Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
GRAND GRECIAN GETAWAY ITINERARY
Introduction
Join an interesting five-day bus tour and get closer to Greece's beautiful history and mythology, while exploring its most beautiful cities. Explore the charming capital of Greece and admire the imposing Acropolis, visit the world-famous Meteora monasteries, see ancient Greek remains and catch sight of the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Indulge in delicious food, admire stunning landscapes, get in touch with culture, and befriend the happy locals while enjoying this memorable cultural trip in Greece.
Followed by a seven-day Greek Island cruise where romance and culture await. It’s no wonder the Greek Islands have always been a perennial favorite of travelers. Greece is a magical, romantic destination where you can wander alongside stunning coastlines, explore the ruins of ancient cultures, and dine on fresh Mediterranean cuisine all in one vacation. Explore far-flung beaches, drift out to sea on catamarans and kayaks, and duck into tiny tavernas where you can eat and drink like a local. From the sun-soaked stone buildings in Santorini to the white-sand beaches that beckon in Mykonos, a Greece cruise is the best way to experience the captivating Greek Islands.
Day 1: ARRIVAL ATHENS – CAPE SOUNIO – ATHENS (140km – 4 hrs)
On your arrival at Athens airport, a representative will greet you and transfer you to the selected hotel, in a comfortable air-conditioned luxury car. Athens has an array of amazing hotels, and this package has the cream of the crop. In the afternoon drive along the coastal road, passing the wonderful beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza to the most Southern point of Attica, Cape Sounio, where the white marble pillars of the Temple of Poseidon stand. On the way, you have a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf and the little islands offshore. After visiting the Temple of Poseidon, you have time to walk at leisure on the rocky promontory of Sounio, before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Athens.
Day 2: ATHENS – CANAL OF CORINTH – EPIDAURUS –NAFPLION – MYCENAE – OLYMPIA (390 km – 6 hrs)
Indulge in a delicious breakfast at the hotel before taking the coastal road to the Corinth Canal. Stop for a few moments and then drive towards the Theatre of Epidauros, famous for its remarkable acoustics. Afterward, proceed to the town of Nafplion and stop to take some stunning photos. Continue driving towards Mycenae to visit the Archaeological Site and the Tomb of Agamemnon. Then depart for Olympia through Central Peloponnese and the towns of Tripolis and Megalopolis. Overnight in Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games.
Day 3: OLYMPIA – DELPHI (250 km – 3.5 hrs)
Begin your day with a mouth-watering breakfast at the hotel. Afterward, visit the Archaeological Site with the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium, and the Archaeological Museum. Then drive on through the plains of Eliad and Achaia until the magnificent bridge that crosses the Corinthian Bay from Rion to Antirion. Pass by the picturesque towns of Nafpaktos (Lepanto) and Itea, arriving in Delphi, where a comfortable room and a delicious dinner are waiting for you. Overnight in Delphi.
Day 4: DELPHI – KALAMBAKA (310 km – 4 hrs)
Have a tasty breakfast at the hotel and in the morning visit the Archaeological Site and the Museum in Delphi. Depart for Kalambaka, a small town stated at the foot of the astonishing complex of Meteora. Overnight in Kalambaka.
Day 5: KALAMBAKA – ATHENS (355 km – 4.5 hrs)
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel. Then, visit the mesmerising Meteora. Among striking scenery, perched on top of huge rocks which seem to be suspended in mid-air, stand ageless Monasteries, where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. Return to Athens via Trikala, Lamia and Thermopylae, enjoying a short stop to see the Leonida's Monument across the road. Arrive in Athens and transfer to the hotel.
Day 6: ATHENS (PIRAEUS)
Transfer to the cruise port to board the Celebrity Infinity 7 Day Greek Isles Cruise. Cruise departs at 4:00pm
Day 7: PORT - THESSALONIKI, GREECE
The second largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki has so much going for it—beauty, history, culture, and absolutely amazing views of the sea. One of its most famous sites is the iconic White Tower which dates from the 1500s and was built as part of the city’s fortification. Head to the top of it for sweeping views of the city, shimmering gulf, and surrounding hills. Practically an open-air museum of Byzantine art, Thessaloniki offers many opportunities to stroll among 5th century churches, archeological sites, a 13th century bathhouse, archaeological museums, and contemporary art museums.
Day 8: PORT - MYKONOS, GREECE
Mykonos is known for its whitewashed villages sprinkled with blue and jade green. It's also famous for its sophisticated nightlife. The most popular island in the Cyclades is bustling with activity, awash in beautiful alleyways, and home to alluring sandy beaches.
Day 9: PORT - EPHESUS (KUSADASI), TURKEY
Once the capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor, this coastal town is now an archeologist’s dream. The UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Ephesus impress even those familiar with the world's other ancient cities. Though excavations have been underway for 150 years, only 20 percent of the city has been uncovered. This former Greek banking and trading center is rich with historic sites, including the Great Theater, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Check out the the Celsus Library — built in 117 A.D.— made up of towering columns highlighted by the statue of the goddess of wisdom.
Day 10: PORT - RHODES, GREECE
Rhodes, the friendliest city in the Mediterranean, is situated at the island’s northernmost point. This sunny retreat is also home to many historic sites, such as the ruins of the Temple of Venus and the medieval Street of Knights. Rhodes, pronounced ro-dos, is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands. The varied landscape with beaches, wooded areas, and ancient ruins also makes this one of the most alluring of the Greek archipelago. A cruise to Rhodes wouldn’t be complete without exploring the picturesque Old Town with its winding streets and Byzantine legacy. Enter the gateways of Rhodes and step back to a time when the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem built a Christendom stronghold. Or tour the restored Palace of the Grand Masters and the Hospital of the Knights. You can spend the day amid the chronicles of Greek history. Immerse yourself in the whitewashed romance of the archaeological site, Lindos and climb to the ruins of its ancient Acropolis for sweeping views of the village and the blue seas beyond. The island’s vibrant shops, great restaurants, and glittering clubs buzz with a happy, modern energy in contrast to the grace of its ancient history.
Day 11: PORT - SANTORINI, GREECE
Here on the island of Santorini, you’ll find a classic Greek seascape—whitewashed houses accented by sea-blue roofs. This is a treasure trove for both professional and amateur archeology buffs, with sites that include tombs that date back to the 9th century and the sanctuary of Apollo. In many ways, Santorini could be considered an explosive place, being that its terraced collection of homes and windmills lie on a caldera-- a huge basin formed by an erupting volcano. The island’s volcanic past has also produced delicious grapes for excellent wines that are well worth investigating while here. Some of the best on the island can be found in Pyrgos, Megalochori, and Oia. Oia’s hilltop not only has the ancient, Minoan site of Akrotiri, but is quite possibly the best vantage point from which to witness the spectacular sunsets. And, if you have some time, take a short trip to the island of Nea Kameni for a dip in its famous hot springs. The warm dark waters are enriched with iron and manganese and considered therapeutic.
Day 12: PORT - HYDRA, GREECE
Tired of traffic and crowds? Hydra is just what you’re looking for. Cars, scooters, even bicycles are prohibited on this small, exquisite island in the Aegean Sea. Visitors get around on foot, on
a donkey, or by water taxi. The picturesque town is filled with red-tiled houses, flower gardens, narrow cobblestone roadways, lovely gift shops, restaurants, and port-side tavernas—perfect for people-watching. Hydra also has many beautiful beaches, some close to town, and some secluded. No wonder it’s considered one of the most romantic destinations in Greece.
Day 13: ATHENS (PIRAEUS), GREECE
Cruise arrives at pier at 6:00am. Transfer to the airport to head home.