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Treasures of Greece and the Islands

Operated by: Insight Vacations

14 Days
APR - OCT 2023
Greece Mykonos Treasures Of Greece And The Islands

Countries Visited

Greece ...more Greece

Locations Visited

Athens, Thermopylae, Kalambaka, Meteora, Delphi, Archaeological Site of Olympia, Archaeological Site of Mycenae, Nafplion, Santorini, Mykonos ...more Athens, Thermopylae, Kalambaka, Meteora, Delphi, Archaeological Site of Olympia, Archaeological Site of Mycenae, Nafplion, Santorini, Mykonos
  1. 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. At 19:00, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception, and get to know your fellow travellers over a delightful evening of dinner and wine.

    meals Dinner with Wine
    hotel Divani Caravel Hotel, Athens., Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre.
  2. Day 2 Athens, City of Gods

    Today your mythical Grecian discovery encapsulates the intriguing history of ancient Greece. Begin with an exploration revealing the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Arch of Hadrian. Next, your Local Expert takes you to the Acropolis, one of the most important ancient sites in the Western world. Crowning the top is the Parthenon, visible from almost everywhere in the city. 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. Continue to Thermopylae, famous as the mountain pass where King Leonidas led his Spartan army, along with fellow Greek soldiers, into battle against the Persians in 480 B.C. See the memorial dedicated to Leonidas and his courageous Spartans. Then on to your hotel in Kalambaka for a delicious dinner from a fresh, seasonal menu.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel Divani Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka., Grand Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka.
  3. 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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Divani Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka., Grand Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka.
  4. 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.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel Amalia Hotel Olympia., Olympion Asty, Arty Grand Hotel, Olympia.
  5. 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 Highlight Dinner.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel Amalia Hotel Olympia., Olympion Asty
  6. 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, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet the artisans at a family-run pottery studio and view beautiful works of art. Travel to the elegant town of Nafplio, known for its beautiful architecture, colourful shops and cafes.Your journey continues, following the shores of the Saronic Gulf to pass the Corinth Canal, dividing the Peloponnesse and mainland Greece, and arriving in Athens. In the evening, enjoy a hearty dinner in true Greek style, complete with wine and good cheer.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel Divani Caravel Hotel, Athens., Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre.
  7. Day 7 Across the Mediterranean to Santorini

    An early departure takes you to the port of Piraeus where your high-speed ferry awaits to whisk you over to the truly beautiful island of Santorini. On arrival, you are transferred to your hotel.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Costa Grand Resort & Spa, Santorini. , De Sol Hotel & Spa, Santorini.
  8. Day 8 The Sunsets of Santorini Relaxed Start

    With two more sun-drenched days on one of the most romantic islands on earth, you won't ever want to leave. Relax in clifftop restaurants, laze on the sun-soaked beaches or observe history unearthed at the site of Akrotiri. In the evening, you'll witness the first of the golden sunsets for which the island is famous.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Costa Grand Resort & Spa, Santorini. , De Sol Hotel & Spa, Santorini.
  9. Day 9 Santorini As You Wish Relaxed Start

    Another day to relax and unwind on the black, red and white beaches, or why not take a caique (traditional Greek fishing boat) over to the volcanic islands for a swim in the hot springs? The island's delicious cuisine, whitewashed houses that gleam in the bright Aegean sun, narrow cobblestone streets and world-renowned sunsets all combine to make Santorini a truly unique holiday experience.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Costa Grand Resort & Spa, Santorini. , De Sol Hotel & Spa, Santorini.
  10. Day 10 Set Sail for Mykonos

    Board the high-speed ferry bound for the island of Mykonos, playground of the rich and famous. You are met at the port and transferred to your hotel.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Porto Mykonos., Dorion Hotel, Mykonos.
  11. Day 11 Mykonos Mystique Relaxed Start

    This day is the first of two glorious days at leisure. Explore the town with its winding maze of walkways, white-washed houses, magnificent windmills and uninhibited nightlife. Perhaps watch the sunset at Shirley Valentine Beach or take a short boat ride to Delos?

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Porto Mykonos., Dorion Hotel, Mykonos.
  12. Day 12 Mykonos at Leisure Relaxed Start

    Another day to explore or relax as you wish. Perhaps swim the endless array of dazzling beaches that surround the island? Or maybe enjoy a cocktail on the waterfront at Little Venice?

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Porto Mykonos., Dorion Hotel, Mykonos.
  13. Day 13 Return to Athens

    In the morning, grab your final glimpse over the lustrous Aegean. You are transferred to the port for your return ferry to Athens.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Divani Caravel Hotel, Athens., Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre.
  14. Day 14 Depart Athens

    Bid farewell to Athens. Your journey ends with a transfer to the airport.

    meals Breakfast
Treasures of Greece Guided Tour Map
Price Includes

Dining Summary

  • 5 Dinner with Wine (DW)
  • 13 Breakfast (B)

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: Get to know your fellow travelers over a delightful Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
  • Olympia: Taste unique flavours and savour Greek regional specialities over a colourful Highlight Dinner.

Insight Experiences

  • Olympia: Chef Farije shares with you her 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

  • Archaeological Site of Mycenae: Discover ancestral pottery methods at an artist's studio that preserves important skills and ancient traditions.

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 past the royal beehive-tombs where Schliemann uncovered golden treasure, while hearing tales of Agamemnon from your Local Expert.
  • 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.

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.

Dates & Prices

Thank you for your interest in this tour. If no dates are displaying, please call our reservations line at 1-877-622-9109 for more information

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.

