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Air Canada Vacations

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.

Your flights, accommodations, land and ferry transfers are included, and you’ll have ample time to explore the islands at your own pace.

16 days | 14 nights

Format

Partially guided tour

Locations

  • Athens
  • Olympia
  • Delphi
  • Kalambaka
  • Thessaloniki
  • Crete
  • Santorini
  • Mykonos
  • Milos
  • Corinth
  • Nafplio

Inclusions

  • Round-trip flight to Athens (if Flight & Hotel package option is chosen)
  • Airport and port transfers in Athens
  • 7 nights of accommodation
  • 14 breakfasts; 7 lunches and 10 dinners; alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on 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
    • Thessaloniki shore excursion: The Royal Tombs of Vergina
  • Porterage and gratuities on cruise
  • Earn and redeem Aeroplan® points

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

  • 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, visit Ancient Olympia, the site of the Ancient Olympic Games. Visit the sanctuary of Olympian Zeus and the Archaeological Museum of Olympia ($). 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

Enjoy a guided tour of Delphi. Located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, Delphi is the home of the sanctuary of Apollo Pythios. Visit the Athenian Treasury and the Delphi Museum. After your tour, 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

Enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of the city, including the magnificent Acropolis. 

More Moments Activities Included

  • 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

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: Thessaloniki

Approaching the port, you will be captivated by a city that radiates culture and sophistication bathed in golden Greek sunshine.

More Moments Activities Included

  • The Royal Tombs of Vergina

    Visit the Royal Tombs, the most important is that of Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great. A UNESCO World Heritage site, you will be accompanied into the museum with a guide to look at some of King Philip’s most important possessions, including the king’s shield and gold-trimmed breast plate.

Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board

Day 10

Cruise: Kusadasi Shore Excursion

Visit Kusadasi today and head out on an excursion to ancient Ephesus.

More Moments Activities Included

  • Kusadasi Shore Excursion

    Ancient Ephesus Through the Ages: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and see relics from Hellenistic and Roman eras. Stroll through the ancient city and see the Agora, the Odeon, the Temple of Hadrian and the Library of Celsus. End the day at the Grand Bazaar in Kusadasi.

Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board

Day 11

Cruise: Heraklion, Crete at Leisure

Today’s port of call is Heraklion, on the island of Crete, where you will have the opportunity to discover on your own the “old town” areas of Heraklion.

($) Optional Activities

  • Out & About

    Visit the Minoan Palace Knossos– 1st European Civilization, 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

Cruise: Santorini at Leisure

In magical Santorini, be greeted by legends of time past. Relax and enjoy the lovely atmosphere of this volcanic island.

Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board

Day 13

Cruise: Mykonos at Leisure

Explore the beautiful island of Mykonos today. Discover the gorgeous landscapes and picturesque town. Stroll through the streets filled with iconic white houses, beautiful windmills and chapels. After a day exploring at your leisure, 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

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

Accomodations

Where you'll stay

The hotels listed below are presented as examples for your reference only. Hotel accommodation details will be communicated to you or your travel agent prior to departure.

Location

Hotel

Athens
Polis Grand Hotel (or similar)
4
Olympia
Hotel Olympic Village (or similar)
3
Delphi
Hermes Hotel (or similar)
3
Kalambaka
Orfeas Hotel (or similar)
3
Option of Standard Inside or Standard Outside cabin (or similar)

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.

Athens
Electra Hotel (or similar)
4
Olympia
Hotel Europa (or similar)
4
Delphi
Amalia Hotel Delphi (or similar)
4
Kalambaka
Grand Meteora Hotel (or similar)
4
Option of Standard Inside or Standard Outside cabin (or similar)

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.

Athens
Athens Key Hotel (or similar)
5
Olympia
Hotel Europa (or similar)
4
Delphi
Amalia Hotel Delphi (or similar)
4
Kalambaka
Grand Meteora Hotel (or similar)
4
Option of Standard Inside or Standard Outside cabin (or similar)

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.

Important Information

  • 2025 Departure Dates:

    • May 11, 18, 25, 2025
    • June 01, 08, 15, 22, 29, 2025
    • July 06, 13, 27, 2025
    • August 10, 24, 31, 2025 
    • September 07, 14, 21, 28, 2025
    • October 05, 12, 26, 2025
  • Not included:

    • Meals, unless noted
    • Transfers, unless noted
    • Additional activities and excursions
    • Personal expenses and insurance
    • Local city taxes
  • 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.
    • Celestyal Cruises with M/V Celestyal Crystal or similar
  • The order visited may change due to operational restrictions. The itinerary above is for reference only.

  • City taxes are applicable for hotel stays in Greece and are payable in local currency upon checkout.