Smart Nine

Duration: 14 days / 13 nights

Destinations:

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Package rate per person in double room during low season	From 2488€

Package rate per person in double room during low season

From 2488€

A package for truly ‘smart’ travelers that want to experience everything that Greece has to offer!

Begin your expedition in Athens, the historic Greek capital, with a full day tour that will take you to the most prominent monuments of the city, including –but not limited to- Hadrian’s Arch, the Academy of Athens and the Acropolis, before driving along the coast to Cape Sounion to visit the famous temple of Poseidon.

Having had your fill of Athens, a tour of the mainland is in order. With ancient history and idyllic landscape as its focus, this 4 day classical tour will take you through Peloponnesian fields to ancient Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games, via Mycenae and Epidaurus. In Delphi, you will visit the Oracle in which Pythia would prophesy to consult on war campaigns. Finally, you will hike up to a Byzantine Monastery in Meteora, the awe-inspiring valley in which gigantic rock pillars sprout up from the earth in stupefying fashion.

Time to sail through the Aegean in style by joining a cruise to the Greek islands as well as the Turkey coastline! Visit prime Cycladic destinations like the vibrant Mykonos and the volcanic islands of Milos and Santorini, after experiencing the influence of the Byzantine Empire in the city of Thessaloniki. Join an optional tour of Ancient Ephesus in Asia Minor and taste unique delicacies in Crete before opting to explore the Palace of Knossos. Immerse yourself in the spirituality of the Dodecanese with Patmos' Biblical past coming to life!

If you want your visit to Greece to include ‘the whole package’, make the smart choice and book today!

Arrival in Athens: Every Sunday (May-October)

3 nights accommodation in Athens
4 day tour (3 overnights) to Olympia, Delphi & Meteora (Tourist class - accommodation at 3-star hotels)
7 night “Idyllic Aegean” Cruise to the Greek islands and Turkey by Celestyal Cruises (standard inside cabin cat IA’ - upgrade is possible at extra cost - on Celestyal Crystal), including on-board dining, complimentary essential WiFi* for all guests, filter coffee, tea, water and juice throughout the day (6am-10pm), unlimited free soft drinks in the main restaurants with meals, port fees & taxes, and crew gratuities
Full day Athens city & Cape Sounion tour
Entrance fees during guided sightseeing
Transfer service as per itinerary
Meals: 13 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 10 dinners
VAT for all services

Not included:

International airfare
Personal expenses, meals not indicated in the itinerary, beverages etc.
Customary tips to your drivers, guides and escorts
VISA expenses (if applicable)
Stayover hotel tax (to be paid directly to the hotels)
Port & service charges on Celestyal cruise

Optional: You can upgrade the Athens full day group tour or the 4-day Classical group tour into a private one, at additional cost.

