Compare Greece: Ancient Ruins & Iconic Islands by G Adventures vs Greek Escape plus 4-night Iconic Cruise by Globus
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 12 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 3,484 | $ 2,200 |
| Price Per Day | $ 290 | $ 183 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes | N/A |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
| Activities | N/A |
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| Meals Included | 11 breakfasts, 1 dinner | N/A |
| Description |
Step back in time on a journey to Greece, where iconic ruins bring ancient history to life. Explore the awe-inspiring monuments of Athens and the stunning Cyclades islands; and run and jump in the footsteps of ancient Greek athletes at the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Then venture to the olive-covered hills and rugged coasts of the Peloponnese, where some of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey played out; and savour the delightfully fresh flavours of Greek cuisine. |
The iconic Greek Islands are yours to discover on a guided cruise and tour of Greece. You’ve dreamed of the sparkling blue waters of the Aegean Sea and strolling among whitewashed buildings above pristine beaches. Now you can have both with a guided tour of Greece and a Greek Islands cruise. History comes alive on your guided visits to many of Greece's ancient sites. In addition to the Acropolis and Olympia, you'll also visit the ruins in Mycenae, dating from 1,350 to 1,200 BC and described in Homer’s epic poem, “The Iliad.” Also see the amazingly well-preserved, 2,300-year-old open-air theater in Epidaurus. In ancient Greece, people traveled to Delphi to seek the wisdom of the Oracle. Learn about the Oracle, tour the excavations, and visit the Archaeological Museum. To add to your Greek experience, enjoy a cooking demonstration where you learn to make traditional tzatziki; take a sirtaki dance lesson, and try a glass of Ouzo. Plus, you'll be accompanied by an expert Tour Director who will bring this country to life by sharing its history, stories, and insider secrets.Take your escorted Greek vacation adventure further! Cruise the Greek Islands for four nights to experience the world-renowned Aegean Sea portion of the Mediterranean. Sail from Athens aboard a Celestyal Cruise ship to Mykonos. Next, you’ll sail towards the shores of Turkey to visit Kusadasi and the ancient excavations of Ephesus. Stop at the island of Rhodes, where you’ll see the clifftop acropolis of Lindos and Athena’s Temple. Sail, weather permitting, to the panoramic and volcanic island of Santorini—“The Black Pearl of the Aegean.” Relax while basking in the beauty of the sea as you return to Athens. From the picturesque fishing villages to ancient historic sights and sailing the Aegean Sea, this guided tour of Greece has it all—including four spectacular nights on a Greek Island cruise. |
Day 1 Athens
Arrive at any time.
Day 2 Athens
Considered the cradle of Western civilization, Athens is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Explore the iconic Acropolis with an archaeologist guide and wander among the columns of the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena. Continue to the ancient Agora—where Athenians gathered to discuss the affairs of the day—and listen to our guide bring these timeless ruins to life. Afterwards, be enriched and refreshed with drinks and a tour of local non-profit cafe, Shedia Home.
Day 3 Athens/Delphi
Take free time to explore Athens on your own, or choose to visit the National Garden. Afterward, journey to Delphi, home to the Temple of Apollo—seat of the fabled oracle of Delphi and considered the center of the world by the ancients.
Day 4 Delphi/Olympia
Explore mystical Delphi on a guided tour, then continue discovering the ruins on your own and visit the Archaeological Museum of Delphi to admire the many artifacts discovered at the site. Travel along the breathtaking Gulf of Corinth, crossing into the Peloponnese via the Rio-Antirrio bridge, an impressively long multi-span cable-stay bridge. Wind your way to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and channel your inner champion as you discover this remarkable site, where ancient Greek athletes would gather every four years to compete in a series of sporting events honoring Zeus.
Day 5 Olympia/Náfplio
Browse the Olympia Museum this morning, then travel to Náfplio, a charming port town and the first capital of modern Greece. In Náfplio, lose yourself in the winding lanes of the old town, and take in glimpses of the sapphire-hued Aegean Sea from the hilltops.
Day 6 Náfplio
Embark on an excursion to the Bronze Age city of Mycenae, where the legendary king Agamemnon ruled. Take a guided tour of the ruins, enclosed within Cyclopean walls, and enter the citadel through the famed Lion Gate—one of Europe’s oldest monumental sculptures. Return to Náfplio and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Opt to climb up to the Akronafplia fortress, or hit the beach.
Day 7 Athens/Náxos
Drive back to Athens, stopping en route at the ancient site of Epidaurus and the ruins of Corinth, where the Christian apostle Paul is said to have visited in the first century A.D. From Athens, board a ferry to the Cyclades islands. Relax on board, enjoying sparkling views of the sea, and disembark at Náxos, the largest island in the archipelago.
Day 8 Náxos
The Cyclades are known around the word for their dazzling white villages and golden beaches. On Naxos, while away your time exploring the storybook old town; opt to walk to the emblematic Temple of Apollo, overlooking the sea; or stretch out on a sandy beach.
Day 9 Santorini
Catch a ferry to postcard-perfect Santorini. Get to know this much-photographed isle at your own pace, discovering candy-colored doorways and sugar-cube buildings; and take in a spectacular sunset from the village of Oía. Savor the taste of local produce—marked by the island’s volcanic soil—or unwind at the beach.
