Greece & Aegean Islands Cruise

Greece & Aegean Islands Cruise

416 Views
15 Days From

$3614

$3421

Greece & Aegean Islands Cruise

15 Days Starting and ending in Athens, Greece

Visiting: Athens, Sparta, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Rhodes, Crete

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

6660-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

5-99

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Cruise

From: $3614 $3421 Operator discount: -$194

NB: Prices correct on 24-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Greece and Turkey with the "Greece & Aegean Islands Cruise." This cultural and historical adventure begins in Athens, where you'll explore iconic sites like the Acropolis and the ancient theatre of Epidaurus. Travel through picturesque towns such as Nauplia and Sparta, and visit the awe-inspiring monasteries of Meteora. The tour includes a cruise on the Celestyal Discovery, offering a basic drink package and select excursions. Discover the wonders of Ephesus in Turkey, the medieval town of Rhodes, and the breathtaking beauty of Santorini. Optional excursions include a day cruise to the islands of Aegina, Hydra, and Poros, and a visit to the cliff-top village of Oia. With comfortable accommodations and guided tours, this trip promises a rich tapestry of history, culture, and stunning landscapes.

Highlights

  • Guided tours of Athens, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Mystra, and Meteora

  • Cruise on the Celestyal Discovery with included basic drink package and select excursions

  • Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Acropolis Athens, Ephesus, and Medieval Town of Rhodes

  • Optional day cruise to the islands of Aegina, Hydra, and Poros

  • Visit to the ancient open-air theatre in Epidaurus

  • Exploration of Olympia, the site of the ancient Olympic Games

  • Discover Meteora, a cluster of Christian-Orthodox monasteries perched on rock formations

  • Visit to the cliff-top village of Oia in Santorini

Places You'll See

Rex

Acropolis Select

Maniatis

Olympia Palace

Apollonia

Famissi Eden Resort Hotel

Gallery Suites And Residences

Illisos

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Athens,Greece

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Gallery Suites and Residences

Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to start exploring the Greek capital with the help of your CosmosGO app. Later, meet your Local Host.
ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to start exploring the Greek capital with the help of your CosmosGO app. Later, meet your Local Host.

Day 2: Athens

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Gallery Suites and Residences

Meals Included: Breakfast

A day to relax and discover Athens at leisure. In the evening, free time to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the tavernas and nightclubs in the old Plaka district with its narrow streets and sound of bouzouki music.
ATHENS A day to relax and discover Athens at leisure. In the evening, free time to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the tavernas and nightclubs in the old Plaka district with its narrow streets and sound of bouzouki music. (B)

Day 3: Athens,Corinth,Nauplia

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Rex

Meals Included: Breakfast

Join the included guided tour of Athens, featuring the highlights of this ancient capital and a visit to the Acropolis. Cross the Corinth canal, a project conceived in ancient Greece but only completed in 1893, then head for the coast to the picturesque seaside town of Nauplia. Today’s Distance: 90 mi/ 145 km
ATHENS–CORINTH–NAUPLIA Join the included guided tour of Athens, featuring the highlights of this ancient capital and a visit to the Acropolis. Cross the Corinth canal, a project conceived in ancient Greece but only completed in 1893, then head for the coast to the picturesque seaside town of Nauplia.
Today’s Distance: 90 mi/ 145 km (B)

Day 4: Nauplia,Epidaurus,Mycenae,Sparta

Location: Sparta

Accommodation Name: Maniatis

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, stop in Epidaurus, located in the hilly countryside dotted with pine trees and oleanders. In this magnificent setting, visit the ancient open-air theatre, which can still seat 14,000 spectators. Later, enjoy the included guided excursion to the archaeological site and museum of Mycenae, with the imposing ruins of the great city that dominated the eastern Mediterranean world from the 15th to the 12th century B.C. It played a vital role in the development of classical Greek culture and is linked to the Homeric epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey. Travel into the Peloponnese to Sparta, where history hangs between reality and legend. Today’s Distance: 126 mi/ 202 km
NAUPLIA–EPIDAURUS–MYCENAE–SPARTA This morning, stop in Epidaurus, located in the hilly countryside dotted with pine trees and oleanders. In this magnificent setting, visit the ancient open-air theatre, which can still seat 14,000 spectators. Later, enjoy the included guided excursion to the archaeological site and museum of Mycenae, with the imposing ruins of the great city that dominated the eastern Mediterranean world from the 15th to the 12th century B.C. It played a vital role in the development of classical Greek culture and is linked to the Homeric epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey. Travel into the Peloponnese to Sparta, where history hangs between reality and legend.
Today’s Distance: 126 mi/ 202 km (B,D)

