Compare Grecian Dreams - Premier, Classic Group by Insight Vacations vs 14 Day Athens, Peloponnese & Cyclades Islands by Gate 1 Travel

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Trip	Grecian Dreams - Premier, Classic Group by Insight Vacations 5 \| Excellent 11388 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip Reserve	14 Day Athens, Peloponnese & Cyclades Islands by Gate 1 Travel 3.5 \| Average 746 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip See Offer

Duration	13 days	14 days
Price From	$ 4,575	$ 4,759
Price Per Day	$ 352	$ 340
Highlights	: Our Well-Being Directors take a proactive approach to your welfare ensuring all well-being regulations are met (available on tours with 21 or more guests). : Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas. In Athens, your knowledgeable local Insight host will ensure your time in this city is seamless. : Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with onboard washroom. Alternate vehicles without onboard washroom or 40 seats may be used on occasion. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches. : Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols. : We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues. : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day. : "One of the places I love to take our guests to that they would likely not find on their own or when travelling with anyone else is Nafplion, Greece. It's a beautiful seaside town with traditional Neoclassical buildings. I think it's the most charming town on the mainland of Greece." : "I love how guests react to hearing the Zorba the Greek song. It’s amazing that one old song can still unite and spread so much enthusiasm." : "In Greece, we still break plates when we are excited, happy, dancing, celebrating our namedays or birthdays, get married or divorced!" Athens: Get to know your fellow travelers over a delightful Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. Olympia: Taste unique flavours and savour Greek regional specialties over a colourful Highlight Dinner. Athens: Toast the culmination of your vacation with a lively Celebration Dinner in true Greek style at a local restaurant. Dining Summary: 9 Dinner with Wine (DW), 11 Breakfast (B), and 4 Lunch with Wine (LW) Athens: Ascend the Acropolis with a Local Expert to admire the Parthenon, built in 5th century B.C. Steps away you'll 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. Athens: See the Arch of Hadrian, erected in honour of the Roman Emperor and used as a divider between the ancient city and the new Roman district, along with the remaining columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Kalambaka: Your Travel Director will provide an orientation of this town situated at the base of the extraordinary Meteora rocks. Thermopylae: See the Leonidas Monument dedicated to the brave warrior and his 300 Spartans. Meteora: With a Local Expert, visit one of the remarkable centuries-old monasteries of Meteora, teetering on towers of rock and arguably the most spectacular place to visit in Greece. Delphi: With your Local Expert, walk to The Sacred Way once lined with offertory temples. See the reconstructed Athenian Treasury and pass the superb Polygonal Wall to reach the Temple of Apollo, where the people would seek divine wisdom from the mysterious Oracle. Archaeological Site of Olympia: The stadium of Olympia hosted the ancient Olympic Games and the Heraia, the women's games in honour of Hera. See the Temple of Zeus, athlete's gymnasium and the stone marker where the sprint began. Archaeological site of Mycenae: Walk through the Lion Gate past the royal beehive-tombs where Schliemann uncovered golden treasure, while hearing tales of Agamemnon from your Local Expert. Nafplio: Join your Travel Director in an orientation of this beautiful seaport town and see why it is named one of Greece's prettiest spots. Corinth Canal: Cross the amazing rock-cut channel dividing the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. Athens: Visit the Greek Islands of Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete and Santorini. Call in at the Turkish port of Kusadasi. Ephesus: Discover one of the world's finest ancient sites. Led by your Local Expert, walk the Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and Amphitheatre and visit the House of the Virgin Mary. Rhodes: With your Local Expert, explore the classical Acropolis of Lindos and the Temple of Athena in Rhodes. These awe-inspiring ruins date back to the 4th century and offer panoramic views of the stunning coastline. Olympia: Chef Farije shares with you her passion for local ingredients and high quality products. Learn how to make moussaka and other regional dishes during a fun and immersive cooking demonstration. Archaeological site of Mycenae: Discover ancestral pottery methods at an artist's studio that preserves important skills and ancient traditions.	Explore the Acropolis, an ancient architectural masterpiece and visit the Acropolis Museum Visit the archaeological site of Olympia, birthplace of the Olympics Enjoy a cooking demonstration led by a chef who shares his culinary secrets Discover the historic mountain villages of Dimitsana and Stemnitsa Tour the medieval Monemvasia Castle, perched on a massive rock At the Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil, learn about the culture and history of olive oil production Visit the picturesque town of Nauplion, the first capital of modern Greece Tour the 4th century BC Theater of Epidaurus, world-famous for its exceptional acoustics In Mycenae, heartland of Greek mythology, visit the Acropolis of Mycenae and the Treasury of Atreus Discover the beautiful Cycladic islands of Paros and Naxos †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Trip Style	Group tour	Small group tour
Lodging Level	Premium	Standard
Physical Level	3- Moderate	3- Moderate
Travel Themes	Cultural 50 plus Education / Learning	Cultural 50 plus
Countries Visited	Turkey Greece	Greece
Cities and Attractions	Acropolis Athens Crete Mycenae Olympia Rhodes Santorini	Acropolis Athens Mycenae Olympia
Flights & Transport	Airfare included	Ground transport included
Activities	Culture Historic sightseeing	N/A
Meals Included	N/A	N/A
Description	Experience what Grecian dreams are made of during a 12-day guided tour of Greece and Turkey. In Athens, a Local Expert will guide you through the Acropolis and its Parthenon — the iconic mountaintop temple dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war. Let the aromas of authentic Greek cuisine tantalize your taste buds during a chef-led cooking demonstration in Olympia, then indulge in a feast of traditional flavors. Meet a family of artisans in Mycenae who make one-of-a-kind pieces of pottery. Explore the Turkish port of Kusadasi, where a Local Expert will show you the ancient ruins of the city Ephesus, which houses one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Cruise to the island of Santorini, where you can watch the sun disappear behind the caldera.	3 Athens, 1 Olympia, 2 Monemvasia, 2 Nauplion, 2 Paros, 2 Naxos

