Compare Mediterranean Fables Idyllic (Greece) - Standard, Classic Group by Insight Vacations vs 12 Day Classic Greece with 6 Day Idyllic Aegean Cruise by Gate 1 Travel

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Trip	Mediterranean Fables Idyllic (Greece) - Standard, Classic Group by Insight Vacations 5 \| Excellent 10770 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip Reserve	12 Day Classic Greece with 6 Day Idyllic Aegean Cruise by Gate 1 Travel 3.5 \| Average 746 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip See Offer

Duration	12 days	12 days
Price From	$ 3,465	$ 3,419
Price Per Day	$ 289	$ 285
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. : "The trick to really connecting with the Greeks is to say 'Kalimera!' (Good morning!) loud and proud to everyone you meet each morning, as we do, and to relax long enough to let your sense of humour come though. The Greeks appreciate people who lay the cards on the table, are authentic and show interest in the places they visit. " : "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 Drink. Dining Summary: 10 Breakfast (B), 7 Dinner with Wine (DW), and 6 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: Visit the Greek Islands of Crete, Mykonos, Santorini, Milos. Explore 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.	Visit the Acropolis Museum, a modern museum housing ancient relics from the Acropolis Explore the archaeological site of Delphi and the imposing Temple of Apollo Ascend to Meteora with its mystical monasteries Embark on a walking food tour, where you discover Thessaloniki's distinct local flavors †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Trip Style	Group tour	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 Mykonos Rhodes Santorini Thessaloniki	Acropolis Athens Crete Kusadasi Meteora Milos Mykonos Rhodes Thessaloniki
Flights & Transport	Airfare included	Ground transport included
Activities	Culture Historic sightseeing	N/A
Meals Included	N/A	N/A
Description	Get to know the ancient gods a little better on a 11-day guided tour that takes you from mainland Greece to Turkey and the Greek Isles. Ascend to the Athens’ Acropolis, where you can walk around the towering Parthenon, a temple built to the goddess Athena. Cruise to Kusadasi and then travel with a Local Expert to the ruins of Ephesus, which was erected in the 6th Century B.C. Sail to Rhodes, where the Crusaders once built their headquarters, and to Crete, the homeplace of Zeus. Wander the charming maze of walkways in Mykonos and then gaze at the sheer cliffs of Santorini — and later, take in the most beautiful sunset you’ll ever see.	2 Athens, 1 Kalambaka, 1 Thessaloniki, 6 Cruise

Itinerary: Mediterranean Fables Idyllic (Greece) - Standard, Classic Group

Day 1: Athens, City of Gods

You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. At 19:00, join your Insight Vacations Representative and fellow travellers for a Welcome Drink.

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

Day 2: The Glories of Athens

See all the remarkable glories of Athens on a tour of the city. The highlight, of course, is a visit to the Acropolis with the remarkable Parthenon. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.

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

Breakfast

Day 3: Cruising to Thessaloniki Relaxed Start

The morning is at your leisure. Late afternoon, board your cruise ship and set sail for the ancient city of Thessaloniki. 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 on-board daily. Your cruise includes a selection of alcoholic beverages and non alcoholic hot and cold beverages are included.

MV Celestyal Crystal (or similar).

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 4: Discover Thessaloniki Relaxed Start

Today you will have time to explore Greece's second largest city. Walk along the waterfront and enjoy the many cafes along Aristotelous Square and see ancient monuments such as the Arch of Galerius.

MV Celestyal Crystal (or similar).

Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine

Day 5: Kusadasi Relaxed Start

This afternoon explore the Turkish port of Kusadasi and explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus with a Local Expert. In the evening, sail on to Rhodes.

MV Celestyal Crystal (or similar).

Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine

Day 6: 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 Crystal (or similar).

Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine

Day 7: Discovering Crete and Santorini Relaxed Start

Sail to Crete, home to the birthplace of Zeus according to the Greek mythology. There is time at leisure to explore Heraklion or perhaps join a Local Expert for an Optional visit to the site of King Minos' Palace in Knossos. In the afternoon, set sail for Santorini and gaze at the sheer cliffs and dazzling panorama. Explore the capital of Thira, with its clifftop restaurants and cafés, breathtaking views and amazing sunsets. This evening is free for you to explore Santorini's nightlife.

MV Celestyal Crystal (or similar).

Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine

Day 8: Mykonos Relaxed Start

The full day is yours to relax and explore Mykonos, with its dazzling sugar cube houses and whitewashed windmills. This evening, there is time to enjoy the buzzing nightlife.

MV Celestyal Experience (or similar).

Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine

Day 9: Mykonos to Milos Relaxed Start

Today is yours to enjoy the gorgeous island of Milos, with its crystal waters and white cliffs. There will be time to explore the capital of Plaka or soak up the sun on the flat rocks of Sarakiniko Beach.

MV Celestyal Crystal (or similar).

Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine

Day 10: 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 11: Depart Athens

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

Breakfast

Itinerary: 12 Day Classic Greece with 6 Day Idyllic Aegean Cruise

DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for Greece
Depart for Greece

DAY 2, Wednesday - 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 the ancient wonders of this city known as the cradle of Western Civilization and the birthplace of democracy. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM, followed by a light dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 5 PM
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Thursday - Athens City Tour
The exploration of Athens begins with a panoramic drive through the city center. View the Panathenian Stadium and the ruins of the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch, built to celebrate the arrival of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Continue on to visit the Acropolis, the ancient architectural masterpiece built during the Golden Age of Athens and the new Acropolis Museum, a striking modern building built at the base of the monument where many of the original statues from the Acropolis are now displayed. The rest of the day is at leisure. Be sure to walk to Constitution Square, where you might catch a glimpse of the colorfully-costumed Evzone guards, outfitted in the traditional Greek style. Tonight, perhaps walk through the lively Plaka area, the oldest section of Athens, a neighborhood of charming restaurants, shops and sidewalk cafes
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Friday - Archaeological Tour of Delphi, Travel to Kalambaka
Tour the excavated site of Delphi and the archaeological Museum, perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered one of the most significant places in Greek history, its stunning setting and ancient ruins are truly inspirational. Walk the Sacred Way to the imposing 4th century B.C. Temple of Apollo, site of the most important oracle in the classical world. Then travel over the Pourmaraki Pass towards the small town of Kalambaka, situated amidst smooth sandstone cliffs in the foothills of Meteora
Overnight: Kalambaka
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Saturday - Meteora Monasteries, Kalambaka Mushroom Museum
Visit Meteora, meaning "suspended in the air", with its mystical Eastern Orthodox monasteries incredibly nestled perilously close to the edge of bizarre rock formations. Experience a truffle tour to search for the famed fungus and see how specially trained dogs find them in the forest! After a lunch of pasta with truffles, visit the local mushroom museum, to learn about the rich history of the industry in Greece. Afterward, proceed to a nearby winery to see how the locals make their wine in this mountainous region. Continue to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Thessaloniki
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Sunday - Discover Thessaloniki, Walking Food Tour, Cruise Embarkation
Embark on a walking food tour, where you discover Thessaloniki's distinct local flavors and historical landmarks. Learn about the regional cuisine and sample Greek meze dishes and freshly baked goods. Visit the open-air market, with its charming paved alleys, stalls filled with fresh produce, fish, meat, spices, dairy products, and many local specialties. Later, embark on your Aegean Cruise
Overnight: Aegean Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Monday - Kusadasi
Today, arrive in Kusadasi, Turkey. This splendid city is renowned for its significant historical and religious sites, including ancient Ephesus, one of the most exquisite cities in antiquity. Tour the magnificent archaeological site of Ephesus, home to the Library of Celsus and Fountain of Trajan. Enjoy free time in Kusadasi to explore the shops and cafes before returning to the ship
Overnight: Aegean Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Tuesday - Explore Rhodes
View the magnificent panorama as the ship arrives at 9 AM in Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese Islands. Drive along the coastline to the tiny town of Lindos, with its whitewashed houses nestled on the hillside overlooking the crystal sapphire waters of the bay. Tour the Acropolis of Lindos and Temple of Athena before proceeding to the city of Rhodes. See the ruins of ancient Rhodes before enjoying a walking tour of the medieval Old Town. View the Palace of the Knights, continuing down Chevaliers Road, before transferring back to the ship. Set sail this evening at 6 PM
Overnight: Aegean Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Wednesday - Arrive in Crete, Evening in Santorini
At 7 AM, arrive in Crete, largest of the Greek Islands. Crete's remarkable history is highlighted by the ruins of the great Palace of Knossos, ceremonial and political center of the ancient Minoan civilization and residence of the mythical King Minos. Here, the mountain caves are thought to be the legendary birthplace of Zeus, according to Greek mythology. Free time to explore on your own or join the locals sitting in a café drinking coffee. Return to the ship in time for a leisurely lunch on board and depart at 12 PM. At 4:30 PM, cruise into Santorini's caldera as you marvel at the sapphire blue water, snow-white architecture and multicolored cliffs that characterize this enchanting getaway. The streets of bustling Fira, the island's capital city, are a vision of pristine whitewashed buildings
Overnight: Aegean Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10, Thursday - Arrive in Mykonos
Arrive in the ultra-popular and chic jet-set island of Mykonos with its whitewashed houses, iconic windmills and sophisticated town with trendy cafes and boutiques. Find a table at a harborside taverna and gaze at the bustle of Cycladic island life and the gorgeous views. Perhaps visit one of the island's popular night clubs before returning to the ship
Overnight: Aegean Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11, Friday - Early Departure from Mykonos, Milos
Set sail from Mykonos early this morning at 2 AM, continuing on to Milos, the southwestern most island of the Cyclades. Arrive in Milos at 9 AM. The morning is yours to savor all of the delights on this splendid island - from 80 beautiful beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters to white-washed Cycladic villages, delectable food, and friendly people. Walk around Plaka, the charming capital, or visit the bustling harbor of Adamantas. Return to the ship at 7 PM to resume your cruising to Athens
Overnight: Aegean Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12, Saturday - Depart Greece
Arrive at the pier at 7 AM, disembark your cruise and transfer to the airport in Athens for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

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