2022 & 2023 Guided Tours - Cosmos® Affordable Tours

Greece & Aegean Islands Cruise (6660)

15 Day Tour from Athens to Athens

2027 Tour Details View 2026 Tour Details »

You've seen photos of the ancient Athens Acropolis, dating back to the 5th century BC—now’s your chance to see it in person. You've watched the Olympics on TV—now is your chance to visit Olympia, legendary home of the first Olympic Games. You've dreamed of cruising in the Greek Islands—now’s your chance to sail into the deep-blue waters of the Aegean Sea and experience these islands yourself. All of this and more await you on this budget-minded Greece tour and cruise. Step back in time on your guided visits to many of Greece's historic sites. In addition to the Athens Acropolis, visit the archaeological site of Mycenae, dating back to 1350 to 1200 BC; the amazingly well-preserved, 2,300-year-old open-air theatre in Epidaurus, which still seats 14,000 spectators; and the medieval Byzantine Citadel of Mystra, a castle founded in 1249. You’ll also visit the spectacular mountain landscape of Meteora with its 24 rock-top monasteries set in almost inaccessible sandstone peaks.

Continue your Greece vacation on a 4-night cruise on the Aegean Sea, cruising to some of the world’s most beautiful islands. Visit Mykonos, Greece's most famous and cosmopolitan island, with its seafront village, sandy beaches, and whitewashed houses. Explore Kusadasi, Turkey, and visit Patmos, where St. John the Divine wrote the Revelation. Call at the island of Rhodes, home to one of Europe's largest medieval towns with ramparts and palaces built during the Crusades. Discover Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands featuring towns nestled picturesquely between two mountain ranges; and explore Santorini (weather permitting), a dormant volcano offering one of the world's most breathtaking panoramas. Picturesque fishing villages, sparkling blue waters, and ancient sites offer the perfect mix for the vacation of a lifetime. Your spectacular Greek tour and cruise is truly an affordable dream vacation!

The world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors, Cruise Hosts, and Local Guides, complimentary headsets on tour and on shore excursions, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi. Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!

Your Tour Includes:
• Guided sightseeing in Athens, including a visit to the Acropolis
• Corinth Canal crossing
• Visit to the Epidaurus archaeological theatre
• Guided walking tour of Mycenae
• Orientation tour of Mystras, featuring the Byzantine citadel
• Visit to an olive oil museum en route to Olympia
• Orientation tour of Delphi
• Orientation tour of Meteora
• 4-night Iconic Aegean Cruise on the Celestyal Discovery including visits to Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete, and Santorini.
• Visit to Kusadasi

Start Now. Go Later: Save $400 per couple on select 2027 Cosmos vacations worldwide*
Greece & Aegean Islands Cruise map

 Photo Highlights

 Meals

 Meals & Itinerary

Buffet breakfasts daily; 4 lunches; 7 dinners


Notes:

Please ask your Travel Consultant for cruise ship details. The ship scheduled to depart for the cruise portion of your vacation is the Celestyal Discovery, operated by Celestyal Cruises.

This tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.

The Greek Government has introduced a Sustainable Tourism Development Fee to all cruise tourists. This tax is applicable when a guest disembarks at a Greek island or mainland port. With your consent, Celestyal will facilitate the collection of these fees through your onboard account.

CRUISE DETAILS

Prices are based on Inside cabin (category IB) - All air-conditioned cabins with private shower and toilet. Upgrades available.

Rotation of ports of call may vary for congestion reasons at certain ports with or without prior notice.

Full entertainment program on board.

Included soft drinks with meals, and unlimited filter coffee, tea, water, and juice throughout the day.

Cosmos Host service throughout the cruise.

 Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE

Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to start exploring the Greek capital with the help of your CosmosGO app. Later, meet your Local Host.

ATHENS-STREET-SCENE.jpg

Day 2 ATHENS

A day to relax and discover Athens at leisure. In the evening, free time to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the tavernas and nightclubs in the old Plaka district with its narrow streets and sound of bouzouki music.

