From picturesque fishing villages to ancient historic ruins, this vacation is a classic. In Athens, where you will visit the Acropolis; in ancient Corinth, Mycenae, and Epidaurus to Olympia and Delphi, with a special visit to the Archaeological Museum, spectacular ancient history will unfold. Special highlights are a cooking demonstration to learn how to make the traditional Greek tzatziki appetizer in Olympia, and a dance lesson in Delphi to learn the steps of the sirtaki, made famous in the movie Zorba the Greek, accompanied by a glass of traditional Ouzo. Enjoy a whole afternoon in the fantastic landscape of Meteora with its 24 rock-top monasteries. Visit Varlaam Monastery, famous for its frescoes, and St. Stephen’s, featuring a unique collection of icons and an incredible panoramic view. Next is Thermopylae, site of the heroic battle of Leonidas’ 300 doomed Spartans against Xerxes’ huge Persian army. Drive past the ancient sites of Thebes and Marathon on your way back to Athens. Embark on a 7-night cruise from Marina Zea, visiting Ios, Santorini, Patmos, Kusadasi in Turkey, Samos, Delos, Mykonos, Tinos, Kythnos, and Cape Sounion, before disembarking in Marina Zea for a final overnight in Athens.

City Highlights

ATHENS Welcome drink; guided sightseeing, visit the AcropolisCORINTH Guided visit of the excavationsMYCENAE Guided visit of the excavations and museumEPIDAURUS Guided visit of the 2,300-year-old open-air theaterOLYMPIA Guided visit of the archaeological site and the museum; [LF] learn how to make the traditional Greek tzatziki appetizerDELPHI Guided visit of the excavations, visit the Archaeological Museum; [LF] learn to dance the sirtaki and have a glass of OuzoMETEORA AREA Guided visit of the Varlaam and St. Stephen’s MonasteriesTHERMOPYLAE Guided visitCRUISING Seven-night cruise to Ios, Santorini, Patmos, Kusadasi (Turkey), Samos, Delos, Mykonos, Tinos, Kythos, Cape SounionHeadsets throughout the tourCruise Details: Rotation of ports of call may vary for congestion reasons at certain ports with or without prior noticeCabin categories: outside cabin category B, outside cabin category AAll cabins with two lower beds, private shower, and toiletFull entertainment program on boardGlobus Host service in AthensAs of September 2014, the ship scheduled to depart for the cruise portion of your vacation is the Panorama II, operated by Variety Cruises.

Meals

Welcome drink in Athens; full buffet breakfast daily; 3 lunches; 9 three-course dinners with wine

Notes

NOTES:Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.Itineraries can be changed at the discretion of Variety Cruises and of the vessel’s Captain in case of adverse weather conditions – winds of 6/7 Beaufort or more, depending on the vessel – on port authorities not allowing a vessel to leave port, or in case of other extraordinary conditions. Such itinerary changes do not automatically entitle passengers to any refunds, but Variety Cruises guarantees that passengers are disembarked at the advertised port of disembarkation in time for their flights.

Transportation

Motorcoach; Yacht Cruise. Free Wi-Fi available on your motorcoach and in most hotel lobbies.

PRODUCT_LINE: GLOBUS-RGJ-2015