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- 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. Join your Travel Director and get to know your fellow travelers over a delightful evening of dinner. Locations Visited: Athens GR.
- Day 2 Athens, City of Gods Begin your journey into ancient Greece today, where the history of this remarkable civilization comes to life. Explore Athens with an Insight Choice experience. Choose to visit the city's renowned ancient sites with a Local Expert, or venture into the dynamic Plaka neighborhood, guided by your Travel Director. Next, venture to Thermopylae, the mountain pass where King Leonidas and his Spartan warriors made their legendary stand against the Persians in 480 B.C. Pay tribute at the memorial honoring their courage before continuing to your hotel in Kalambaka for a delicious dinner crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients. Locations Visited: Athens GR, Thermopylae GR, Kalambaka GR.
- 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. Locations Visited: Kalambaka GR, Meteora GR, Kalambaka GR.
- 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,' rumored 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. Locations Visited: Kalambaka GR, Delphi GR, Archaeological Site of Olympia GR.
- 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 honor 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 flavors, as you savor dishes prepared for your dinner. Locations Visited: Archaeological Site of Olympia GR.
- 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. Continue to the elegant town of Nafplio, known for its beautiful architecture, colorful shops and cafes. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet master weaver Maria Gonidou and her daughter Nefeli at their boutique studio in Nafplio. Learn about the traditional Greek weaving techniques that they are preserving for future generations and see a live demonstration on ancient looms. Later, your journey follows the shores of the Saronic Gulf, passing the Corinth Canal en route to Athens. In the evening, enjoy a hearty dinner in true Greek style. Locations Visited: Archaeological Site of Olympia GR, Archaeological Site of Mycenae GR, Nafplion GR, Athens GR.
- Day 7 Cruising to Kuşadası Relaxed Start The morning is at your leisure. In the late afternoon, board your cruise ship and set sail for Kuşadası. While cruising, enjoy an exquisite variety of Mediterranean dishes, as well as flavors, aromas and spices from around the world. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served on board daily. Your cruise includes a selection of hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages during meals. Locations Visited: Athens GR, Kusadasi TR.
- Day 8 Kuşadası Relaxed Start This afternoon explore the Turkish port of Kuşadası and explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus with a Local Expert. In the evening, sail on to Rhodes. Locations Visited: Kusadasi TR, Ephesus TR, Rhodes GR.
- Day 9 Rhodes Relaxed Start Enjoy a day at leisure in Rhodes to relax or explore at your own pace. Stroll the medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where cobbled lanes lead to artisan boutiques, shaded courtyards and lively cafes. You might choose to join an Optional Experience to the hill of Philerimos, where your Local Expert will guide you through the medieval monastery, the mosaic-lined Golgotha path and the 15th-century Church of St George Hostos. Alternatively, join another Optional Experience on a scenic drive to the ancient town of Lindos. Here, ascend to the Acropolis to see the Doric Temple of Athena Lindia and enjoy sweeping views over St. Paul's Bay. Locations Visited: Rhodes GR.
- Day 10 Crete Relaxed Start Start your morning on Crete, Greece’s largest island, and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean. Home to myths and legends, including Zeus' birthplace and the Minotaur, embark on an epic tour to the capital city of Heraklion and absorb the rich history of Europe’s first advanced civilization with a visit to King Minos' Palace in Knossos. In the evening, your cruise continues to Santorini. Locations Visited: Rhodes GR, Crete GR.
- Day 11 Discovering Santorini Relaxed Start Arrive in Santorini and gaze at the sheer cliffs and dazzling panorama. Explore the capital of Thira, with its clifftop restaurants and cafes, breathtaking views and vibrant atmosphere. Later, perhaps join an Optional Experience to the postcard-perfect village of Oia, famed for its whitewashed houses, blue domes and spellbinding sunset views. This evening is free for you to explore Santorini's nightlife. Locations Visited: Crete GR, Santorini GR.
- Day 12 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. Locations Visited: Santorini GR, Mykonos GR.
- Day 13 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. Locations Visited: Mykonos GR, Milos GR.
- Day 14 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? Locations Visited: Milos GR, Athens GR.
- Day 15 Depart Athens Bid farewell to Athens. Your journey ends with a transfer to the airport. Locations Visited: Athens GR.
Name: Grecian Fables Idyllic - Superior, Classic Group
Brand: Insight
Quality: Superior First Class
Tour Type: Escorted
Start City: Athens
End City: Athens
Location Summary: Athens, GR
Thermopylae, GR
Kalambaka, GR
Meteora, GR
Delphi, GR
Archaeological Site of Olympia, GR
Archaeological Site of Mycenae, GR
Nafplion, GR
Kusadasi, TR
Ephesus, TR
Rhodes, GR
Crete, GR
Santorini, GR
Mykonos, GR
Milos, GR
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Highlights
- Dining Summary - 12 Dinner (D). 14 Breakfast (B). 6 Lunch (L).
