Mediterranean Fables
Operated by: Insight Vacations
11 Days from $3,625 per person
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Day 1
Athens, City of Gods.
You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. At 19:00, join your Insight Vacations Representative and fellow travellers for a Welcome Drink.
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Day 2
The Glories of Athens.
See all the remarkable glories of Athens on a tour of the city. The highlight, of course, is a visit to the Acropolis with the remarkable Parthenon. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.(Breakfast)
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Day 3
Cruising to Kusadasi.
The morning is at your leisure. Late afternoon, board your cruise ship and set sail for the ancient city of Kusadasi. 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 complimentary drinks package featuring a selection of alcoholic and soft-drinks, and hot beverages.(Breakfast / Dinner)
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Day 4
Kusadasi.
This morning explore the Turkish port of Kusadasi and explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus with a Local Expert. In the evening, sail on to Rhodes.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
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Day 5
Cruise to Crete.
Upon arrival at Rhodes, chosen by the Crusaders as their fortified headquarters, the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Perhaps join the included walking tour of the old town surrounded by medieval walls, or simply enjoy a relaxing day on the golden beaches? In the evening, your cruise continues to Crete.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
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Day 6
Santorini.
Sail to Crete, home to the birthplace of Zeus according to the Greek mythology. There is time at leisure to explore the capital, Heraklion, site of King Minos' Palace of Knossos with a Local Expert.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
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Day 7
Santorini and on to Milos.
Wake up in Santorini with a full morning at leisure to relax. Gaze at the sheer cliffs of Santorini and dazzling panorama. Explore the capital of Thira, with its clifftop restaurants and cafés, breathtaking views and amazing sunsets. Later, join a Local Expert for a visit of the Cycladic village of Oia, one of the most authentic and unspoiled villages of the island before cruising to Milos.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
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Day 8
Milos.
Enjoy plenty of time to venture through this gorgeous island, with its crystal waters and white cliffs. Later in the evening, you set sail for Mykonos.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
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Day 9
Mykonos.
The full day is yours to relax and explore Mykonos, with its dazzling sugar cube houses and whitewashed windmills. Tonight, the maze of walkways, welcoming tavernas and nightlife are yours to discover.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
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Day 10
Athens.
Disembark in the morning and transfer to your hotel where you are at leisure. Relax, shop or bargain in the local market. Perhaps ask about an optional experience to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion?(Breakfast)
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Day 11
Depart Athens.
Bid farewell to Athens. Your journey ends with a transfer to the airport.(Breakfast)
Price Includes
Included Insight Services
- Your knowledgeable local Insight host will ensure your time in Athens is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with onboard washroom. Alternate vehicles without onboard washroom or 40 seats may be used on occasion.
- On departures with 8 or more guests, personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- 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.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- From time to time, your Travel Director will enchant you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- 7 nights aboard your mid-size cruise ship featuring air-conditioned cabins with private facilities, outdoor pool, fitness centre, beauty salon, casino, bars & restaurants.
- You will enjoy the services of a Cruise Director, while on board, and all port taxes and crew gratuities are included.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily onboard your ship and we provide a complimentary drinks package, featuring a selection of alcoholic, soft drinks and hot beverages.
- Transfers are included between Insight hotels and cruise port. Complimentary transfers from/to Athens Airport are available on arrival and departure days, or with additional accommodation booked through Insight Vacations.
Authentic Dining
- Cruising: 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 complimentary drinks package, featuring a selection of alcoholic, soft drinks and hot beverages.
- Dining Summary: 10 Breakfasts (B), 6 Lunches (L) and 7 Dinners (D) all with tea or coffee. Your cruise includes a complimentary drinks package featuring a selection of alcoholic and soft drinks, and hot beverages.
Insight Experiences
- Oia: With you Local Expert, explore this village of Santorini during your included shore excursion.
- Ephesus: Travel from Kusadasi to reach this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Led by your Local Expert, enjoy your time exploring the famed excavated site of this Greco-Roman treasure.
Top Rated Highlights
- Mediterranean Fables Cruising: Visit the Greek Islands of Crete, Mykonos, Santorini, Milos. Explore the Turkish port of Kusadasi.
Dates & Prices
Airfare is not included, but can be added to quote upon request-
Definite Departure
| Price | Discount | Availability | Price | |||
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| Request Quote Call 1-877-622-9109 Book Now |
Cruise Information
The cruise portion of your guided vacation will be operated by our award-winning partner company, Celestyal Cruises. With 30 years of experience, Celestyal Cruises is the preeminent cruise line for the Greek Islands and Turkey, and visits more Greek ports than any other cruise operator. On all of our cruises, you will enjoy authentic Greek hospitality, savor local flavors, and admire the diverse and beautiful landscapes of the eastern Mediterranean.
Click HERE to view a PDF of the ship's deck plan.
Price is per person and is based on two people twin share in a Standard (XA) Exterior 2-Berth Cabin. Single rooms are available at a supplement. Superior (XB) and Premium (XC) Exterior 2-berth cabins are available for an additional charge; please call for full pricing details.
Please note that Celestyal Cruises reserves the right to change vessels at short notice for operational purposes.
Optional Add-Ons
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Athens
Dinner "Meze" style in Psiri with Acropolis Illuminations
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at a wonderful restaurant located in the lively area of Psiri. Dining is “meze style”, giving you the opportunity to taste many Greek cuisine dishes, which are served in the centre of the table. Also enjoy the local free-flowing wine! Afterwards, see the Acropolis beautifully illuminated as you return to your hotel.