Day 5: Sparta,Mystra,Olympia

Location: Olympia

Accommodation Name: Olympia Palace

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy the included sightseeing of the medieval Byzantine citadel of Mystra, at one time known as the “Florence of the East.” Before arriving in Olympia, stop to visit an olive oil museum. Today’s Distance: 99 mi/ 160 km
SPARTA–MYSTRA–OLYMPIA Enjoy the included sightseeing of the medieval Byzantine citadel of Mystra, at one time known as the “Florence of the East.” Before arriving in Olympia, stop to visit an olive oil museum.
Today’s Distance: 99 mi/ 160 km (B,D)

Day 6: Olympia,Patras,Delphi

Location: Delphi

Accommodation Name: Apollonia

Meals Included: Breakfast

Explore Olympia, where the athletes of antiquity performed as a tribute to the king of deities, Zeus. Spend free time in this pretty town or score a perfect 10 with an optional guided tour of the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Later, drive north to Patras, the capital of the Peloponnese and the west coast’s largest port. Continue by crossing the spectacular Rion-Antirion bridge, through the picturesque fishing villages along the south coast of the mainland to legendary Delphi. Today’s Distance: 134 mi/ 215 km
OLYMPIA–PATRAS–DELPHI Explore Olympia, where the athletes of antiquity performed as a tribute to the king of deities, Zeus. Spend free time in this pretty town or score a perfect 10 with an optional guided tour of the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Later, drive north to Patras, the capital of the Peloponnese and the west coast’s largest port. Continue by crossing the spectacular Rion-Antirion bridge, through the picturesque fishing villages along the south coast of the mainland to legendary Delphi.
Today’s Distance: 134 mi/ 215 km (B)

Day 7: Delphi,Kalambaka

Location: Delphi

Accommodation Name: Famissi Eden Resort Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy free time in town or feel the good fortune of an optional morning sightseeing tour of the archaeological site of Delphi, where the oracle of Apollo spoke at the site of the omphalos, the 'navel of the world.’ Blending harmoniously with the superb landscape and charged with sacred meaning, Delphi in the 6th century B.C. was indeed the religious hub and symbol of unity of the ancient Greek world. On to Kalambaka. Today’s Distance: 143 mi/ 230 km
DELPHI–KALAMBAKA Enjoy free time in town or feel the good fortune of an optional morning sightseeing tour of the archaeological site of Delphi, where the oracle of Apollo spoke at the site of the omphalos, the 'navel of the world.’ Blending harmoniously with the superb landscape and charged with sacred meaning, Delphi in the 6th century B.C. was indeed the religious hub and symbol of unity of the ancient Greek world. On to Kalambaka.
Today’s Distance: 143 mi/ 230 km (B,D)

Day 8: Kalambaka,Meteora,Athens

Location: Meteora

Accommodation Name: Illisos

Meals Included: Breakfast

Discover Meteora, a cluster of Christian-Orthodox monasteries perched in an unforgettable manner on a set of rising rock formations. They were originally built by hermit monks living in caves carved into the rocks. Your included visit is certainly the day’s highlight. Continue south to Athens. Today’s Distance: 224 mi/ 360 km
KALAMBAKA–METEORA–ATHENS Discover Meteora, a cluster of Christian-Orthodox monasteries perched in an unforgettable manner on a set of rising rock formations. They were originally built by hermit monks living in caves carved into the rocks. Your included visit is certainly the day’s highlight. Continue south to Athens.
Today’s Distance: 224 mi/ 360 km (B)

Day 9: Athens

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Illisos

Meals Included: Breakfast

Spend a full day at leisure exploring the unseen parts of the city or visiting a museum. Tonight, it’s all Greek with an optional dinner of local specialties, served with the rhythmic dance steps of the Sirtaki keeping time with the sounds of the bouzouki lute.
ATHENS Spend a full day at leisure exploring the unseen parts of the city or visiting a museum. Tonight, it’s all Greek with an optional dinner of local specialties, served with the rhythmic dance steps of the Sirtaki keeping time with the sounds of the bouzouki lute. (B)

