Greece by Land & Sea: Ancient Wonders & Aegean Cruise
September 27, 2027 thru October 8, 2027
Explore the ancient treasures of mainland Greece before setting sail on a relaxing Aegean cruise to legendary Mediterranean destinations. Discover the timeless beauty of Greece on an unforgettable journey that combines the country’s most celebrated historical treasures with authentic cultural experiences. From the iconic Acropolis in Athens to the legendary sites of Mycenae, Epidaurus, and Olympia, you’ll walk in the footsteps of ancient civilizations while exploring picturesque villages, tasting regional wines and olive oils, and learning to prepare traditional Greek cuisine during a hands-on cooking class.
Your adventure concludes with a relaxing four-night Aegean cruise aboard Celestyal Cruises. Enjoy the comfort of a balcony stateroom as you sail to captivating ports, including the remarkable ruins of Ancient Ephesus and the medieval island of Rhodes. Blending history, breathtaking scenery, delicious cuisine, and warm Greek hospitality, this land and sea experience offers the perfect introduction to one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.
About Your Cruise Ship – Celestyal Discovery
Your island adventure continues aboard the Celestyal Discovery, a stylish, recently refurbished boutique cruise ship designed specifically for exploring the Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean. Its smaller size allows for a more intimate cruising experience while providing easy access to ports that larger ships often cannot visit. Guests enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, attentive service, inviting lounges, multiple dining venues, outdoor decks, a swimming pool, spa, fitness center, and nightly entertainment, making it the perfect home away from home as you sail the Aegean.
Balcony Stateroom Accommodations
Your cruise includes a comfortable Balcony Stateroom, offering your own private outdoor space to enjoy spectacular sunrise views, refreshing sea breezes, and the beautiful Aegean coastline. Each stateroom is thoughtfully appointed with either one queen-size bed or two twin beds (subject to availability), a private bathroom with shower, individually controlled air conditioning, television, telephone, hairdryer, safe, and ample storage space. Whether relaxing after a day of sightseeing or enjoying morning coffee on your private balcony, your stateroom provides a welcoming retreat throughout your cruise.
Included Cruise Amenities:
Your 4-night Celestyal cruise includes:
- Balcony stateroom accommodations
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Select beverages with meals and at onboard venues
- Complimentary Wi-Fi package
- Included guided shore excursions in Ancient Ephesus (Kusadasi) and Rhodes
- Daily onboard entertainment and enrichment activities
- Access to the ship’s pool, lounges, fitness center, and public spaces
This boutique cruise experience perfectly complements your land tour, combining immersive sightseeing with the comfort and convenience of unpacking only once while exploring several remarkable destinations.
Click Here to access more information from Celestyal.
Air
Roundtrip economy air transportation from ABQ
Transportation
Deluxe Motorcoach
Cruise
4 Night Cruise in Balcony Suite
Celestyal Discovery
Activity Level
4 Active
Duration
12 Days, 11 Nights
Meals
All meals aboard ship included
27 meals (10 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners) included
Availability
Available
Documents Required
Passport
Tour Highlights
- Discover Historic Athens – Explore Greece’s vibrant capital, including the iconic Acropolis and the charming Plaka district.
- Experience Authentic Greek Culture – Enjoy a traditional dinner featuring live folk music and energetic Greek dancing.
- Explore Legendary Ancient Sites – Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, and the Acropolis.
- Taste the Flavors of Greece – Tour an olive oil estate, savor regional wines, and participate in a hands-on Greek cooking class.
- Visit Charming Nafplio – Stroll one of Greece’s most beautiful seaside towns, known for its Venetian architecture and inviting waterfront.
- Relax on a 4-Night Aegean Cruise – Sail aboard Celestyal Cruises in a balcony cabin with meals, beverages, Wi-Fi, and included shore excursions.
- Walk Through Ancient Ephesus – Explore one of the world’s best-preserved Greco-Roman archaeological sites during an included guided excursion.
- Discover Medieval Rhodes – Wander the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Rhodes, where medieval walls, cobblestone streets, and centuries of history await.
