Athens & 7 Day Greek Isles Cruise
Athens, then a 7 day cruise of the Greek Isles plus Kusadasi for Ephesus; independent travel with flights & hotel included. Optional Classical Greece extension.
Overview
| Style | Independent PackageThese un-escorted packages have no set schedule or guides, so you have the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own from your centrally-located hotel. More of these packages
Freedom to explore at your own pace; unescorted |
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| Departures | May – October 2025 | ||
| Themes | Small Ship Cruises | ||
| Activity Level | Recreational | ||
| What to Expect | This is a moderately-paced, independent package. Excursions with local tour guides include a reasonable amount of walking and requires and average level of physical fitness. | ||
| Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. | ||
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Join us for an amazing journey of discovery to the most important classical sites of western civilization aboard the Celestyal Journey. You'll experience the great treasures of Greece and the Aegean Sea without ever having to pack and unpack as you sail from port to port, visiting such world treasures as the Acropolis in Athens, ancient Ephesus – a UNESCO World Heritage site, sparkling Greek Islands, and so much more by day. All of this, plus airfare from New York and many other cities, is yours for an incredible price.
Package includes
- Flights
- Cruise
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Round trip flights from New York via scheduled carriers, including taxes & fees, with other gateways available on request
- 3 nights Deluxe accommodations at the Royal Olympic Hotel in Athens
- 7 nights standard inside cabin (cat. IB) aboard the Celestyal Journey
- Port Charges and Cruise Tips
- 23 Meals: 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners
- On-board drink package during dining hours
- Shore excursions, 1 in Kuşadası and 1 in Crete
- Sightseeing in Athens
- All group transfers
- Enjoy extra benefits during your Celestyal Cruise include the Enhanced Drink Package*, 1 free hour of complimentary internet access per day, and 25% off specialty cruise dining.
Optional add-ons
- Flights from other cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.
- Optional tour of Cape Sounion
- Optional Classical Greece Extension (Value Vacation, groups may be larger)
Why you'll love it
- Tour the ancient archaeological site in Epheseus, including the 4th century Great Theatre, the Public Latrines, the Agora, the Odeon and more.
- Spend time in Milos relaxing on the sandy beaches, swimming in a sea cave, and exploring the fishing villages.
- Explore the winding alleyways of the scenic island of Mykonos.
- Discover the crowning beauty and glory of Ancient Athens -- the Acropolis.
- Absorb extraordinary histories in Crete's coastal town of Heraklion.
- Admire Santorini's rugged landscapes, whitewashed houses, and open-air cafes.
Itinerary at a Glance
- 1 Depart USA
- 2 Athens
- 3 Athens and set sail
- 4 Thessaloniki
- 5 Kuşadası, Turkey
- 6 Crete
- 7 Santorini
- 8 Mykonos
- 9 Milos
- 10 Athens
- 11 Athens
- Optional Excursion: Cape Sounion (purchased locally), $55
- 12 Athens/USA
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Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Depart USA
- Your exciting journey to Greece begins this evening as you check in for your overnight flight
Day 2 Athens
- Arrive in Athens, Greece and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure
Royal Olympic Hotel or similar
Full Day ItineraryOur representative will meet you and then escort you to your hotel, centrally located near Constitution Square and the famous Plaka (Old Town). Athens, the birthplace of Western civilization, once hailed as the Paris of the Mediterranean, is now a bustling modern city, a colorful tapestry of Eastern and Western influences, full of outdoor cafes, pedestrian streets, parks, gardens, street bazaars, dilapidated mansions, and ancient ruins.
Day 3 Athens and set sail
- Embark on your cruise ship and set sail to Thessaloniki, Kuşadası, and the Greek Isles
Celestyal Journey or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryTransfer to the port in the afternoon to board your cruise ship. Enjoy the shipboard facilities as the ship sails in the evening.
Day 4 Thessaloniki
- Explore the northern city of Thessaloniki
Celestyal Journey or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryThe thick Byzantine walls guarding Thessaloniki give way to an inviting mix of architectural landscapes with winding cobbled streets. Approaching the port, you will be captivated by a city that radiates culture and sophistication in golden Greek sunshine. Palm-lined avenues house charming shops and gourmet restaurants, while historic cobblestone streets present traditional tavernas and ouzerias to satisfy everyone's taste buds. Beautiful churches appear from every corner, seasonal markets sell colorful local produce, and shaded spots on Aristotelous Square are where you can sit back with homemade ice cream and watch the world pass by.
Day 5 Kuşadası, Turkey
- Enjoy Kuşadası on your own or join an included half-day tour of ancient Ephesus
Celestyal Journey or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryArrive in Kuşadası, Turkey this afternoon. Explore Kuşadası on your own, or join an included shore excursion to Ephesus. Just ten kilometers from the port is the ancient city of Ephesus, where you will find immortal relics of the Hellenistic, Roman, and Early Christian eras. At the archaeological site, enjoy a guided tour of the Agora, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the marble-paved main Street of Kouretes, the Baths of Scholastica, Trajan’s Fountain, the Public Latrines, the Residences of the Patricians, the Prytaneum, and the Temple of Hadrian.
