15 Day Classic Greece & Island Cruising
A portion of this tour runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.
This tour is categorised as 1 out of 5
Explore at your own pace: Discover your destination at your own pace with our self-guided itinerary. Options include driving, rail, or cruising (excluding expeditions). Enjoy included guided day trips for sightseeing as outlined in your itinerary.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Make the most of your cruise and travel independently, with everything organised for you. Your international flights, pre-cruise stay, and cruise are organised so all you have to do is relax and enjoy your time at sea. Of course, there is the option of extending your tour if you don’t want to head straight to the airport upon disembarkation.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
✓ Limited Time Offer - Add return international airfares from only $1999
✓ Incredible sightseeing including mainland highlights like Delphi, Olympia, Meteora and the Acropolis, plus a cruise through the glorious Greek islands and a stop in Turkey for a guided tour of ancient Ephesus
✓ 7 nights in centrally located, comfortable hotels on Greece mainland
✓ 8-day cruise on the Aegean Sea with Celestyal Cruises – including select drinks with meals, entertainment, port charges and gratuities, and discounted shore excursions
✓ Expert, English-speaking local guides on all included activities
✓ 30 meals including breakfast daily, 6 lunches and 10 dinners
✓ Airport transfer included on the first day of tour
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Athens! The city has an array of amazing hotels, and this package offers the cream of the crop. Once you’re settled, you can spend the rest of the day at leisure, either by heading out to explore the streets of Athens at your own rhythm or by making the most of the services available at the hotel.
Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Please note: if you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.
If the 4 Star Hotel Upgrade is booked, the hotel will be Hotel Fresh or similar.
In the morning, have breakfast and then embark on a sightseeing tour of the ancient city. Along with your expert guide, go see the city centre, Constitution Square (Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National Library.
On your way to the Acropolis you will pass Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Make a short stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. Then, at the Acropolis, visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the famous Parthenon.
Your first taste of Athens would not be complete without a visit to the Acropolis Museum, a modern architectural building where, at last, the statues have found their home. After the tour, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You can book an optional tour to Cape Sounion, passing the wonderful beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni and Varkiza, to see the white marble pillars of the Temple of Poseidon and the rocky promontory of Sounio. At the end of the visit, return to your hotel.
If the 4 Star Hotel Upgrade is booked, the hotel will be Hotel Fresh or similar.
After breakfast in the hotel, leave Athens by the coastal road to the Corinth Canal, where you will make a short stop to contemplate the views. Then drive on and visit the splendid Theatre of Epidauros, famous for its remarkable acoustics. After that, proceed to the town of Nafplion, where you will enjoy a brief photo stop before continuing to Mycenae. Here you will visit the city’s fascinating Archaeological Site, as well as the Tomb of Agamemnon. Lastly, depart for Olympia by driving through the Central Peloponnese and the towns of Tripolis and Megalopolis. Once you arrive in Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games, check-in at the hotel to spend the night.
If the 4 Star Hotel Upgrade is booked, the hotel will be Hotel Europa or similar.
Today breakfast in the hotel is followed by a visit to the Archaeological Site containing the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium and the Archaeological Museum. After that morning of history, monuments and enlightenment, it’s time to drive through the plains of Eliad and Achaia to the magnificent bridge crossing the Corinthian Bay from Rion to Antirion. Pass by the picturesque towns of Nafpactos (Lepanto) and Itea before you finally arrive in Delphi, a city once regarded as the centre of the world.
According to mythology, Zeus sent out two eagles from the ends of the universe to find the navel of the world, and it was in this location that they met. The sanctuary of Delphi is set within the most spectacular landscape. Check-in at the hotel and spend the night.
If the 4 Star Hotel Upgrade is booked, the hotel will be Hotel Amalia Delphi or similar.
Wake up to breakfast in the hotel and then head out to explore the Archaeological Site and Museum of Delphi, where amongst other archaeological treasures you can contemplate the unique bronze statue of the Charioteer dedicated to Apollo by Polyzalos.
After the visit, you will depart for Kalambaka, a small town located at the foot of the astonishing complex of Meteora, an almost alien landscape filled with gigantic rock formations. Check in to the hotel and have dinner at the hotel before spending the night.
If the 4 Star Hotel Upgrade is booked, the hotel will be Hotel Grand Meteora or similar.
After breakfast in the hotel, explore the striking scenery of Meteora. Perched on top of enormous pillars of rock that seem almost suspended in mid-air, stand a series of ancient monasteries showcasing a wonderful collection of Byzantine art.
You will ascend to two of the monasteries to marvel at their beautiful contents before beginning the drive back to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, and Thermopylae, where you’ll make a short stop to see Leonida's Monument.
Arrive in Athens early in the evening and check in to the hotel.
If the 4 Star Hotel Upgrade is booked, the hotel will be Hotel Fresh or similar.
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel. The rest of the day is free to enjoy at leisure.
If the 4 Star Hotel Upgrade is booked, the hotel will be Hotel Fresh or similar.
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before being transfered to Athens port to board the next stage of your holiday. Hotel check out is by 11 am and you will be able to leave your belongings at front desk. Your transfer will pick you up at approximately 2pm to start embarking by 3pm. Your ship takes off at 5pm.
Thessaloniki is a gorgeous and cosmopolitan seaside city and the largest in Greece after Athens. Centuries of cultural commingling has also made Thessaloniki a culinary nirvana, with almost too many great restaurants and little eateries to count.
This captivating seaside resort of Kuşadası (Turkey) is the gateway to ancient Ephesus. If you don't decide to see Ephesus itself, take time to enjoy free time to enjoy the iconic Grand Bazaar and browse the treasure trove of colorful shops and stalls selling souvenirs, silks, leather goods, carpets and jewelry.