Inclusions
- Roundtrip air transportation from ABQ (not including baggage & in-flight charges)
- 4 night cruise in a Balcony Suite on the Celestyal Discovery
- 6 nights in deluxe hotels with all service charges, taxes and porterage included
- 27 meals (10 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners)
- Baggage handling (for one piece)
- All meals aboard ship included
- Your SUN TOURS Tour Director and Escort
- Shipboard gratuities (not including optional activities)
- Government fees & air taxes
Day 1 - Depart for Greece
Your Greek adventure begins as you board your overnight international flight to Athens. Sit back, relax, and look forward to an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s oldest civilizations, where ancient history, breathtaking scenery, and warm hospitality await.
Day 2 - Welcome to Athens
Upon arrival in Athens, you’ll be welcomed by your Tour Director and transferred into the heart of the city. Begin your introduction to Greece with a leisurely walking tour of the charming Plaka district, Athens’ oldest neighborhood. Wander its picturesque cobblestone streets lined with colorful shops, inviting cafés, and historic buildings while soaking in views of the Acropolis towering above.
Enjoy a traditional Greek lunch before checking into your hotel for a two-night stay. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to settle in and relax before gathering this evening for a welcome dinner featuring delicious local cuisine.
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Athens & the Acropolis
After breakfast, discover the fascinating history of Greece’s capital on a guided sightseeing tour. Visit the legendary Acropolis, where the magnificent Parthenon has overlooked Athens for nearly 2,500 years. Learn about the city’s rich past while enjoying spectacular panoramic views from this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. Browse local boutiques, enjoy a coffee at a sidewalk café, visit one of Athens’ many museums, or simply wander through the lively streets of Plaka.
Tonight, experience the warmth of Greek culture during a festive dinner accompanied by traditional folk music and energetic dancing.
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Corinth Canal & Nafplio Region
Depart Athens and journey into the scenic Peloponnese Peninsula. Stop at the impressive Corinth Canal, where towering limestone walls frame one of Greece’s most remarkable engineering achievements connecting the Aegean and Ionian Seas.
Continue to a family-owned olive oil estate to learn about one of Greece’s oldest traditions. Tour the groves, discover the olive oil production process, sample award-winning oils, and enjoy a farm-fresh lunch featuring regional specialties.
Later, arrive in the beautiful seaside village of Tolo and settle into your hotel for a two-night stay. This evening, travel to nearby Nafplio, one of Greece’s most picturesque towns, for dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Tolo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Epidaurus & Greek Cooking Experience
Today’s adventure begins at the spectacular Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, renowned throughout the world for its extraordinary acoustics and remarkably preserved architecture. Imagine the performances that once captivated audiences over two thousand years ago as your guide brings this remarkable site to life.
Enjoy lunch in a beautiful orange grove surrounded by fragrant citrus trees before heading to Nafplio for a hands-on Greek cooking class. Learn to prepare traditional recipes using fresh local ingredients, then sit down to enjoy the delicious meal you’ve created while sharing stories with your fellow travelers.
Overnight: Tolo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Mycenae, Pottery & Wine Country
This morning, explore the legendary ruins of Mycenae, once home to King Agamemnon and one of the most powerful civilizations of the Bronze Age. Walk through the famous Lion Gate and discover the fascinating history behind this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Continue to a traditional pottery workshop where skilled artisans preserve centuries-old techniques. Watch demonstrations, learn about the craft’s history, and browse handcrafted pieces.
Later, visit a local winery nestled among the vineyards. Sample regional wines paired with a leisurely lunch before continuing to Olympia for an overnight stay and dinner at your hotel.
Overnight: Olympia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Olympia & Return to Athens
Step back in time as you visit Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Explore the sacred sanctuary, temples, and athletic grounds where competitors from across the ancient Greek world gathered in peaceful competition. Your guide will share the fascinating traditions that continue to inspire the modern Olympic Games.
Enjoy free time for lunch before beginning the scenic drive back to Athens. After checking into your hotel, relax before enjoying dinner with your group and reminiscing about the memorable experiences you’ve shared across mainland Greece.
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 - Embark Your Aegean Cruise
Following breakfast, transfer to Lavrio Port to board your modern Celestyal cruise ship for an unforgettable four-night voyage through the sparkling waters of the Aegean Sea.
Settle into your comfortable balcony cabin, explore the ship’s amenities, and enjoy lunch as your floating hotel sets sail. Your cruise includes daily meals, a beverage package, Wi-Fi, and included shore excursions, allowing you to simply relax and enjoy every moment of your island adventure.
