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19 Day Classical Greece & Island Hopping

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.

Escorted Type
Partially Escorted

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.

Pace
Moderate Pace
282 people have travelled to this destination
✓ Limited time only - Pay in full and save
✓ Add Return International airfares for only $999 per person
✓ Airport transfers included on the first day of tour
✓ 18 nights 3-star hotel accommodation
✓ Transportation in comfortable, air conditioned vehicles throughout both Greece and Turkey
✓ Half day guided city tour with a local guide in Athens, and local English speaking guide accompanying from days 3-6 with entrance fees included for the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, the Delphi Site and Museum, the Olympia Site and Museum, Epidaurus, Mycenae and two monasteries of Meteora.
✓ All ferry and hydra boat transfers between Athens, Mykonos, Santorini and Crete
✓ Domestic flight from Heraklion (Crete) to Athens
✓ Daily breakfast
What we love about this tour

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.

Itinerary

Hotel
Hotel Arion or similar or Similar

Upon arrival in Athens, you will be transferred to your hotel in the comfort of an air conditioned car or bus. Once you have checked in to your hotel, you will have the rest of the day to explore the streets of Athens at your own leisure

Hotel
Hotel Arion or similar or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

After breakfast, you will embark on a sightseeing tour of the ancient city. With your guide, you will see the city centre, Constitution Square, House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National Library. 

Afterwards, we head to classical Athens as we take in Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Then we arrive at the centrepiece of ancient Athens, the Acropolis. There visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the famous Parthenon. Your first taste of Athens would not be complete without a visit to the Acropolis Museum, a modern architectural building where, at last, the statues have found their home. After the tour, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.  

Hotel
Hotel Olympic Village or similar or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

We depart Athens in the morning, and drive the coastal route to the Corinthe Canal, where you will make a short stop to take a look at the feat of man made engineering before driving on and seeing the ancient Theatre of Epidauros. After that, to the town of Nafplion before continuing onto Mycanae where we will visit the archeological site as well as the Tomb of Agememnon. Once we arrive in Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games, enjoy an included dinner and evening at leisure.

Hotel
Hotel Hermes or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Today breakfast in the hotel is followed by a visit to the sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium and the Archaeological Museum. You will have time to explore the museum before our scenic drive to Delphi, a city once regarded as the centre of the world. According to mythology, Zeus sent out two eagles from the ends of the universe to find the navel of the world, and it was in this location that they met. The sanctuary of Delphi is set within the most spectacular landscape. Dinner is included tonight at your hotel.

Hotel
Hotel Orfeas or similar or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Wake up to breakfast in the hotel and then head out to explore the Archaeological Site and Museum of Delphi, where amongst other archaeological treasures you can contemplate the unique bronze statue of the Charioteer dedicated to Apollo by Polyzalos. Perched high on the mountain tops, Delphi is truly a magical place to visit. Then depart for Kalambaka, a small town located at the foot of the astonishing complex of Meteora, an almost alien landscape filled with gigantic rock formations. Enjoy an included dinner tonight at your hotel.

Hotel
Hotel Arion or similar or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

After breakfast, you can set out to explore the striking scenery and monasteries of Meteora. Perched on top of enormous pillars of rock that seem almost suspended in mid-air, stand a series of ancient monasteries showcasing a wonderful collection of Byzantine art. You will ascend to two of the monasteries to marvel at their beautiful contents before beginning the drive back to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, and Thermopylae, where you’ll make a short stop to see Leonida's Monument. Arrive in Athens early in the evening.

Hotel
Hotel Arion or similar or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

A full day to explore Athens at your own leisure. With plenty of sights to see or rediscover, your day will be full of discovering the wonders of Athens.

Hotel
Hotel Arion or similar or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Another full day to explore the ancient capital of Athens. Why not check out the neighbourhood of Monastiraki. One of the oldest and busiest areas of the capital, packed with rooftop bars, ancient sights and huge markets. With that in mind, make sure to get there early to discover the smells and taste of Varvakios Agora where the vendors sell everything from fresh meat, fish, fruit, spices and products from around the country.

