HIGHLIGHT

Eastern Mediterranean

Vacation with Style
You’ll take pleasure in the quality and location of Insight’s touring hotels, enjoy our unique Premium Highlights and indulge in delicious Highlight Dinners. Whether you are taking in uninterrupted views of the magical Greek Islands or relaxing on the sun deck of a Nile cruise ship, you will find everything you need on an Insight vacation.

Service from Start to Finish
Insight is one of the most experienced and respected tour operators in the region, which ensures quality service throughout your tour. As part of Insight’s inclusive vacation policy in the region, complimentary arrival and departure transfers between the airport and your tour hotel are included no matter when you land. Standards of accommodation and grading can be very different from the rest of Europe; and cruise ships are obviously not like those in the Caribbean; however Insight has secured some of the best touring hotels and cruise vessels available in order to ensure a memorable experience.
The countries covered on the Ancient Civilisations programme are unique, and Insight’s specialist staff will keep you fully informed if irregular changes need to be made to itineraries to accommodate events such as religious festivals.

Experts in Every Field
The expertise and vast experience of Insight’s Tour Directors and the knowledge of Insight’s local guides will ensure a truly rewarding journey through these fascinating lands. Hear about the legend of Poseidon from the maritime sailors aboard your Greek islands odyssey, learn about the Ottoman Empire as you glide by centuries-old palaces on the Bosphorus and take in the wonders of Giza as your Tour Director shares his knowledge of Egyptian history. Insight’s representatives will be with you every step of the way to bring these ancient treasures to life and to ensure a hassle-free and truly memorable experience.

Cruise in Comfort
Adventurers have sailed the waters upon which you will travel for thousands of years. Your experience, however, will be considerably more comfortable than the journeys taken by ancient kings and queens. Insight’s mid-sized Louis Lines ships around the Aegean and Greek islands and our carefully selected vessels on the River Nile will guarantee as much. Sun decks with plunge pools, cabaret entertainment and al fresco dining options will be at your fingertips as you cruise the picture postcard Greek Islands or watch the wonders of the ancient world glide by on the Nile.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 – ATHENS AT LEISURE

Transfer to your tour hotel. Later, enjoy a Welcome Drink. Hotel: Metropolitan. (dinner)

DAY 2 – ATHENS SIGHTSEEING

Your sightseeing tour this morning includes a visit to the Acropolis to admire the Parthenon. Then see the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch. (Buffet breakfast)

DAY 3 – ATHENS – OLYMPIA

Cross the Corinth canal and continue to Mycenae. Walk through the Lion Gate and visit the Beehive Tombs. Continue to Olympia. Hotel: Antonios. (Buffet breakfast, dinner)

DAY 4 – OLYMPIA – DELPHI

See Olympia's ancient sites then continue to Delphi. Ascend the Sacred Way, past the Treasury of the Athenians to the Temple of Apollo. Hotel: Amalia. (Buffet breakfast, dinner)

DAY 5 – DELPHI – KALAMBAKA

Head for the amazing monasteries of Metéora, perched on pinnacles of rock. Visit one of the monasteries and enjoy the mountain views. Hotel: Divani. (Buffet breakfast, dinner)

DAY 6 – KALAMBAKA – ATHENS

A scenic drive to Thermopylae. See the memorial to Leonidas before returning to Athens. Hotel: Metropolitan. (Buffet breakfast)

DAY 7 – CRUISING – MYKONOS

Day at leisure. Late afternoon, board your cruise ship. (Buffet breakfast, Dinner, Supper)

DAY 8 – ISTANBUL

Enjoy the cruise ship's facilities as you cruise to Istanbul. (Buffet breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Supper)

DAY 9 – CRUISING – ISTANBUL

A full day to explore this exotic city! As evening falls, cruise along the Bosphorus to start an overnight voyage (Full breakfast, Lunch, dinner, Supper)

DAY 10 – CRUISING – MYKONOS

After a pleasant morning's cruise, arrive at the pretty island of Mykonos. (Full breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Supper)

DAY 11 – CRUISING - KUSADASI

Arrive early at the island of Patmos. before continuing to Kusadasi, - maybe visit ancient Ephesus? Tonight enjoy a Greek Evening and Dinner. (Full breakfast, Lunch, Specialty Highlight Dinner, Supper)

DAY 12 – CRUISING - RHODES

A whole day to explore Rhodes, the 'Island of Roses'. Meet the Captain at dinner tonight. (Full breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Supper)

DAY 13 - CRUISING - SANTORINI

The morning is devoted to Heraklion on the island of Crete - site of the ruins of King Minos' Palace of Knossos. Later, depart for Santorini with it's towering cliffs and white cuboids houses. (Full breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Supper) 

DAY 14 - ATHENS AT LEISURE

This morning disembark and return to your Athens hotel for time at leisure (Full breakfast) 

DAY 15 - ATHENS

There are transfers to the airport ( (Buffet breakfast) 

PRICES & DATES

REFERENCE: I988A STARTS: ATHENS SATURDAYS

Additional Cruise Information

Port taxes & crew gratuities
Compulsory Supplement - All Grades $246

Notes 

Prices are US$ per person sharing a twin room. 

TG These departures are guaranteed to operate.

Jul 07, 14, 28. Aug 11, 25. Sep 01, 08, 15, 22, 29.

Tours depart Tuesdays and return Saturdays.

Please note: Vessels and/or ports of call may be re-scheduled at short notice. See page 149.

Additional Visa requirement

Ask your Travel Agent about visa for this tour