sea - Early morning arrival in Thessaloniki. Enjoy this city with its Byzantine churches, almost rivalling those of Istanbul and Ravenna for their beauty and fascination. (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

Day 11  At Sea - Istanbul - Relax on board as we cruise towards Istanbul with a morning arrival. A full day at leisure to enjoy this fabled city. Later, why not be entertained with some Turkish belly-dancing before we set sail early evening? (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

Day 12  At Sea - Mykonos - Time to relax on board as we cruise to stylish Mykonos arriving mid-afternoon. Here we enjoy a few relaxing hours. (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

Day 13  Kusadasi - Patmos - An early arrival at Turkish Kusadasi. Here an excursion to Ephesus is a must! Next, we cruise to Patmos, with time for an excursion to the Fortress-Monastery. (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

Day 14  Rhodes - Early arrival at Rhodes. Time to explore the Old Town and Lindos. (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)  

Day 15  Heraklion - Santorini - Early arrival at Heraklion on the island of Crete. Then we cruise to spectacular Santorini. Perhaps visit Akrotiri. (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

Day 16  Disembarkation - Athens - Early morning arrival at Piraeus. Transfer to our hotel with the rest of the day free. (Breakfast)

Day 17  Athens - USA - Transfer to the airport for your return flight to America. (Buffet Breakfast)

Cruise ship operating this itinerary:  MTS Triton or World Renaissance