Collette > Exploring Greece and Its Islands

Exploring Greece and Its Islands
15 Days starting from $2,249

Countries Visited:
Greece

 

Length: 15 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: Europe Tour
Operator: Collette
Tour Code: 3330
   
 
About This Tour


Journey back 2,500 years to world of the ancient Greeks and the origins of Western Civilization. This well-paced 15-day journey balances expeditions to Greece's most important Classical age monuments with ample time to bask in the sun amidst the whitewashed houses, narrow streets vineyards, elegant shops, marketplaces, workshops and beautiful beaches on the island paradises of Mykonos and Santorini. Feast on local cuisine, sample some of Greece's best wines, enjoy lively local entertainment and learn about ancient Greek art, architecture and culture while enjoying time to explore and relax on your own. Your comprehensive tour of Athens takes in the marble Parthenon, Olympic Stadium, and the incredible Acropolis. An overnight visit to Olympia, an important early religious site dedicated to Zeus - the mythological father of the Greek pantheon - includes a tour of the Olympic Stadium - the birthplace of the first Olympic games. Join a local expert in exploring Delphi, one of ancient Greece's most important religious centers dating back to the 8th century. Another important religious site in Greece is Meteora, a group of monasteries perched atop nearly inaccessible limestone rock towers. As early as the 11th century, hermits settled on these towers, which are as high as 900 feet. As you travel through the dazzling Peneios Valley, you will visit two of these remote holy places. Enjoy traditional Greek cuisine and entertainment at a local taverna located in Athens' historic Plaka district.

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing Highlights
  • Additional Details

Enjoy the services of a professional tour manager who accompanies you throughout your trip.

Meals
13 Breakfast(s), 9 Dinner(s)

Hotel Accommodations:
Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges

ATHENSDivani Palace Acropolis
MYKONOSRoyal Myconian or Myconian Imperial Hotel
SANTORINIHotel Hermes or Santorini Image Hotel<
KALAMBAKAHotel Orfeas, Hotel Femissi Eden or Hotel Antoniadia
ARACHOVAHotel Anemolia
TOLOHotel King Minos or Hotel Apollon
br>On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

Complimentary hotel-to-hotel baggage handling.
Sightseeing
Private transportation via a deluxe, climate-controlled motorcoach
Day 1
Overnight Flight
Discover the beauty and timeless wonder found only in Greece. From historic classical Greece to the colorful Greek Islands, every day is filled with new and wonderful experiences. This fascinating tour of Greece begins with an overnight flight.

Day 2
Athens, Greece - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in the capital city of Athens. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in Athens’ historic district, known as the Plaka. In a traditional taverna you will feast on local cuisine and wine, and enjoy Greek entertainment.

Day 3
Athens
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. A comprehensive tour of Athens brings the past to life as it showcases the city''s ancient and glorious monuments. See the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, the Royal Palace, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Olympic Stadium. You’ll also visit the incredible Acropolis. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon to further explore this captivating city.

Day 4
Athens - Thermopylae - Kalambaka
From Athens you will head north through central Greece. Visit the site of the ancient historic city of Thermopylae where you will stop to see a monument dedicated to Leonidas, who died defending the city against the Persians. Then, stop at a local studio to see painters at work creating beautiful Byzantine icons. End your day in Kalambaka, a typical Greek town at the foot of the Pindos Mountains.

Day 5
Kalambaka - Metéora - Kalambaka
Today you will tour Metéora, a unique landscape of limestone rock “towers” that stand nearly 900 feet into the air. Over 600 years ago, Byzantine monks chose to build their monastic community perched atop these virtually inaccessible rocks. As you travel through the dazzling Peneios Valley you will stop and visit one of these remote holy places. Return to Kalambaka this afternoon for some leisure time to relax or explore the town.

Day 6
Kalambaka - Delphi - Arachova
Continue on to the ancient city of Delphi, one of Greece’s most important religious centers during Classical times. It was here that the famous Oracle was consulted to foretell the destiny of Man. A local expert guides you on a visit to the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Doric Temple and the Theatre.

Day 7
Arachova - Olympia
Travel along the Gulf of Corinth before crossing into the Peloponnese. Continue south to the historic city of Olympia, a testament to the grandeur of ancient Greek civilization. Your guided visit includes a tour of the sanctuary of Zeus and the Olympic Stadium, where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC.

Day 8
Olympia - Mycenae - Epidauros - Tolo
Enjoy spectacular scenery as you cross the Arkadian Mountains en route to the ancient city of Mycenae. A guided visit of the excavations features the Beehive Tombs and the Lion Gate. Continue to Epidauros to view the spectacular 2,300-year-old open air theater. End your day in the charming seaside village of Tolo.

Day 9
Tolo - Nauplion - Tolo
Spend a leisurely day experiencing the seaside charms of Nauplion. Explore the old town and the imposing Palamedes Fort, situated high atop the city with commanding views over the town and the Argolic Gulf.

