Ancient Lands Premier
Tour Type: Regional
Brochure Type: Eastern Mediterranean 2023 V2
Trace the splendour of ancient empires, criss-crossing the Aegean Sea from the land of gods and goddesses to the sun-drenched seaside villages of the Cyclades islands. Lace up your sandals for an exploration of the Acropolis on foot, toast sundowner views over Little Venice in Mykonos, and soak up the laid-back island vibes of Crete and Santorini.
Choice Highlights
Brochure Type: Eastern Mediterranean 2023 V2
Trace the splendour of ancient empires, criss-crossing the Aegean Sea from the land of gods and goddesses to the sun-drenched seaside villages of the Cyclades islands. Lace up your sandals for an exploration of the Acropolis on foot, toast sundowner views over Little Venice in Mykonos, and soak up the laid-back island vibes of Crete and Santorini.
Choice Highlights
- Sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist includes a visit to the magnificent Acropolis and views of the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch
- Admire the Old Town and white windmills overlooking the water
- Visit the open air archaeological wonder of ancient Ephesus
- Spend evening on this small and charming island
- Discover the Old Town of Rhodes, view the Citadel of the Knights and visit the Acropolis of Lindos
- Visit the island of myths and legends
- Enjoy an evening on this beautiful island
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- Many meals and daily breakfasts included
- City orientation tours
- Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries
- Four-night Aegean Cruise
- Variety of Optional Experiences
Call 1 -866-934-6292 for more information or to book today! Mention code 17354749
- Tour Operator
- Trafalgar Tours
- Offer
- Offer valid through 6/30/2023
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Athens | Arrive Athens (2 Nights): History is everywhere you look in Greece's lively capital. Gods and goddesses glow alabaster white in the Mediterranean sunshine, for centuries having watched over the place where western civilisation was born. Since this is a place of beginnings, it's a fitting place to start your discovery of ancient lands. But first, you'll be transferred to your hotel in the city before exploring Athens your way and enjoying all its characteristic xenia which will make you feel completely at home. Zafolia |
| Day 2 | Athens | Athens sightseeing and free time: All the treasures of Athens are brought to life this morning. You'll join an expert Local Specialist who'll share the history, myths and legends of places you've always wanted to see like the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch where Socrates once questioned ancient Athenians' understanding of the meaning of life. Imagine that with every step you take exploring the Acropolis, you're standing in the very place where the ancient Greeks once shaped world views, political ideologies and philosophies that have stood the test of time. Standing just as tall today are the ancient ruins of the Parthenon and the stadium built for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. What better way to spend the rest of your day than soaking up the sizzling energy of Athens with its fun-loving locals? Of course, that could mean indulging in a feast of Greek souvlaki or gyro at a traditional taverna, with a bit of opa thrown in for good measure. Zafolia |
| Day 3 | Mykonos | Embark 4-day cruise - Mykonos (4 Nights): Get ready for island-style living as you embark on your idyllic Aegean cruise. You're in for sun-kissed days, laidback lunches and the beauty of the Greek Isles you've only dreamt about, over the next four glorious days. Set sail for Mykonos and keep your eyes peeled for its 16th-century windmills that overlook the island's capital, Chora, and its glistening bay. There's no better way to explore 'Little Venice' than getting lost in its maze of cobblestone lanes lined by whitewashed houses and tumbling cerise bougainvillea. Take a break and spend some time with the locals in a cafe or bar, sampling some of the favourite ouzo before you get going on the next leg of your journey. Aegean Cruise |
| Day 4 | Patmos | Kusadasi - Patmos: The ancient Greek city of Ephesus is the highlight this morning. You'll see the former Mediterranean trading centre first-hand - an astoundingly well-preserved collection of ancient buildings that hint at what was once a powerful city. Walk down Curetes Street past the homes of rich Ephesians to the Library of Celsus and imagine its ancient residents gathering within the marble walls. Return to the comfort of your cruise ship and sail to Patmos where the Book of Revelation was written by St. John. This is where the Apostle is said to have recorded his Revelation from Jesus. On an Optional Experience, you'll have an opportunity to join many Christian pilgrims who visit the Cave of the Apocalypse. Aegean Cruise |
| Day 5 | At Sea | Rhodes - at sea: Prepare for an encounter with one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World today. Arriving in Rhodes, a complimentary Shore Experience will lead you along the path of religious knights who once conquered the island of Rhodes. These Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem ruled the island from 1310 to 1522 and you'll hear all about the island which became a bastion for Christianity in the East, defying pirate raids and Turkish sieges for centuries. There's time to explore it for yourself as you trace the thick stone walls, gates and cobblestone lanes of its capital before returning to your cruise. Aegean Cruise |
| Day 6 | Santorini | Crete - Santorini: Sailing overnight, you'll arrive early just in time for an exploration of Crete's ancient capital and Europe's oldest city, Heraklion. If you choose to join and Optional Experience, the rise and fall of the Minoan civilisation and culture will keep you captivated as you explore the ruins of the Palace of Knossos, with its ruby red entrance and charging bull fresco. You'll learn about the ancient city's long history from Neolithic times to the invasion of Crete by the Greeks, as well as the myth and legend that gave rise to the Minotaur. Then trade history for epic sunsets as you continue to Santorini where you could choose an Optional Experience to the stunning clifftop village of Oia, passing quaint villages and sun-kissed vineyards along the way. Aegean Cruise |
| Day 7 | Athens | Disembark - Athens free time (1 Night): The islands of the irresistible Aegean will want to keep you in their warm embrace forever, but it's time to return to Athens this morning and you'll be glad you did. Get your final fix of this vibrant city your way. For history buffs, there's time to get stuck into those ancient sites you weren't able to see when you first arrived. Or perhaps you'll want to head to Monastiriki for antiques and Greek handicrafts or explore the lanes of Plaka under the shadow of the Acropolis in search of a buzzing cafe with your name on it. However you choose to spend your evening, make sure it's filled with aragma, the small joys of life. Zafolia |
| Day 8 | Athens | Depart Athens: Your epic adventure through ancient lands has sadly come to an end. You've seen all the historic sights, kicked back and enjoyed the local hospitality in the glittering Greek Isles and discovered ancient capitals and stunning island landscapes. It's time to say a fond farewell to newfound friends before catching a transfer to the airport for your return flight. Find out more about your available transfers at costsavertour.com/transfers. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- GACM
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class
