This tour is conducted at a medium-fast pace. Some long travel days may be required to complete this itinerary and you will typically spend two nights at each destination, with some one night stays required. This trip includes a mix of sightseeing and free time to explore at your own pace. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage.
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.
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.
These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for exact group size. Enjoy features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights, and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.
✓ Small, intimate group experience – no more than 20 people
✓ Return international airfares with a full-service airline
✓ All airport and port transfers
✓ Air-conditioned deluxe coach transportation
✓ 5 nights in well-located quality accommodation
✓ 7 nights cruising the Mediterranean on board the luxurious MSC Musica, docking in Greece, Montenegro and Italy
✓ Daily breakfast, 6 lunches and 9 dinners
✓ Incredible sightseeing as per the itinerary, including the UNESCO-listed Classical ruins of Delphi, Olympia and Mycenae
✓ Professional, expert English-speaking guide
✓ $200pp OFF flights to Europe when booking any Europe Tour - click here for full terms and conditions
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 Greece! On arrival at Athens International Airport you’ll be met and taken to your hotel.
Athens, home to beautiful ruins and ancient delights, is the perfect place to begin your Classical Greece tour. It’s one of the oldest cities in the world.
Please note: Some flights may depart the day before.
Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotels discretion.
You’ll have some free time in the morning. To get a feel for the sheer power and wealth of Athens in ancient Greece, head to the hilltop Acropolis, the citadel that has overlooked Athens for 2,500 years. Below, a park-like promenade links many iconic sights.
Not far from the Acropolis, you’ll find souvenir shopping easy in the quaint Plaka area, with plenty of leather sandals, pottery and hand-painted ceramics. You can also find typical liquors like anise-flavoured Ouzo, and Greek olives, spices and capers.
In the afternoon, we’ll take a drive along the coastal road, passing the wonderful beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni and Varkiza as we head to the most southern point of Attica, Cape Sounio. This is where the white marble pillars of the Temple of Poseidon stand. Steeped in mythology and legend, the temple was erected in the middle of the 5th century BC to honour the ancient Greek god of the sea.
On the way, you’ll have a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf and the small islands offshore. After visiting the Temple of Poseidon, you’ll have free time to walk on the rocky promontory of Sounio and enjoy this picturesque seaside setting.
You’ll return to your hotel and in the evening there’s a chance to book the optional Night Out in Athens tour.
Your evening begins with a short panoramic drive through the city centre. On the slopes of the sacred hill you’ll be able to see, admire and take photos of the illuminated Acropolis. Then take a pleasant walk through the narrow picturesque streets of Plaka, the old city. We’ll end up at a typical Greek tavern where you’ll enjoy a traditional feast, then a floor show with live music and Greek folk dances in traditional costumes.
This morning we’ll take the coastal road to the Corinth Canal for a brief stop. At just over six kilometres long, it’s one of the world’s smallest canals. Its steep limestone walls soar about 90 metres above the water, but it is only 20 metres wide at sea level. Then we’ll head to the 4th-century Theatre of Epidaurus, famous for its remarkable acoustics. It’s regarded as the best preserved ancient theatre in Greece.
Then it’s onto the town of Nauplion (also known as Nafplio) for a short photo stop before driving onto Mycenae. Here we’ll visit the imposing ruins, including the impressive Tomb of Agamemnon (or Treasury of Atreus), one of the most impressive monuments surviving from the Mycenaean period.
Then we’ll leave for Olympia through Central Peloponnese and the towns of Tripoli and Megalopoli.
You’ll stay overnight in Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games.
Ancient Greeks honoured the god Zeus with athletic contests called the Olympics – this morning we’ll see the ruins of Olympia, where these games were held for centuries. A visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site means you’ll see the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the ruins of the towering Temple of Zeus, the Ancient Stadium and the Archaeological Museum of Olympia.
Then we’ll drive through the plains of Eliad and Achaia until the magnificent bridge that crosses the Corinthian Bay, from Rion to Antirion.
We’ll pass through the picturesque towns of Nafpactor (Lepanto) and Itea before arriving in Delphi, nestled on the slopes of dramatic Mount Parnassus.
Regarded as the centre of the world by ancient Greeks, the town is the seat of the most important Greek temple and oracle of Apollo. This morning we’ll visit the vast, well-preserved ruins of Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll be fascinated by the Delphi Archaeological Museum, housing many ancient Greek artefacts from the excavations at Delphi. The permanent exhibition covers over a thousand years of history, from the Mycenaean era to Greco-Roman times.