Day 10
Athens - Mykonos
This morning you will transfer* to the port of Athens where you will board the high speed ferry to Mykonos, the whitewashed jewel of the Cyclades Islands. Enjoy magnificent views as you sail across the brilliant Aegean Sea to this island paradise.

Day 11
Mykonos
Enjoy a relaxing day to independently explore the charms of Mykonos. The beautiful island beaches beckon for a day spent relaxing in the Mediterranean sunshine. Don’t miss Mykonos Town, where mazes of narrow streets link the whitewashed buildings and traditional life continues amidst the bustling activity. You will want to stroll through the island’s elegant shops and enjoy the fresh seafood offered in the waterfront tavernas.

Day 12
Mykonos - Santorini
Bid farewell to Mykonos as you sail to the most spectacular destination in the Mediterranean, the fabled island of Santorini. Upon arrival, visit an island winery that produces the unique and famous wines of Santorini.

Day 13
Santorini
Spend the morning exploring the cultural wonders and history of Santorini, one of the world’s most beautiful islands. Begin the day with a visit to the Archaeological Museum** with its impressive collection of frescoes, Byzantine works of art and sculptures of the Hellenistic period. Next, travel through a fascinating landscape of vineyards, whitewashed chapels and volcanic cliffs to the spectacular town of Oia, where the best views of the crater are found. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to relax and explore the island capital of Thira.

Day 14
Santorini - Athens
Bid farewell to the Greek Islands and fly back to Athens for your overnight stay. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip to Greece.

Day 15
Athens - Tour Ends


Day 1
Overnight Flight
Discover the beauty and timeless wonder found only in Greece. From historic classical Greece to the colorful Greek Islands, every day is filled with new and wonderful experiences. This fascinating tour of Greece begins with an overnight flight.

Day 2
Athens, Greece - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in the capital city of Athens. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in Athens’ historic district, known as the Plaka. In a traditional taverna you will feast on local cuisine and wine, and enjoy Greek entertainment.

Day 3
Athens
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. A comprehensive tour of Athens brings the past to life as it showcases the city''s ancient and glorious monuments. See the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, the Royal Palace, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Olympic Stadium. You’ll also visit the incredible Acropolis. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon to further explore this captivating city.

Day 4
Athens - Thermopylae - Kalambaka
From Athens you will head north through central Greece. Visit the site of the ancient historic city of Thermopylae where you will stop to see a monument dedicated to Leonidas, who died defending the city against the Persians. Then, stop at a local studio to see painters at work creating beautiful Byzantine icons. End your day in Kalambaka, a typical Greek town at the foot of the Pindos Mountains.

Day 5
Kalambaka - Metéora - Kalambaka
Today you will tour Metéora, a unique landscape of limestone rock “towers” that stand nearly 900 feet into the air. Over 600 years ago, Byzantine monks chose to build their monastic community perched atop these virtually inaccessible rocks. As you travel through the dazzling Peneios Valley you will stop and visit one of these remote holy places. Return to Kalambaka this afternoon for some leisure time to relax or explore the town.

Day 6
Kalambaka - Delphi - Arachova
Continue on to the ancient city of Delphi, one of Greece’s most important religious centers during Classical times. It was here that the famous Oracle was consulted to foretell the destiny of Man. A local expert guides you on a visit to the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Doric Temple and the Theatre.

Day 7
Arachova - Olympia
Travel along the Gulf of Corinth before crossing into the Peloponnese. Continue south to the historic city of Olympia, a testament to the grandeur of ancient Greek civilization. Your guided visit includes a tour of the sanctuary of Zeus and the Olympic Stadium, where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC.

Day 8
Olympia - Mycenae - Epidauros - Tolo
Enjoy spectacular scenery as you cross the Arkadian Mountains en route to the ancient city of Mycenae. A guided visit of the excavations features the Beehive Tombs and the Lion Gate. Continue to Epidauros to view the spectacular 2,300-year-old open air theater. End your day in the charming seaside village of Tolo.

Day 9
Tolo - Nauplion - Tolo
Spend a leisurely day experiencing the seaside charms of Nauplion. Explore the old town and the imposing Palamedes Fort, situated high atop the city with commanding views over the town and the Argolic Gulf.

Day 10
Athens - Mykonos
This morning you will transfer* to the port of Athens where you will board the high speed ferry to Mykonos, the whitewashed jewel of the Cyclades Islands. Enjoy magnificent views as you sail across the brilliant Aegean Sea to this island paradise.

Day 11
Mykonos
Enjoy a relaxing day to independently explore the charms of Mykonos. The beautiful island beaches beckon for a day spent relaxing in the Mediterranean sunshine. Don’t miss Mykonos Town, where mazes of narrow streets link the whitewashed buildings and traditional life continues amidst the bustling activity. You will want to stroll through the island’s elegant shops and enjoy the fresh seafood offered in the waterfront tavernas.