The Great Theatre, built in the 4th century B.C., could accommodate 24,000 spectators and is still famous today for its acoustics. The finds from the excavations, which have yet brought to light only 13% of ancient Ephesus, reside in the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus in Seljuk.
During the excursion, have the opportunity to ramble and bargain for jewelry, cosmetics, or leather products at small shops.
Day 6 Crete
- Explore Crete's costal town of Heraklion on your own or join an included shore excursion
Celestyal Journey or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryIn the early morning, arrive in Crete's coastal town of Heraklion. Crete is the largest, most rugged Greek island and the home of the great Minoan Civilization and Zeus. Enjoy walking the waterfront and charming streets, or join a shore excursion to the ancient city of Knossos near Crete's capital, Heraklion, the place that 'gave birth' to the very first civilization of Europe, the Minoans. Visit one of the continent's most important archaeological treasures. The first excavations were undertaken in the 1870s by Minos Kalokairinos, a Cretan himself. Explore the large Central Court, the marvelous Throne Room, and the imposing Grand Staircase, and see the fresco of the 'Prince of the Lilies.' Stroll through the palace apartments and view the archaeological finds of the rich cultural heritage of the Minoan civilization. Exploring from room to room, you will relive time in the Hall of the Royal Guard and the King's Chamber, hearing about the extraordinary rule of King Minos.
Day 7 Santorini
- Explore the island of Santorini
Celestyal Journey or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryWake up off the coast of the striking island of Santorini, a volcanic crater immersed in the sea. The island is famous for its breathtaking and rugged landscapes, whitewashed houses, open-air cafes, and glittering boutiques clinging to cliffs, accessible by foot, cable car, or mule. Don't forget to try one of the many restaurants jostling for the position at the caldera's edge. Then, in the evening, explore at leisure or relax on the deck, sipping cocktails or wine.
Day 8 Mykonos
- Spend the day at leisure in Mykonos
Celestyal Journey or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItinerarySpend the day exploring Mykonos independently, enjoying its perfect beaches, immaculately whitewashed houses, winding alleys, lovely churches, and delightful restaurants. You will undoubtedly recognize the picture-postcard white windmills sitting side-by-side overlooking the sea.
Day 9 Milos
- Spend the day at leisure in Milos
Celestyal Journey or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, arrive at the mesmerizing island of Milos. Dramatically emerging from the Aegean Sea before you, you’ll be spellbound by Milos’ volcanic landscape, juxtaposed with quaint white stone fishing villages. Spend the day relaxing on one of the many beaches, swimming in serene sea caves, and discovering the colorful boathouses that magically emerge from the sea.
Early this evening, return to the ship for dinner and sail overnight to Athens.
Day 10 Athens
- Disembark the ship and transfer to your hotel
- Spend the remainder of the day at leisure to explore Athens
Royal Olympic Hotel or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryDisembark from your ship and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a full day exploring Athens. Your hotel sits in the city's heart, within a short distance of many major attractions and the best shopping and dining. In addition, our Athens representatives will offer you some exclusive optional shore excursions to the city's highlights.
Day 11 Athens
- Enjoy a morning tour of Athens, including the Acropolis
- Spend the afternoon at leisure to explore Athens, or join an optional tour
Royal Olympic Hotel or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, enjoy the striking contrast between the breathtaking monuments of a glorious past and elegant modern structures during your tour of Athens. Visit the Acropolis, the crowning beauty and glory of Ancient Athens, with its many monuments atop its rocky base, including the awesome Parthenon, the Propylea, the temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion, with its Porch of Maidens. Drive to the Roman Temple of Olympic Zeus, the Panathinaikon Stadium (site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896), and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament House on Constitution Square. See views of government buildings and elegant structures of the 19th century. Drive along Panepistimiou Avenue and view the Catholic Cathedral, the Academy, the University, and the National Library. In contrast, conclude your tour with a visit to the new Acropolis Museum, a marvel of architecture with an entire exhibition of the glory of Ancient Athens.
Optional Excursion: Cape Sounion (purchased locally), $55Drive along the coastal road past countless coves and the beautiful beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza to Cape Sounion. Dominated by the spectacular Temple of Poseidon, the sanctuary at Sounion is one of Attica's most important archaeological sites. Although evidence suggests that the site dates back to the prehistoric period, the sanctuary is first mentioned in Homer's Odyssey, where Menelaos stopped during his return from Troy to bury his helmsman, Phrontes Onetorides. Learn about this area's rich history as you take in stunning views of the Aegean on this fascinating optional excursion.
Note: This optional excursion can be purchased locally at approximately €49 per person.
Day 12 Athens/USA
- Bid farewell to Athens as you’re escorted to the airport to board your return flight
- Your journey comes to an end as your arrive in the USA later today
- Or, take advantage of your included flight and continue on our Classical Greece Extension
Breakfast
Classical Greece Optional Extension
Why not take advantage of your already-included international airfare and visit the classical cities of Corinth, Mycenae, Olympia, and Delphi? Your extension includes superior hotels, most meals, and guided touring of the most fascinating sites, including entrance fees to places visited. This extension is part of our Value Vacation, and groups may be larger than our Small Group Tours.
