Classical Greece with Idyllic Aegean 7-Night Cruise

Classical Greece with Idyllic Aegean 7-Night Cruise

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16 Days From

$4944

$4746

Classical Greece with Idyllic Aegean 7-Night Cruise

16 Days

Visiting: Athens, Greece, Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nauplia, Olympia, Patras, Delphi, Meteora Area, Thermopylae, Athens (Embarkation), Cruising: Thessaloniki, Cruising: Kusadasi, Turkey, Cruising: Heraklion, Crete, Cruising: Santorini, Mykonos, Milos, Athens (Disembarkation), Europe

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

RGL-2024

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

From: $4944 $4746 Operator discount: -$198

NB: Prices correct on 19-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Equal parts fresh air, fresh cuisine, and joyous laughter, the enviable Mediterranean lifestyle is based on the simple concept of balance. Seven nights on land and seven nights at sea strike the perfect equilibrium between ruins and resorts, baklava and beaches, and mythical gods and sun worshipers on this airy Mediterranean land and cruise tour. After journeying from temple to fascinating temple on our Classical Greece tour, you’ll sail from port to breathtaking port to take in the mesmerizing sights of Ephesus, coastal Turkey, and the Greek Isles. The island cruising begins on the cultural coast of Rhodes and continues to the glittering isles of Crete, Santorini (weather permitting), Milos, and Mykonos, all while the sirtaki—the lively dance made popular in the classic movie Zorba the Greek—is a joyous constant throughout this big fat Greek vacation.

Places You'll See

Zafolia

Stanley Hotel

Amalia Nauplia

Amalia Olympia

Europa

Amalia Delphi

Amalia Kalambaka

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Athens,Greece

Location: Athens, Greece

At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome drink.
ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome drink.

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Day 2: Athens

Location: Athens

Meals Included: Breakfast


ATHENS Marvels & Myths ATHENS Guided sightseeing includes a visit to the Acropolis and a stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS Explore the heart of Ancient Greece, in the historic empire where 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, never fail to amaze! See the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the venues of the first modern Olympic Games.


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Day 3: Athens,Corinth,Mycenae,Epidaurus,Nauplia

Location: Athens, Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nauplia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


ATHENS–CORINTH–MYCENAE–EPIDAURUS–NAUPLIA Greek History & Heroes CORINTH Cross the canal and visit ancient Corinth.
MYCENAE Free time for lunch. Guided visit of the excavations and museum.
EPIDAURUS Guided visit to the 2,300-year-old open-air auditorium before continuing to Nauplia. (B,D)
132 mi / 212 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEM The outdoor auditorium of Epidaurus combines perfect mathematic proportion with excellent acoustics. This fascinating archaeological treasure was used for the healing of patients from all over Greece and was dedicated to Asklepios, the god of healing.


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Day 4: Nauplia,Olympia

Location: Nauplia, Olympia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


NAUPLIA–OLYMPIA Ruins & Recipes Take a scenic drive through the Arkadian Mountains.
OLYMPIA Join a guided visit to the archaeological site and the museum. [LF] Attend a cooking demonstration this evening to learn how to make traditional Greek tzatziki. (B,D)
112 mi / 181 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Dip into the delicious tradition of Greek tzatziki – a mix of yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and herbs such as dill, mint, parsley, and thyme. Learn how to make this quintessential recipe loved the world over.


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Day 5: Olympia,Patras,Delphi

Location: Olympia, Patras, Delphi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


OLYMPIA–PATRAS–DELPHI Digs & Dances Drive by the busy seaport of Patras.
DELPHI Join a guided visit to the excavations and Archaeological Museum. This evening, [LF] learn how to dance the sirtaki while sipping a glass of ouzo. (B,D)
149 mi / 239 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITION Dance in the steps of Zorba the Greek to learn the sirtaki. This passionate and dramatic dance goes very well with a glass of ouzo, the anice-infused drink the locals are so fond of.



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Day 6: Delphi,Meteora Area

Location: Delphi, Meteora Area

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


DELPHI–METEORA AREA Monasteries in Magical Greece Drive past Lamia and Trikala en route to Kalambaka.
METEORA Guided visit of the Varlaam and St. Stephen’s Monasteries. (B,D)
155 mi / 249 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SACRED SITES Perched atop soaring huge cliffs are the monasteries of Meteora, of which six are still active. Visit the beautiful monasteries of Varlaam and St. Stephen’s to marvel at this serenely mystical landscape with breathtaking views from above. Long revered for the perfect monastic retreat from the world outside, Meteora’s spectacular array of massive sandstone cliffs create a surreal setting unlike any other.


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Day 7: Meteora Area,Thermopylae,Athens

Location: Meteora Area, Thermopylae, Athens

Meals Included: Breakfast


METEORA AREA–THERMOPYLAE–ATHENS Grecian Battles & Beauty THERMOPYLAE Stop at the battle site.
ATHENS Free time late afternoon and evening. (B)
236 mi / 380 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES The story of the Battle of Thermopylae is hard to beat for drama. You may recognize this tale of the heroic, yet doomed Spartans of 480 BC fighting against the Persian army, which is dramatized in the film “300.” Their brave battle endures as a valiant symbol of bravery and sacrifice for a patriotic cause.


