Ancient Lands Moderate C
Ancient Lands Moderate C
Ancient Lands Moderate C
8 Days Starting and ending in Athens
Visiting: Athens, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Rhodes, Heraklion, Santorini
From:
$2249
$2187 (USD)
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$62
Tour Overview
Trace the splendour of ancient empires, criss-crossing the Aegean Sea from the land of gods and goddesses to the sun-drenched seaside villages of the Cyclades islands. Lace up your sandals for an exploration of the Acropolis on foot, toast sundowner views over Little Venice in Mykonos, and soak up the laid-back island vibes of Crete and Santorini.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Athens (2 Nights)
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Zafolia
History is everywhere you look in Greece's lively capital. Gods and goddesses glow alabaster white in the Mediterranean sunshine, for centuries having watched over the place where western civilisation was born. Since this is a place of beginnings, it's a fitting place to start your discovery of ancient lands. But first, you'll be transferred to your hotel in the city before exploring Athens your way and enjoying all its characteristic xenia which will make you feel completely at home.
Day 2: Athens Sightseeing And Free Time
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
All the treasures of Athens are brought to life this morning. You'll join an expert Local Specialist who'll share the history, myths and legends of places you've always wanted to see like the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch where Socrates once questioned ancient Athenians' understanding of the meaning of life. Imagine that with every step you take exploring the Acropolis, you're standing in the very place where the ancient Greeks once shaped world views, political ideologies and philosophies that have stood the test of time. Standing just as tall today are the ancient ruins of the Parthenon and the stadium built for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. What better way to spend the rest of your day than soaking up the sizzling energy of Athens with its fun-loving locals? Of course, that could mean indulging in a feast of Greek souvlaki or gyro at a traditional taverna, with a bit of opa thrown in for good measure.
Day 3: Embark 4-Day Cruise – Mykonos (4 Nights)
Location: Athens, Mykonos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Get ready for island-style living as you embark on your idyllic Aegean cruise. You're in for sun-kissed days, laidback lunches and the beauty of the Greek Isles you've only dreamt about, over the next four glorious days. Set sail for Mykonos and keep your eyes peeled for its 16th-century windmills that overlook the island's capital, Chora, and its glistening bay. There's no better way to explore 'Little Venice' than getting lost in its maze of cobblestone lanes lined by whitewashed houses and tumbling cerise bougainvillea. Take a break and spend some time with the locals in a café or bar, sampling some of the favourite ouzo before you get going on the next leg of your journey.
Day 4: Kusadasi – Patmos
Location: Kusadasi, Patmos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The ancient Greek city of Ephesus is the highlight this morning. You'll see the former Mediterranean trading centre first-hand - an astoundingly well-preserved collection of ancient buildings that hint at what was once a powerful city. Walk down Curetes Street past the homes of rich Ephesians to the Library of Celsus and imagine its ancient residents gathering within the marble walls. Return to the comfort of your cruise ship and sail to Patmos where the Book of Revelation was written by St. John. This is where the Apostle is said to have recorded his Revelation from Jesus. On an Optional Experience, you'll have an opportunity to join many Christian pilgrims who visit the Cave of the Apocalypse.
Day 5: Rhodes – At Sea
Location: Rhodes
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Prepare for an encounter with one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World today. Arriving in Rhodes, a complimentary Shore Experience will lead you along the path of religious knights who once conquered the island of Rhodes. These Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem ruled the island from 1310 to 1522 and you'll hear all about the island which became a bastion for Christianity in the East, defying pirate raids and Turkish sieges for centuries. There's time to explore it for yourself as you trace the thick stone walls, gates and cobblestone lanes of its capital before returning to your cruise.
Day 6: Crete – Santorini
Location: Heraklion, Santorini
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sailing overnight, you'll arrive early just in time for an exploration of Crete's ancient capital and Europe's oldest city, Heraklion. If you choose to join and Optional Experience, the rise and fall of the Minoan civilisation and culture will keep you captivated as you explore the ruins of the Palace of Knossos, with its ruby red entrance and charging bull fresco. You'll learn about the ancient city's long history from Neolithic times to the invasion of Crete by the Greeks, as well as the myth and legend that gave rise to the Minotaur. Then trade history for epic sunsets as you continue to Santorini where you could choose an Optional Experience to the stunning clifftop village of Oia, passing quaint villages and sun-kissed vineyards along the way.
Day 7: Disembark – Athens Free Time (1 Night)
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Zafolia
Meals Included: Breakfast
The islands of the irresistible Aegean will want to keep you in their warm embrace forever, but it's time to return to Athens this morning and you'll be glad you did. Get your final fix of this vibrant city your way. For history buffs, there's time to get stuck into those ancient sites you weren't able to see when you first arrived. Or perhaps you'll want to head to Monastiriki for antiques and Greek handicrafts or explore the lanes of Plaka under the shadow of the Acropolis in search of a buzzing café with your name on it. However you choose to spend your evening, make sure it's filled with aragma, the small joys of life.
Day 8: Depart Athens
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your epic adventure through ancient lands has sadly come to an end. You've seen all the historic sights, kicked back and enjoyed the local hospitality in the glittering Greek Isles and discovered ancient capitals and stunning island landscapes. It's time to say a fond farewell to newfound friends before catching a transfer to the airport for your return flight. Find out more about your free airport transfer at costsavertour.com/freetransfers.
What's Included
-
4 cruise lunches
-
7 breakfasts
-
4 cruise dinners
-
Audio Headsets provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
-
Luxury air-conditioned coach
-
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
-
Variety of Optional Experiences
-
City orientation tours
-
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
-
All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes
Check out our Q&As
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty and joy of taking a guided vacation with Costsaver is that you get to meet, travel and make friends with people from all over the world.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Costsaver is part of The Travel Corporation, which has been in business for over 100 years.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Costsaver is proud to be a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation started in 2008. To date the charity has donated over US$2 million to assist underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism initiatives around the globe.
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
tourhub Discount Available - Sign In
Saturday - Saturday
Jun 01, 2024 - Jun 08, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Jun 08, 2024 - Jun 15, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Jun 15, 2024 - Jun 22, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Jun 22, 2024 - Jun 29, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Jun 29, 2024 - Jul 06, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Jul 06, 2024 - Jul 13, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Jul 13, 2024 - Jul 20, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Jul 20, 2024 - Jul 27, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Jul 27, 2024 - Aug 03, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Aug 03, 2024 - Aug 10, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Aug 10, 2024 - Aug 17, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Aug 17, 2024 - Aug 24, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Aug 24, 2024 - Aug 31, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Aug 31, 2024 - Sep 07, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 07, 2024 - Sep 14, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 14, 2024 - Sep 21, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 21, 2024 - Sep 28, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 05, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Oct 05, 2024 - Oct 12, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Oct 12, 2024 - Oct 19, 2024Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Costsaver requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD 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 costsaver 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.
-
Terms and Conditions
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is protected in an external trust until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."