You’ll have a couple of hours of free time before departing and driving through the village of Arachova, renowned for its colourful rugs and carpets. Arachova is known for its traditional architecture and character, as well as formaela, a hard cheese produced exclusively here. It’s famous throughout Greece and is registered as a protected designation of origin.
We’ll return to Athens via Levadia and Thebes, arriving early in the evening.
Of course you’ve discovered the variety and excitement of the Athens food scene, especially street food. There’s a lot more to it than souvlaki and spanakopita – try koulouri, a sesame seed-coated ring of bread. It’s like a Greek take on a bagel.
After breakfast, you’ll check out (you can leave your luggage at reception during your tour). We’ll explore the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city.
We’ll make a short stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896. It’s a replica of the original stadium that was constructed around 335 BC to host the Panathenaic Games for runners.
As we continue, we’ll pass the Prime Minister’s residence (ex Royal Palace), guarded by the Evzones in their colourful uniform. We’ll see the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the University of Athens and the National Library of Greece. We’ll also see Syntagma (Constitution) Square, the central square of the city.
On the Acropolis, the best way to experience the glory of ancient Athens, we’ll visit the architectural masterpieces of the golden age of Athens. This includes the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion, a complex of ancient sanctuaries built between 421 BC and 395 BC. And of course, we’ll visit the beautiful Parthenon, a cultural icon. This architectural masterpiece is the largest temple of the classical antiquity period.
We’ll continue on to visit the place where at last the statues found their home and admire the wonders of the Classical era – the Acropolis museum. It’s home to one of the most valuable collections of ancient Greek art in the world. An excavation site is now open underneath the modern building, so visitors can now walk through an ancient Athenian neighbourhood. You’ll find yourself up close to the impressive marble masterpieces found on the Acropolis.
In the afternoon, you’ll transfer to the port of Piraeus and embark on your cruise. This has been the port of Athens since Classical times.
Your lavish home for the next eight days will certainly impress you. In the central foyer when you step onboard you’ll find a three-tier waterfall, transparent piano and floating suspended on a crystal floor above a pool of shimmering water.
Not only will your Mediterranean cruise take you to historic and beautiful ports, but your stay on the ship promises to be just as exciting as the destinations you’ll explore. There are plenty of ways to unwind, from the dazzling Crystal Lounge, to the stylish Havana Club cigar lounge – or perhaps a live show in the stunning Teatro La Scala. There is even a super-sized movie screen over the pool.
Of course, the cuisine is fresh, varied and indulgent. You’ll find gourmet Italian fare, delicious sushi, and authentic Italian pizzas.
Please note: Due to certain restrictions in visiting hours of the new Acropolis museum, the order of the program can be changed.
We’ll make our first stop today at Corfu, a city that boasts a magical mix of history, culture and nature. Thousands of olive trees carpet this stunning landscape. Explore elegant palaces, visit the countryside or beaches, or stroll the cobblestone streets of the Old Town.
Near the Old Town, the Museum of Asian Art is the only museum in Greece dedicated solely to Asian art and boasts 15,000 pieces in its collection. Or see the jewel of Corfu, Achilleion Palace, with its breathtaking gardens and panoramic views.
You can take a bus (additional cost) to Paleokastritsa for swimming, kayaking and even diving at its stunning beaches. You’ll also find a historic monastery here and plenty of eateries offering traditional Greek favourites, like grilled octopus.
We’ll dock at Kotor, Montenegro today. On a deep bay surrounded by soaring cliffs, Kotor is located where the Balkans meet the Adriatic. One of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Adriatic, a hilltop fortress stands guard over the walled medieval Old Town. Here you’ll find small piazzas, elegant palazzos, lively cafes and shops. See St. Nicolas Church, one of the city’s best examples of Orthodox architecture. The Maritime Museum, housed within a Baroque-era palace, is an interesting visit to learn about the long history of seafaring in this port.
You’ll love every bit of this enchanting city. Built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea, romantic Venice has no roads – just canals, including its famed Grand Canal thoroughfare. Given its unique architectural and cultural heritage, the city and its lagoon are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Venice can seem like a maze but is a lovely city to just wander. Make your way through its charming little streets and passageways, along the canals, through its bustling squares.
