8 Days Iconic Aegean - Athens, Delphi & Meteora

Discover what lies at the heart of the rich history of Greece and savor the intensity of its proud capital city in a swift bus tour of Athens. Explore the metropolis and some of its most emblematic sights, from the cradle of the modern Olympic Games to the city’s vibrant squares and the archaeological treasury of the Acropolis. The panoramic bus tour will immerse you in the effervescent atmosphere of the city where ancient heritage and modern culture blend seamlessly, as you drive by the gleaming Panathenian Stadium (home of the 1st edition of the modern Olympic Games), the awe-inspiring Temple of Zeus and the lively Omonoia and Syntagma Squares. You will then arrive at the fantastic Acropolis Museum, a state-of-the-art architectural jewel which tells the fascinating stories of numerous, priceless artefacts retrieved from the Acropolis since 1834. The time spent here will allow you to uncover a powerful visual representation of the life and culture of ancient Greece. Finish the Athenian experience with a stroll through the charming narrow streets of Plaka, where you can use your free time to shop, enjoy a coffee or simply explore the “Neighborhood of the Gods”.

*Passengers departing from Piraeus, take the excursion, on the last day of their cruise, after disembarkation.

Prices

Adults: $96, Children: $68

Explore the best that Athens has to offer with this half-day tour around the historic city center. Visit the Acropolis, Parthenon and many other ancient treasures; enjoy some free time exploring the winding streets of Plaka with its charming traditional tavernas and gift shops selling handmade and locally-produced goods, then embark on a panoramic bus tour around the top sights in Athens. The mighty Acropolis overlooking the rooftops of Athens is a symbol of classical architecture and jewel in Athens’ crown. You’ll visit the city’s most important archaeological site, including the Doric order temple dedicated to the goddess Athena – the one and only Parthenon – as well as other highlights such as the Propylea (gates), Temple of Erechtheoin and Temple of Athena. Then after some free time discovering Plaka, you’ll be taken on a bus tour around the Theatre of Herodes Atticus, Panathenian Stadium, National Library, Athens Academy, the University, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Parliament, Omonoia Square and last but not least Syntagma Square.

*Passengers departing from Piraeus, take the excursion, on the last day of their cruise, after disembarkation.

Prices

Adults: $96, Children: $68

With never-ending rows of whitewashed houses, churches, boutiques and hidden lanes, Mykonos Town is a haven to explore. We’ll set off on foot around Chora, the historic heart, gradually weaving our way to Little Venice where you’ll spot colorful houses dripping into the bright blue sea and al fresco terraces buzzing with cocktail and coffee drinkers. Then, it’s over to the town’s most famous landmark – the Windmills – that stand tall by the sea, providing the most romantic spot to watch the sunset. Our next stop on the walking tour will be Panagia Paraportianí, a beauty of a Byzantine church dating back to 1425 and one of the most photographed on the island. Afterwards, it’s time to take your seat at the dinner table for a real Greek feast rounded off with a side order of some feet-stomping music and traditional island dancing.

Prices

Adults: $96, Children: $68

This tour encompasses the best of Mykonos outside its main city. We will drive around the island to get a glimpse into its beaches such as Ornos (one of the most family-friendly on the island), St Anna (protected by two hills called “Aphrodite’s breasts”), and Kalafatis (a paradise for water sports and windsurfing). We will stop briefly at each of these natural splendors for photos. We will then leave the seashore and drive inland to Ano Mera, a village which remains one of the rare unspoiled parts of the island. Home to the Panagia Tourliani Monastery from the 16th century, the village unfolds around its impressive bell tower and marble fountain. Coming back to Chora we will go for a short stop to Panagia Paraportianí, the iconic 15th century Byzantine church. We will conclude our bus tour at the picturesque Little Venice -- the perfect spot for a cocktail on the sea.