ATHENS-PLAKA-AGORA.jpg

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 3 ATHENS–CORINTH–NAUPLIA

Join the included guided tour of Athens, featuring the highlights of this ancient capital and a visit to the Acropolis. Cross the Corinth canal, a project conceived in ancient Greece but only completed in 1893, then head for the coast to the picturesque seaside town of Nauplia.
Today’s Distance: 90 mi/ 145 km

ATHENS-ACROPOLIS.jpg

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 4 NAUPLIA–EPIDAURUS–MYCENAE–SPARTA

This morning, stop in Epidaurus, located in the hilly countryside dotted with pine trees and oleanders. In this magnificent setting, visit the ancient open-air theatre, which can still seat 14,000 spectators. Later, enjoy the included guided excursion to the archaeological site and museum of Mycenae, with the imposing ruins of the great city that dominated the eastern Mediterranean world from the 15th to the 12th century B.C. It played a vital role in the development of classical Greek culture and is linked to the Homeric epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey. Travel into the Peloponnese to Sparta, where history hangs between reality and legend.
Today’s Distance: 126 mi/ 202 km

EPIDAURUS-THEATER.jpg

Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 5 SPARTA–MYSTRA–OLYMPIA

Enjoy the included sightseeing of the medieval Byzantine citadel of Mystra, at one time known as the “Florence of the East.” Before arriving in Olympia, stop to visit an olive oil museum.
Today’s Distance: 99 mi/ 160 km

MYSTRA.jpg

Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 6 OLYMPIA–PATRAS–DELPHI

Explore Olympia, where the athletes of antiquity performed as a tribute to the king of deities, Zeus. Spend free time in this pretty town or score a perfect 10 with an optional guided tour of the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Later, drive north to Patras, the capital of the Peloponnese and the west coast’s largest port. Continue by crossing the spectacular Rion-Antirion bridge, through the picturesque fishing villages along the south coast of the mainland to legendary Delphi.
Today’s Distance: 134 mi/ 215 km

OLYMPIA.jpg

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 7 DELPHI–KALAMBAKA

Enjoy free time in town or feel the good fortune of an optional morning sightseeing tour of the archaeological site of Delphi, where the oracle of Apollo spoke at the site of the omphalos, the 'navel of the world.’ Blending harmoniously with the superb landscape and charged with sacred meaning, Delphi in the 6th century B.C. was indeed the religious hub and symbol of unity of the ancient Greek world. On to Kalambaka.
Today’s Distance: 143 mi/ 230 km

DELPHI-TEMPLE.jpg

Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 8 KALAMBAKA–METEORA–ATHENS

Discover Meteora, a cluster of Christian-Orthodox monasteries perched in an unforgettable manner on a set of rising rock formations. They were originally built by hermit monks living in caves carved into the rocks. Your included visit is certainly the day’s highlight. Continue south to Athens.
Today’s Distance: 224 mi/ 360 km

METEORA.jpg

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 9 ATHENS

Spend a full day at leisure exploring the unseen parts of the city or visiting a museum. Tonight, it’s all Greek with an optional dinner of local specialties, served with the rhythmic dance steps of the Sirtaki keeping time with the sounds of the bouzouki lute.

ATHENS-CARYATUD-PORCH.jpg

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 10 ATHENS–EMBARKATION PORT–MYKONOS

Morning embarkation and afternoon cruising in the Aegean. Arrive this evening in Mykonos, a granite island and the most typical of the Cyclades. Its white and blue houses, windmills, and chapels make the island’s light even more translucent. Spend some time visiting a taverna or just wandering around the town, enjoying its timeless beauty.

MYKONOS.jpg

Breakfast Breakfast
LunchLunch
DinnerDinner

Day 11 KUSADASI, TURKEY & PATMOS, GREECE

Two ports of call await today. First, Kusadasi on the Turkish coast. Consider joininig an optional morning shore excursion to the fascinating Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus. Next, discover the tiny Greek island of Patmos, where St. John the Divine wrote Revelation. The 11th-century monastery with its valuable manuscript collection is well worth a visit.