Visit St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), perfect for a coffee people watching, and admire the ornate buildings that frame the piazza. The basilica is easily one of the most recognisable churches in the world. Admire its Italian Byzantine architecture, golden mosaics and magnificent golden altarpiece. Stop by Torre dell’Orologio, Doge’s Palace and Rialto Bridge, a Venice icon and tourist favourite for photos.
Of course, a boat cruise is a must-do. You can relax in a gondola as you’re rowed along the Grand Canal and under the stone-arch Rialto Bridge, admiring the grand palaces lining the canal.
Be sure to visit Harry’s Bar, the birthplace of the much-loved Italian cocktail, the bellini. You’re in good company – Ernest Hemingway was a regular.
Today we’ll visit Brindisi, a small port city in southern Italy with medieval charm. It’s a great city to explore on foot. Wander the Old Town to discover hidden gems tucked away in its narrow streets. The tiny, round church of San Giovanni al Sepolcro, a light-filled 11th-century baptistry, is famous for its ancient frescoes and carvings. It’s impossible to miss the beautiful, imposing Duomo (cathedral) taking up one side of the piazza. The cathedral has survived seven earthquakes since its construction in the 11th century.
Being part of the Puglia region, the food here is delightful – great olive oil, great cheeses, orecchiette pasta, and given the location, good seafood is a given.
The port of Katakolon is an authentic, laid-back seaside town of waterfront cafes, shops, galleries and a quiet beach.
If you didn’t see enough of Olympia earlier on the tour, head there to explore more of this ancient area. The train there (additional cost) is a great way to enjoy the green hills, olive groves and vineyards of the Greek countryside.
Santorini is exactly as you’d imagined – whitewashed houses, deep blue bay, high cliffs and stunning volcanic scenery, like its black and red sand beaches. It’s beautiful. Take a cable car to Fira and explore the old cathedrals and enthralling museums. Or visit Akrotiri, a Minoan city buried under volcanic ash.
For authentic Cyclades charm, visit the picturesque village of Oia. See the blue-domed St. Gerasimos Church, view Byzantine castle ruins and dine on fresh seafood in a waterfront taverna.
Enjoy one last delicious breakfast onboard this morning, before your Mediterranean adventure comes to an end. We’ll dock at Piraeus and you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.
Arrive home today after your amazing adventure, we hope you have been Inspired!
Return international airfares with a full-service airline
Airport and port transfers with guide assistance
5 nights in well-located quality accommodation
7 nights cruising the Mediterranean onboard the luxurious MSC Musica, in a Bella Interior Cabin
All Transportation - coach and cruise
Activities indicated in the itinerary
Meals: Breakfast daily, 6 lunches & 9 dinners, as per itinerary
2-20 people: 1 English speaking tour leader – Will accompany the group throughout the land portion
All accommodation as listed
All entrance fees to the sites listed (except optionals & shore excursions)
All activities listed in the itinerary unless a paid optional or shore excursions
Comfortable, dedicate transportation throughout
24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent
Welcome to MSC Musica
MSC Musica not only launched a new class of ecological cruise ship, she launched a new class of cruise - a spacious world of graceful lines and superlative choice, enriched by the creativity, fine natural materials and attention to detail that have always distinguished MSC Cruises. Life aboard is beautiful from the moment you step on board; from the central foyer’s three-tier waterfall to its see-through piano, floating suspended on a crystal floor above a pool of shimmering water. The designer venues on board are equally inspiring, whether you’re dancing to a band in the dazzling Crystal Lounge, pausing in the stylish Havana Club cigar lounge, treating yourself to a wine tasting, gaming in the Sanremo Casino or sitting back to a superb live show in the stunning Teatro La Scala.
The delightfully varied cuisine on this beautiful ship excels - all freshly prepared in the traditional manner from prime ingredients. Indulge in succulent Italian gourmet specialities in Il Giardino, treat yourself to the Kaito Sushi Bar, or explore a luscious array of authentic Italian pizzas. Children and young adults enjoy the special treatment typical of MSC’s Mediterranean way of life, with indoor and outdoor play amenities, a pool of their own and separate Kids and Teens Clubs for a vibrant social life on board.
Step aboard MSC Musica and experience a magical world of warmth and music that makes every minute of your cruise an unforgettable moment to savour.
For further details on the cruise, please click HERE.
Cabin Upgrades
Bella Interior - INCLUDED
Double bed which can be converted into two single beds (on request).