Prices

Adults: $83, Children: $54

Our Ancient Ephesus bus tour is a journey through the golden ages which shaped a pivotal center of commerce and spirituality. Built 3,000 years ago, Ephesus shaped the history of Greek, Turkish and Christian civilizations from its privileged location, chosen (according to legend) by the oracle of Delphi. A site of pilgrimage, due to its proximity to the Temple of Artemis (one of the 7 Wonders of the World) and the presence of major Christian figures (the apostles Paul and John and the Virgin Mary) within the city walls, Ephesus is currently one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. The splendour of its golden age is visible throughout its streets and exceptionally well-preserved ruins. As we explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site you will have the opportunity to breathe in the centuries of cultural effervescence, visible in the Ephesus Agora, Odeon, the Houses of the Patricians, the beautiful Temple of Hadrian and the astonishing Library of Celsus. You will also have the opportunity to bargain and shop local merchandise such as carpets,

For over 13 centuries the City of Ephesus has been at the heart of intense commerce, spiritual revelations and blooming art, and was the hub of the Christian community in the East established by St. Paul the Apostle. Our bus tour will take you to a selection of the city’s remarkable landmarks, allowing you to get a glimpse of its former glory and the history that still lives within its architectural jewels, inspiring edifices and narrow streets. You will also have the opportunity to bargain and shop local merchandise such as carpets, leather goods, souvenirs, etc. On our half-day excursion we will explore some truly memorable locations within the City of Ephesus. One of the most awe-inspiring sites is that of the Terrace Houses. There is so much to absorb here -- we will take some time to walk through the ruins to discover what family life was like for the wealthy Romans who resided in these once opulent homes. Mosaic floors and frescos on the walls of dining rooms, living rooms and bedrooms tell lost tales of ancient times. Our visit will include stops at the Ephesus Agora, the Thermal Baths for Scholastica (built in the 1st Century AD), the monumental Great Theatre and Library of Celsus (the 3rd largest library of the ancient world, where 12,000 scrolls were once carefully stored), the Trajan fountain and the Prytaneum (the religious and political center of the city).

Prices

Adults: $91, Children: $68

One of the largest open-air museums in the world, the ancient city of Ephesus is home to impressive architectural treasures from the Greek, Roman and Hellenistic periods. Join a half-day tour to delve back through the centuries, visit the House of the Virgin Mary and shop for souvenirs in the sprawling Kusadasi bazaar. You’ll travel into the olive grove hills around Kusadasi to the House of the Virgin Mary, an important pilgrimage site where the Virgin Mary lived the last few years of her life. Then on to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most incredible open-air archaeological sites and museums in the world. Admire ancient relics such as the Library of Celsus, the Odeon, marble-paved streets, baths, the Magnesia Gate and the Great Theater amongst many others. Enjoy unravelling the layers of history before returning to the bustling seaside city of Kusadasi. You will also have the opportunity to bargain and shop local merchandise such as carpets, leather goods, souvenirs, etc.