Hotel
Hotel Arion or similar or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

One final day to explore Athens. The city is famous for its many museums, why not spend today seeing some of the many world-class institutions including the National Archeological Museum, Museum of Cycladic Art or Museum of the Ancient Agora.

Hotel
Hotel Kamari or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

After breakfast, make your own way down to Athens port to catch your ferry to Mykonos. Upon arrival at Mykonos, you will be met and transferred to the hotel for check-in. The afternoon is free at leisure to start exploring this cosmopolitan island, stroll down the whitewashed streets of the Chora (the capital town), and get involved in the Mediterranean spirit by dining in one of the local taverns or drinking your first cocktail at one of the waterfront beach bars (own expense).

Hotel
Hotel Arion or similar or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

After breakfast, you will have a full day to explore the famous island of Mykonos. Pay a visit to the church of Panagia Paraportiani, the Townhall and the castle situated above the harbour. Don’t miss to visit the Archaeological, Folklore and Maritime Museums to take in a little history. Wander around the pedestrian shopping streets of the Chora. The most glamorous of all is Matoyanni Street, lined with brand name stores, charming cafés and stylish restaurants. In the afternoon, while the sun is still out, why not continue to some of the most famous beaches of the island like Kalafatis, Agios Stefanos and Agios Giannis with the perfect view to Delos.

Hotel
Hotel Makarios or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Begin your day with a tasty breakfast at your hotel, and then hop on the transfer to the port of Mykonos to catch the hydro boat to Santorini. You will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. This evening is free at leisure on this amazing island of Santorini. Explore and enjoy all that the island has to offer. Formed around an active volcano, the island is known for its steeped wall caldera giving stunning views from the whitewashed villages sitting above.

Hotel
Hotel Makarios or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and start your day of exploring one of the world’s most famous islands. Start by visiting one of the hundreds of beaches including on the southern part of Santorini,the Red Beach. The contrasting colours of the red lava cliffs and the clear blue waters combine to make a perfect setting. Since you will already be there, visiting the White Beach in the nearby area is a must. Don’t miss the chance to also pay a visit to the archaeological site of Akrotiri as it’s considered as one of the main attractions of the island due to its association with the Minoan civilization.

Hotel
Hotel Makarios or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Another glorious day of relaxation on Santorini, maybe today make it your priority in the evening to see the sheer beauty of Santorini's sunset view, one of the best places on earth as far as sunset viewing is concerned. Oia village where you will view the sunset from is situated on top of an impressive cliff and offers a spectacular view over the volcano and the island of Thirassia. As soon as the sun sets, there will be a variety of restaurants open nearby to enjoy the rest of your evening.

Hotel
Hotel Olympic or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

This morning, you will have be transferred to the port of Santorini to catch the hydro boat to Heraklion. You will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in and settlement. Rest of the day at your own leisure at Heraklion. 

Hotel
Hotel Olympic or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at your hotel. Today is free at leisure to start discovering Heraklion city. Strolling around Heraklion town, you will come across Koules fortress, at the Venetian port, Turkish and Venetian fountains, Venetian buildings, the Venetian Loggia and museums, such as the Archaeological Museum, the Historical Museum and the Museum of Natural History. If you are not a big fan of sightseeing, though, you should head to the beautiful beaches! The northern and southern coasts of the Heraklion region are fringed with former hippies’ paradise beaches, Matala beach, Agia Pelagia and Malia.

 

Hotel
Hotel Olympic or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Another day to Explore Heraklion. Why not spend today exploring the most famous site on the island, the Minoan Palace of Knossos. The largest of all Minoan palatial structures, the palace is a wonder of colourful murals, imposing red columns and the glorious throne room will make you feel transported into the Minoan Era. The Minoan Palace of Phaistos is the second most important Minoan site, after Knossos. It is located on the east side of Kastri hill, boasting a beautiful natural setting. In the evening, enjoy the many restaurants on offer.