Day 10: Athens,Embarkation Port,Mykonos

Location: Mykonos

Accommodation Name: Celestyal Discovery

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning embarkation and afternoon cruising in the Aegean. Arrive this evening in Mykonos, a granite island and the most typical of the Cyclades. Its white and blue houses, windmills, and chapels make the island’s light even more translucent. Spend some time visiting a taverna or just wandering around the town, enjoying its timeless beauty.
ATHENS–EMBARKATION PORT–MYKONOS Morning embarkation and afternoon cruising in the Aegean. Arrive this evening in Mykonos, a granite island and the most typical of the Cyclades. Its white and blue houses, windmills, and chapels make the island’s light even more translucent. Spend some time visiting a taverna or just wandering around the town, enjoying its timeless beauty. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Kusadasi,Turkey & Patmos,Greece

Location: Kusadasi

Accommodation Name: Celestyal Discovery

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Two ports of call await today. First, Kusadasi on the Turkish coast for an included morning excursion to the fascinating Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus. Next, discover the tiny Greek island of Patmos, where St. John the Divine wrote Revelation. The 11th-century monastery with its valuable manuscript collection is well worth a visit.(B,L,D)

Day 12: Rhodes

Location: Rhodes

Accommodation Name: Celestyal Discovery

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dock in Rhodes, largest of the Dodecanese Islands and site of the legendary Colossus of Rhodes, a 105-foot statue destroyed by an earthquake in 224 BC. Explore the historic Old City with its ramparts and palaces built by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades. Another possibility: join an included excursion to Lindos and the Citadel of the Knights. If sightseeing is not your preference, Rhodes’ sun-drenched beaches and vibrant shopping districts are within easy walking distance of the port. Depart from Rhodes around dinner time.
RHODES Dock in Rhodes, largest of the Dodecanese Islands and site of the legendary Colossus of Rhodes, a 105-foot statue destroyed by an earthquake in 224 BC. Explore the historic Old City with its ramparts and palaces built by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades. Another possibility: join an included excursion to Lindos and the Citadel of the Knights. If sightseeing is not your preference, Rhodes’ sun-drenched beaches and vibrant shopping districts are within easy walking distance of the port. Depart from Rhodes around dinner time. (B,L,D)

Day 13: Crete & Santorini

Location: Crete

Accommodation Name: Celestyal Discovery

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend the morning in Heraklion on the island of Crete. A few miles away is Knossos, the hub of the 3000-BC Minoan civilization, calling you to join an optional excursion to explore the ancient sites. Next port of call (weather permitting) is Santorini, the “Black Pearl of the Aegean.” Breathtaking beauty is a shore thing on an optional shore excursion up to the cliff-top village of Oia for one of the world’s most breathtaking panoramas.
CRETE & SANTORINI Spend the morning in Heraklion on the island of Crete. A few miles away is Knossos, the hub of the 3000-BC Minoan civilization, calling you to join an optional excursion to explore the ancient sites. Next port of call (weather permitting) is Santorini, the “Black Pearl of the Aegean.” Breathtaking beauty is a shore thing on an optional shore excursion up to the cliff-top village of Oia for one of the world’s most breathtaking panoramas. (B,L,D)

Day 14: Disembarkation Port,Athens

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Illisos

Meals Included: Breakfast

Early morning docking at Athens’ port; disembark and drive to Athens.
DISEMBARKATION PORT–ATHENS Early morning docking at Athens’ port; disembark and drive to Athens. (B)

Day 15: Athens

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Illisos

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
ATHENS Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

What's Included

  • Transportation

    Travel through Greece and Turkey with a mix of guided tours, scenic drives, and a cruise on the Celestyal Discovery. Enjoy comfortable transportation between historical sites, picturesque towns, and beautiful islands.

  • Accommodation

    Stay at the Moxy Athens City, Hotel Rex in Nafplio, Maniatis Hotel in Sparta, Olympia Palace in Ancient Olympia, Apollonia in Delphi, and Famissi Eden Resort Hotel in Kalambaka.

  • Meals

    Buffet breakfasts daily; 4 lunches; 7 dinners.

  • Guided Tours

    Included guided tours of Athens, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Mystra, and Meteora.

  • Cruise

    Cruise on the Celestyal Discovery with included basic drink package and select excursions.

  • UNESCO Sites

    Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Acropolis Athens, Archeological site of Mycenae, Archeological site of Mystras, Ephesus, Medieval Town of Rhodes, Meteora, and Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional sightseeing tours such as the day cruise to the islands of Aegina, Hydra, and Poros, and the shore excursion to the cliff-top village of Oia in Santorini.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks not included in the basic drink package.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and cruise staff are not included.

  • Upgrades

    Upgrades for cabins on the cruise are available but not included in the base price.

Meals

Buffet breakfasts daily; 4 lunches; 7 dinners

Notes

Please ask your Travel Consultant for cruise ship details. The ship scheduled to depart for the cruise portion of your vacation is the Celestyal Discovery, operated by Celestyal Cruises.

This tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.

CRUISE DETAILS
Prices are based on Inside cabin (category IB) - All air-conditioned cabins with private shower and toilet. Upgrades available.
Rotation of ports of call may vary for congestion reasons at certain ports with or without prior notice.
Included select excursions as per detailed itinerary.
Full entertainment program on board.
Included drink package: selection of non-alcoholic & alcoholic drinks.
Cosmos Host service throughout the cruise.

UNESCO Sites

Acropolis Athens|Archeological site of Mycenae|Archeological site of Mystras|Ephesus|Medieval Town of Rhodes|Meteora|Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus

Accommodation

Stay at the Moxy Athens City, Hotel Rex in Nafplio, Maniatis Hotel in Sparta, Olympia Palace in Ancient Olympia, Apollonia in Delphi, and Famissi Eden Resort Hotel in Kalambaka.

Mode of Transport

Travel through Greece and Turkey with a mix of guided tours, scenic drives, and a cruise on the Celestyal Discovery. Enjoy comfortable transportation between historical sites, picturesque towns, and beautiful islands, with included excursions and optional sightseeing tours.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of transportation is included in the tour?

    The tour includes a mix of guided tours, scenic drives, and a cruise on the Celestyal Discovery. Comfortable transportation is provided between historical sites, picturesque towns, and beautiful islands, with included excursions and optional sightseeing tours.

  • Are meals included during the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes buffet breakfasts daily, 4 lunches, and 7 dinners.

  • What kind of accommodations can I expect on this tour?

    Accommodations include stays at the Moxy Athens City, Hotel Rex in Nafplio, Maniatis Hotel in Sparta, Olympia Palace in Ancient Olympia, Apollonia in Delphi, and Famissi Eden Resort Hotel in Kalambaka.

  • What are some of the highlights of the cruise portion of the tour?

    The cruise on the Celestyal Discovery includes a basic drink package, select excursions, and a full entertainment program on board. Ports of call include Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete, and Santorini.

  • Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?

    Yes, optional excursions include a day cruise to the islands of Aegina, Hydra, and Poros, and a shore excursion to the cliff-top village of Oia in Santorini.

  • What should I know about the walking conditions on this tour?

    The tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or those reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.

  • What is the policy on gratuities during the tour?

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and cruise staff are not included in the tour price.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1961

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.

Reviews of this operator

Mrs Susan Hyland  

We have just returned from a Cosmos…

28-Sep-2022

We have just returned from a Cosmos tour- Gourmet Tuscany. We stayed in Montecatini Terme and traveled from there to many wonderful places, in towns and the fabulous Tuscan countryside. We visit Vineyards for wine tastings, farms for cooking lessons and lunches and dinners in authentic Italian restaurants. All assisted by a friendly, informative tour director. First class holiday

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Rick  

Excellent in every respect

08-Dec-2022

I recently did a 2-week "best of Italy" tour with this company. Our guide, Daniella, was fantastic, the itinerary was excellent and they catered for my rather difficult dietary requirements really well. Really happy and will certainly book with them again

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John Lomanno  

A wonderrful experience

09-Nov-2022

WE saw so much. The tour director Mladin was very knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. The bus driver Paul was so nice and helpful. A couple of the hotels had no refrigerators to keep the water cold. We had to carry our own luggage to and from the rooms. There should have been porters to help us. Over all we had a great time.

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Bruce  

Old South &Florida tour

27-Oct-2022

Great organisation, tour guide(Kris) and driver(Tony) who went extra mile and good group of people from all over world. The hotels were excellent in New Orleans and Nashville and very good in other cities. The itinerary was well thought out with visits to Gracelands and Grande ole Oprey topping the bill. We added 3extra nights in New Orleans (giving us 6nights) which was absolutely fab and would advise anyone doing this tour that they consider some extra nights to see and do as much as you can

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Francine Ramos  

The tour director expertise and…

18-Dec-2022

The tour director expertise and personality made the trip all the more pleasant. No stress. The local guides as well added to the beauty of this trip. They were knowledgeable and personable. I also have to mention the travelers (the group of 21). The people were friendly an accommodating. This is my third trip with this tour company and I will continue to travel with this company due to excellent planning and customer service. Thank you

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP 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 cosmos 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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