Prices

Adults: $91, Children: $68

On this excursion you are sure to experience the sacred grandeur of this intensely spiritual Dodecanese island. We visit Chora, St. John’s Monastery and the Holy Grotto of the Apocalypse, which for centuries have drawn pilgrims to Patmos for prayer, esoteric seclusion and solemnity. From the port of Skala we travel up the mountain by air-conditioned coach to immaculate Chora. Its skirting of traditional white houses encircles the bottom of the exterior walls of the Monastery of St. John the Divine. An architecturally homogenous village, the cobblestone streets and alleys of Chora are lined with mansions built by wealthy ship owners during the 17th and 18th centuries. As you wend your way up to the Monastery, at the top of the hill, be sure to seek out an authentic taste of this unique Dodecanese village along some of its quieter thoroughfares. Now surrounded by the village, the fortified Monastery of St. John, whose walls are more than 15 meters high, was built with local gray stone. In 1088 St. Christodoulos requested the entire island of Patmos from Byzantine Emperor Alexis I Comnenus so he could found a monastery dedicated to St. John. Even after “The Blessed” was driven from Patmos by pirates, monks continued building the monastery which, within a few centuries, became an important cultural, religious and spiritual center. Within its warren of chapels and courtyards, the Monastery of St. John houses medieval icons of the Cretan school and the Chapel of the Theotokos (the Virgin Mary), whose beautiful frescoes date to the 12th century; the monastery’s main chapel dates to the end of the 11th century. There is also a museum within the monastery, with icons, religious objects of silver and gold, sacred relics and embroidered vestments of inestimable value on display. Halfway down the mountain to Plaka we stop at the Holy Grotto of the Apocalypse. According to Christian tradition, three fissures (a symbol of the Holy Trinity) opened in a wall in the grotto, and St. John heard the voice of God, who granted him a series of visions of the future (revelations), vivid pictures of how the Church would grow, battle the wicked powers of earth and hell and ultimately emerge victorious. The voice commanded the saint to transcribe these visions: St. John dictated the revelations to one of his disciples, Prochoros, and this text became the Book of Revelations. During his time in this sacred cave, St. John also composed the Fourth Gospel. The entrance to the grotto is marked with a mosaic of the visions of the saint. Inside the grotto, the nightly resting place of the saint’s head is fenced off and delineated in beaten silver. We return to Plaka, where you’ll have free time for shopping and a coffee beside the harbor. Close your eyes and let the grandeur of this miraculous island suffuse your soul.

Prices

Adults: $82, Children: $55

We start our tour with a drive through Skala, the only port and the center of Patmos Island where you will also find a beautiful beach, the new modern marina and most cafes, restaurants, tavernas and bars of the island, all clustered together. Our first stop is the Cave of the Apocalypse -- an important place of pilgrimage as it is said to have been the place where St John heard the voice of God and where he received the words of the Revelation. We will then go to Chora, a medieval settlement from where you will enjoy a wonderful view of the Monastery of the Apocalypse, Skala and the northeastern side of the island. Its architectural details have been respectfully restored ensuring full harmony and balance with the sacred Monastery. Our exploration continues with a scenic tour of the rocky, volcanic landscape of the island where we will also stop to take pictures of the ethereal windmills. We will say farewell to Patmos at Arion Bar on the Skala promenade -- the oldest café on the island and the best place to enjoy a classic freddo cappuccino.

Prices

Adults: $82, Children: $55

If you’re looking to really soak up and savor culture in Patmos, then this traditional feast is la crème de la crème. You’ll be whisked from the port in Skala to a traditional taverna – scenic drive included – where a true banquet of flavor and color awaits. Pull up a chair to the wooden tables, all laden with steaming hot food, and tuck into a wealth of mouth-watering traditional dishes. They all sing with local ingredients and spices, and are made as they have been for decades. And in true Greek fashion, every meal will be capped off with some music that really puts the ‘live’ in lively. You’ll soon find yourself up on your feet on the dancefloor, arm in arm with your fellow guests and dancing the one and only Greek Zorba. It’s an immersive experience in Greek culture and cuisine to leave Patmos on a sweet note.

Prices

Adults: $71, Children: $51

As we venture into the incredible open-air museum of the Palace of Knossos, our bus tour will take you along the proud Venetian heritage of Heraklion - the Koules Fortress (the stronghold overlooking the Heraklion harbour), the Venetian Loggia (the 17th century administrative and social center), the harmonious Morozini fountain and the 10th century Church of St. Titus. As you explore the Palace of Knossos, considered Europe’s oldest city, you are entering and experiencing the incredible world of the legendary Minoan civilization. The long and winding roads of Crete’s ancient city gradually expose the remarkable art, architecture and daily life of the Minoan people. Breathe in the millennia of history and imagine the legends of Daedalus, Theseus and the Minotaur come to life in the remarkable Hall of the Royal Guard and the Double Axes, the King’s Chamber or the Queen’s Apartment. Enjoy free time to savour the beauty and uniqueness of Crete’s largest city (and the fourth largest in Greece). The city is brimming with an assortment of museums that satisfy every taste- entre, full of busy cafes and elegant shops or retrace the steps of its Venetian rulers at the impressive fortified port, the vast arches and the arsenals.