Trikala

Available on Day 3

Lively Trikala Town And Dinner

Experience the picturesque and lively town of Trikala, considered to have been the birth place of the “God of Medicine” Asclepius. Enjoy an orientation of the town; walk along the river side and the pedestrian streets in the company also of the locals out socializing for the evening. Afterwards Dine at a local restaurant Greek family style, and taste a variety of sumptious dishes all served in the middle of the table, accompanied by plenty of wine!
Adult Price: € 45

Santorini

Available on Day 7

Traditional Greek Wedding Show

This evening you are invited to take part as a guest in a traditional Greek wedding. A life changing ceremony, a group celebration. Be part of the story. Meet the family. Eat, drink, dance, and break plates. The custom is traditional. The experience is not! This Greek Wedding Show is not only a Greek Night, but an unforgettable interactive musical experience!
Adult Price: € 65

Available on Day 8

Sunset On Board

This afternoon we board our large wooden“ caique” and set off to the Volcano. Take the opportunity to climb up to the top of the volcano and experience a real active volcano, or perhaps stay on board, relax and enjoy the amazing view. Afterwards, swim in the hot springs and enjoy the natural spa-like feeling of the thermal waters. We enjoy a casual dinner with wine on board accompanied by music, and marvel at the sunset and the breath taking village of Oia high above on the Cliffside. Dinner with wine included. Volcano entrance of €5.00 is not included.
Adult Price: € 85

Available on Day 9

Essence of Thera with Akrotiri and Oia Visit

This morning embark on an unforgettable quest, driving through amazing landscapes and picturesque villages. Today you will discover Santorini’s true essence and learn its fascinating history spanning from antiquity to modern times. Step into antiquity as we visit one of the most significant archeological sites of Greece, the pre-historic settlement of Akrotiri. Almost 4 millenniums ago, a huge volcanic eruption, buried the whole city in ash, preserving this bronze aged settlement also referred as “Greek pre-historic Pompeii “. Santorini is also famous for its wine production and the distinctive local varieties. Our next stop of the day is a local Santorini winery where we enjoy a variety of local “meze” (Greek hors d’oeuvres) and sample the locally produced wines. Learn about the “kalathies” vines and the unique way that locals have grown grapes for centuries. Later in the afternoon, visit the idyllic village of Oia, known as one of the prettiest spots on the island.  With its white-washed houses resting on the clifftops of the caldera, blue –domed churches sprinkled along the charming narrow alleys, cute cafés and restaurants overlooking the volcano, a visit to Oia is iconic experience and a must see!
Adult Price: € 77

Available on Day 9

Santorini Island Tour With Visit To Akrotiri

We drive to the highest point of the island - Profitis Ilias for stunning views of the island, and make our way to the village of Pyrgos, to see the iconic blue domed churches and classic Cycladic architecture. Afterwards we visit the prehistoric Akrotiri – a Bronze Age settlement destroyed by a huge eruption during the 17th century BC and buried under the volcanic ash, preserving the whole city in perfect condition. It is often referred often as “Prehistoric Pompei”. Afterwards we head for the black sand beach of Perivolos, passing picturesque villages. Enjoy a time at leisure on the beach where we can swim, have lunch or do both. Entrance to Akrotiri included.
Adult Price: € 62

Mykonos

Available on Day 11

Ancient Delos

We take a boat ride to Delos, once a Sacred Island, the legendary birthplace of God Apollo and his twin sister Artemis. Today Delos is one of the most important archaeological sites of the eastern Mediterranean. We see amongst others, the remains of the Temple of Apollo, the sanctuary of Artemis, the old city and the theatre and then walk down the celebrated Lion Street. In the museum of Delos one can admire Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman Sculptures, a collection of vessels from all periods as well as small items of everyday use. Transfers to/from port and entrance included.
Adult Price: € 78

Available on Day 11

Mykonos Island Tour

Today we explore the vibrant Island of Mykonos, driving through amazing Cycladic landscapes, admiring some of its splendid beaches and scenic locations. It is the perfect opportunity to experience the every-day Mykonian life and connect with the legends and stories linked to this island. Our exploration begins with Ano Mera traditional village and its famous Monastery dedicated to the protector of the island, as we continue with the blue flag awarded Kalafatis beach and perhaps enjoy a swim in the beautiful Aegean sea.
Adult Price: € 48

Athens

Available on Day 13

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. (Casual dress)
Adult Price: € 53

Available on Day 13

Traditional Greek Taverna Meal With Entertainment

This is an evening excursion to a taverna in the centre of Athens. Enjoy excellent traditional Greek food in a lively atmosphere while being entertained by 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: € 57

Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Darcy Searl
Review date: Monday, October 4, 2021
Service
My trip through Greece was amazing.Our Tour Director Lisa was fantastic. She was entertaining, knowledgeable, caring and very passionate about her country. The accommodations and Tour Guides were very good. Mia, our wellness Director was wonderful as well. I was throughly happy with my trip.
Response from Grand European Travel:
You can't get much better than that! Thank you for allowing us to make this trip a reality for you. We hope to be a part of future trips as well.
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Vacation
Everything was perfect. Lisa, Our Tour Director was amazing. The accommodations were wonderful and Mia, our Wellness Director was wonderful.
David Westmoreland
Review date: Monday, June 17, 2019
Service
We were very pleased with the scope of our tour and the detailed descriptive analysis provided by the general and local guide personnel.
Vacation
We sites we visited were exceedingly interesting. Plenty of opportunity was provided for us to learn as much as possible about these wonderful places.
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Terms & Conditions
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