 

Hotel
Hotel Arion or similar or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

After breakfast, a transfer will collect you to drive you to Heraklion Airport where you will catch a flight back to Athens.

Meals
Breakfast

After breakfast, your journey across ancient Greece and its islands concludes.

Inclusions

  • Airport transfers included on the first day of tour
  • 18 nights 3-star hotel accommodation
  • Transportation in comfortable, air conditioned vehicles throughout both Greece and Turkey
  • Half day guided city tour with a local guide in Athens, and local English speaking guide accompanying from days 3-6 with entrance fees included for the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, the Delphi Site and Museum, the Olympia Site and Museum, Epidaurus, Mycenae and two monasteries of Meteora.
  • All ferry and hydra boat transfers between Athens, Mykonos, Santorini and Crete
  • Domestic flight from Heraklion (Crete) to Athens
  • Daily breakfast

  • Athens - Entrance into the Acropolis and plenty of time to explore the city.
  • Epidaurus - Explore the Epidaurus archeological site, the birthplace of Apollo's son and an ancient place of healing. 
  • Mycenae - See ancient Greek remains and the tomb of Agamemnon.
  • Olympia - Explore the birthplace of the Olympic Games.
  • Delphi - Tour the ancient sanctuary, considered the second most important archaeological site in Greece (after the Acropolis in Athens) and a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site.
  • Meteora - See the towering 11th century UNESCO World Heritage Listed monasteries perched on mountain tops.
  • Mykonos - Explore the town of Chore including its fantastic restaurants and shopping.
  • Santorini - See one of the world’s best sunsets over the volcanic caldera and the Aegean.
  • Crete - Time to explore the ancient island, home to one of the earliest civilizations in Europe, the Minoans.

Fine Print

Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.

Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.

Instalment Schedule:

  1. At the time of booking pay a $99.00 deposit per person.
  2. Pay a 1st installment of $2,500.00 per person within 28 days.
  3. Pay a 2nd installment of $0.00 per person within 0 days.
  4. You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure.

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”3”

3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.

Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.

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 $2,378.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.

Triple Share
Not available.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.

We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.

 Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.

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.

Visas may be required.

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
2-60 people

Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.

Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels: 

  • Independent - On these packages you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring at your own pace. We have arranged transportation in most cases and day tours for you to see the destination. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible.

This package includes international airfares or has the option of adding international airfares to your booking when selecting your departure city.

If international airfares are included this will be stated in the ‘Inclusions’ section

Alternatively, if international airfares can be added to your booking you will be able to select your departure city after clicking ‘Book Now’ and a cost will be stated next to your selected departure city. This cost will then be added to your booking and flights will be added to your booking.

Conditions of flights for this package bookable by Inspiring Vacations:

  • Flight Offer valid from select departure cities within the purchase path only
  • Flights will be booked with the best available airline/s with luggage included. Low-cost carriers may be booked in conjunction with a full-service airline. Depending on the carrier, entertainment and meals may not be included but payable at an extra cost on-board. We cannot specify or guarantee the airline booked. If you would like a specific airline, please request this at the time of purchase. To make a flight request, please click ‘Book Now’ and select Would you like us to contact you around our flight service?  By selecting this option you will be sent a request form after completing your purchases to make your request. 
  • Flights may not be direct and may include multiple connections
  • Due to disrupted airline schedules globally with the pandemic, stopovers/transit times may be longer than usual (up to 12 hours in duration in some circumstances).
  • Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable; any changes will be subject to the airline rules, Airline change fees and an Inspiring Vacations change fee of $250 per person.
  • Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required at the time of submitting your traveller booking form. Any error in the names submitted will be subject to an Inspiring Vacations name change fee of $150 plus any applicable fees charged by the airline, or the ticket may be non-refundable with the purchase of a new ticket required. 
  • If the required booking class is unavailable at time of booking, surcharges may apply. Total cost is final only at time of ticketing. Once issued, air tickets are subject to amendment and cancellation fees or may be non-refundable
  • Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are outside of our control. It is important that you, as the customer, stay up-to-date with the latest airline schedule information prior to your departure. If a schedule change results in extended transits or an earlier/later departure from your destination, any additional accommodation or alternative arrangements will be at the traveler's expense.
  • After booking, the price payable may be subject to change as a result of factors beyond the control of Inspiring Vacations. Inspiring Vacations reserves the right to increase the price payable and this will be reflected on the customer's invoice. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, airline taxes, airfare increases and fuel surcharges.
  • Internal airfares (where applicable and included in the itinerary) will be using a local carrier and may include low-cost carriers without meals or entertainment. Checked baggage will still be included for each passenger. Any additional baggage required is payable at time of check-in. 
  • If you are travelling with another party on a separate booking, we cannot guarantee that the same flights will be booked for all parties, as this strictly depends on availability. 
  • You will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters are not included. If travelling over the recommended amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable directly.
  • In the event of that you no-show on your scheduled flight, please be aware the airline will require you to pay a no show fee, Airline reissue fee plus any additional airfare and taxes. Inspiring Vacations will also charge a $250 admin fee to assist re accommodating you on the next available flight. Please note that depending on the airline's policy, purchasing a new ticket may be required.

 

Baggage

Included baggage differs based on your country of origin. Included baggage will be as per the following:

Country of Origin

Carry-on Baggage

Checked Baggage

Australia

7kgs

20kgs

New Zealand

7kgs

20kgs

United States of America

15lbs

45lbs

Canada

15lbs

45lbs

India

7kgs

20kgs

United Kingdom

7kgs

20kgs


Baggage allowances provided by the airline might differ to the values stated above. However limitations are required due to transport storage restrictions on your selected tour or package.

Flight requests, amendments or preferences

We understand customers may wish to request changes to their included airfares. If you wish to fly with a certain airline, land at a certain time or change your flight in other ways we will gladly provide you with a personalised quote tailored to your specific requirements.

To make a flight request, please click ‘Book Now’ and select Would you like us to contact you around our flight service?  By selecting this option you will be sent a request form after completing your purchase to make your request.

We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:

  • Airline Preferences - You may wish to fly with a particular airline
  • Cabin Preferences - These include upgrading to premium economy or business class
  • Extensions (start and end cities must remain the same) - You may request to extend your stay pre or post tour.
  • Meal Requests - You may request a specific meal for dietary requirements.
  • Seat Requests - If you would like to request particular seating. However please note, not all airlines allow the selection of pre-purchased seat arrangements.

We are currently unable to provide a quote for the following requests:

  • Stopovers - Is where you might want to stop in transit for a certain amount of days prior to your tour or after your tour.
  • One way flights
  • Different start or end city to the tour - you may not amend the arrival or departure city of your itinerary. 
  • Around the world tickets  - Is when a ticket includes multiple stops in different continents.
  • Return home to a different city from the one you departed.
  • Frequent Flyer point redemption - Is when an airline allows you to redeem points to pay for your flights or upgrade your ticket.  

If we can’t fulfill your request and you still wish to proceed with the booking, please select Land Only (excluding UK customers). This will allow you to travel on the land portion of the package without the included airfares. You will then be able to arrange your own flights separately.

FAQs

For more frequently asked questions please view our FAQs  section. 

Online check-in 

Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.

You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:

      Your transfer may be shared with other Inspiring Vacations customers.

      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. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.

      • International Airfares
      • Airport Transfers
      • Visas (if needed)
      • Travel Insurance (compulsory)
      • Tipping
      • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
      • Departure airport transfers
      • Personal Expenses

      Click HERE for more information on weather in Greece.

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