Heraklion’s Venetian era has enriched the city with beautiful architectural structures and edifices that still stand today, representing its rich history. Our bus tour will immerse you into the Venetian heritage of Heraklion and Crete’s ancient glory and also allow you some free time to walk around Heraklion’s old city center, buy souvenirs or enjoy refreshing drinks in a cafe. We will drive by the proud Koules Fortress (the Venetian fortress dominating the harbour) and continue to the stunning Venetian Loggia, the 17th century administrative centre of the island. The masterfully intertwined Doric and Ionic architectural details on its facade are a sample of the refined Venetian architecture and they underline the importance of Heraklion within the Venetian Republic. We will continue towards the Morozini fountain, another masterpiece from the same creator of the Loggia and the Church of St.Titus. As we approach the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion we approach the best Minoan art museum in the world, and one of the finest museums of Greek history and art. Founded in 1883, the museum brings to life over 5,500 years of Greek and Roman history, through its invaluable artefacts. The Minoan collection features exceptional findings from the archaeological site of Knossos, including ancient jewelry, everyday items, religious artefacts and the incredible bull’s head Royton.

Prices

Adults: $83, Children: $49

We begin our bus tour from the port of Heraklion, guarded by its Venetian Lions, and continue beyond the city’s landmarks and limits, on a panoramic drive to Peza, the wine valley of Crete. Over 20% of Greece’s wine production originates from the sun-kissed island of Crete and our drive will impress you with beautiful sights of Crete’s countryside and its 4,000 year old vineyards. As we arrive in Stironas, a small traditional Cretan village located at an altitude of 550m, you will embark upon a complete sensorial experience. The Botanical Parterre, a formal garden nesting a multitude of aromatic herbs and medicinal plants native to the mountains of Crete, will reveal to you some of Cretan cuisine’s secrets and indulge you with fragrances of all kinds. Our final and festive stop will be at the traditional Raki distiller of Stironas, where our host will greet you with pure Cretan wine produced and stored in his cellar and will share with you the secret art of wine producing and bottling. Following the Cretan hospitality, we will be invited to experience a traditional Cretan meal, with all the best natural products, while a group of traditional dancers will make you feel right at home.

Prices

Adults: $91, Children: $68

First you head up to Megalochori village, one of the most authentic and unspoiled villages of the island with its distinctive architecture and character.

We will continue on to the east, in the background, you will have settlements like Kamari and Monolithos, while you will pass through Fira, the small traditional villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli with delicate architecture and beauties, to eventually arrive at the settlement of Oia. During the entire route, to the west you will have before your eyes the lace-like caldera, the little islands of Thirasia, Palea and Nea Kameni and an unsurpassable panoramic view. In Oia you will have plenty of time to stroll through the marble-paved alleys, to gaze at the adorably cute shops, to take pictures, to become acquainted with the characteristic buildings, carved into the rocks and the unusual captains’ manors, the settlement Ammoudi at the foot of the caldera… After your curiosity has been sated of the area which is characterized as being of “exceptional natural beauty”, your return begins...

Prices

Adults: $91, Children: $68

Welcome to a half-day tour of Plato’s source of inspiration for the legend of Atlantis, the Minoan Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri. During our exploration we will discover ancient treasures exceptionally preserved by the same element which led to the destruction of the Akrotiri civilization - volcanic ash. Dating back to the 4th millennium BC, the archeological site of Akrotiri will simply amaze you with the complexity of the edifices and decorations unearthed here since 1967. Delicate art treasures, including vivid frescos, furniture and vessels, tell magnificent stories of the ancient life and society of the Minoan civilization. We will end our immersion in Santorini’s astounding history with free time in the town of Akrotiri, beautifully located close to the famous Red Beach and overlooking the southeastern side of the island.