Overnight: Onboard
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 - Kusadasi & Ancient Ephesus
Today’s included shore excursion takes you to the magnificent ruins of Ancient Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean and an important center of Greek, Roman, and early Christian history.
Walk along marble streets as you visit remarkable landmarks including the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Grand Theatre, and the ancient Agora. Learn about the Temple of Artemis—once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—and gain insight into daily life during the height of the Roman Empire.
Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time to browse local shops offering handmade carpets, leather goods, jewelry, and regional souvenirs.
Overnight: Onboard
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 - Medieval Rhodes
Arrive on the beautiful island of Rhodes, where medieval history blends seamlessly with Mediterranean charm. Your included shore excursion introduces you to one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, surrounded by impressive stone walls built by the Knights of St. John.
Stroll through narrow cobblestone streets filled with charming shops, cafés, and historic landmarks while learning about the island’s fascinating past. Return to the ship to continue your relaxing voyage through the Aegean.
Overnight: Onboard
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 - A Relaxing Day at Sea
Enjoy a leisurely day aboard your cruise ship as you sail through the beautiful Aegean Sea. Take in spectacular ocean views from your balcony, unwind by the pool, attend onboard activities, or indulge in the ship’s many dining options.
Whether you choose to relax with a good book, enjoy live entertainment, or simply watch the islands drift by, today offers the perfect opportunity to recharge before returning home.
Overnight: Onboard
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 - Farewell Greece
Following breakfast, disembark your cruise in Lavrio and transfer to Athens International Airport for your return flight home.
As your journey comes to an end, you’ll take with you unforgettable memories of Greece’s ancient monuments, picturesque villages, flavorful cuisine, welcoming people, and the stunning beauty of the Aegean Sea—memories that will last a lifetime.
Meals: Dinner
Itinerary subject to change. Passport required.
Fun Facts
Islands
Greece has approximately 6,000 islands and islets, of which around 227 are inhabited. Notable islands include Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, and the Cyclades.
Acropolis
The Acropolis has been a place of settlement and worship since the Neolithic period. It served as a religious and ceremonial center dedicated primarily to the goddess Athena, the patroness of Athens.
Olympic Games
The ancient Olympic Games were held every four years from 776 BC to 393 AD, attracting athletes and spectators from all over the Greek world.
Temple of Artemis
The Temple of Artemis was renowned for its grandeur and architectural beauty, earning its place as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Package Pricing
$8,815
Double occupancy
Deposit: $250
$11,395
Single occupancy
Deposit: $250
Final Payment Due:
May 20, 2027
Deposit: N/A
Price Includes
• Roundtrip air transportation from ABQ (not including baggage & in-flight charges)
• 4 night cruise in a Balcony Suite on the Celestyal Discovery
• 6 nights in deluxe hotels with all service charges, taxes and porterage included
• 27 meals (10 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners)
• Baggage handling (for one piece)
• All meals aboard ship included
• Shipboard gratuities (not including optional activities)
• Government fees & air taxes
• Your SUN TOURS Tour Director escort (with 15 or more travelers)
Booking Policy
**PASSPORT REQUIRED**
CANCELLATION FEES:
- None through May 20, 2027
- $250 – May 21 – June 21, 2027
- 60%* – June 22 – July 21, 2027
- 100% after July 21, 2027
*Fee as percentage of total package price.
We pride ourselves on great service and an enjoyable experience for all and will go over our booking policies after you make your request for booking. If you’d like to learn more about our booking policies before your trip, give us a call at (505) 889-8888.
Travel Insurance
In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to help protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer a Travelex Insurance Services protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection is encouraged and starts at $1,112. Please click here for more information.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
The activity level for this tour is 4 - active.
Expectations: The tour includes well-paced walking tours with regular breaks. Up to 3-5 hours of walking each day. To fully take advantage of all this tour has to offer, guests need to be able to walk longer distances, climb several flights of stairs and navigate steps and uneven terrain walking for extended periods of time over more difficult terrain (e.g. cobblestones, city hills, stairs without handrails, limited or no access to elevators). Your itinerary can include significant changes in temperature and altitude and may require a higher number of longer travel days with morning and/or evening activities. Most trips will feature long touring days, many full-day excursions and a full and active itinerary with a faster pace and longer distances. Excursions require standing and walking to city centers where coaches are prohibited.
