Your Greek Odyssey Package

Greek Odyssey

MSC Cruises

 

  18 Nights

  Mediterranean

  MSC Cruises

  PA1NG18L




An in-depth Greece trip for history buffs and lovers of Greek food and culture. You’ll enjoy traditional dinner and dancing on an olive farm, travel to the enchanting island of Corfu and explore ancient sights like Mycenae, Olympia and Delphi you’ve read about in history books.


Your Fly, Cruise & Tour Package Includes:

  • Return economy class flight from Sydney to Athens
  • 1 night 4-star accommodation in Athens with breakfast
  • 7 night Mediterranean cruise onboard MSC Musica, Athens return
  • All onboard meals in complimentary dining venues & selected non-alcoholic beverages
  • A wide range of onboard activities & entertainment
  • 10 night Secrets of Greece guided tour with Trafalgar, Athens return
  • Includes cherry-picked hotels, 13 meals, must-see sightseeing, return ferry to Corfu, expert Travel Director plus more
  • Transfers throughout
  • Port charges, fees onboard your cruise & airline taxes

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 13-31 May 2023

Single traveller pricing available. Please speak to one of our travel consultants for more details


Cruise Itinerary:

Date

Itinerary

Arrive

Depart

14 May 23

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

-

10.00 pm

15 May 23

Santorini, Greece

8.00 am

6.00 pm

16 May 23

Kusadasi, Turkey

8.00 am

6.00 pm

17 May 23

At Sea

-

-

18 May 23

Haifa (Jerusalem), Israel

8.00 am

8.00 pm

19 May 23

Limassol, Cyprus

7.00 am

2.00 pm

20 May 23

Mykonos, Greece

4.00 pm

-

21 May 23

Mykonos, Greece

-

2.00 am

21 May 23

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

8.00 am

-


Secrets of Greece Itinerary:

Day 1

Welcome to Athens

Venture back to a time when great philosophers roamed the halls of the Agora and gods competed for mythical supremacy. Your journey delving into the treasures of Greece begins in its vibrant capital, which you will have an opportunity to explore after being transferred to your hotel. Kick off your in depth discovery of what was once the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation' this evening, when you meet your Travel Director and travel companions for a Welcome Reception.

Day 2

Journey to Epidaurus and Nafplion

We journey to a land of legends this morning. Our leisurely drive takes us to the scenic northeast Peloponnese and past the impressive Corinth Canal, which straddles two gulfs. Our first stop is the ancient theatre of Epidaurus and the Sanctuary of Asclepius, God of Medicine, whose snake-entwined staff remains the symbol of medicine to this day. Take to the stage and hear first-hand the magnificent acoustics that would entertain over 14,000 spectators, then spend the rest of the day exploring the Venetian-inspired seaport of Nafplion. Amble past its Neoclassical mansions or enjoy a traditional meal against the scenic backdrop of the bay.

Day 3

A Day Exploring Mycenae

We continue our journey inland and join a Local Specialist for a guided visit of Mycenae, its ruins remain as a testament of what was once an important palatial centre of the late Bronze Age in Greece. Stroll through the Lion Gate and Agamemnon's Royal Palace, before seeing the tomb of this fearless Greek leader who commanded the Greeks in their battles against Trojan forces. This afternoon, we Dive Into Culture and sample delicious local vintages, gaining insights into wine production in the Nemea region. We'll have free time to stroll through the seaside retreat of Nafplion, perhaps with a delicious Greek ice cream in hand.

Day 4

Onwards to Ancient Olympia

Crossing the Peloponnese, we head towards the famous village of Olympia, where sacrifices were once made to the gods, and athletes competed for supremacy in the ancient Olympic Games. Visit the ruins of temples, the museum and the stadium, with our Local Specialist, imagining agile runners racing in honour of Zeus. This evening, we Connect With Locals joining the Karambellas family on their olive and wine farm for a traditional Be My Guest experience including dinner and dancing.

Day 5

Off to Nikopolis and Sail to Corfu

We leave the Peninsula and return to mainland Greece, continuing north past Amphilochia and Preveza, before arriving in Nikopolis to see where the Battle of Actium took place. Boarding a ferry, we cross to the beautiful island of Corfu where we have some time at leisure to admire its splendid architecture, arcades and Spianada, one of the largest and most impressive squares in Greece.

Day 6

A Day to Discover Amazing Corfu

Begin your day with an orientation tour of the island, followed by a visit to the Venetian Castle and the Monastery of Palaiokastritsa. Later, we stop at the Phaeacian-styled Achilleion Palace, built by Elizabeth 'Sissi' Empress of Austria and Hungary, who so admired Greece and its culture that she decided to build anenchanting summer retreat here. Stroll through its Imperial Gardens and enjoy magnificent views of the lush valley and glistening Ionian Sea beyond before returning to your hotel for an evening on your own terms.

Day 7

Continue on to Lakeside Ioannina

We bid farewell to island living on Corfu and sail back to the mainland, continuing to the lively lakeside city of Ioannina, where we spend the rest of the day at leisure. Stroll along the tranquil lakeshore and through the Old Town to admire its Ottoman and Byzantine treasures, including the imposing castle that overlooks Lake Pamvotis.

Day 8

Journey to Meteora and Mount Pelion

The delicious flavours of Metsovone cheese provide a fitting start to our day. We continue to Kalambaka where a Local Specialist will reveal the famous Byzantine Monasteries of Meteora that stand almost impossibly perched atop colossal boulders. Pass the seaside town of Volos before arriving into Portaria.

Day 9

Admire Thermopylae, Delphi and on to Galaxidi

Traversing the peaks of Parnassos and Giona, we stop in Thermopylae, the mythical entrance to Hades and the site where Leonidas and his 300 Spartans fought bravely against the invading Persians. Join a Local Specialist for a guided visit to Delphi, the seat of the most important oracle in the classical world. Walk the Sacred Way to the 4th-century Temple of Apollo and ramble through what remains of this ancient sanctuary, once the site of the Pythian Games, a precursor of the modern Olympics. The seaside village of Galaxidi is our final stop for the day.

Day 10

Return to Athens

We return to cosmopolitan Athens for a day of delving into antiquity, coming face-to-face with the treasures of Ancient Greece. We ascend to the Acropolis and join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour with magnificent views of Athena's Parthenon, the Agora, Royal Palace and Temple of Zeus. See Hadrian's Arch, built to celebrate the arrival of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, and view the stadium where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896. On our final evening together, we join our fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner to celebrate the millennia and miles explored together on this epic voyage of discovery.

Day 11

Farewell Athens

We bid farewell to Athens and newfound friends as we prepare to depart Greece.




* Conditions apply. Offer is limited, subject to availability and change without notice. Promotion is correct and valid at the time of publication. Booking and full supplier terms and conditions apply. Valid for new bookings only and not combinable with any other offer (unless stated).

Prices listed are per person in Australian/New Zealand Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest inside category available at the time. Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 13 September 2022 and can be withdrawn without notice.   Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge. Airfares are based on economy class flights from Sydney and are subject to the carriers’ flight schedules and conditions, please call us for prices from other cities.