Ancient Lands Moderate B
8 Days Starting and ending in Athens
Visiting: Athens, Mykonos, Kuşadası, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete, Fira
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GACM1MN19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 45
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$2194
$2134 (USD)
Exclusive Tourhub Discount: -$60
NB: Prices correct on 16-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Trace the splendor 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
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Hotel, Zafolia Dorian Inn President
Meals Included: No Meals
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 civilization was born. Since this is a place of beginnings, it’s a fitting place to start your discovery of ancient lands. Arrive at 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
Accommodation: Hotel, Zafolia Dorian Inn President
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
Location: Athens, Mykonos
Accommodation: Aegean Cruise
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 favorite ouzo before you get going on the next leg of your journey.
Day 4 : Kusadasi – Patmos
Location: Mykonos, Kuşadası, Patmos
Accommodation: Aegean Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The ancient Greek city of Ephesus is the highlight this morning. You’ll see the former Mediterranean trading center 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: Patmos, Rhodes
Accommodation: Aegean Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arriving in Rhodes, you may wish to join an optional experience for an encounter with one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World today. The 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: Rhodes, Crete, Fira
Accommodation: Aegean Cruise
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 civilization 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
Location: Fira, Athens
Accommodation: Hotel, Zafolia Dorian Inn President
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.
What's Included
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Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver to guide you throughout your journey.
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Cherry-Picked Hotels
Stay in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, ensuring a comfortable and restful night's sleep.
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Meals
Enjoy many meals and daily breakfasts included in your tour package.
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City Orientation Tours
Get to know the cities you visit with orientation tours designed to highlight all the must-see sights.
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Audio Headsets
Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences.
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Luxury Air-Conditioned Coach
Travel in comfort with a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi in most countries.
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Four-Night Aegean Cruise
Experience the beauty of the Aegean Sea with a four-night cruise included in your tour.
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Choice Optional Experiences
An extensive variety of Choice Optional Experiences to customize your journey.
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Flexible Accommodation
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
What's Not Included
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Personal Expenses
Items of a personal nature, including souvenirs, laundry, and beverages, are not included.
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Optional Experiences
Costs for optional experiences not included in the tour package are the responsibility of the traveler.
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International Travel
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries. Four-night Aegean Cruise.
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted. Moderate B cabins on your 3-night cruise are located at interior decks 3 and 4, and can accommodate up to four persons. Moderate C cabins on your 3-night cruise are located at interior decks 5 and 6, and can accommodate up to two persons.
Check out our Q&As
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What countries does the tour visit?
The tour visits Greece and Turkey.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Complimentary airport transfers are provided in the Eastern Mediterranean region at any time on the first and last day of the holiday or on other days in conjunction with pre and / or post-tour accommodation booked through Insight Vacations.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, English speaking local guide on this tour.
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Is there a travel director or guide included in the tour?
Yes, an expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included to guide you throughout your journey.
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What type of accommodation is provided?
The tour provides cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted. Moderate B cabins on the 3-night cruise are located at interior decks 3 and 4, and can accommodate up to four persons. Moderate C cabins on the 3-night cruise are located at interior decks 5 and 6, and can accommodate up to two persons.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in itinerary.
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What is the maximum group size?
The maximum side of group is 45 people.
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Costsaver is part of The Travel Corporation, which has been in business for over 100 years.
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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
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Jun 29, 2024 - Jul 06, 2024Saturday - Saturday
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Oct 12, 2024 - Oct 19, 2024Book with Confidence
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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.
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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.
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