Gems of Greece
Overview
Experience Greece from ancient times to the present day with a Classical Greece tour and a cruise to iconic Greek Islands with lots of time to explore along the way.
Visit iconic Greek islands and experience the history, charm and sunny skies of this incredible region.
Format
Trip Highlights
Destinations that include planned activities and/or overnight stays.
- Greece
- Athens
- Corinth
- Nafplio
- Olympia
- Delphi
- Kalambaka
- Rhodes
- Crete
- Santorini
- Mykonos
- Milos
- Türkiye
- Kusadasi
Inclusions
- Round-trip flight to Athens
- Airport and port transfers in Athens
- 7 nights of accommodation
- 14 breakfasts; 7 lunches and 10 dinners; select drinks and beverages during food service hours on the cruise
- 7 nights of cruise accommodation on full board (3 meals per day) basis
- More Moments activities included:
- Half-day tour to the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum
- Kusadasi shore excursion: Ancient Ephesus Through the Ages
- Santorini shore excursion: Spectacular Oia Village
- Porterage and gratuities on cruise
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada
Fly to Athens.
Day 2
Welcome to Athens
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. Spend the rest of the day exploring Athens at your own pace.
Day 3
Athens - Classical Greece Tour: Corinth Canal - Epidaurus - Nafplio - Mycenae - Olympia
In the morning, make your way to the meeting point to embark on your 4-day Classical Greece tour. Head out towards Olympia, with a stop at the Corinth Canal, then continue to Epidaurus with its 4th Century B.C. theatre. Next, stop at Nafplio, a modern seaside resort and old town. The last stop of the day is the archeological site of Mycenae, the city "rich in gold" of the ancient poets. Continue to Olympia for the night.
(Approximately 265 km)
More Moments Activities Included
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Mycenae
Visit the Lion’s Gate, the cyclopean Walls and the Royal Tombs of Atreides.
Meal(s): Breakfast and dinner
Day 4
Classical Greece Tour: Olympia - Delphi
After breakfast, you’ll visit Ancient Olympia, the site of the Ancient Olympic Games. You’ll explore the sanctuary of Olympian Zeus and the Archaeological Museum of Olympia ($). You’ll then continue towards Delphi, passing through the picturesque towns of Nafpaktos and Itea.
(Approximately 240 km)
Meal(s): Breakfast and dinner
Day 5
Classical Greece Tour: Delphi - Kalambaka
Today, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Delphi. Located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, Delphi is the home of the sanctuary of Apollo Pythios. You’ll visit the Athenian Treasury and the Delphi Museum. After your tour, you’ll depart for Kalambaka. Enjoy dinner at your hotel.
(Approximately 228 km)
Meal(s): Breakfast and dinner
Day 6
Classical Greece Tour: Kalambaka - Meteora Monasteries - Athens
Visit the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora. Perched on huge granite rocks, the monasteries seem to be suspended between earth and sky, providing a magnificent view. Each monastery contains priceless historical and religious treasures. Next, travel towards Athens via Trikala, Lamia and Thermopylae where a stop will be made to visit the memorial of Leonidas and the brave 300 Spartans. Return to Athens for the night.
(Approximately 354 km)
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7
Athens: Sightseeing
Today, you’ll enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of the city, including the magnificent Acropolis.
More Moments Activities Included
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The Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum
Follow your expert guides as they take you for a quick stop at the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. From here, you’ll continue on and pass by the Temple of the Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament and the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma). Next up is a comprehensive visit of the Acropolis to see architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the impressive Parthenon. End the tour with a visit of the New Acropolis Museum.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8
Athens: 7-Day Cruise
Today, you’ll transfer to the port and board your 7-day cruise to the Greek Islands.
Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board
Day 9
Cruise: Kusadasi Shore Excursion
Visit Kusadasi today and head out on an excursion to ancient Ephesus.
More Moments Activities Included
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Ancient Ephesus Through the Ages
You’ll explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and see relics from the Hellenistic and Roman eras. You’ll stroll through the ancient city and see the Agora, the Odeon, the Temple of Hadrian and the Library of Celsus and end the day at the Grand Bazaar in Kusadasi.
Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board
Day 10
Rhodes at Leisure
Rhodes is one of Greece's most captivating islands, where ancient history and medieval charm come together. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the beautifully preserved Old Town is enclosed by impressive stone walls and features cobbled streets, charming squares and landmarks such as the Palace of the Grand Master. Just a short walk from the cruise port, you can explore boutique shops, traditional cafés and picturesque harbours while enjoying the island's unique blend of Greek, Byzantine, Ottoman and medieval heritage.
Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board
Day 11
Cruise: Agios Nikolaos , Crete at Leisure
Today’s port of call is Agios Nikolaos, on the island of Crete, where you will have the opportunity to discover on your own the “old town” areas of Agios Nikolaos.
($) Optional Activities
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Out & About
Visit the Minoan Palace Knossos– An opportunity to learn all about Venetian heritage, including Koules Fortress, the Morozini Fountain and the Church of St. Titus.
Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board
Day 12
Santorini Shore Excursion
Discover the magic of Santorini, a spectacular volcanic island encircling the sea.
More Moments Activities Included
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The spectacular village of Oia, perched on the edge of the caldera
From the authentic village of Megalochori to the iconic panoramas of Oia, this excursion showcases traditional villages, unique architecture, and breathtaking views of the caldera. Stroll through cobblestone streets, admire the cave dwellings carved into the rock, and capture unforgettable moments.
Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board
Day 13
Cruise: Mykonos at Leisure
You’ll explore the beautiful island of Mykonos today and discover the gorgeous landscapes and picturesque town. You’ll stroll through the streets filled with iconic white houses, beautiful windmills and chapels. After a day exploring at your leisure, you’ll set sail to Milos.
Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board
Day 14
Cruise: Milos at Leisure
While in Milos, take a walk down the town’s narrow, winding streets lined with great shops or relax on the sandy beaches. After a day of exploring at your leisure, set sail to Piraeus port in Athens.
Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board
Day 15
Athens: At Leisure
Today, you’ll enjoy a full day in Greece's largest city. Immerse yourself in the history of this great city, or enjoy excellent souvenir shopping on Ermou, Kolonaki and Voukourestiou streets.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 16
Athens - Return to Canada
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight home.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Location
Hotel
Room details
Room occupancy: Maximum 3 people (3 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child)
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Room details
Room occupancy: Maximum 3 people (3 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child)
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Ideal for
Island hopping tours
Discover multiple islands in one stress-free trip. Tour packages include:
- Round-trip flight with Air Canada
- Local flights (select packages)
- Airport and port transfers (select packages)
- Hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Ferry or hydrofoil transportation
- Expertly curated activities and excursions (select packages)
- Aeroplan® points
Earn more with Aeroplan
In addition to accumulating points on the flight portion of your trip, you’ll earn up to 4,000 extra Aeroplan points on select tour packages.
- Members ages 2 to 12 will receive extra points equivalent to 50% of the points granted to members ages 13 and up.
- Travel completion by December 31, 2026.
Important Information
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2026 Departure Dates:
- April 4 and 18, 2026
- May 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2026
- June 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2026
- July 4, 11, and 18, 2026
- August 1, 15, and 29, 2026
- September 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2026
- October 3, 17, and 31, 2026
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Not included:
- Meals, unless noted
- Transfers, unless noted
- Additional activities and excursions
- Personal expenses and insurance
- Greece city Tax paid locally, upon arrival at hotel, per room per night. Subject to change without notice.
- New Government Sustainable Development Fee for guests visiting Greek Ports
- Gratuities for the land portion
- Celestyal Pay: Food & Beverages including drinks and meals at specialty restaurants purchased onboard the vessel on 1st day of the cruise
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The More Moments activities/excursions mentioned in the itinerary are all included in the package, but may be rescheduled to take place on an earlier or later day, depending on availability and operational day.
The Acropolis and the new Acropolis Museum:
- Half-day morning tour
- April to October
- Daily service
- English/French Departure at 8:45 a.m. – return at 1:30 p.m.
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- Celestyal Cruises with M/V Celestyal Crystal or similar
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The order visited may change due to operational restrictions. The itinerary above is for reference only.
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City taxes are applicable for hotel stays in Greece and are payable in local currency upon checkout.
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Celestyal Pay Program aboard the Celestyal Cruise line
Food & Beverages including drinks and meals at specialty restaurants must be purchased onboard the vessel on 1st day of the cruise
Outside Cabin may be allocated in category XA or XBO (Obstructed View).