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Day 8: Athens (Embarkation)

Location: Athens (Embarkation)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


ATHENS (EMBARKATION) Beyond the Shore ATHENS Embark on your Greek Islands cruise. (B,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Set sail from Athens for a captivating course on the blue Aegean Sea to explore the exquisite beauty of the Greek Islands and Turkey. Marvel at the beauty of the island of Mykonos, also known as the island of the winds, revel in the unspoiled panoramas of Patmos, the magic of medieval Rhodes, Minoan Crete, and serene Santorini—with a special stop on the Turkish coast to see the amazingly preserved Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus.


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Day 9: Cruising: Thessaloniki

Location: Cruising: Thessaloniki

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


CRUISING: THESSALONIKI Island Life & Times THESSALONIKI Free time to explore. (B,L,D)

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE in the Greek port city of Thessaloniki on the Aegean Sea. You’ll find remnants of fascinating Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history in this cultural capital of Greece. Dine on delicious Greek specialties and wander the lively streets, or simply stretch out on the shore to take it all in.


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Day 10: Cruising: Kusadasi,Turkey

Location: Cruising: Kusadasi, Turkey

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


CRUISING: KUSADASI, TURKEY Turkish Treasures KUSADASI Visit the excavations of Ephesus. (B,L,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Pull into port in Turkey to explore the fascinating Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus - one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world – with the historic ruins of the Library of Celsus, the Basilica of St. John, and the Temple of Artemis.


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Day 11: Cruising: Heraklion,Crete

Location: Cruising: Heraklion, Crete

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


CRUISING: HERAKLION, CRETE Greek Mythology & Marvels HERAKLION Visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos. (B,L,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
MYTHS & LEGENDS Marvel at the architecture of the Palace of Knossos in Crete’s city of Heraklion. Here, you’ll envision epic tales of Greek mythology- the Labyrinth, the Minotaur half-man/half-beast, and the legends of Daedalus and Icarus.


HERAKLION-PALACE-OF-KNOSSOS.jpg

Day 12: Cruising: Santorini,Greece

Location: Cruising: Santorini, Greece

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


CRUISING: SANTORINI, GREECE Sun, Sand & Sea SANTORINI Free time (weather permitting). (B,L,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT With its postcard-like scenery, the lofty volcanic footprint of Santorini’s Oia caldera landscape embodies the essence of the Cyclades Islands. Spend free time amid azure seas and white and blue houses that line the maze of alleyways.


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Day 13: Mykonos

Location: Mykonos

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


CRUISING: MYKONOS Mediterranean Magic MYKONOS Enjoy free time in Mykonos. (B,L,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEMS Your dreams of the Greek Islands come true with free time in Mykonos. This Aegean paradise of pristine waters and beaches, mixed with a lively nightlife scene is only made brighter by the iconic 16th-century windmills that dot the hillside above.


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Day 14: Milos

Location: Milos

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


MILOS Goddess of Love MILOS Enjoy free time to explore. (B,L,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Like love, Milos is both beautiful and dramatic in nature, with its enticing beaches and volcanic terrain. Here, an iconic statue was found hundreds of years ago – known as the famous Venus de Milo – a tribute to the Greek goddess Aphrodite.


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Day 15: Athens (Disembarkation)

Location: Athens (Disembarkation)

Meals Included: Breakfast


ATHENS (DISEMBARKATION) Amazing Athens ATHENS Disembark From your ship for a free day in Athens. (B)

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE There are countless ways to enjoy free time in the birthplace of democracy, arts, science, and the philosophy of western civilization! Explore the urban landscapes and lively restaurants in this historic capital and enjoy the sunny slopes of this iconic city. Stroll in the shadow of the Acropolis in the village atmosphere of Plaka. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets to browse jewelry stores and ceramics shops, then linger in a sidewalk café or taverna to celebrate your Greek adventure.


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Day 16: Athens

Location: Athens

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
ATHENS Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

ATHENS-STREET-SCENE.jpg

Small Group

Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus Europe escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized European tour—without the crowds.

UNESCO Sites

Acropolis Athens|Archeological Site of Delphi|Archeological site of Mycenae|Archeological Site of Olympia|Ephesus|Meteora|Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus

Meals

Welcome drink in Athens; full buffet breakfast daily, 6 Lunches, 11 Dinners

Accommodation

Athens:Zafolia
Athens:Stanley Hotel
Nauplia:Amalia Nauplia
Olympia:Amalia Olympia
Olympia:Europa
Delphi:Amalia Delphi
Meteora Area:Amalia Kalambaka

Check out our Q&As

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 13, 2024
$5511 $5412

Operator discount: -$99

Saturday - Sunday

May 17, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025
$5445 $5247

Operator discount: -$198

Saturday - Sunday

May 31, 2025 - Jun 15, 2025
$5445 $5247

Operator discount: -$198

Saturday - Sunday

Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025
$5445 $5247

Operator discount: -$198

Saturday - Sunday

Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025
$5445 $5247

Operator discount: -$198

Saturday - Sunday

Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025
$4944 $4746

Operator discount: -$198

Saturday - Sunday

Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025
$5643 $5445

Operator discount: -$198

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025
$5643 $5445

Operator discount: -$198

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025
$5445 $5247

Operator discount: -$198

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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