Grecian Fables

(10 reviews)

From:

CAD $9750

15 Days

Best Rate: Guarantee

Trip Type: Group Tour

Activity Level: Easy

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Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 04 Jul 2027

This trip has alternate itineraries available.
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Experience Overview

Journey across the Aegean Sea during this 15-day guided tour of Greece and Turkey. In Athens, a Local Expert will share the history of the Temple of Olympian Zeus and several other sites, including the Acropolis and the Temple of Athena Nike. Cruise to the islands of Crete and Santorini, where you can see the iconic town of Thira and enjoy panoramic views of the crescent-shaped island. Set sail for Mykonos and walk the island’s maze of narrow walkways to a traditional taverna for an authentic Greek salad or fresh-caught fish. Travel to Kusadasi and see one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis, among the ancient ruins of Ephesus during a tour with a Local Expert.

Highlights

Dining Summary

12 Dinner (D)
14 Breakfast (B)
6 Lunch (L)

Whats Included NOT IN USE

Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

How You'll Travel

Top-rated dining, from farm-to-table to local restaurants
4 & 5-star hotel and overnight cruise stays
Business class coach with extended leg room, and cruise travel

Authentic Dining

Athens: Taste seasonal dishes built around olive oil, grains, legumes and coastal produce, paired with wines from native grape varieties grown across mainland and island vineyards.
Olympia: Taste unique Greek flavors and savor regional specialties over dinner.
Athens: Toast the culmination of your travels with dinner in true Greek style at a local restaurant.

Insight Choice

Athens: Get up close and personal with ancient Greece as you explore Athens with your Local Expert. With your Local Expert, visit the monumental Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Arch of Hadrian. Then, ascend to the iconic Acropolis, where the Parthenon offers commanding views of the city. Discover the intricacies of the Temple of Athena Nike, also known as the Temple of Wingless Victory, and admire the six exquisite Caryatids supporting the Porch of the Maidens on the Erechtheion.
Athens: Stroll through the ancient streets of Plaka, known as the "Neighborhood of the Gods" under the guidance of your Travel Director. Nestled beneath the Acropolis, explore Plaka’s timeless charm, discovering the historical treasures and hidden corners, before enjoying time at leisure along Adrianou, a bustling pedestrian hub, brimming with vibrant shops and traditional cafes.

Top Rated Highlights

Kalambaka: Your Travel Director will provide an orientation of this town situated at the base of the extraordinary Meteora rocks.
Thermopylae: View the monument to King Leonidas, erected near the site of the 480 BC battle between Greek forces and the Persian army of Xerxes I. The statue commemorates the Spartan-led defense of the pass, where terrain played a decisive role in delaying the Persian advance into mainland Greece.
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: Explore Delphi with your Local Expert, following the Sacred Way past the Treasury of the Athenians and the Polygonal Wall as the sanctuary climbs the slope of Mount Parnassus. You’ll reach the Temple of Apollo and learn how the oracle’s consultations shaped decision-making across the Greek world for centuries.
Archaeological Site of Olympia: The stadium of Olympia hosted the ancient Olympic Games and the Heraia, the women's games in honor of Hera. See the Temple of Zeus, athlete's gymnasium and the stone marker where the sprint began.
Archaeological Site of Mycenae: Explore Mycenae with your Local Expert, entering through the Lion Gate and walking the citadel where Cyclopean walls protected one of the most powerful centers of the Late Bronze Age. You’ll visit tholos tombs and learn how archaeology connects the site to Mycenaean society, trade and kingship.
Nafplio: Join your Travel Director for an orientation of Nafplion. See why this town was chosen as Greece’s first capital after independence, with neoclassical public buildings and waterfront promenades set beneath the Palamidi fortress.
Corinth Canal: See the Corinth Canal, opened in 1893 to cut a 6.3-kilometer passage through the Isthmus of Corinth and link the Aegean with the Ionian. From the crossing point, you’ll view the steep limestone sides and the narrow channel that shortened sea routes around the Peloponnese.
Athens: Visit the Greek Islands of Crete, Mykonos, Santorini, Milos. Explore the Turkish port of Kusadasi.
Ephesus: Walk through Ephesus with a Local Expert, following the Arcadian Way into the heart of the Roman city. You’ll stand before the Library of Celsus, take in the scale of the amphitheater and visit the House of the Virgin Mary, set in the hills above the ruins.
Heraklion: Explore the Palace of Knossos in Heraklion, entering through its imposing northern gate before viewing frescoes restored at the turn of the 20th century. As you follow scenes of processions, animals and ceremonial figures, you’ll gain insight into Minoan architecture, ritual and daily life, revealing a sophisticated Cretan civilization that flourished more than 3,000 years before classical Greece finally emerged.