Appropriate for: Travelers who are physically fit, expect a vigorous pace and enjoy participating in two to three hours of physical activity per day without the use of a cane or walker mobility aid.
ITINERARY
For your reference, we send to you a detailed itinerary approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the scheduled tour departure. This has day-by-day times and events, hotel information where you can be reached in case of an emergency, and airline information.
The times listed on the itinerary are all approximate. We cannot be held responsible for schedule changes due to unforeseen circumstances with the weather, transportation agents, highway conditions, hotels or contracting agents.
AIRLINE TICKETS
You will be issued your boarding pass the morning of our departure, after your arrival at the Albuquerque International Sunport. If you have a frequent flyer number, or a TSA number, please call our office at least 3 days prior to the tour to ensure we can note these in your reservation.
If you are joining the tour from locations other than Albuquerque, we make other arrangements for you to join the tour. Please call our office for more details.
AIRPORT SECURITY
Do not forget to bring your government issued picture ID to show at the airport. A Passport is required. If you do not have the proper ID, the airline will turn you away.
BAGGAGE
We have arranged for handling for one piece of luggage per person regarding the skycaps (where available) and hotels. If you check through luggage note that the maximum weight for the checked piece of luggage is 50 pounds and maximum size is 62 inches (length + width + height). If your bag weighs over 50 pounds the airlines will levy an extra fee that you will be responsible to pay. If you feel the need to lock your checked through luggage and your bag is searched, your lock could be damaged in the process. You can purchase a TSA (Transportation Security Administration) accepted and recognized lock at any luggage store. Make sure you ask for a TSA approved lock. These locks are the kind that TSA screeners can open by using a special tool without breaking. Passengers can carry-on 1 bag (dimensions are limited to 10x16x24 inches), plus a personal type bag, like a purse. We advise that you pack your carry-on lightly. There are restrictions regarding your carryon baggage and contents due to enhanced security measures. If you have further concerns, please visit the TSA's Web-site at www.tsa.gov. There is room inside the motorcoach for your hand carried bag.
CHECKED BAGGAGE FEES
On our airline for this tour, passengers are assessed a fee per checked in bag, by the Airlines, upon checking in for the flight.
EMERGENCY CONTACT
It is always a good idea to carry on your person a list of medications that you are taking and an emergency contact phone number while you are traveling. And we suggest making a copy of the itinerary and provide it to a friend or family member.
GRATUITIES/ITEMS INCLUDED IN PRICE
The traditional end-of-tour gratuity is included on this tour. All hotel porterage and airport skycap (when available) fees are included. We also include the gratuities for the coach drivers. Hotel housekeeping tips are not included. Tips for guides/services on optional excursions or individual on-ship services are not included.
LODGING REQUESTS
If you would like to request special accommodations at the hotel(s) where we are lodging, please call us as soon as possible and we will forward these requests for you. The phone numbers of the hotel(s) where we are staying are listed on the itinerary.
Many hotels around the country have instituted a "reconditioning fee" of $300 or more that is levied upon a guest that smokes in a non-smoking room. If this occurs during our tour you will be responsible for paying this fee to the hotel prior to check-out.
TRAVEL REQUESTS
We pay close attention to your requests but please realize that these are merely requests and cannot be guaranteed.
RESPONSIBILITY
SUN TOURS acts solely as an agent in arranging hotels, transportation, sightseeing, baggage-handling, and other services and does not assume any liability for injury, damage, loss or delay due to any act or default of any company or person. We, along with our subcontractors, reserve the right to make changes to an itinerary if it is necessary for the proper handling of a tour.
WEATHER AND CLOTHING/MISC. SUGGESTIONS
In September, Greece enjoys slightly cooler weather than during July and August. Daytime average daily highs are 29°C (84°F), with cooler nights at 18°C (64°F). Expect plenty of sunshine, with around 8 to 10 hours of sunlight per day and minimal rainfall. The sea temperature averages 25°C (77°F), perfect for swimming. September is a great time to visit, offering comfortable weather and fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months.
Call 505.889.8888 to Book Today!
If you aren't ready to inquire by email or would rather call and speak to a team member, we look forward to hearing from you.
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