Sunday – Arrival in Athens
On arrival you will meet our welcome representative at the airport and have all your questions answered. Your personal driver will then transfer you to your selected hotel. Take the rest of the day to explore Athens and get to know its center, from the iconic monuments to the charming taverns hidden in every alley.
Overnight: Athens
Meals: -
Monday – Athens Full Day Sightseeing Tour with Cape Sounion
After breakfast we will meet you at your hotel or close by, in order to start the Full Day Athens Sightseeing Tour from the Acropolis to Cape Sounion. This full day trip will take you to all the famous sites of Athens, and expose you to both the ancient and the contemporary history of the city. A perfect overview of the historic city, which includes not only the Acropolis, the trademark monument of the capital, but also the Panathenaic Stadium, home to the first Olympic Games of the modern era and the Acropolis Museum, which features nearly 4,000 exhibits, among many more. A traditional Greek lunch at a local restaurant is included and after a fulfilling culinary experience you will drive along the Athenian coast to reach Cape Sounion, where the remains of the Temple of Poseidon still stand and offer a spectacular panoramic view of the blue sea as it spreads endlessly on the horizon.
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Tuesday – Tour of Peloponnese
Early in the morning, you will partake in a classical tour of the historic Greek mainland for the next 4 days. Leave by the coastal road to the Corinth Canal, a marvel of modern engineering and make a short stop to stretch your legs and take pictures. From modern to ancient engineering as your drive on to the Theatre of Epidaurus, famous for its remarkable acoustics. Hop back on the bus and proceed to the charming town of Nafplion –the first capital of the modern State of Greece- with another short stop on schedule. The back-and-forth between the two eras continues as you reach Mycenae to visit the Treasury of Atreus where the Tomb of Agamemnon is located. Back on the road once more through the stunning landscape of Central Peloponnese, past the major towns of Tripoli and Megalopolis to finally reach Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games.
Overnight: Olympia
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Wednesday – Visit Ancient Olympia
In the morning you will visit ancient Olympia, the most celebrated sanctuary in ancient Greece. Located in the beautiful, lush valley on the confluence of Kladeos and Alpheios rivers, the region is known worldwide as the birthplace of the Olympic Games. On site you can see the Temple of Olympian Zeus, built in the late 5th century in honour of the King of Gods, the ancient Stadium, which features a vaulted tunnel entrance and a judges’ stand, and the workshop of Pheidias, arguably the most famous sculptor in the history of Greece. The Archaeological Museum of Olympia contains a collection of terracottas, bronze artifacts, Greek & Roman sculptures and various items pertaining to the Olympic Games. Afterwards, drive on through the plains of Ilia and Achaia and over the magnificent cable bridge of Rio-Antirio to arrive in Delphi, where you will spend the night.
Overnight: Delphi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Thursday – Visit Delphi
The archaeological site of Delphi was a place of immeasurable important in ancient Greece, due to the presence of the famous Oracle, a spiritual place which Greek leaders of antiquity consulted before launching any major campaigns. Nowadays a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it features the remains of the Panhellenic Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of Athenians, the Stadium where the Pythian Games where held and the Ancient Theatre, built on a slope with an awe inspiring, chaotic view of the Pleistos river valley. After a morning visit to the Archaeological Site and the Museum –where the famous Charioteer is exhibited- start your trip for Kalambaka, a small town situated at the foot of the astonishing rock formations of Meteora.
Overnight: Kalambaka
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Friday – Visit Meteora and Return to Athens
There is one surefire way to describe the first time to lay eyes upon the valley of Meteora; breath-taking! The landscape seems to havbe been lifted straight out of a Tolkien novel, as gigantic rock pillars rise from the earth to reach heights of even 630 meters (almost 2,000 feet). This rare geological phenomenon would be impressive on its own, but once you notice the Byzantine monasteries perched on top these grandiose pillars, you are overcome by the juxtaposition of the raw power of nature compared to the humble ingenuity of humankind. Built there to stave off invasions, the monasteries sprinkle a note of spirituality on the genearl feeling of awe that the landscape brings out to every visitor. You will have the chance to hike to one or two monasteries before returning to Athens in the evening.
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast
Saturday – Embark on Cruise
