Rajah Travel Corporation

Grecian Fables Idyllic - Premium, Classic Group
from USD 5445

Tour Code: I989AMM26
Vacation Type: Regional
Brochure:
Duration: 15 Days
Countries: Greece, Turkey

Journey across the Aegean Sea during this 15-day guided tour of Greece and Turkey. In Athens, a Local Expert will share the history of the Temple of Olympian Zeus and several other sites, including the Acropolis and the Temple of Athena Nike. Cruise to the islands of Crete and Santorini, where you can see the iconic town of Thira and enjoy panoramic views of the crescent-shaped island. Set sail for Mykonos and walk the island’s maze of narrow walkways to a traditional taverna for an authentic Greek salad or fresh-caught fish. Travel to Kusadasi and see one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis, among the ancient ruins of Ephesus during a tour with a Local Expert.

What's Included
Highlights
Accommodation
Itinerary
Dates & Prices

Transfer Airport

ARR Chargeable Transfer Athens Airport to Hotel

Arrival Transfer Athens Airport to Hotel

DEP Chargeable Transfer Hotel to Athens Airport

Departure Transfer Hotel to Athens Airport

Gold Seal Protection

Gold Seal Protection

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: Indulge in local specialities with your fellow travellers as you savour dinner in one of the city's historic neighbourhoods.
Olympia: Taste unique Greek flavours and savour regional specialities 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 the Arch of Hadrian, erected in honour of the Roman Emperor and used as a divider between the ancient city and the new Roman district, along with the remaining columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Kalambaka: Your Travel Director will provide an orientation of this town situated at the base of the extraordinary Meteora rocks.
Thermopylae: See the Leonidas Monument, dedicated to the brave warrior and his 300 Spartans.
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: With your Local Expert, walk to The Sacred Way once lined with offertory temples. See the reconstructed Athenian Treasury and pass the superb Polygonal Wall to reach the Temple of Apollo, where the people would seek divine wisdom from the mysterious Oracle.
Archaeological Site of Olympia: The stadium of Olympia hosted the ancient Olympic Games and the Heraia, the women's games in honour of Hera. See the Temple of Zeus, athlete's gymnasium and the stone marker where the sprint began.
Archaeological Site of Mycenae: Walk through the Lion Gate, where Schliemann uncovered golden treasures and hear tales of Agamemnon.
Nafplio: Join your Travel Director in an orientation of this beautiful seaport town and see why it is named one of Greece's prettiest spots.
Corinth Canal: Cross the amazing rock-cut channel dividing the Peloponnese from mainland Greece.
Athens: Visit the Greek Islands of Crete, Mykonos, Santorini, Milos. Explore the Turkish port of Kusadasi.
Ephesus: Discover one of the world's finest ancient sites. Led by your Local Expert, walk the Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and Amphitheatre and visit the House of the Virgin Mary.

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.

Divani Palace Acropolis, New, Athens, Athens Marriott
Divani Meteora, Kalambaka
Divani Meteora, Kalambaka, Grand Meteora, Kalambaka
Arty Grand Hotel, Olympia., Amalia Olympia
MV Celestyal Journey (or similar).

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 travellers over a delightful evening of dinner.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Divani Palace Acropolis, New, Athens, Athens Marriott

Day 2 Athens, City Of Gods

Begin your journey into ancient Greece today, where the history of this remarkable civilisation 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 neighbourhood, 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 honouring their courage before continuing to your hotel in Kalambaka for a delicious dinner crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Divani Meteora, Kalambaka

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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Divani Meteora, Kalambaka, Grand Meteora, Kalambaka

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,' rumoured 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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Arty Grand Hotel, Olympia., Amalia Olympia

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 honour 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 flavours, as you savour dishes prepared for your dinner.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Arty Grand Hotel, Olympia., Amalia Olympia

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. Later, 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. Continue to the elegant town of Nafplio, known for its beautiful architecture, colourful shops and cafes. 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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Divani Palace Acropolis, New, Athens, Athens Marriott

Day 7 Cruising To Thessaloniki Relaxed Start

The morning is at your leisure. Late afternoon, board your cruise ship and set sail for the ancient city of Thessaloniki. While cruising, enjoy an exquisite variety of Mediterranean dishes as well as flavours, aromas and spices from around the world. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served on-board daily. Your cruise includes a selection of alcoholic beverages and non alcoholic hot and cold beverages are included.

Duration: 1 Day