KUSADASI-VIEW.jpg

Breakfast Breakfast
LunchLunch
DinnerDinner

Day 12 RHODES

Dock in Rhodes, largest of the Dodecanese Islands and site of the legendary Colossus of Rhodes, a 105-foot statue destroyed by an earthquake in 224 BC. Why not join the optional shore excursion to Lindos and the Citadel of the Knights? Later, why not explore the historic Old City with its ramparts and palaces built by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades. If sightseeing is not your preference, Rhodes’ sun-drenched beaches and vibrant shopping districts are within easy walking distance of the port.

RHODES.jpg

Breakfast Breakfast
LunchLunch
DinnerDinner

Day 13 CRETE & SANTORINI

Spend the morning in Heraklion on the island of Crete. A few miles away is Knossos, the hub of the 3000-BC Minoan civilization, calling you to join an optional shore excursion to explore the ancient sites. Next port of call (weather permitting) is Santorini, the “Black Pearl of the Aegean.” Breathtaking beauty is a sure thing on an optional shore excursion up to the cliff-top village of Oia for one of the world’s most breathtaking panoramas.

SANTORINI.jpg

Breakfast Breakfast
LunchLunch
DinnerDinner

Day 14 DISEMBARKATION PORT–ATHENS

Early morning docking at Athens’ port; disembark and drive to Athens. Enjoy a free day to explore more of this amazing city.

ATHENS-CRUISING.jpg

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 15 ATHENS

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

ATHENS-SKYLINE.jpg

Breakfast Breakfast

 Accommodations

 Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyCosmos site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 CAD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 CAD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 CAD)
$$$$ (Over $150)


Athens
Nauplia
Olympia
Delphi
Greek Island Cruise

Athens

Saronic Islands Cruise

Saronic Islands Cruise

Visit three Greek islands and enjoy lunch on board your modern cruise ship.

Price Range: $$$$

Greek Dinner & Culture

Greek Dinner & Culture

Enjoy an unforgettable evening of authentic Greek food, culture and music at this fun dining experience.

Price Range: $$$

Nauplia

Caïque Boat to Bourtzi and Taverna Dinner

Caïque Boat to Bourtzi and Taverna Dinner

Discover one of Nauplia's most popular landmarks, the Fortress of Bourtzi, on this remarkable evening excursion that includes dinner and Greek bouzouki music at a local taverna.

Price Range: $$

Olympia

Discover Ancient Olympia

Discover Ancient Olympia

This ancient site is the most famous of Greek sanctuaries, where Zeus was worshiped and where his ivory and gold statue was counted among the Seven Wonders of the World.

Price Range: $$

Delphi

The Wonders of Ancient Delphi

The Wonders of Ancient Delphi

Experience the magic of Delphi, home to Apollo's famous Oracle, as you visit the Delphi Archaeological Site and its impressive museum.

Price Range: $$

Greek Island Cruise

Mykonian countryside tour with Chora and Little Venice

Mykonian countryside tour with Chora and Little Venice

Experience the essence of Mykonos on a captivating journey through its most celebrated sights and landscapes. Accompanied by your guide, depart from Chora on a scenic drive that leads to the inviting shores of Kalafatis Beach. Enjoy some leisure time to soak up the coastal views or pause for a light refreshment. The route then takes you inland to the authentic village of Ano Mera, where you¿ll visit the historic monastery of Panagia Tourliani, dating back to the 16th century. Take time to wander around the quaint village square before heading back toward Chora. Discover the island¿s cultural treasures with visits to the striking church of Panagia Paraportiani and the Mykonos Folklore Museum. Your excursion finishes in the charming waterfront quarter of Little Venice and Alefkandra, famous for their brightly colored houses, iconic windmills, and magical sunsets.