You have the morning free to roam about Athens as you please. If you haven’t gotten any shopping done yet, here is your chance! In the heart of the city, Ermou and the surrounding streets are full of stores, while if you are looking for souvenirs for your friends back home, head to Monastiraki with its multitude of quaint little shops. At noon, our assistant will meet you at your hotel and drive you though the bustling city to the port for embarkation on your cruise ship.
Overnight: On board
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Sunday – Arrival in Thessaloniki
The first stop in your cruise will be Thessaloniki, the largest city of northern Greece. Intertwined with the Byzantine Empire, Thessaloniki bears the mark of the era with a multitude of churches, monasteries and arches that still adorn its every corner. Food culture in north Greece is quite different, so don’t miss out on a chance to expand your culinary horizons, perhaps in the famous Ladadika district. Lastly, have some coffee in Thessaloniki’s iconic waterfront, where the White Tower, the city’s signature landmark, stands proud.
Overnight: On board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Monday – Arrival in Kusadasi
Today you will dock on Turkish soil, specifically in the resort town of Kusadasi. The Ancient City of Ephesus will provide the setting for a shore excursion. The importance of Ephesus as a trading and cultural center of antiquity cannot be overstated, and a visit to the archaeological site will illustrate why. Although today only a few ruins remain, Ephesus was home to Artemision, a temple dedicated to the Goddess Artemis and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Goddess of hunt, wilderness and the Moon was worshipped in Ephesus, where a cult that is described in literature as ‘Amazonian’ is said to have originated. On site you can also find the Library of Celsus, the Basilica of Saint John, aqueducts and other Roman constructions.
Overnight: On board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tuesday – Arrival in Crete (Heraklion)
The largest city on Crete, Heraklion is a hub for the island and a great place to sample the unique cuisine of Crete, which effortlessly combines local ingredients with Oriental spices to create a festival of flavors. If you wish to do some sightseeing, you are in luck! The Minoan Palace of Knossos is in close proximity and an optional excursion will introduce you to one of the first civilizations in Europe. Knossos was a cultural beacon for the island since the Neolithic era, with the palace steadily becoming the ceremonial and political center of the Minoans. During its peak, around 1700 BCE, the surrounding area boasting a population of around 100,000 inhabitants.
Overnight: On board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wednesday – Explore Santorini
Leaving Crete, you will sail in the Aegean to reach Santorini, a route common during antiquity, as on the island of stupendous golden sunsets, lies the settlement of Akrotiri, which is riddled with Minoan art. Santorini’s volcanic past has graced the island with naturally occurring hot springs, a Red Beach & a Black Beach and of course the caldera, the submerged volcano of Thira on which the island rests. Take some time to explore the capital of Fira and taste its exquisite local wines.
Overnight: On board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Thursday – Arrival in Mykonos
You have the whole day at your disposal to explore the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos. Chora, the main town and only one of two settlements of the island features the beautiful Alefkandra, known to locals as Little Venice, a great place to have some coffee or grab a light lunch before embarkation. Alternatively, you walk to the instantly recognizable Mykonian Windmills and the Church of Panagia Paraportiani for a more traditional experience of the island. If you haven’t gotten your shopping done yet, Matogianni street is home to stylish shops and elegant galleries full of quality items for you and your loved ones. Late in the evening you will hop on the cruise ship and sail through the Aegean to reach Milos, your final destination in this cruise.
Overnight: On board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Friday – Experience Milos
For your last stop in the Aegean, we have chosen Milos, perhaps the epitome of a Cycladic island. Sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, whitewashed houses and cobblestoned streets can be found everywhere from the main town of Adamas to the tiniest fishing village. If you wish to explore Milos in depth, there are two areas that must fit in your schedule no matter what. The first is the beach of Sarakino, where white volcanic rocks have been patiently sculpted by the winds and the sea into shapes that seem to belong to a lunar surface. The second is a visit to the village of Klima and specifically in the Syrmata district. Colorful houses in this district are carved into the rocks and they are typically owned by fishermen. More often than not they have two stories, the top floor serving as living quarters, while the ground floor is used to store their fishing boats on those winter days when the sea is raging.
Overnight: On board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Saturday – Return to Athens for departure
After breakfast you will disembark in the port of Athens where your personal driver will be waiting to transfer you to the Athens International Airport for your return flight home.
Overnight: -
Meals: Breakfast