Bathroom with shower. Wardrobe. Interactive TV, telephone, wireless internet access (for a fee), mini bar and safe. Air conditioning.
Surface approx. from 14 to 21 sq.m.*
Please note - This cabin is currently sold out on the 2/5/20, 9/5/20, 16/5/20, 23/5/20 and 30/5/20
Fantastica Oceanview - Upgrade for an additional $370 per person Twin/Double ($740 Single)
Double bed which can be converted into two single beds (on request).
Bathroom with shower. Wardrobe. Interactive TV, telephone, wireless internet access (for a fee), mini bar and safe. Air conditioning.
Surface approx. from 16 to 18 sq.m.*
Fantastica Balcony - Upgrade for an additional $570 per person Twin/Double ($1,140 Single)
Double bed which can be converted into two single beds (on request).
Bathroom with shower. Wardrobe. Interactive TV, telephone, wireless internet access (for a fee), mini bar and safe. Air conditioning.
Surface approx. from 15 to 28 sq.m.** with balcony.
Deposit & Payment
Booking Process
Airfare Information
Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades
Please specify this as a 'Special Request' when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable, or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.
Land Only discount
A reduction of $1,300 per person applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares. To purchase a land-only fare, please select this option in the booking process under 'Departure City'.
Please note, if you are not arriving or departing as per the group itinerary, airport transfers are also no longer included. If you would like us to arrange this service for you, please refer to the ‘Extra services’ section for pricing.
Extending Your Stay
Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending their stay pre- and/or post-tour or including a stopover in another destination. If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:
By choosing to extend your stay, please note that a supplement of $150 per person, plus applicable fare and tax differences will apply. We will contact you via email with a quote and proposed flight itinerary, and then proceed with collecting the additional payment required to confirm your request.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, adding a stopover package en-route or booking a tour extension. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Airport chauffeur
Take the hassle out of getting to the airport with private chauffeur transfers to and from your home airport. Your personal chauffeur will meet and greet you, attend to your luggage and drive you to your destination in a luxury vehicle.
Additional surcharges may apply depending on pick-up time, tolls and government levies.
Airport Chauffeur can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Pre and post tour accommodation (deviating from group flights forfeits your group airport transfers)
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation and/or airport transfers. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Please note, the transfers are not private and you may be grouped with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Airport lounges
Escape busy airport terminals and relax at a cosy and catered lounge instead. Departure lounge access in Sydney $70 per person (up to 6 hours); Melbourne & Brisbane $55 per person (up to 3 hours).
Airport lounge passes can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
You have the choice to add the following optional tour to enhance your experience:
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
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 categorise 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 categorised as a “2”.
2 – Easy Tour: An average level of fitness and mobility is required for this tour. There is a considerable amount of free time throughout the itinerary, though some sightseeing may be conducted on uneven terrain, including some incline and walking over short distances. For Safari tours, you will be required to get on and off vehicles with minimal assistance.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations. You may also consider tipping your tour leader and driver for outstanding service throughout your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
MSC Cruise - A mandatory charge of 10 Euro per person per day is billed to your shipboard account.
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 $2,929 per person in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
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.
A visa is not required for travel to the countries visited on this tour, for travel less than 90 days.
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 - 20 people
Trip Style - Partially Escorted
A section of this trip runs as a group tour, where you will be joined by up to 20 guests and escorted by an expert tour leader. Another section runs as a self-guided tour and you will travel between destinations on your own (by ship), with inclusions and free time to enjoy at your own pace. You’ll have access to a 24/7 local number to contact in case you need any assistance.
Children
Children must be 10 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject to change, depending on the flight schedule. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent in your destination(s).
Refundable deposit within 28 days of purchase:
For cancellations made within 28 days of paying the deposit on any tour, your deposit can be refunded in full or can be transferred to a new booking should you decide to change to another package or destination. Please note this change of mind guarantee does not apply for bookings made within 120 days of departure, after which time our standard 48 hour cooling off period applies. After this time, your booking becomes non-refundable.
All cancellation or change requests must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Refund times will vary and the timeframe of which will be advised at the time of cancellation. Any refund of deposit will be issued back to the original form of payment.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Transferrable second installment up until 120 days before scheduled departure:
Following the second installment payment and up until 120 days before your departure only, should you wish to postpone your travel or transfer to another package, we can provide you with a credit note of the current balance paid on your booking, to be used to rebook within 18 months of the credit being issued.
Any change request must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions for more details
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