It is a fairly full itinerary but we got to see so much and learn so much which is why I travel. Be well rested before you start this tour. We had a 9 hour time difference to catch up on.
C
Carole T.Verified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent
That a lot of steeper paths are ascended.
M
Michel B.Verified Traveler
4.0 | Very Good
Cabin was disappointing dirty and rip carpet
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.
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.
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Itinerary
Sail across the Aegean and delve into ancient wonders on the "Grecian Fables" tour, a 15-day cultural journey starting and ending in Athens. Explore storied sites like Meteora, Crete, and the Acropolis, cruise to the sunlit islands of Santorini and Mykonos, and stand in awe before the ruins of Ephesus—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Perfect for families and culture-seekers, this group tour blends history, myth, and Mediterranean relaxation. With seamless travel, comfortable hotels, and expert guides, the special appeal lies in the tour’s rare combination of iconic mainland sites and idyllic island escapes.
day 1Welcome 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.
Divani Palace Acropolis, New, Athens, Athens Marriott HotelDivani Meteora, Kalambaka HotelAmalia Olympia, Arty Grand Hotel, Olympia.Arty Grand Hotel, Olympia., Amalia OlympiaMV Celestyal Journey (or similar). HotelHotel 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.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.
Meals
Dinner (x12)Breakfast (x14)Lunch (x6)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.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.
Transport
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.
Guide
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.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.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.
Others
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.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.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.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.Choose between two carefully selected activitiesAthens: 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.
15 daysDuration
Group TourJoin a group of travelers
48 peopleMaximum group size
5 - 99 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Easy
Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.
Starts
Ends
Athens, Greece
Athens, Greece
Availability
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