Sunday – Arrival in Athens
On arrival you will meet our welcome representative at the airport and have all your questions answered. Your personal driver will then transfer you to your selected hotel. Take the rest of the day to explore Athens and get to know its center, from the iconic monuments to the charming taverns hidden in every alley.
Overnight: Athens
Meals: -
Monday – Athens Full Day Sightseeing Tour with Cape Sounion
After breakfast we will meet you at your hotel or close by, in order to start the Full Day Athens Sightseeing Tour from the Acropolis to Cape Sounion. This full day trip will take you to all the famous sites of Athens, and expose you to both the ancient and the contemporary history of the city. A perfect overview of the historic city, which includes not only the Acropolis, the trademark monument of the capital, but also the Panathenaic Stadium, home to the first Olympic Games of the modern era and the Acropolis Museum, which features nearly 4,000 exhibits, among many more. A traditional Greek lunch at a local restaurant is included and after a fulfilling culinary experience you will drive along the Athenian coast to reach Cape Sounion, where the remains of the Temple of Poseidon still stand and offer a spectacular panoramic view of the blue sea as it spreads endlessly on the horizon.
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Tuesday – Tour of Peloponnese
Early in the morning, you will partake in a classical tour of the historic Greek mainland for the next 4 days. Leave by the coastal road to the Corinth Canal, a marvel of modern engineering and make a short stop to stretch your legs and take pictures. From modern to ancient engineering as your drive on to the Theatre of Epidaurus, famous for its remarkable acoustics. Hop back on the bus and proceed to the charming town of Nafplion –the first capital of the modern State of Greece- with another short stop on schedule. The back-and-forth between the two eras continues as you reach Mycenae to visit the Treasury of Atreus where the Tomb of Agamemnon is located. Back on the road once more through the stunning landscape of Central Peloponnese, past the major towns of Tripoli and Megalopolis to finally reach Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games.
Overnight: Olympia
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Wednesday – Visit Ancient Olympia
In the morning you will visit ancient Olympia, the most celebrated sanctuary in ancient Greece. Located in the beautiful, lush valley on the confluence of Kladeos and Alpheios rivers, the region is known worldwide as the birthplace of the Olympic Games. On site you can see the Temple of Olympian Zeus, built in the late 5th century in honour of the King of Gods, the ancient Stadium, which features a vaulted tunnel entrance and a judges’ stand, and the workshop of Pheidias, arguably the most famous sculptor in the history of Greece. The Archaeological Museum of Olympia contains a collection of terracottas, bronze artifacts, Greek & Roman sculptures and various items pertaining to the Olympic Games. Afterwards, drive on through the plains of Ilia and Achaia and over the magnificent cable bridge of Rio-Antirio to arrive in Delphi, where you will spend the night.
Overnight: Delphi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Thursday – Visit Delphi
The archaeological site of Delphi was a place of immeasurable important in ancient Greece, due to the presence of the famous Oracle, a spiritual place which Greek leaders of antiquity consulted before launching any major campaigns. Nowadays a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it features the remains of the Panhellenic Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of Athenians, the Stadium where the Pythian Games where held and the Ancient Theatre, built on a slope with an awe inspiring, chaotic view of the Pleistos river valley. After a morning visit to the Archaeological Site and the Museum –where the famous Charioteer is exhibited- start your trip for Kalambaka, a small town situated at the foot of the astonishing rock formations of Meteora.
Overnight: Kalambaka
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Friday – Visit Meteora and Return to Athens
There is one surefire way to describe the first time to lay eyes upon the valley of Meteora; breath-taking! The landscape seems to havbe been lifted straight out of a Tolkien novel, as gigantic rock pillars rise from the earth to reach heights of even 630 meters (almost 2,000 feet). This rare geological phenomenon would be impressive on its own, but once you notice the Byzantine monasteries perched on top these grandiose pillars, you are overcome by the juxtaposition of the raw power of nature compared to the humble ingenuity of humankind. Built there to stave off invasions, the monasteries sprinkle a note of spirituality on the genearl feeling of awe that the landscape brings out to every visitor. You will have the chance to hike to one or two monasteries before returning to Athens in the evening.
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast
Saturday – Embark on Cruise
You have the morning free to roam about Athens as you please. If you haven’t gotten any shopping done yet, here is your chance! In the heart of the city, Ermou and the surrounding streets are full of stores, while if you are looking for souvenirs for your friends back home, head to Monastiraki with its multitude of quaint little shops. At noon, our assistant will meet you at your hotel and drive you though the bustling city to the port for embarkation on your cruise ship.
Overnight: On board
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Sunday – Arrival in Thessaloniki
The first stop in your cruise will be Thessaloniki, the largest city of northern Greece. Intertwined with the Byzantine Empire, Thessaloniki bears the mark of the era with a multitude of churches, monasteries and arches that still adorn its every corner. Food culture in north Greece is quite different, so don’t miss out on a chance to expand your culinary horizons, perhaps in the famous Ladadika district. Lastly, have some coffee in Thessaloniki’s iconic waterfront, where the White Tower, the city’s signature landmark, stands proud.
Overnight: On board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Monday – Arrival in Kusadasi
Today you will dock on Turkish soil, specifically in the resort town of Kusadasi. The Ancient City of Ephesus will provide the setting for a shore excursion. The importance of Ephesus as a trading and cultural center of antiquity cannot be overstated, and a visit to the archaeological site will illustrate why. Although today only a few ruins remain, Ephesus was home to Artemision, a temple dedicated to the Goddess Artemis and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Goddess of hunt, wilderness and the Moon was worshipped in Ephesus, where a cult that is described in literature as ‘Amazonian’ is said to have originated. On site you can also find the Library of Celsus, the Basilica of Saint John, aqueducts and other Roman constructions.
Overnight: On board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tuesday – Arrival in Crete (Heraklion)
The largest city on Crete, Heraklion is a hub for the island and a great place to sample the unique cuisine of Crete, which effortlessly combines local ingredients with Oriental spices to create a festival of flavors. If you wish to do some sightseeing, you are in luck! The Minoan Palace of Knossos is in close proximity and an optional excursion will introduce you to one of the first civilizations in Europe. Knossos was a cultural beacon for the island since the Neolithic era, with the palace steadily becoming the ceremonial and political center of the Minoans. During its peak, around 1700 BCE, the surrounding area boasting a population of around 100,000 inhabitants.
Overnight: On board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wednesday – Explore Santorini
Leaving Crete, you will sail in the Aegean to reach Santorini, a route common during antiquity, as on the island of stupendous golden sunsets, lies the settlement of Akrotiri, which is riddled with Minoan art. Santorini’s volcanic past has graced the island with naturally occurring hot springs, a Red Beach & a Black Beach and of course the caldera, the submerged volcano of Thira on which the island rests. Take some time to explore the capital of Fira and taste its exquisite local wines.
Overnight: On board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Thursday – Arrival in Mykonos
You have the whole day at your disposal to explore the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos. Chora, the main town and only one of two settlements of the island features the beautiful Alefkandra, known to locals as Little Venice, a great place to have some coffee or grab a light lunch before embarkation. Alternatively, you walk to the instantly recognizable Mykonian Windmills and the Church of Panagia Paraportiani for a more traditional experience of the island. If you haven’t gotten your shopping done yet, Matogianni street is home to stylish shops and elegant galleries full of quality items for you and your loved ones. Late in the evening you will hop on the cruise ship and sail through the Aegean to reach Milos, your final destination in this cruise.
Overnight: On board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Friday – Experience Milos
For your last stop in the Aegean, we have chosen Milos, perhaps the epitome of a Cycladic island. Sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, whitewashed houses and cobblestoned streets can be found everywhere from the main town of Adamas to the tiniest fishing village. If you wish to explore Milos in depth, there are two areas that must fit in your schedule no matter what. The first is the beach of Sarakino, where white volcanic rocks have been patiently sculpted by the winds and the sea into shapes that seem to belong to a lunar surface. The second is a visit to the village of Klima and specifically in the Syrmata district. Colorful houses in this district are carved into the rocks and they are typically owned by fishermen. More often than not they have two stories, the top floor serving as living quarters, while the ground floor is used to store their fishing boats on those winter days when the sea is raging.
Overnight: On board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Saturday – Return to Athens for departure
After breakfast you will disembark in the port of Athens where your personal driver will be waiting to transfer you to the Athens International Airport for your return flight home.
Overnight: -
Meals: Breakfast

Cruise itineraries are subject to change or to be canceled by the shipping company with or without prior notice.
The shipping company reserves the right to substitute the cruise vessel with a similar one & also to amend the departure/arrival port at any time with or without prior notice.
In Mykonos, Milos and Santorini disembarkation will be implemented by tender boats, as long as the weather permits it.
You are kindly requested to check with your Embassy/Consulate whether you need to obtain a multiple-entry Schengen visa for the above cruise itinerary, depending on your country of origin.
Please make sure your identification cards, passports and multiple entry Schengen visas are valid and up to date.
Please note that the tour dates, cruise itinerary, ports of call, sailing dates and vessel are subject to change at any moment, without prior notice. Please consult our agents for further information.
You can upgrade the Athens full day group tour or the 4-day Classical group tour into a private one, at additional cost.
In case of a private Athens full day tour that falls on Sunday or Holiday, supplement applies.
During the cruise, essential WiFi allows web browsing, emails and select messaging apps