Adult Price: €50
Traditional Greek Taverna Meal with Entertainment
This is an evening excursion to a taverna in the centre of Athens. Excellent traditional Greek food in a lively atmosphere, entertained through dances and music from all parts of the country. Wine, beer and soft drinks are also included. Although the venue does have an official ending time, guests are more than welcome to stay on in the taverna, to join in with the local residents! (Casual dress)
Adult Price: €55
Cape Sounion
Take a relaxing trip down to the southernmost tip of Mainland Greece to see the fifth century B.C Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. See if you can spot where Byron carved his initials on one of the temple’s sixteen columns. Marvel at the sheer rugged beauty of the coastline and the ancient temple perched above a 197-foot drop down to the Aegean Sea below. Stand above the site of the world’s first lighthouse, overlooking an area steeped in classical Greek history, ever since the tragic King Aegeas threw himself from the rocky precipice into the sea below, thereby giving his name to the Aegean Sea.
Adult Price: €40
Olive Oil Tasting with Dinner
We will spend our evening in the upmarket central neighbourhood of Kolonaki,located on the slope of Lycabettus hill. This old aristocratic Athenian district, abundant with high end boutiques, art galleries and trendy little cafes, is home to a unique gastronomy centre. Here you will be warmly welcomed and invited to taste and discover the the texture of the star ingredient in Greek diet, olive oil. After the tasting, savour authentic Greek recipes, prepared with the highest quality locally sourced ingredients.
Adult Price: €48
Sacred Island and Apollo Sanctuary
You will be transported by boat to the ancient harbor of Delos and you will travel back in time. In front of the pier is the “Agora of Hermaists” or “Competialists” with altars and shrines. The ancient road crossed two porticoes. Behind the south portico used to be the “Agora of Delians”. Next follows the “Oikos (House) of Naxians”, dated to the 7th century B.C. Further north you will admire the three “Temples of Apollo”, the oldest of which was already in use by the 6th century. The southernmost temple is known as the “Temple of the Delians”. At the northern side of the temples you will stand in front of the so-called “treasures”. Here, every city of antiquity exhibited its offerings. A monument that will draw your attention is the “Sanctuary of the Bulls”. You will find yourself at the “Agora of Theophrastos”, and will pass by the “Temple of the Twelve Gods” to eventually reach the “Granite Monument”. Next follows the “Avenue of the Lions”, which was encircled by full-sized marble lions. The large building complex that rises in front of you is the “Establishment of the Poseidoniasts of Beirut” and it was built by ship owners and merchants from Beirut. The shore experience comes to an end at Chora with free time for strolling through the alleys and the shops.
Adult Price: €74
Mykonos
Mykonian Countryside Tour with Hora & Little Venice
We set off from Mykonos town (Chora) with our local expert and stop at the beach of Ornos, a picturesque fishing harbour and then on to the small beaches of Agia Anna and Kalafatis. Afterwards we'll visit the traditional village of Ano Mera and the monastery of Panagia Tourliani, founded in 1542. The pretty village square is a perfect spot for a short break. Returning to Chora, we'll stop at Paraportiani, a famous whitewashed church complex. A few metres down we'll meet the Mykonos Folklore Museum, which is housed in an old two-storied merchant baron’s house. We continue towards the “Little Venice” of Mykonos, Alefkandra, with its windmills and the almost otherworldly sunsets where our trip culminates.
Adult Price: €67
Patmos Countryside Tour with Hora and Grotto of the Apocalypse
We visit Patmos a UNESCO “World Heritage Monument” and enjoy a panoramic guided tour of the island, a magical visit to the Grotto of the Apocalypse, where it is said St John the Apostle wrote the Book of Revelation; marvel at the views of the Monastery of St John the Evangelist, and culminate our tour at Scala the port of Patmos where we enjoy a welcoming coffee, tea or refreshment.
Adult Price: €67
Santorini
Step Back In Time
Step back in time with us on the incredible volcanic island of Milos, one of the most beautiful places on earth. A short drive takes us to Sarakiniko, an inlet of pure white almost lunar stone. This startlingly otherworldly spot is one of the island’s many wonders and one of the most photographed places in the Cyclades. We'll continue along the dramatic coastline to the cobblestone streets and alleys of Plaka, a classic Cycladic village of white stone houses and bougainvillea flowers. Then, it's off to the ruins of ancient Melos and its Roman amphitheater, which is cut into a rocky slope near the ancient agora. Finally, we'll visit the award-winning Mining Museum to understand how the rich geology of Milos shaped the island’s history.
Adult Price: €74
Akrotiri Village Excavations
In 1650 BC a volcanic eruption reshaped Santorini and sank its center. You'll marvel at the towering cliffs around the port at Athinios and visit Santorini’s most significant archaeological site, Akrotiri, before moving onto the capital, Fira. Here you’ll visit the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral and enjoy some free time.
Adult Price: €74
Crete
Delphi
The slopes of Parnassus Mountain are home to Delphi, home to the Oracke and the centre of the universe for the ancient world. Visit the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Stadium & the Temple, as well as the museum of Delphi - home to over 10,000 artefacts, including the famous bronze Charioteer. In addition, you will also pass through the typical mountain Greek village of Arachova - famous for its cheese, matured in nearby caves, and for its flokati rugs. (Lunch is included)
Adult Price: €100
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