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Greek Islands Explorer: 8-Day Guided Adventure

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For 8-Days: Discover Athens, Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete, Santorini and Kusadasi in an intimate group setting.

Embark on a hassle-free exploration of Athens and the Greek Islands, where everything is perfectly planned for your enjoyment!

What's Included?

All flights and connections

Accommodations for your destinations

Airport-Hotel Transfers

Special Offer: Greek Islands Explorer: 8 Day Itinerary

Expert trip manager

All taxes & fees

Why we love this deal:

Explore the Highlights of Greece in Small Group Tours: Begin your adventure in Athens and set sail on a cruise to Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete, Santorini, and even Kusadasi in Turkey.
The Beauty of the Greek Islands: The Greek Islands are an enchanting destination, each with its unique charm, from the stunning landscapes and azure waters to the rich history and warm hospitality of the locals. Fun fact: Santorini, one of the most famous Greek Islands, is known for its iconic blue-domed churches, which are not only picturesque but also designed to withstand strong winds, a practical architectural feature. Did you also know Crete is home to the Mediterranean diet?
The Argean Sea on a Cruise: Exploring the Greek Islands on a cruise offers the advantage of saving time on packing and unpacking, allowing you to maximize your precious vacation moments. Additionally, you'll enjoy the convenience of a floating hotel, hassle-free transportation between islands, and the luxury of waking up to new, breathtaking views every morning (with a delicious breakfast).
Explore Athens with a Local Guide: Exploring Athens with guided tours allows you to delve deeper into the city's unparalleled and iconic Greek history. Knowledgeable guides will walk you through the ancient ruins of the Acropolis, where you can stand in awe of the Parthenon, a symbol of the city's golden age and democracy's birthplace, and so much more.

BRAND NEW FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTIONS! Now you can conveniently pay for your trip in installments.

(Please review the itinerary below for a detailed description of your journey and the captivating destinations you'll explore)

Pssst... Traveling solo?

Greek Islands: 8-Day Group Tours for Solo Travelers!

Itinerary

Day 1

Sunday: Arrival in Athens + Group Meeting

Meet & greet at the airport and take a private transfer to your hotel.
At 7 PM, meet with your Tour Director at the hotel's Reception Desk for a welcome meeting. You will also meet your journey’s fellow travelers.
In the early evening, join your fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
The rest of the day is at leisure.
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2

Monday: Board the Celestial Olympia Cruise & Visit to Mykonos

Enjoy a full buffet breakfast on your cruise.
Welcome aboard the Celestial Olympia Cruise, where your journey to uncover the treasures of the Aegean Sea and its magnificent Mediterranean islands begins. During our captivating 4-night Iconic Aegean tour, you'll savor an unforgettable experience featuring ancient history, authentic cuisine, Greek culture, and breathtaking vistas. Starting from the enchanting city of Athens, your voyage will lead you through crystal-clear waters to explore a thrilling blend of attractions, dramatic cliffs, picturesque landscapes, and the romantic allure of the Greek islands. Make yourself comfortable in your exterior XB cabin, your home for the next 4 nights.
Mykonos is a picturesque Greek island renowned for its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and charming Cycladic architecture. During your Olympia Cruise, the expert crew will be delighted to recommend the finest tours to make the most of your visit to this idyllic destination.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3

Tuesday: Cruise to Kusadasi (Turkey) & Patmos

Enjoy a full buffet breakfast on your cruise.
First stop, Kusadasi, Turkey: A coastal gem with sun-kissed beaches and a vibrant bazaar, offering a taste of both history and modern Turkish charm. Ephesus Shore Excursion: Today, the ancient ruins of Ephesus stand as a beloved destination for both international and local travelers, earning their place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Next stop, Patmos: A serene Greek island in the Aegean Sea, known for its spiritual significance as the place where Saint John the Apostle wrote the Book of Revelation, and its picturesque landscapes, white-washed buildings, and tranquil beaches. The cruise crew will be your expert guides, offering top recommendations for island tours and experiences.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4