Prices

Adults: $91, Children: $68

Our half day boat tour takes you on a unique journey around one of the most photographed landscapes in the world - the island of Santorini. This intimate boat tour will allow you to discover this incredibly romantic island from a unique perspective, getting up close and personal with Santorini’s coarse volcanic silhouette. We will pass by Palea and Nea Kameni, two uninhabited and wholly volcanic islands in the Santorini complex. These islands, made of black lava, present an astonishing landscape, violently moulded by the powerful volcanic eruption of circa 1600 BC which created Santorini’s current scenery. The famous Santorini volcano crater is found on Nea Kameni and a brief walk takes the curious visitor to the edge of the still active crater. The raw power, visible among the rugged landscape, is exceptionally impressive and will fill you with a rush of adrenaline as you peer into its seemingly bottomless darkness. We will end our tour of Santorini with a visit to Palea Kameni’s hot springs, where the healing waters can reach up to 35 degrees celsius. Here you will have a chance to swim to the springs.

Prices

Adults: $85, Children: $52

The Acropolis and the new Acropolis Museum

This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city.

Our expert guides will take you to see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896 (short stop).

Continue and pass by the Prime Minister's residence (ex Royal Palace) guarded by the Euzones in their colorful uniform, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma).

On the Acropolis visit the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally "the harmony between material and spirit", the monument that "puts order in the mind", the Parthenon.

Continue and visit the place where at last the statues found their home and admire the wonders of the classical era: The new Acropolis museum.

N.B. 1) Due to certain restrictions in the visiting hours of the new Acropolis museum the order of the program can be changed.

N.B. 2) Clients staying at the coast will be transferred back to their hotels with the Cape Sounion Tour bus.

1st day: Leave for Delphi via Thebes, Levadia and the picturesque village of Arachova, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, arrive in Delphi and visit the Archaeological Site. After the visit depart for Kalambaka, passing through picturesque villages and towns of Central Greece. Dinner and overnight.

2nd day: Visit Meteora and enjoy a unique and most impressive scenery with ageless Monasteries, containing priceless historical and religious treasures, standing between earth and sky atop huge rocks. Return to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, Thermopylae (short stop to see across the road the Leonida's Monument), arrive in Athens early in the evening.

N.B. Visit the Museum in Delphi is not included. Please ladies for the visit of the Monastery you need a skirt and the gentlemen long trousers. Clients staying at the coast will depart for their hotels, around 19.30 hrs.

The all new ATHENS TIARE HOTEL, member of MAGE HOTELS & RESORTS constitutes one of the best hotels in Athens city centre. It is situated near metro, just a few steps away from the entrance of the station. Is located in the historic point of the city centre, overlooking Omonoia ( Concord ) Square.

The TIARE HOTEL is one of the most beautiful hotels in Athens. It offers a variety of room types and unique suites. The newly renovated and redesingned guestrooms, suites and public spaces feature bold accent colours, custom furnishings and state of the art technologies. Through the selection of the guestrooms, visitor has the ability to enjoy the unique view combined with casual, luxury details of interior and living the best reservation experience in one of the best Athens hotels.

The executive chef Nikos Voulougouris together with our world awarded sommelier wiil offer you a culinary experience you won't forget. Inside, you can find the a la carte 'ARTENSIS' restaurant and the 'AUGUSTA LOUNGE'. Both of them are the best meeting places in the city center.

The well trained staff will offer you unmatched experiences and will fulfill your requests at any hour.

The hotel is ready to satisfy the most required customer.

The facilities and the quality of the services which have the leading role, fulfill all the specifications and makes it one of the best Athens hotels.