Price Range: $$$

Unmissable moments, bundled for less: Ancient Ephesus & Minoan Palace of Knossos

Unmissable moments, bundled for less: Ancient Ephesus & Minoan Palace of Knossos

Experience the best of the Mediterranean with this exceptional excursion bundle, offering outstanding value and the opportunity to explore more for less¿significantly cheaper than booking each experience separately. On one day, uncover the timeless wonders of Ephesus, one of Turkey's most remarkable ancient cities. Once a thriving centre of Roman life, its grand streets and monuments reveal a captivating story of the past. With your expert guide, discover highlights including the Agora, the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the elegant Temple of Hadrian, while learning about the legacy of the nearby Temple of Artemis¿one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. You'll also enjoy free time to browse local shops and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. On another day, step into the world of myth and early civilisation at the legendary Palace of Knossos, the heart of Minoan Crete. Once home to King Minos, this fascinating site brings ancient history vividly to life as you explore the Throne Room, grand staircase, and the Queen's quarters. Your journey continues in lively Heraklion, where a guided walk introduces Liberty Square, the Basilica of St. Mark, the Morosini Fountain, and bustling Dedalou Street¿bringing your experience to a memorable close.

Price Range: $$$$

Unmissable moments, bundled for less: Ancient Ephesus, Palace of Knossos and Acropolis of Lindos

Unmissable moments, bundled for less: Ancient Ephesus, Palace of Knossos and Acropolis of Lindos

Enjoy outstanding value by combining these enriching experiences into one carefully curated bundle-operated on different days so you can explore each destination at a relaxed, immersive pace. Step back in time in Ephesus, one of Turkey's most impressive ancient cities and a former centre of Roman life. With your expert guide, uncover highlights such as the Agora, Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, and Temple of Hadrian, while discovering the legacy of the nearby Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, before free time to browse and explore. On another day, delve into the fascinating Palace of Knossos in Crete, once home to King Minos. Explore its legendary halls, including the Throne Room and grand staircase, before continuing to Heraklion to discover lively squares, historic landmarks, and bustling streets. Complete your experience in Rhodes, beginning in charming Lindos beneath its dramatic Acropolis. Wander narrow lanes, visit the Church of Panagia, and, for those who wish, climb to the Temple of Athena for sweeping views. Your journey continues in Rhodes Old Town, where cobbled streets and the Street of the Knights reveal a rich medieval past.

Price Range: $$$$

Unmissable moments, bundled for less: Ancient Ephesus, Palace of Knossos, Acropolis of Lindos and Spectacular Oia Village

Unmissable moments, bundled for less: Ancient Ephesus, Palace of Knossos, Acropolis of Lindos and Spectacular Oia Village

Enjoy exceptional value by combining these inspiring experiences into one expertly curated bundle¿operated on different days so you can explore each destination at a relaxed and rewarding pace. Step back in time in Ephesus, one of Turkey's most remarkable ancient cities and a former centre of Roman life. With your expert guide, discover highlights such as the Agora, Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, and Temple of Hadrian, while learning about the nearby Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. You¿ll also have free time to explore and soak up the local atmosphere. Continue your journey through history in Crete at the legendary Palace of Knossos, once home to King Minos, before exploring lively Heraklion. In Rhodes, wander the charming village of Lindos beneath its dramatic Acropolis and stroll through Rhodes Old Town's medieval streets. On another day, experience the breathtaking beauty of Santorini, where sweeping caldera views, whitewashed villages, and sparkling blue waters await. Visit iconic Oia, famed for its picture-perfect setting, blue-domed houses, and unforgettable views across the Aegean.

Price Range: $$$$

Ancient Ephesus through the ages-Hellenistic and Roman

Ancient Ephesus through the ages-Hellenistic and Roman

Uncover the timeless wonders of Ephesus on an inspiring journey through one of Turkey's most extraordinary ancient cities. Once a thriving centre of Roman life, Ephesus offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, along with the legacy of the nearby Temple of Artemis, celebrated as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Led by an expert local guide, stroll along the ancient streets and explore remarkable highlights including the Agora, the elegant Library of Celsus, the marble-paved main Street of Kouretes, the impressive Great Theatre, Trajan's Fountain, Hadrian's Temple, the Houses of the Patricians. After your guided tour, enjoy free time to browse local shops and soak up the atmosphere.