Wednesday: Cruise to Rhodes

Enjoy a full buffet breakfast on your cruise.
Rhodes: A captivating island in the Dodecanese, where ancient history mingles with sun-soaked beaches, charming old towns, and a vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere. Rhodes boasts an impressive medieval city and archaeological wonders, making it a destination that beautifully bridges the past and the present. Choose amongst the various shore excursions offered by Celestial Cruises. The cruise staff will help you organize them.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5

Thursday: Cruise to Crete & Santorini

Enjoy a full buffet breakfast on your cruise.
Crete: Crete is the largest Greek island and a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. Its diverse landscapes range from pristine beaches along the turquoise Mediterranean Sea to rugged mountain ranges. You'll discover ancient Minoan palaces, charming villages with narrow alleys, and a rich culinary tradition that includes exquisite local cuisine.
Santorini: Santorini is the iconic jewel of the Cyclades, famous for its stunning sunsets, dramatic caldera views, and pristine white-washed buildings with blue domes. Perched on the rim of an ancient volcano, this romantic island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and charm.
Choose amongst the various shore excursions offered by Celestial Cruises. The cruise staff will help you organize them.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6

Friday: Cruise Returns to Athens

Enjoy a full buffet breakfast on your cruise.
Arrive at Lavrion, Athens' Port, at 06 AM and commence disembarkation. Once at the port, you will meet your local Greek guide to explore the city of Athens.
Drive through the Panathenaic Stadium, where the modern Olympics took place in 1896. Stop at the Temple of Zeus, the father of all Gods. Continue to discover Athens' main sites, including the Parliament, Currency Museum, the Catholic Cathedral, neoclassical buildings of the Academy, the University, the National Library, and Hadrian's Arch. Continue to explore the highlight of the day, the archaeological area of the Acropolis, which includes the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and the Parthenon.
Check-in at your hotel, and the rest of the day is at your leisure for you to enjoy this historically rich city of Athens.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7

Saturday: Farewell Dinner

Enjoy a full buffet breakfast at your hotel.
Free day at your leisure to explore the city.
In the early evening, join your fellow travelers for a final Farewell Dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8

Sunday: Return Flight Home

After breakfast at your hotel, take a private transfer to the airport.

We wish you a pleasant flight home and thank you for traveling with us. We look forward to future adventures together!

About the Accommodations:

Please rest assured that all the hotels are centrally located, offering daily breakfast and a host of luxurious amenities for a delightful stay. In the case of any accommodation is unavailable at any of your selected hotels, you will seamlessly be relocated to another of equal category.

Hotel Titania, 4* (3-nights in Athens)
Celestial Olympia Exterior Cabins, Celestial Cruise (4-nights)

About the Destinations:

Greece, a timeless land where mythology meets reality, beckons you with its rich history, captivating landscapes, and warm Mediterranean spirit. It's a country that seamlessly blends the echoes of ancient civilizations with the vibrant pulse of modern life, offering a journey through the heart of Western culture and breathtaking natural beauty.

Athens: Delve into the cradle of democracy and explore the Acropolis, where ancient history meets vibrant city life.
Mykonos: This island is a hub of Greek beauty and vibrant energy.
Patmos: Patmos is an island steeped in spiritual significance, most famous for the cave where Saint John received the Book of Revelation.
Rhodes: Uncover the historical charm of Rhodes with its well-preserved medieval town, ancient ruins, and beautiful beaches.
Crete: Crete is Greece's largest island and its captivating landscapes range from pristine, sun-kissed beaches along the ocean to rugged mountain ranges like the White Mountains (Lefka Ori).
Santorini: Known for its iconic sunsets and white-washed buildings with blue domes, Santorini is a picturesque gem.
Kusadasi, Turkey: Venture into the coastal beauty of Kusadasi in Turkey, where you can explore ancient Ephesus and experience the fusion of cultures in this historic port town.