Compare Taste of the Arctic Summer by Arctic Kingdom vs Greece & Three Continents Cruise - Premium, Classic Group Premium Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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Trip |
4.5 | Great
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Greece & Three Continents Cruise - Premium, Classic Group Premium Classic Group
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Insight Vacations
5 | Excellent
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Duration | 4 days | 15 days |
Price From | $ 2,154 | $ 4,815 |
Price Per Day | $ 539 | $ 321 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
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Countries Visited | ||
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
Description |
Discover the colour, vibrancy, Tranquility and midnight sun of an arctic summer. As the Arctic awakens from its winter slumber, its raw and pristine beauty shines in the summer months. Admire the exotic tundra blooming with brilliant wildflowers under almost 24-hour sunshine. Venture above the tree line to experience the best of the season and some of the top highlights of Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut and largest city on Baffin Island. Enjoy activities including a town tour, hiking the tundra, or fishing for Arctic char in Sylvia Grinnell Park. Delve into Inuit history and culture at Iqaluit’s museums and art galleries. |
Explore the ancient Acropolis in Athens and indulge in an authentic cooking demonstration in Olympia, as a local chef prepares a feast from locally farmed produce. Replete with lashings of olive oil and Greek cheeses you’ll master moussaka and tzatziki, before experiencing Greece in all its glory. Sail across the Aegean Sea on a one-week luxury cruise that takes you across three continents. Start in Athens, where a Local Expert will guide you through the Parthenon and Acropolis — and walk through the Arch of Hadrian, where the Roman Emperor of the same name once stood. Board your vessel and relax as you cruise the sea, sampling the spicy and aromatic dishes of Mediterranean cuisine. Travel to Cairo and visit the ancient Pyramids of Giza, towering royal tombs where pharaohs have been laid to rest. And join a Local Expert at Ephesus, the remains of an ancient city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
Day 1:
Upon arrival in Iqaluit, you will be met by your Arctic Kingdom guide and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy an in-depth guided tour of Iqaluit and the nearby community of Apex and visit a variety of Iqaluit’s attractions and highlights. This may include the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum, Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre, the original Hudson's Bay Company Trading Post and more.
Day 2:
Your Arctic Kingdom guide will meet you at the hotel and drive you to Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park for a hike along the Sylvia Grinnell River. Don’t forget your camera and keep your eyes open for wildlife. A packed lunch will be provided. The park is an excellent hiking location for viewing the beautiful scenery, wildlife and flora of the eastern arctic region. Hiking routes through the park vary in length and level of difficulty, from easy to challenging. The well-travelled River Valley route passes through birding areas and the park’s coastal landscape. The terrain varies from gravel roadway to uneven tundra and boulder fields. The Hilltops and Meadows route allows hikers to experience tundra meadows, bedrock outcrops and unobstructed views of the surrounding region from several highpoints in the park. This route is considered a hike over uneven ground with some steep elevations. It has trail markers to aid in navigation around sensitive environments. Hikers are encouraged to take side trips from each of the main routes.
Interested in fishing for Arctic char at the river? Let us know in advance and Arctic Kingdom will provide a license and tackle for the hike.
Day 3:
Your Arctic Kingdom guide will meet you at your hotel at a prearranged time. Enjoy kayaking in Frobisher Bay in the morning and a packed lunch served on the tundra. Explore this amazing area in Frobisher Bay on a guided hike. If conditions allow we will aim to explore Qaummaarviit Territorial Park. The park is rich in archeological artifacts dating back to the Thule culture; demonstrating the inventiveness and adaptability of these remarkable people. The rocky landscape of the island is broken up by patches of lush vegetation and the 11 semi-buried sod houses that give the visitor an idea of the living conditions on the island at the time of the Thule people.
Day 4:
Enjoy a free morning to explore Iqaluit at your leisure, and shop for unique gifts and souvenirs such as Inuit art, textiles, and carvings. Arctic Kingdom will transfer you to the airport for your early afternoon flight back to Ottawa.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, meet the artisans and view beautiful works of art at a family-run pottery studio.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 Peloponnesse and mainland Greece, and arriving in Athens.In the evening, enjoy a hearty dinner in true Greek style, complete with wine and good cheer.
Day 7: Getting ready to sail
This afternoon, board your home for the majority of the trip, MV Celestyal Crystal or similar. Settle into your stateroom cabin as tonight you set sail for Egypt.
Day 8: Sailing to Egypt
Today you continue cruising the Mediterranean as you make your way to Egypt. Make the most of your time relaxing on-board in the cruises spa and lounges. 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. Vegetarian options are available for those who require them. Your cruise includes a selection of alcoholic beverages and non alcoholic hot and cold beverages are included.
Day 9: Port Said
Today you’ll arrive in Port Said where you have the choice to unwind or venture out and explore Cairo on an included full day experience. Marvel at the remains of the ancient world when you visit the ancient Pyramids of Giza, the mighty Sphinx and National Archaeological Museum.
Day 10: Discovering Ashdod Relaxed Start
This morning disembark in Ashdod the gateway of Israel You may choose to explore Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, and vibrant Jerusalem.
Day 11: Adventures on Cyprus
Enjoy a relaxed morning and make the most of your vessel's facilities, before disembarking in Limassol. Perhaps explore Paphos, or spend the afternoon walking on Limassol's promenade.
Day 12: Myth and Legend of 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. Perhaps join an optional guided experience and walk the streets of the old town surrounded by medieval walls and explore the ancient buildings. In the evening, your cruise continues to Kusadasi.
Day 13: On to Kusadasi
Arrive in Kusadasi and embark on a half-day tour of Ephesus with a Local Expert. This ancient Greek city and UNESCO World Heritage site was founded by the Carian and Lelegs in the 10th century BC and is a must-see during your time here. End the day with a delicious meal onboard your ship.
Day 14: Disembark in Athens
You’ll end your trip in Athens where you’ll enjoy a final night in your beautiful hotel.
Day 15: Depart Athens
Bid farewell to Athens. Your journey ends with a transfer to the airport.