Itinerary: Grecian Dreams - Premier, Classic Group

Day 1: 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 and wine.

Divani Caravel Hotel, Athens., Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre.

Dinner with Wine

Day 2: 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.

Divani Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka., Grand Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 3: 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.

Divani Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka., Grand Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka.

Breakfast

Day 4: 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.

Arty Grand Hotel, Olympia., Amalia Hotel Olympia.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 5: 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 Highlight Dinner.

Arty Grand Hotel, Olympia., Amalia Hotel Olympia.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 6: 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.

Divani Caravel Hotel, Athens., Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 7: Cruising to Mykonos Relaxed Start

Board your cruise ship and set sail for the lovely island of Mykonos with its dazzling sugar cube houses and whitewashed windmills. Tonight, the maze of walkways, welcoming tavernas and nightlife are yours to explore. Late in the evening, your cruise sails across the Aegean to Turkey. 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 onboard daily. Your cruise includes a selection of alcoholic beverages and non alcoholic hot and cold beverages are included.

MV Celestyal Olympia (or similar).

Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine

Day 8: Kusadasi and Patmos

Today explore the Turkish port of Kusadasi and visit the ancient ruins of Ephesus with a Local Expert. In the afternoon, sail to the island of Patmos where St. John the Devine was exiled by the Emperor Domitian. Later, your cruise sets sail for Rhodes.

MV Celestyal Olympia (or similar).

Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine

Day 9: Rhodes Relaxed Start

Upon arrival at Rhodes, chosen by the Crusaders as their fortified headquarters, the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Join your Local Expert on an included walking tour of the old town surrounded by medieval walls and visit the Acropolis of Lindos or simply enjoy a relaxing day on the golden beaches. In the evening, your cruise continues to Crete.

MV Celestyal Olympia (or similar).

Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine

Day 10: Crete and Santorini Relaxed Start

In the morning, you dock at Heraklion in Crete. Perhaps join an optional visit with a Local Expert to the site of the ruins of King Minos' Palace of Knossos. Later, cruise beneath the sheer cliffs of Santorini. Explore the capital of Thira, with its clifftop restaurants and cafes, breathtaking views and amazing sunsets. In the evening you sail onto Athens.

MV Celestyal Olympia (or similar).

Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine

Day 11: Athens at Leisure Relaxed Start

Disembark in the morning and transfer to your hotel where you are at leisure. Relax, shop or bargain in the local market. Perhaps ask about an optional experience to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion?

Divani Caravel Hotel, Athens., Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre.

Breakfast

Day 12: Depart Athens

Bid farewell to Athens. Your journey ends with a transfer to the airport.

Breakfast

Itinerary: 14 Day Athens, Peloponnese & Cyclades Islands

DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Greece
Depart for Athens, Greece

DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Athens
Arrive in Athens, the classical capital of Greece; transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to discover this city known as the cradle of Western Civilization and the birthplace of democracy. This evening, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Saturday - Athens and the Acropolis
Today, explore Athens. A panoramic drive takes you past the 4th century Panathenian Stadium, the ruins of the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch. Stand before the Acropolis, the ancient architectural masterpiece built during the Golden Age of Athens, crowned by the Parthenon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, visit the Acropolis Museum housing the surviving treasures of the Acropolis. Afterward, head to lively Plaka for lunch. Free time to wander the cobblestone lanes of this charming neighborhood filled with quaint shops, restaurants and cafes. Return to your hotel with time at leisure
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4, Sunday - Corinth Canal, Olympia Archaeological Site, Cooking Demonstration
Depart Athens via the scenic coastal road to the Corinth Canal, dividing the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. Continue to Olympia, birthplace of the first Olympic Games. Visit the archaeological site of Olympia, including the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, and the ancient stadium where the Olympic Games were first held. Proceed to Olympia's Archaeological Museum containing significant exhibitions of the ancient world and artwork. Attend a cooking demonstration, led by a professional chef, who shares his secrets of how to prepare Greek dishes. Enjoy lunch and listen to lively Greek music and watch dancers in original Greek costumes. Return to the hotel for dinner
Overnight: Olympia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Monday - Honey Farm, Dimitsana & Stemnitsa Villages, Open Air Water Power Museum
Begin the day with a visit to a family-owned honey farm, to get a glimpse into the fascinating world of the honeybee. Afterward, explore the historic village of Dimitsana with its old stone houses and beautiful mountain scenery. Continue to Stemnitsa village wonderfully perched at an elevation of 3,444 feet above the gorge of Lousios. Stroll through the narrow cobblestone alleys and stop for a lunch of regional dishes. In the afternoon, visit a monastery and conclude with a tour of the Open Air Water Power Museum. View displays of restored milling installations which used water as the source of energy
Overnight: Monemvasia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6, Tuesday - Castle of Monemvasia, Wine Cellar Visit
Morning visit to Monemvasia Castle, perched on a massive rock in an island connected to the mainland by a bridge. Stroll through the narrow-cobbled alleys, explore the fortress walls and learn about its history. Later, visit a family-owned wine cellar and sample some of the wines accompanied by light snack. Continue with a visit to the home of famous Greek poet Yiannis Ritsos, a source of inspiration for his works. Spend time at leisure before dinner tonight
Overnight: Monemvasia
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Wednesday - Sparta, Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil, Mystras
Travel to historic Sparta, the birthplace of Leonidas and visit Keadas Cave, where the ancient Spartans threw their weak newborn children. Afterward, head to The Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil. Learn about the culture, history of olive oil production, and its uses. Later, proceed to the ancient city of Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore this well-preserved Byzantine city built into a steep mountainside. View ruins of a fortress, palaces, monasteries, and churches. Return to Nauplion for dinner
Overnight: Nauplion
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Thursday - Nauplion, Ancient Theater of Epidaurus, Mythological Mycenae
Begin the walking tour of Nauplion, highlighted by ancient walls, medieval castles, Ottoman fountains and neoclassical buildings with unique architecture. According to mythology, the city was founded by Náfplios, son of Poseidon. Afterward, visit the 4th century BC Theater of Epidaurus, world-famous for its exceptional acoustics. Continue to Mycenae, the heartland of Greek mythology. Enter through the famous Lion Gate to visit the Acropolis of Mycenae and the Treasury of Atreus. Following lunch, return to Nauplion
Overnight: Nauplion
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9, Friday - Flight to Mykonos, Ferry to Paros
This morning, transfer to the airport in Athens for your flight to the island of Mykonos with its whitewashed houses, iconic windmills and trendy cafes. Savor lunch at a harborside taverna and gaze at the bustle of Cycladic island life. In the afternoon, board a ferry to the island of Paros, in the heart of the Cyclades. Arrive and check into your hotel
Overnight: Paros
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 10, Saturday - Paros Island Tour, Moraitis Winery
Embark on a tour of Paros Island. View charming mountain villages, and ancient ruins. Visit the 4th century church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, a place of pilgrimage. According to legend the church was constructed by Emperor Constantine. Later, visit Moraitis Winery and gain insight into the process of winemaking. Tour the facility and sample some of the fine wines. Following a lunch of local dishes, head to the village of Marpissa for a rug weaving demonstration. Conclude the tour with a visit to the Frankish Castle of Paroikia, built by the Venetians in the 13th century
Overnight: Paros
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11, Sunday - Ferry to Naxos, Explore Naxos Town
Depart Paros and board the ferry to the nearby island of Naxos with its Venetian heritage. Begin the exploration of Naxos Town. Walk through the charming cobblestone alleys, vibrant stalls, local eateries and taste some of Naxos famous cheeses. Gain insight into the history and local food culture. Tonight, dinner is at a local restaurant
Overnight: Naxos
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Monday - Tour the Island of Naxos
Discover the island of Naxos and learn about its culture and history. Head to the small village of Damalas to visit a traditional ceramic workshop. Hear about the island's pottery tradition and watch craftsman shape the clay in creative ways. Afterward, proceed to the village of Halki and learn about the island's kitron liqueur production during your visit to a museum. View traditional tools and machinery used for distilling kitron. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to the hotel
Overnight: Naxos
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 13, Tuesday - Ferry to Athens
Today, board the ferry back to Athens. Upon arrival at the port, transfer to the hotel. Tonight at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager and to Greece
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 14, Wednesday - Depart Greece
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

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