- Choice Highlights - Athens: Get up close and personal with ancient Greece as you explore Athens with your Local Expert. With your Local Expert, visit the monumental Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Arch of Hadrian. Then, ascend to the iconic Acropolis, where the Parthenon offers commanding views of the city. Discover the intricacies of the Temple of Athena Nike, also known as the Temple of Wingless Victory, and admire the six exquisite Caryatids supporting the Porch of the Maidens on the Erechtheion.. Athens: Stroll through the ancient streets of Plaka, known as the "Neighborhood of the Gods" under the guidance of your Travel Director. Nestled beneath the Acropolis, explore Plaka’s timeless charm, discovering the historical treasures and hidden corners, before enjoying time at leisure along Adrianou, a bustling pedestrian hub, brimming with vibrant shops and traditional cafes..
- Additional Included Highlights - Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.. Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.. We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.. From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.. Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).. If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport..
- Authentic Dining - Athens: Taste seasonal dishes built around olive oil, grains, legumes and coastal produce, paired with wines from native grape varieties grown across mainland and island vineyards.. Olympia: Taste unique Greek flavors and savor regional specialties over dinner.. Athens: Toast the culmination of your travels with dinner in true Greek style at a local restaurant..
- Insight Choice - Athens: Get up close and personal with ancient Greece as you explore Athens with your Local Expert. With your Local Expert, visit the monumental Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Arch of Hadrian. Then, ascend to the iconic Acropolis, where the Parthenon offers commanding views of the city. Discover the intricacies of the Temple of Athena Nike, also known as the Temple of Wingless Victory, and admire the six exquisite Caryatids supporting the Porch of the Maidens on the Erechtheion.. Athens: Stroll through the ancient streets of Plaka, known as the "Neighborhood of the Gods" under the guidance of your Travel Director. Nestled beneath the Acropolis, explore Plaka’s timeless charm, discovering the historical treasures and hidden corners, before enjoying time at leisure along Adrianou, a bustling pedestrian hub, brimming with vibrant shops and traditional cafes..
- Insight Experiences - Olympia: Join a local chef who will share their passion for local ingredients and high-quality products. Learn how to make tzatziki and other regional dishes during a fun and immersive cooking demonstration..
- Make Travel Matter - Nafplio: Visit the atelier of Maria Gonidou, a celebrated artisan who brings Greece’s weaving heritage to life on an ancient loom. Alongside her daughter Nefeli, Maria shares the age-old techniques behind each handmade textile. Watch a live demonstration and explore a boutique filled with one-of-a-kind pieces. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports a family-run craft and helps safeguard traditional skills for future generations. Your visit supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities..
- Top Rated Highlights - 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 Hadrian’s Arch, built in AD 131 to mark the boundary between ancient Greek Athens and the Roman city rebuilt under Emperor Hadrian. Its inscription reflects the city’s dual identity during the Roman period.. Kalambaka: Your Travel Director will provide an orientation of this town situated at the base of the extraordinary Meteora rocks.. Thermopylae: View the monument to King Leonidas, erected near the site of the 480 BC battle between Greek forces and the Persian army of Xerxes I. The statue commemorates the Spartan-led defense of the pass, where terrain played a decisive role in delaying the Persian advance into mainland Greece.. 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: Explore Delphi with your Local Expert, following the Sacred Way past the Treasury of the Athenians and the Polygonal Wall as the sanctuary climbs the slope of Mount Parnassus. You’ll reach the Temple of Apollo and learn how the oracle’s consultations shaped decision-making across the Greek world for centuries.. Archaeological Site of Olympia: The stadium of Olympia hosted the ancient Olympic Games and the Heraia, the women's games in honor of Hera. See the Temple of Zeus, athlete's gymnasium and the stone marker where the sprint began.. Archaeological Site of Mycenae: Explore Mycenae with your Local Expert, entering through the Lion Gate and walking the citadel where Cyclopean walls protected one of the most powerful centers of the Late Bronze Age. You’ll visit tholos tombs and learn how archaeology connects the site to Mycenaean society, trade and kingship.. Nafplio: Join your Travel Director for an orientation of Nafplion. See why this town was chosen as Greece’s first capital after independence, with neoclassical public buildings and waterfront promenades set beneath the Palamidi fortress.. Corinth Canal: See the Corinth Canal, opened in 1893 to cut a 6.3-kilometer passage through the Isthmus of Corinth and link the Aegean with the Ionian. From the crossing point, you’ll view the steep limestone sides and the narrow channel that shortened sea routes around the Peloponnese.. Athens: Visit the Greek Islands of Crete, Mykonos, Santorini, Milos. Explore the Turkish port of Kusadasi.. Ephesus: Walk through Ephesus with a Local Expert, following the Arcadian Way into the heart of the Roman city. You’ll stand before the Library of Celsus, take in the scale of the amphitheater and visit the House of the Virgin Mary, set in the hills above the ruins..
- Well-being - Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. 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.. Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day..