Price Range: $$$$

Countryside tour with Chora and the Grotto of Apocalypse

Countryside tour with Chora and the Grotto of Apocalypse

Set foot on the enchanting island of Patmos, a UNESCO World Heritage gem, and begin your discovery at the lively port of Skala. Journey towards the center of the island to the picturesque village of Chora, where history and spirituality meet. Visit the sacred Grotto of the Apocalypse, believed to be the place where St. John received his divine revelation. Admire the grandeur of the Monastery of St. John the Evangelist and the three famous windmills located nearby. As your exploration continues, discover the island's raw beauty - rugged hills, dramatic coastlines, hidden coves, and sweeping sea views that define the Dodecanese landscape. Your experience concludes back in Skala, where the charming and historic Arion café invites you to unwind with a refreshing drink in a truly atmospheric setting.

Price Range: $$$

Acropolis of Lindos and the citadel of the Knights

Acropolis of Lindos and the citadel of the Knights

Experience the rich heritage and enduring charm of Rhodes on this fascinating journey. Your exploration begins in the picturesque village of Lindos, set beneath its dramatic Acropolis. Accompanied by your guide, wander through its narrow lanes, passing beautifully preserved captains¿ houses from the 16th to 18th centuries, before visiting the village's heart-the Church of the Virgin Mary (Panagia), renowned for its remarkable 15th-century frescoes. To delve deeper into the island's ancient legacy, climb around 300 steps to the Acropolis of Lindos. At the summit, discover the striking Doric Temple of Athena, built upon the remains of an earlier shrine and overlooking what was once a thriving and powerful city-state at its height in the 6th century BC. Your journey continues in Rhodes Old Town. Enter through the impressive D'Amboise Gate and stroll along the historic Street of the Knights, where imposing medieval residences-each marked with the crests of their respective orders-stand as a testament to the island's storied past.

Price Range: $$$$

Minoan Palace of Knossos - 1st European Civilisation

Minoan Palace of Knossos - 1st European Civilisation

Step into the birthplace of Europe¿s earliest civilization with a visit to the legendary Palace of Knossos. Once home to King Minos, this remarkable Minoan site reveals a world of myth and history brought vividly to life by your expert guide. Wander through fascinating highlights including the majestic Throne Room, the grand sweeping staircase, and the elegant Queen¿s quarters, uncovering the secrets of a culture that shaped the ancient world. Your journey continues in vibrant Heraklion, where a guided stroll introduces you to the city¿s rich heritage. Take in the charm of Liberty Square, the historic Basilica of St. Mark, the iconic Morosini Fountain, and the lively Dedalou shopping street before returning to your ship enriched by this unforgettable experience.

Price Range: $$$$

Spectacular Oia Village Perched on the Caldera Rim

Spectacular Oia Village Perched on the Caldera Rim

Discover the dramatic beauty of Santorini, where volcanic landscapes and dazzling sea views create one of Greece's most iconic settings. Your journey begins with a stunning panoramic drive, revealing soaring landscapes, sweeping caldera views, whitewashed villages, and sapphire waters dotted with tiny islands. Arrive in the picture-perfect village of Oia, perched high above the caldera and brimming with Cycladic charm. Enjoy free time to wander its winding marble-paved lanes, admire the blue-domed houses, browse charming boutiques, or simply relax in a café and watch this postcard-perfect scene come to life.

Price Range: $$$

 Private Touring

Private Touring: Cosmos European Private Touring enables you to experience all of the attractions, sights and highlights of your selected Cosmos tour as a private experience - delivered just for you and your traveling party. With Private Touring, you'll have your own dedicated Tour Director, your own private transportation and driver, and your own professional local guides. All with greater flexibility in pace and your experience. For your selected tour, there will be additional per-person cost for the size of your party - from 1 to 24. This additional supplement is reduced with each traveler you add to your party. Here's a sample of the additional cost:

6 guests in a party: $1,640*
18 guests in a party: $388*

Contact Cosmos or your preferred travel agent for pricing for your specific party size as well as any other information on Cosmos Private Touring.

*Supplement pricing is per person (CA) and will be added to the standard published price for your given departure date and is based on availability. Supplement price is valid for 2021 travel year. Occasionally some included and optional activities & excursions may be operated with other guests. Additional restrictions may apply. Not applicable for custom groups. No Group allowances or promotions are available on Private Touring. Published itineraries only. Note that blackout dates may exist where the Private Touring option is not available.


The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.