Day 12 Athens, Mycenae & Olympia
- Drive across the Corinth Canal to Olympia
- En route visit the famous theatre of Epidaurus
- Spend the evening at leisure in Olympia
Amalia Hotel Olympia or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, board your touring coach and begin a tour of Greece's classical cities. Drive across the Corinth Canal, which connects the Ionian Sea with the Aegean, to the Peloponnesian Peninsula, where 4,000 years of history are more fully and comprehensibly illustrated than elsewhere in Europe.
Visit the famous theater of Epidaurus, the best preserved in Greece, which reached the height of its fame in the 5th & 4th centuries B.C. The acoustics are so perfect that even from the last of the 55 tiers, every word can be heard. Continue to ancient Mycenae. According to the poets, it was founded by Perseus and built with the aid of the mythological Cyclops. Drive on to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic games, for dinner and overnight.
Day 13 Olympia, Nafpaktos & Delphi
- Enjoy a morning tour of the archaeological site and museum at Olympia
- This afternoon, drive via Patras to Rion, Antirion and picturesque Nafpaktos
- Spend the evening at leisure in Delphi
Amalia Hotel Delphi or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, tour the archaeological site and museum at Olympia, where the Olympic games were conceived as a tribute to Hercules, son of Zeus. These games were the most important international event in the Hellenic world from 776 B.C. to 393 A.D. and continue today, with the lighting of the Olympic flame that runners carry across the globe. Visit the Sanctuary of the Olympian Zeus and the Museum.
This afternoon, drive via Patras to Rion, Antirion, and picturesque Nafpaktos, where, according to mythology, Hercules slew the Erymanthine boar and where we'll view the lovely circular Venetian harbor. Continue the drive to Delphi for dinner and overnight.
Day 14 Delphi & Kalambaka
- Enjoy a morning tour of Delphi
- Spend the evening at leisure in Kalambaka
Amalia Hotel Kalambaka or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, explore the ancient site of Delphi, located on the slopes of the breathtaking Mount Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty. Here lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios, the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo, and the museum, which contains masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture, including the famous bronze Charioteer. The site had been sacred since at least the Bronze Age. According to legend, the shrine was originally guarded by the she-dragon Pytho. She was killed by Apollo, who then took over the oracle. In antiquity, Delphi was regarded as the center of the world.
Later, depart for the small town of Kalambaka, built at the foot of the majestic gray rocks, at the point where the river Pinios leaves Pindos Mountain.
Day 15 Meteora & Athens
- Enjoy a morning tour of Meteora monasteries
- This afternoon, drive back to Athens via Thermopylae
- Spend the evening at leisure in Athens
Royal Olympic Hotel or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, visit the spectacular Meteora monasteries, perched upon the summits of some steep and isolated rocky pinnacles, which rise above the almost flat valley of the Pinios River, 5.5 miles beyond Kalambaka. The monastic history of Meteora goes back to the 11th century AD when the monks constructed inaccessible eagle's nests in the crannies of these rocks, and today, four are still occupied.
Later this afternoon, drive back to Athens via Thermopylae, a famous battleground from the Persian wars. Arrive in Athens and check in at our hotel.
Day 16 Athens/USA
- Today, you'll be escorted to the airport and bid farewell to Athens as you board your flight back home
- Your exciting journey comes to an end as you arrive in the USA later today
Breakfast
Hotels & Ship
Hotels
This 5-star, family-run hotel is located directly opposite the Temple of Zeus and the National Garden, overlooking the Acropolis and a short walk to the new Acropolis Museum.
Surrounded by beautiful gardens and trees, Amalia Hotel Olympia is ideally situated not far from the archaeological sites of the Olympic Stadium, the Sanctuary of Zeus, the Temple of Hera and the archaeological museum.
Superbly located on a mountain slope at the foot of Mount Parnassus, the Amalia Hotel Delphi enjoys a breathtaking view of the green valley below stretching all the way down to the sea and the picturesque ports of Itea and Galaxidi. The Amalia Hotel is also conveniently located near the museum and archaeological sites of Delphi, considered by the ancient Greeks to be the center of the world.
Located on a 14-acre property just a few minutes away from the town of Kalambaka, the Amalia Hotel Kalambaka boasts extensive gardens and beautiful views of the Meteora Rocks.
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
Cruise Ship
The Celestyal Cruise ship Journey is the perfect vessel for exploring the Mediterranean. Its sleek design and top-of-the-line amenities offer guests an unforgettable travel experience. From the moment you step aboard, you'll be greeted by friendly staff who are dedicated to ensuring your every need is met. Whether you're looking to relax in one of the ship's many luxurious lounges or indulge in a gourmet meal at one of its restaurants, there's something for everyone. And with stops in some of the most beautiful destinations in Greece, Turkey, and Cyprus, you'll have ample opportunity to explore ancient ruins, stroll through picturesque villages, and soak up the sun on pristine beaches.
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Trip Details
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What should I know before I go?
Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements?
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Should I purchase travel insurance?
What's the fine print?
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