Insight Experiences

Olympia: Join a local chef who will share their 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

Nafplio: Visit the atelier of Maria Gonidou, a celebrated artisan who brings Greece’s weaving heritage to life on an ancient loom. Alongside her daughter Nefeli, Maria shares the age-old techniques behind each handmade textile. Watch a live demonstration and explore a boutique filled with one-of-a-kind pieces. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports a family-run craft and helps safeguard traditional skills for future generations. Your visit supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Choice Highlights

Choose between two carefully selected activities

Athens: Get up close and personal with ancient Greece as you explore Athens with your Local Expert. With your Local Expert, visit the monumental Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Arch of Hadrian. Then, ascend to the iconic Acropolis, where the Parthenon offers commanding views of the city. Discover the intricacies of the Temple of Athena Nike, also known as the Temple of Wingless Victory, and admire the six exquisite Caryatids supporting the Porch of the Maidens on the Erechtheion.
Athens: Stroll through the ancient streets of Plaka, known as the "Neighborhood of the Gods" under the guidance of your Travel Director. Nestled beneath the Acropolis, explore Plaka’s timeless charm, discovering the historical treasures and hidden corners, before enjoying time at leisure along Adrianou, a bustling pedestrian hub, brimming with vibrant shops and traditional cafes.

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Trip Details

Product Code: 35212

Tour Type: Group Tour

Accommodation: Deluxe

Transport: Private

Guide Language: English

Travel Styles: Explorer, Budget

Tour Operator: Insight Vacations (CA)

Supplier Code: 92.522A

Starts: Athens, Greece

Finishes: Athens, Greece

Duration: 15 days

Departures: Not Guaranteed

Physical Rating: Easy

Includes

Whats Included

Air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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 a local specialty representing the destination.
Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi where available

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $9750 ($650 /day)

Itinerary

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. Join your Travel Director and get to know your fellow travelers over a delightful evening of dinner.

Accommodation: Divani Palace Acropolis, New, Athens, Athens Marriott
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Athens, City of Gods

Begin your journey into ancient Greece today, where the history of this remarkable civilization comes to life. Explore Athens with an Insight Choice experience. Choose to visit the city's renowned ancient sites with a Local Expert, or venture into the dynamic Plaka neighborhood, guided by your Travel Director. Next, venture to Thermopylae, the mountain pass where King Leonidas and his Spartan warriors made their legendary stand against the Persians in 480 B.C. Pay tribute at the memorial honoring their courage before continuing to your hotel in Kalambaka for a delicious dinner crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Accommodation: Divani Meteora, Kalambaka
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: The Pinnacles of Meteora

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

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,' rumored 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.

Accommodation: Olympion Asty
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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 honor 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 flavors, as you savor dishes prepared for your dinner.

Accommodation: Olympion Asty
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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. Continue to the elegant town of Nafplio, known for its beautiful architecture, colorful shops and cafes. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet master weaver Maria Gonidou and her daughter Nefeli at their boutique studio in Nafplio. Learn about the traditional Greek weaving techniques that they are preserving for future generations and see a live demonstration on ancient looms. Later, your journey follows the shores of the Saronic Gulf, passing the Corinth Canal en route to Athens. In the evening, enjoy a hearty dinner in true Greek style.

Accommodation: Divani Palace Acropolis, New, Athens, Athens Marriott
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Cruising to Kuşadası

The morning is at your leisure. In the late afternoon, board your cruise ship and set sail for Kuşadası. While cruising, enjoy an exquisite variety of Mediterranean dishes, as well as flavors, aromas and spices from around the world. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served on board daily. Your cruise includes a selection of hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages during meals.

Accommodation: MV Celestyal Journey (or similar).
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Kuşadası

This afternoon explore the Turkish port of Kuşadası and explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus with a Local Expert. In the evening, sail on to Rhodes.

Accommodation: MV Celestyal Journey (or similar).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Rhodes

Enjoy a day at leisure in Rhodes to relax or explore at your own pace. Stroll the medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where cobbled lanes lead to artisan boutiques, shaded courtyards and lively cafes. You might choose to join an Optional Experience to the hill of Philerimos, where your Local Expert will guide you through the medieval monastery, the mosaic-lined Golgotha path and the 15th-century Church of St George Hostos. Alternatively, join another Optional Experience on a scenic drive to the ancient town of Lindos. Here, ascend to the Acropolis to see the Doric Temple of Athena Lindia and enjoy sweeping views over St. Paul's Bay.

Accommodation: MV Celestyal Journey (or similar).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Crete

Start your morning on Crete, Greece’s largest island, and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean. Home to myths and legends, including Zeus' birthplace and the Minotaur, embark on an epic tour to the capital city of Heraklion and absorb the rich history of Europe’s first advanced civilization with a visit to King Minos' Palace in Knossos. In the evening, your cruise continues to Santorini.

Accommodation: MV Celestyal Journey (or similar).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Discovering Santorini

Arrive in Santorini and gaze at the sheer cliffs and dazzling panorama. Explore the capital of Thira, with its clifftop restaurants and cafes, breathtaking views and vibrant atmosphere. Later, perhaps join an Optional Experience to the postcard-perfect village of Oia, famed for its whitewashed houses, blue domes and spellbinding sunset views. This evening is free for you to explore Santorini's nightlife.

Accommodation: MV Celestyal Journey (or similar).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Mykonos

The full day is yours to relax and explore Mykonos, with its dazzling sugar cube houses and whitewashed windmills. This evening, there is time to enjoy the buzzing nightlife.

Accommodation: MV Celestyal Journey (or similar).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Mykonos to Milos

Today is yours to enjoy the gorgeous island of Milos, with its crystal waters and white cliffs. There will be time to explore the capital of Plaka or soak up the sun on the flat rocks of Sarakiniko Beach.

Accommodation: MV Celestyal Journey (or similar).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Athens at Leisure

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?

Accommodation: Divani Palace Acropolis, New, Athens, Athens Marriott
Meals: Breakfast

Day 15: Depart Athens

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

Meals: Breakfast

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Tour Operator

Insight Vacations (CA)

Part of The Travel Company (TTC) family of brands, Insight Vacations began operations in 1978 and is based in Cypress, CA. Journeys are featured to destinations, such as the U.S. and Canada, Europe, Latin America, North Africa, Asia, the UK and Ireland. The company offers are a variety of tours under the classifications of Regional Journeys, Country Roads, Discovery Journeys, Easy Pace trips, and Special Interest tours. Insight is the ideal name for the tour operator, as the journeys provided by Insight Vacations allow travelers to gain further insight into whatever destination they wish to explore. For example, Discovery Journeys are the ideal choice for first-time visitors to Europe. Itineraries include Dine-at-Home or Farm-to-Table experiences so travelers can learn more about how locals live and dine. Regional Journeys allow trip-goers to see a specific location in Europe that they have always wanted to see – Poland, Switzerland, Italy, etc. The carefully planned trips enable customers to immerse themselves in one specific region or country and to become acquainted with its culture, traditions, and people. For anyone seeking travel off the beaten track, Insight Vacations offers Country Roads – trips that lead travelers off the well-tread tourist trail to explore hidden gems where visitors can savor the local produce with Farm-to-Table dining. Some trips are offered under the Easy Pace travel style – the ideal trip choice for trip-goers who wish to slow their pace during their vacation. During these tours, vacationers stay at least 3 nights at each destination, giving them some additional time to explore a place and enjoy it. Regardless of the travel style, many of the vacations offered by Insight Vacations begin with Relaxed Starts – giving travelers time to sleep in a little, spend more time at breakfast, or explore an area on their own. The tour company prides itself on providing business class tours that features luxury coaches with 40 seats. While most coach touring operators provide vehicles with 53 seats, Insight Vacations has re-configured its motor coaches to hold up to 40 guests. This gives passengers extra leg room while traveling and offers them more space and privacy.

In Business Since 1978

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Reviews

Catherine - Traveled, November 2024

Tour directors were both excellent. Friendly, professional and totally organised. I think the training Insight has is very good because all tour directors we have had have been excellent. I loved the combination of land tour plus a Greek island cruise. It maximised sightseeing and was varied and interesting. Loved seeing the classical Greek ruins and learning of the history. Loved seeing the monasteries of Meteora & eating delicious Greek food. We had 2 different tour directors for each section and both were well organised, friendly and professional. A credit to Insight.