Day 12
Mykonos - Santorini
Bid farewell to Mykonos as you sail to the most spectacular destination in the Mediterranean, the fabled island of Santorini. Upon arrival, visit an island winery that produces the unique and famous wines of Santorini.

Day 13
Santorini
Spend the morning exploring the cultural wonders and history of Santorini, one of the world’s most beautiful islands. Begin the day with a visit to the Archaeological Museum** with its impressive collection of frescoes, Byzantine works of art and sculptures of the Hellenistic period. Next, travel through a fascinating landscape of vineyards, whitewashed chapels and volcanic cliffs to the spectacular town of Oia, where the best views of the crater are found. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to relax and explore the island capital of Thira.

Day 14
Santorini - Athens
Bid farewell to the Greek Islands and fly back to Athens for your overnight stay. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip to Greece.

Day 15
Athens - Tour Ends



To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
9/11/2008 - 9/25/2008
$2,449
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9/12/2008 - 9/26/2008
$2,449
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9/25/2008 - 10/9/2008
$2,449
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10/3/2008 - 10/17/2008
$2,399
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10/17/2008 - 10/31/2008
$2,349
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10/23/2008 - 11/6/2008
$2,349
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10/24/2008 - 11/7/2008
$2,349
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10/30/2008 - 11/13/2008
$2,349
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4/2/2009 - 4/16/2009
$2,249
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4/3/2009 - 4/17/2009
$2,249
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4/23/2009 - 5/7/2009
$2,249
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5/16/2009 - 5/30/2009
$2,549
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5/24/2009 - 6/7/2009
$2,549
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7/11/2009 - 7/25/2009
$2,599
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9/6/2009 - 9/20/2009
$2,599
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9/12/2009 - 9/26/2009
$2,599
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9/26/2009 - 10/10/2009
$2,599
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10/3/2009 - 10/17/2009
$2,549
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10/17/2009 - 10/31/2009
$2,549
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4/18/2010 - 5/2/2010
$2,499
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Package Notes:
Please note that single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first serve basis.
*The excavations at Akrotiri are occasionally closed to the public due to ongoing archeological work. During these closures a visit will instead be mad to the Archaeological Museum at Thira.
The internal flights on this program are not included in the land price of your vacation. These flights need to be arranged and purchased separately if you arrange your own air. Internal flights are included with the air portion of your vacation if you purchase air through the tour operatore.
Due to flight schedules, on the last day of the tour you may require a very early morning departure (as early as 3 AM) from the hotel. Return flights should not be booked prior to 8 AM. Depending on your gateway, a post night may be required in Athens at an additional expense.
Many activities in this itinerary include walking on uneven terrain, or require significant walking at times. Some of the unique experiences, such as visiting historical areas, means accessing locations by foot because motorcoaches are restricted. If you require a walker or wheelchair, or have difficulty walking, you may not be able to access some of these areas and may want to consider an alternate.
If you have not purchased air through the tour operator and wish to purchase transfers, you must transfer at our pre-scheduled times.
Air passengers that bought air from the tour operator will depart from Athens, Greece airport. All transfers from the tour operator will depart from Tolo for the Athens airport.

Spend five leisurely nights immersed in the island splendor of Mykonos and Santorini. Join a local expert exploring Anthens' fascinating monuments including the famed Acropolis. Visit a Byzantine monastery in Meteora and learn about the devout lifestyle of the monks who live there. Explore the grandeur of Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games.Sample the finest wines in Greece during a winery tour on Santorini.

Stop at a local studio to see painters at work creating beautiful Byzantine icons.

In a traditional traverna you will feast on local cuisine and wine, and enjoy greek entertainment.

Experience the excavations at Akrotiri.

Tour of the sanctuary of Zeus and the Olympic Stadium.

Package Notes:
Please note that single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first serve basis.
*The excavations at Akrotiri are occasionally closed to the public due to ongoing archeological work. During these closures a visit will instead be mad to the Archaeological Museum at Thira.
The internal flights on this program are not included in the land price of your vacation. These flights need to be arranged and purchased separately if you arrange your own air. Internal flights are included with the air portion of your vacation if you purchase air through the tour operatore.
Due to flight schedules, on the last day of the tour you may require a very early morning departure (as early as 3 AM) from the hotel. Return flights should not be booked prior to 8 AM. Depending on your gateway, a post night may be required in Athens at an additional expense.
Many activities in this itinerary include walking on uneven terrain, or require significant walking at times. Some of the unique experiences, such as visiting historical areas, means accessing locations by foot because motorcoaches are restricted. If you require a walker or wheelchair, or have difficulty walking, you may not be able to access some of these areas and may want to consider an alternate.
If you have not purchased air through the tour operator and wish to purchase transfers, you must transfer at our pre-scheduled times.
Air passengers that bought air from the tour operator will depart from Athens, Greece airport. All transfers from the tour operator will depart from Tolo for the Athens airport.
   
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