Note: Visa for entry into Turkey may be required. Please check with your local embassy prior to travel.
As we pull into Heraklion in the early morning, you have the chance to snap the imposing 16th century walls of Koules Fortres. Here you can enjoy the calm of the stunning waterfront, explroe the Cretan countryside or even discover the Palace of Knossos on an optional shore excursion.
The romantic island of Santorini is the remnants of a devasting volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC. The picture-perfect scenery features clustered traditional whitewahsed house and blue-domed churches set against a beguiling brilliant blue backdrop. Here you will have the chance to experience the Mediterranean lifestyle of the idyllic oasis and relax in the island's calm and tranquility.
The magical sun-kissed island of Mykonos invites you to admire its stunning coastline, soft sandy beaches, and rugged rock landscapes. Affectionately known as the “Island of the Winds”, Mykonos is home to the 16th Century windmills that have become iconic landmarks on postcards. The energetic Greek island is well known for its beauty, diverse range of bars, cafes, restaurants and a vibrant atmosphere.
The volcanic origins of the beautiful Greek island of Milos are clearly evident in its complex and bewitching landscape. Here you have the opportunity to explore the dramatically surreal and sculpted looming rock formations that rise out of the crystalline waters and create a stunning coastline. Why not join a local expert to explore the many beauty spots and charming fishing villages on an optional excursion.
As we pull into the port by 9am, your trip comes to an end.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
This package includes international airfares or has the option of adding international airfares to your booking when selecting your departure city.
If international airfares are included this will be stated in the ‘Inclusions’ section
Alternatively, if international airfares can be added to your booking you will be able to select your departure city after clicking ‘Book Now’ and a cost will be stated next to your selected departure city. This cost will then be added to your booking and flights will be added to your booking.
Conditions of flights for this package bookable by Inspiring Vacations:
Baggage
Included baggage differs based on your country of origin. Included baggage will be as per the following:
Country of Origin |
Carry-on Baggage |
Checked Baggage |
Australia |
7kgs |
20kgs |
New Zealand |
7kgs |
20kgs |
United States of America |
15lbs |
45lbs |
Canada |
15lbs |
45lbs |
India |
7kgs |
20kgs |
United Kingdom |
7kgs |
20kgs |
Baggage allowances provided by the airline might differ to the values stated above. However limitations are required due to transport storage restrictions on your selected tour or package.
Flight requests, amendments or preferences
We understand customers may wish to request changes to their included airfares. If you wish to fly with a certain airline, land at a certain time or change your flight in other ways we will gladly provide you with a personalised quote tailored to your specific requirements.
To make a flight request, please click ‘Book Now’ and select Would you like us to contact you around our flight service? By selecting this option you will be sent a request form after completing your purchase to make your request.
We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:
We are currently unable to provide a quote for the following requests:
If we can’t fulfill your request and you still wish to proceed with the booking, please select Land Only (excluding UK customers). This will allow you to travel on the land portion of the package without the included airfares. You will then be able to arrange your own flights separately.
FAQs
For more frequently asked questions please view our FAQs section.
Online check-in
Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.
Celestyal Cruises
This cruise is operated by our partners Celestyal Cruises on board their Celestyal Crystal and Journey ships. The Crystal is a moderate size-cruise liner with a big ship feel. Celestyal Journey is launching in September 2023 as the very latest addition to the fleet. You will automatically be booked on to Celestyal Journey on any departure after 15 September 2023.
Celestyal Journey Cabin Inclusions & Upgrades
Interior Stateroom (IA) - Included
Interior Staterooms at deck 4 (17 sqm) can accommodate up to 4 person(s), with 2 lower beds, 1 upper bed, 1 single or double sofa with bunk beds, bathroom with shower.
Interior Stateroom (IC) - From $163 per person, twin share. Single price on application.
Interior Staterooms at decks 5, 6, 9 and 10 (17 sqm) can accommodate up to 4 person(s), with 2 lower beds, 1 upper bed, 1 single or double sofa with bunk beds, bathroom with shower.
Exterior Stateroom (XB) - From $400 per person, twin share. Single price on application.
Exterior Staterooms at decks 4 and 6 (19 sqm) can accommodate up to 4 person(s), with 2 lower beds, 1 upper bed, 1 single or double sofa with bunk beds, bathroom with shower or bath.
Junior Balcony Suite (SJB) - From $813 per person, twin share. Single price on application.
Junior Balcony Suites at deck 10 (21 sqm) can accommodate up to 3 person(s), with 2 lower beds, single sofa bed, bathroom with jet tub and balcony.
Please note your upgrade request in the 'Special Request' field whilst making your booking. Once your upgrade has been confirmed, the additional amount will be added to your invoice and payable with your final payment.
For upgrade requests on Celestyal Crystal, please contact our team who will gladly assist.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorize each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorized as a”2”
Leisurely Paced Tour: This itinerary will be conducted at a relaxed pace. You will typically spend several nights at one location which means less time spent packing and unpacking, and more sightseeing. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and handling your own luggage.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,826.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
The final pricing may change if you choose to upgrade your cruise cabin to a higher room category.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for this tour to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.
Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Visas may be required.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Group Size
2-60 people
Children
The minimum age is 18.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Your transfer may be shared with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Hotel accommodation during this trip is at 3* properties which are well located, comfortable and offer all amenities to enjoy a relaxing and rewarding stay. However, you can also choose to upgrade to the below 4* properties from an extra AUD $350 per person
Athens - Hotel Fresh or similar
Olympia - Hotel Europa or similar
Delphi - Hotel Amalia or similar
Kalambaka - Hotel Grand Meteora or similar
Click HERE for more information on weather in Greece.