New! 2018 The Aegean Islands, Athens & Ephesus

16 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Map not provided by operator
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
99%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Group Tour
In Greece, the cradle of Western civilization beckons to you with its proud monuments, sun-drenched isles, and friendly people. Journey to Greece on this Small Ship Adventure and discover the enduring treasures of antiquity, from the Temple of Apollo to the monasteries of Meteora. Then enjoy a Greek island cruise aboard Grand Circle’s private small ship, whic...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Explore Delphi, including the Temple of Apollo where the oracle once prophesied
    • Visit the recently renovated Delphi Archaeological Museu
    • Enjoy the ride by coach to the towering rock formations, which are built the famous monasteries of Meteora
    • Experience the cruise to Mykonos, and explore this vacation spot
    • Enjoy short cruise to Delos. The mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis
    • Visit to the Basilica of St. John, constructed in the fifth century over the tomb

What's this trip about?

    In Greece, the cradle of Western civilization beckons to you with its proud monuments, sun-drenched isles, and friendly people. Journey to Greece on this Small Ship Adventure and discover the enduring treasures of antiquity, from the Temple of Apollo to the monasteries of Meteora. Then enjoy a Greek island cruise aboard Grand Circle’s private small ship, which holds two groups of just 25 travelers, and explore millennia-old settlements layered deeply in myth and history. Visit Delos, birthplace of Apollo … volcanic Santorini … bustling Syros … and Kusadasi, gateway to ancient Ephesus. Crown your Aegean cruise with two nights in Athens, where centuries of history mingle with modern sensibilities for an atmosphere like no other.

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityAthens
End CityAthens

Travel Themes

  • Local Immersion & Homestays
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Greece

Attractions

  • Acropolis
  • Archaeological Museum of Athens
  • Athens
  • Delphi
  • Ephesus
  • Meteora
  • Mykonos
  • Santorini

Activities

  • Cooking
  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History
  • Nature
  • Sailing
  • Short Cruise

Trip includes

    • International airfare, airport transfers, government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges, unless you choose to make your own air arrangements
    • Accommodations for 3 nights at the Hera Hotel or similar, 2 nights at the Nafsika Palace or similar, 2 nights at the Meteora Hotel or similar, and 7 nights aboard our private small ship, the M/V Athena
    • 31 meals: All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 11 dinners—including 5 meals in local restaurants—plus all onboard house beer & wine, as well as soft drinks
    • 10 included tours with personal headsets and 4 exclusive Discovery Series events—Greek cooking class, Home-Hosted Dinner, Home-Hosted Lunch, Carpet weaving discussion
    • Local Trip Leaders, a Grand Circle Cruise Line exclusive: These dedicated experts are with you (and no more than 25 travelers) every step of the way to provide insider’s knowledge and the perspective that will enrich your experience
    • Gratuities for local guides and motorcoach drivers
    • All port charges: a value of $250 per person
    • Baggage handling for 1 piece of luggage per person, including tips
    • 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward your next Grand Circle trip—an average of $386

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart U.S.

Fly from the U.S. to Athens, Greece.

Day 2: Athens, Greece

Accommodations: Hera Hotel,  St. George Lycabettus Hotel or similar

You'll be met at the Athens airport and assisted to your Athens hotel to join passengers coming from the Ancient Glories: Olympia, Nafplion & Athens pre-trip extension. This afternoon, enjo...

Day 3: Arachova, Greek Cooking Class

Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodations: Nafsika Palace or similar

After breakfast, travel overland across the Thessaly Plain before climbing the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Enjoy lunch on your own along the way. Later, you'll reach the pictur...

Day 4: Arachova, Delphi

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Nafsika Palace or similar VERY ACTIVE DAY

See Physical Requirements

Today, absorb the majesty of ancient Delphi, including the Temple of Apollo where the oracle once prophesied. This ancient sanctuary is b...

Day 5: Arachova, Kalambaka

Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodations: Meteora Hotel or similar

This morning, travel overland through a landscape studded with rocky pinnacles to Kalambaka. Enjoy lunch on your own en route. After your afternoon arrival, the balance of the day is yours to make your own discoveries. This evening, enjoy an included dinner at your hotel.

