Spotlight on Greece plus 7 day Greek Island Cruise

Spotlight on Greece plus 7 day Greek Island Cruise

Discover Athens, Olympia, Delphi and the Greek isles in more depth when you add the Spotlight on Greece and Greek Island Cruising together! Visit the Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens, the first Olympic stadium in Olympia and the Temples of Hera and Zeus in Delphi, all with your local Greek guide. Then, board your cruise ship and sail between the islands of Mykonos, Santorini, Crete and Patmos, calling in at the Turkish port cities of Kusadasi and Istanbul. Fascinating history, idyllic locations, stunning sunsets and great shopping, holidays don't get much better than this!



Print Itinerary Itinerary & Map

  1. Day Icon-day1 Depart for Europe

    Your exciting European trip begins.
  2. Day Icon-day2 Arrive Athens

    After checking into the hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to explore Athens at your leisure. This evening meet your Tour Manager and fellow travellers.
  3. Day Icon-day3 Athens to Olympia

    We begin today with a sightseeing tour of Athens including the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Travelling westward, we pause at Corinth to view the impressive canal before arriving at the Palace of Agamemnon at Mycenae where you can walk through the Gate of the Lions and see the sinister beehive tomb. Our day's journey continues past the Acronafplion Citadel and ends in Olympia this evening. (B,D)
  4. Day Icon-day4 Olympia to Delphi

    This morning join our local guide as we visit the temples of Hera and Zeus, and the site of the Olympic stadium where the games were first held in 776BC. Later, we cross the Corinthian Gulf and drive to Delphi, the sacred town of antiquity. (B,D)
  5. Day Icon-day5 Delphi to Athens

    Visit the site of Delphi, see the Temple of Apollo and the Treasury. A short drive to Athens for another evening in the capital before starting your island cruise. (B)
  6. Day Icon-day6 Athens at Leisure and sail to Istanbul

    Enjoy Athens at leisure this morning and in the afternoon, board our cruise ship bound for Istanbul. (B,D,S)
  7. Day Icon-day7 Cruising to Istanbul

    Today enjoy the amenities of our cruise ship as we sail through the Dardanelles arriving in Istanbul in the early evening. (B,L,D,S)
  8. Day Icon-day8 Istanbul and the Bosphorus

    Explore this exciting city or shop in the Grand Bazaar where there are more than 4,000 shops. Istanbul is a breathtaking sight where East meets West. Why not visit the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace museum? We depart this evening for Mykonos. (B,L,D,S)
  9. Day Icon-day9 Cruising to Kusadasi via Patmos

    We arrive at Patmos, where St. John is reputed to have written the book of Revelation. This afternoon we dock at Kusadasi. Choose to explore the bazaar or take an excursion to the ancient ruins of Ephesus. (B,L,D,S)
  10. Day Icon-day10 Cruising to Rhodes

    A day to explore this island, home to the Colossus of Rhodes. Legend says it was over 30m (100ft.) high and straddled the harbour. (B,L,D,S)
  11. Day Icon-day11 Santorini

    We dock in Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, before sailing for Santorini. This spectacular volcanic island is in the Cycladic chain of islands. Enjoy Fira and its narrow paved streets with plenty of opportunity to shop in the many boutiques. (B,L,D,S)
  12. Day Icon-day12 Arrival into Athens

    Transfer into central Athens where your tour ends. (B)

Highlights

All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!

Included
  • Athens: Guided tour including Acropolis and Parthenon
  • Corinth: See the Corinth Canal
  • Mycenae: Guided tour including Palace of Agamemnon
  • Nafplion: See the Acronafplion citadel
  • Olympia: Guided tour including Olympic Stadium and Temples of Hera and Zeus
  • Delphi: Guided tour including Temple of Apollo
  • Istanbul: Visit the Grand Bazaar and Blue Mosque
  • Mykonos: Visit Mykonos town
  • Kusadasi: Visit the local bazaar
  • Patmos: See the Monastery of St. John
  • Crete: Visit Heraklion town
  • Santorini: Visit Fira town
Accommodations
  • 4 nights in superior tourist class hotels and 7 nights on board a cruise ship
  • Accommodation based on your choice of twin or triple-share with private facilities
  • 3 Continental breakfasts (B) and 2 three-course dinners – as per itinerary
    Cruise portion – 8 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D) and 7 suppers (S) – as per itinerary
  • Hotel tips, local taxes and service charges
Contiki Difference
  • Experienced, professional expert local guide
  • Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats
  • ‘Welcome to Greece’ information pack

Optional Excursions

Athens

Athens Plaka Meal (Euro 34.00)
A night out in the famous Plaka area - we visit a typical Greek Taverna for a three-course meal including local wine. Whilst dining enjoy the show which includes singing, traditional Greek dancers and "Bouzouki" music.

Kusadasi

Ancient Ephesus (Euro 55.00)
Ephesus is one of the most extensive and best preserved ancient cities in the world. Our local guide will explain the history of many of the important ruins including the Odeum, Curetes Street and the Library of Celsus. You'll have time to explore the bazaars and shops in Kusadasi port before reboarding the ship.

Patmos

Monastery Of The Apocalypse and St. John's Grotto (Euro 47.00)
We visit one of the most revered monasteries in the Christian faith - the Monastery of the Apolcalypse. It was founded in 1088 by a monk named Christodoulos and was built as a fortress for protection from pirates. Next stop is the Grotto of St John, where John the Apostle lived while he wrote part of the book of Revelation.

Greece

Island Cruising ()
Please note: Excursions for the Greek Island Cruising are selected once on board the cruise and range from €29 to €59. The above excursions are a sample what is on offer.