Day 10 Santorini
This morning, sail Santorini’s breathtaking sunken caldera, and learn about the volcanic origins of the surrounding crescent-shaped ring of islands. Later, enjoy free time to explore Santorini.
Day 11 Santorini/Athens
Fly back to Athens for an adventure in Greek cookery. Head out with a local expert to a teaching kitchen and learn how to craft mezze, a platter of appetizers commonly served in southeast Europe and the Middle East. Wash down these tasty snacks with a glass of ouzo, an anise-flavored liqueur, and cheer our journey with your best “opa!”
Due to strict weight restrictions, plan on packing light for your flight. Because of current weight limits and the inability to add on more weight, checked baggage should be no heavier than 15kg, and hand luggage should weigh no more than 6kg.
Day 12 Athens
Depart at any time.
Day 1: ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE
Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome drink.
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Day 2: ATHENS
Marvels & Myths ATHENS Guided sightseeing includes the Acropolis and a picture stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Free time this afternoon and evening. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOTS Explore the heart of Ancient Greece, in the historic empire where 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, never fail to amaze! See the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the venues of the first modern Olympic Games.
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Day 3: ATHENS–CORINTH CANAL–MYCENAE–EPIDAURUS–NAUPLIA
Greek History & Heroes CORINTH CANAL Photo stop.MYCENAE Guided visit of the excavations and museum.EPIDAURUS Guided visit of the 2,300-year-old open-air theater before continuing to Nauplia. (Breakfast,Dinner) 132mi/212km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEM The outdoor auditorium of Epidaurus combines perfect mathematic proportion with excellent acoustics. This fascinating archaeological treasure was used for the healing of patients from all over Greece and was dedicated to Asklepios, the god of healing.
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Day 4: NAUPLIA–OLYMPIA
Ruins & Recipes Scenic drive through the Arkadian Mountains.OLYMPIA Guided visit of the archaeological site and the museum. Attend a [LF] cooking demonstration this evening and learn how to make the traditional Greek tzatziki appetizer. (Breakfast,Dinner) 112mi/181km
LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Dip into the delicious tradition of Greek tzatziki – a mix of yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and herbs such as dill, mint, parsley, and thyme. Learn how to make this quintessential recipe loved the world over.
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Day 5: OLYMPIA–DELPHI
Digs & Dances DELPHI Join a guided visit of the excavations and Archaeological Museum. This evening, [LF] learn how to dance the sirtaki in a dance class while sipping a glass of Ouzo. (Breakfast,Dinner) 149mi/239km
LOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITION Dance in the steps of Zorba the Greek to learn the sirtaki. This passionate and dramatic dance goes very well with a glass of ouzo, the anice-infused drink the locals are so fond of.
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Day 6: DELPHI–ARACHOVA–ATHENS
Mountain Highs ARACHOVA Visit the picturesque mountain town.ATHENS Free time. (Breakfast) 118 mi / 190 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHTLOCAL TRADITIONS Besides being one of the most beautiful Greek mountain resorts, popular with celebrities, Arachova is famous for a variety of specialties, including hand-woven textiles, woodwork, cheese and wine.
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Day 7: ATHENS–(EMBARKATION): MYKONOS
Beyond the Shore ATHENS Embark on your Greeks Islands cruise.MYKONOS Free time to explore this evening. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDER Your dreams of the Greek Islands come true with free time in Mykonos. This Aegean paradise of pristine waters and beaches, mixed with a lively nightlife scene is only made brighter by the iconic 16th-century windmills that dot the hillside above.
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Day 8: CRUISING: KUSADASI, TURKEY–PATMOS, GREECE
Turkish Treasures KUSADASI Visit the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus. PATMOS Afternoon call. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Pull into port in Turkey to explore the fascinating Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus - one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world – with the historic ruins of the Library of Celsus, the Basilica of St. John, and the Temple of Artemis.
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Day 9: CRUISING: RHODES
Blue Heaven RHODES Join a guided sightseeing of the Acropolis of Lindos (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SIGHTS Rhodes is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, in addition to its gorgeous beaches, you’ll see the fascinating archaeological ruins of the legendary Lindos Acropolis – standing over 100 meters above the sea.
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Day 10: CRUISING: SANTORINI, GREECE
Sun, Sea & Sands SANTORINI Free time to explore (weather permitting). (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT With its postcard-like scenery, the lofty volcanic footprint of Santorini’s Oia caldera landscape embodies the essence of the Cyclades Islands. Spend free time amid azure seas, and white and blue houses that line the maze of alleyways.
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Day 11: ATHENS (DISEMBARKATION)
Capital Ideas After breakfast on board, disembark and return to Athens city center. (Breakfast)
FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE There are countless ways to enjoy free time in the birthplace of democracy, arts, science, and the philosophy of western civilization! Explore the urban landscapes and lively restaurants in this historic capital and enjoy the sunny slopes of this iconic city. Stroll in the shadow of the Acropolis in the village atmosphere of Plaka. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets to browse jewelry stores and ceramics shops, then linger in a sidewalk café or taverna to celebrate your Greek adventure.
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Day 12: ATHENS
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
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