Day 6: Kalambaka, Meteora, Home-Hosted Dinner

Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodations: Meteora Hotel or similar

This morning, ride by coach to the towering rock formations, on top of which are built the famous monasteries of Meteora. You'll enjoy breathtaking views from this unique setti...

Day 7: Kalambaka, Athens, Embark Ship

Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodations: M/V Athena

After breakfast, begin your return transfer to Athens, where you will embark your small ship. You will have time for lunch on your own before you arrive.

This evening, meet your crew and enjoy a Welcome Drink followed by dinner. During the night, your ship sails toward the island of Syros.

Day 8: Syros, Mykonos

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodations: M/V Athena

This morning, explore Syros—whose main port town, Ermoupolis, is the capital of the Cyclades. This is the largest of the island ports that you'll visit. In the late 19th century, it w...

Day 9: Delos, Kusadasi, Turkey

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodations: M/V Athena

This morning, take a short cruise to Delos. The mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, Delos has been settled for more than 5,000 years. You'll stroll among the restored remna...

Day 10: Kusadasi, Ephesus, Carpet Weaving Discussion, Patmos, Greece  Foundation Visit

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodations: M/V Athena

Disembark your small ship in Kusadasi this morning and head out to probe the ruins of nearby Ephesus—one of the best-preserved and most extensive (2,000 acres) classical Greco-Roman c...

Day 11: Patmos

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodations: M/V Athena

This morning, explore the beautiful and rugged island of Patmos, named a Sacred Island by the Greek government in 1981 and long a popular pilgrimage site. According to Roman legend, t...

Day 12: Santorini, Naxos

Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodations: M/V Athena

Alight from your ship this morning and take in the exquisite beauty of Santorini. This remarkable island is the remnant of the rim of a volcanic caldera, much of which was blasted away by a ...

Day 13: Naxos, Home-Hosted Lunch, Captain's Farewell Dinner

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodations: M/V Athena

Early this morning, ride across Naxos to the village of Kourounochari, then hike to Melanes—a valley hamlet rich with fruit and olive trees. You'll visit a garden where a half-finishe...

Day 14: Athens, Disembark Ship

Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodations: Hera Hotel,  St. George Lycabettus Hotel or similar

Disembark your ship this morning for a full day of discoveries in Greece’s capital, beginning with a visit to one of its most defining sites—the ancie...

Day 15: Athens

Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodations: Hera Hotel,  St. George Lycabettus Hotel or similar

After breakfast, the day is yours to do as you please. You may choose to visit the National Archaeological Museum, considered one of the greatest and...

Day 16: Athens, Return To U.S.

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flights home or begin your post-trip extension in Cappadocia, Turkey.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $6,595
Price per day$412
Last Updated: 7/15/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T. Tours).

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T. Tours) Reviews & Ratings

4.9/5  Excellent
Excellent
442
Great
13
Average
8
Disappointing
0
Terrible
7
Write a Review

Other Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T. Tours) Reviews

P

Policy over practical customer service. zero customer service

Dec 2023

Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T. Tours) Company Reviewsby Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T. Tours)

don't expect humanity or common sense

This letter is effectively what was communicated no less than 8 times in writing and conversation to OAT representatives up the chain, beginning 19 days before the t...

Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T. Tours) Company Reviewsby Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T. Tours)

Trip of a Lifetime

Our recent Tanzanian Safari was indeed the trip of a lifetime. Saw the big 5, met the wonderful locals and spent 5 days in the Serengeti. Saw many lions, zebras, gi...

T

Terry

Feb 2023

Written on

Be careful

Booked for July and gave them $12,000. They talked us into early arrival and then come back to us a two months later saying we can't offer. We have to keep our airli...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T. Tours)

none
View Profile

Overseas Adventure Travel offers unique small group adventures worldwide to Americans over 50. By land and sea, we explore on—and off—the beaten path with a resident OAT Trip Leader, immersing ourselves in local cultures, sampling unique modes of transportation, and staying in authentic lodgings that reflect the essence of your destination. Grand Circle Small Ship Cruises serves both our GCT and OAT brands with an award-winning fleet known for exceptional value and high-quality experiences in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Custom-designed according to our travelers’ specifications, our fleet includes 50+ small river and ocean-going ships that we own or privately charter.

Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprise—comprised of a family of travel companies—committed to changing people’s lives by offering high-impact experiences to our travelers and building local communities through philanthropy, social entrepreneurship, and volunteerism.

Simply by traveling with OAT, you support the work of the nonprofit Grand Circle Foundation, which was created with the mission of changing people’s lives through travel—both those of our travelers, and of the people who welcome us so warmly into their homelands.

Journey with the Leader in Adventure Travel and Watch Your Dreams Take Flight: It is the stuff of dreams: gazelles bowing to lap at a glassy pool in the Serengeti as the vast sky turns purple with night, the tiered splendor of the Himalayas, rising behind a Tibetan monastery. Dreams like these are everyday realities for OAT travelers, thanks to the principles which ground every OAT adventure: value, choice, discovery, and carefully paced itineraries.

Our Value puts your travel dreams within reach: OAT can help you realize your travel dreams for a lot less than you thought possible. Together with our regional offices located throughout the world, we’ve been able to establish long-term relationships with many local vendors and hotels. Buying direct brings down our costs—and allows us to pass the savings on to you. And negotiating directly for hotel space also allows us to secure as many single room allotments as possible for our solo travelers. That way, we can also extend our great value to solo travelers. In fact, we offer the best value for solo travelers, guaranteed.

The Choice is yours: You’ll always have plenty of choices with OAT. We offer you a breadth of awe-inspiring travel destinations—from the peaks of the Andes to the sweeping desert sands of the Sahara to the rugged natural beauty of Iceland. You'll also enjoy more trip extension choices than ever before—like hiking to ancient monasteries in Bhutan or discovering the Moai monolithic rock statues on Easter Island. You have plenty of choices within each adventure, too, including several interesting optional tours. And the free time we’ve woven into our itineraries allows you plenty of opportunities for independent exploration. You can shop, unwind, perhaps linger at a sidewalk café, visit an interesting gallery or museum, or explore a cobbled street that caught your eye earlier in the day. You can do as much or as little as you want on an OAT adventure—the choice is yours.

OAT Difference

Adventure Travel: Adventure travel with OAT is a journey beyond the familiar, one that takes you into the very heart of a destination—to meet people where they work and live.

OAT Advantages: Journey with the leader in adventure travel and watch your dreams take flight, thanks to the principles which ground every OAT adventure: value, choice, discovery, and carefully paced itineraries.

Small Groups, Big Discoveries: When you discover the world in an OAT small group, you’ll journey off the beaten path to the places the big tour groups miss—and enjoy an intimate, discovery-filled adventure filled with personal connections, shared experiences, and treasured memories.

Trip Leaders: No matter where in the world you venture with OAT, you'll have one of our resident, expert Trip Leaders by your side. All are fluent in English and possess the skills, certification, and experience necessary to ensure an enriching adventure.

Airport Transfers: We’ve listened to your feedback, and will now offer international airport transfers to and from your hotel to our travelers who choose to purchase their own airfare on OAT adventures as part of our Personalize Your Trip program, which allows you create the OAT adventure that's right for you.

Personalize your trip: OAT travelers have long expressed the desire to decide exactly where they’re going, how they get there, and when they wish to leave. That’s why we developed a variety of choices that enhance the value of every trip we offer, allowing you to create the adventure that works best for you.

Traveling solo? Enjoy your own room or cabin—at no extra cost: You’re in control of your travel dreams—and we’re making them more affordable than ever: Maybe you prefer the freedom of solo travel—or maybe you and your usual traveling companion can’t agree on a destination. Whatever the reason, you don’t have to put your travel dreams on hold. When it’s time to go it alone, you’ll never pay a Single Supplement to have your own room or cabin with OAT.

What they’re known for
Small group tours for seniors and retirees wanting an international adventure, especially solo female travelers.

Associations

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Accommodation

,Ships: M/V Athena Owned, operated, and staffed by Grand Circle Cruise Line, this ship was designed exclusively for two small groups of just 25 travelers. This award-winning vessel features spacious common areas, including a lounge/bar with inviting leather couches and soft chairs. Topside, a Sun Deck has classic wooden deck chairs for admiring the scenery. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available throughout your ship; connectivity may be limited in certain locations on your itinerary. Hotels: Hera Hotel Athens, Greece The Hera Hotel is ideally situated near the Acropolis and other archaeological sites, and is within walking distance of public transit. The hotel's 38 air-conditioned rooms include coffee- and tea-making facilities, high-speed wireless Internet access, telephone, a private bath with a hair dryer, and a safe. St. George Lycabettus Hotel Athens, Greece Located at the foot of Lycabettus Hill, overlooking the city of Athens, the Superior First-Class St. George Lycabettus is also close to the exclusive shopping area of Kolonaki. Rooms are contemporary style, most have balconies, and all are air-conditioned and equipped with satellite TV, telephone, minibar, and private bath. Hotel Meteora Kalambaka, Greece Situated in an idyllic natural setting on the outskirts of Kalambaka (about a 20-minute walk from its center), the Hotel Meteora offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and is just a short distance to the famed monasteries of Meteora. Hotel amenities include a restaurant and outdoor swimming pool. There are 63 air-conditioned rooms, each with telephone, satellite TV, minibar, hair dryer, and private bath. Nafsika Palace Itea, Greece Conveniently located in the heart of Itea and walking distance to the sea, Nafsika Palace features a bar and restaurant. Each air-conditioned room includes satellite TV, Internet, safe, minibar, and private bath with hair dryer.
Cancellation policy

Cancellations:

a) If you must cancel your trip, you may do so by calling 1-800-221-0814, by selecting the “contact us” link on our website www.oattravel.com,, or by letter. Send letters of cancellation to: Overseas Adventure Travel, 347 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210. Cancellation charges will be calculated as of the date we receive your cancellation. Cancellation charges and refunds shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of this Passenger Agreement. If you are due a refund, you first must return your air tickets and, if applicable, cruise tickets to Operator. Any applicable refunds will be returned to you in the manner in which payment was made, and processed within 30 days of receipt of your cancellation.

b) Processing Fee: All cancellations made later than twenty-one days after booking are subject to a non-refundable fee of $300 and additional cancellation charges per the schedule below. Cancellations made within 21 days after booking will be subject to the same fee, unless the reason for canceling given at the time of cancellation is your rejection of these Terms and Conditions prior to acceptance. This $300 fee reflects only Operator's costs of administering a reservation.

c) Cancellation Charges Generally: Unless otherwise stated next to the program’s rate chart, you will receive a refund equal to your Trip Price (which excludes the cost of the non-refundable Travel Protection Plan) less the following per-person charges. Charges shown include the $300 administrative fee.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information

Physical Requirements

Pacing
  • 15 days, with 7 nights aboard M/V Athena, three two-night hotel stays, and one single-night hotel stay
Physical Requirements
  • Walk 3 miles unassisted and participate in 6-8 hours of physical activities each day
  • Our activities include up to two hours of walking on uneven surfaces uphill, with several sets of stairs (up to 60 stairs, consecutively) in Delphi on Day 4
  • Agility, balance, and strength are required for possible rough seas
  • Not accessible for travelers using wheelchairs or scooters
  • Travelers using walkers, crutches, or other mobility aids must travel with a companion who can assist them, and may not be able to participate in all activities
  • We reserve the right for Trip Leaders to restrict participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their limitations impact the group’s experience
Terrain & Transportation
  • Uneven walking surfaces, unpaved paths, hills and rocky slopes, and stairs
  • Gangway incline can be steep when docked at a pier
  • Travel by 50-passenger small ship, 45-seat coach, and funicular 
  • The M/V Athena does not have elevators onboard
  • You must be cleared by a country’s local port authorities before disembarking
  • Weather conditions and tides may require adjustments to your itinerary
Climate
  • Daytime temperatures range from 63-92°F during cruising season; June-August are warmest months
Trip ID
overse-NewTheOve

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >