The Eastern Discovery - With Cruise Premier, Classic Group
The Eastern Discovery - With Cruise Premier, Classic Group
$7367
The Eastern Discovery - With Cruise Premier, Classic Group
16 Days Starting in Zagreb, Croatia and ending in Athens, Greece
Visiting: Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Split, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Tirana, Corfu, Delphi, Athens, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Crete
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Eco Conscious, Gardens & Nature Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with "The Eastern Discovery - With Cruise Premier, Classic Group," exploring the rich cultural tapestry of Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, and Turkey. Begin in Zagreb, where you'll discover the city's vibrant history and architecture. Experience the natural beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park and the ancient charm of Trogir and Split. In Dubrovnik, enjoy a scenic cruise and delve into the city's medieval allure. Traverse the stunning landscapes of Montenegro and Albania, arriving in the lively capital of Tirana. Sail to the idyllic island of Corfu, then continue to the ancient wonders of Delphi and Athens. Conclude your adventure with a luxurious cruise to Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Crete, and Santorini, savoring the Mediterranean's exquisite flavors and breathtaking vistas. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation, with expert guides and authentic dining experiences enhancing your journey.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Zagreb
Location: Zagreb
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Zagreb
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Zagreb. Relax and settle in or perhaps head for the romantic chestnut-lined Strossmayer Promenade for your first views over the city. In the evening, join your Travel Director for dinner with the opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers over a pleasant evening with wine.
Day 2: Zagreb’S Twin Towns Relaxed Start
Location: Zagreb
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Zagreb
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join your Local Expert to explore the two-tiered capital of Croatia. Take a walk to see the Art Pavilion, the Academy of Sciences and Arts, and pass by Zrinjevac Park. Then board the city's funicular to St. Mark's Church and the Lotrščak Tower, before walking back down through the Stone Gate and returning to the Square. The afternoon is at leisure—relax and enjoy your hotel's amenities, or perhaps take an Optional Experience to Ljubljana?
Day 3: The Crystal Lakes Of Plitvice Relaxed Start
Location: Plitvice Lakes National Park
Accommodation Name: Lyra, Ličko Petrovo Selo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take this morning to relax and enjoy your hotel's facilities or perhaps take an Optional Experience to the Zagorje region to learn about the local traditions and visit the house of Marshall Tito. In the afternoon depart for your next hotel, located inside the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, this is Croatia’s first and largest national park. While the park is predominately forests and grasslands, the true highlight are the interconnected lakes that cascade from one to another.
Day 4: Plitvice Lakes, Ancient Trogir And Split
Location: Plitvice Lakes National Park
Accommodation Name: President Solin, Split
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore Plitvice with Insight Choice. Choose between two MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences: Join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park and learn how the site actively researches and monitors the natural habitat of species. Alternatively meet the industrious woman of the Tara Community Center, where handicrafts are produced, enabling employment and engagement in the community. Travel along the coast and stop in Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded by the Greeks more than 2,300 years ago. This town is renowned for its beautiful cathedral and Renaissance Cipiko Palace. Continue to your hotel.
Day 5: Diocletian’S Palace
Location: Split
Accommodation Name: Croatia Cavtat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The Roman Emperor Diocletian built his palace here, and today it forms the heart of the Old Town of Split. With your Local Expert, explore the 1,700 year-old palace cellars, and learn the story of the infamous emperor. Continue through the labyrinthine streets and arcaded squares to see St. Duje's - originally Diocletian's Mausoleum, and the Temple of Jupiter, which today is a baptistery, as well as the Golden Gate. Travel alongside sparkling deep blue seas and the rocky islands of the Dalmatian coast to Dubrovnik. This evening, should weather permit, embark on a dazzling cruise around the fabled bay and gaze out at views of the glistening Adriatic. Start your dinner with a glass of sparkling wine, before savoring authentic flavors of local specialties.
Day 6: Dubrovnik, Pearl Of The Adriatic Relaxed Start
Location: Dubrovnik
Accommodation Name: Croatia Cavtat
Meals Included: Breakfast
The walled town of Dubrovnik, was once described as 'paradise on Earth', according to George Bernard Shaw.Join a walking exploration of the city, guided by a Local Expert. Get a glimpse into local life, as you explore the stone-paved streets inside the 16th century bastions of the Old Town. Walk past Onofrio's Fountain, see the Old Jewish Quarter and the synagogue, and marvel at the grandeur of the cathedral and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries.
Day 7: Mediterranean Montenegro Relaxed Start
Location: Kotor
Accommodation Name: TQ Plaza, Budva
Meals Included: Breakfast
Stop to visit the old town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the bay, with its azure waters lapping at the edges of the medieval towns which dot the coastline. Next, make your way along the Adriatic sea to Budva. Discover the medieval old town on your own, home to religious sites such as the 9th-century Church of Santa Maria in Punta.
Day 8: Scenic Drive To Tirana
Location: Tirana
Accommodation Name: MAK Albania, Tirana
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel through the spectacular scenery of Montenegro and Albania and continue to the fascinating capital of Tirana. Led by your Local Expert, explore this warmhearted and colorful city, and see the diverse relics that remain from its Ottoman, Italian and communist past.
Day 9: Across To Corfu
Location: Corfu
Accommodation Name: Divani Palace Hotel Corfu.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take in Albania’s unique scenery, as you journey across the country to Greece, and set sail for the cobalt-blue waters of Corfu. Renowned since Odysseus for its untamed beauty and strategic position in the Mediterranean, Corfu today is one of Greece’s most charming islands.
Day 10: Relax In Corfu Relaxed Start
Location: Corfu
Accommodation Name: Divani Palace Hotel Corfu.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax and enjoy the beautiful island of Corfu. Perhaps explore the Old Town and admire the interesting mix of architectural styles, from Roman and Venetian to French and British, each resembling an era of the island’s interesting past before it was united with Greece. Alternatively, you may want to lay back and unwind at the hotel pool.
Day 11: Delphi, Center Of The Ancient World
Location: Delphi
Accommodation Name: Amalia Hotel Delphi.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Set off from your island paradise for Delphi, a spectacular cliff-side amphitheater and worthy of its status as the center of the ancient world. History and mythology run deep here, with finds of ritual artefacts that date back to 4,000 BC and remains of a Mycenaean settlement. It is said that Delphi is the location where two eagles crossed paths, after they were released by Zeus from opposite end of the universe to find ‘the navel of the world.’
Day 12: Delphi Sightseeing And On To Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Divani Palace Acropolis, New, Athens, Athens Marriott
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ascend the Sacred Way of Delphi with your Local Expert. Pass the Parian marble Treasury of the Athenians and Polygonal Wall with its interlocking stones, still perfectly intact after thousands of years. You'll approach the Temple of Apollo, where for 14 centuries the mysterious Oracle of Delphi breathed her enigmatic ‘words,' rumoured to have successfully predicted events related to the Argonauts expedition and the Trojan War. Your travels then continue to the ancient city of Athens, the modern capital of Greece.
Day 13: Cruise To Mykonos
Location: Mykonos
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Discovery (or similar).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Board your cruise ship and set sail for the lovely island of Mykonos with its dazzling sugar cube houses and whitewashed windmills. Tonight, the maze of walkways, welcoming tavernas and nightlife are yours to explore. Late in the evening, your cruise sails across the Aegean to Turkey. While cruising, enjoy an exquisite variety of Mediterranean dishes as well as flavors, aromas and spices from around the world. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served onboard daily. Your cruise includes a complimentary drinks package, featuring a selection of alcoholic, soft drinks and hot beverages.
Day 14: Kusadasi To Patmos Relaxed Start
Location: Kusadasi
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Discovery (or similar).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today explore the Turkish port of Kusadasi and visit the ancient ruins of Ephesus. With your Local Expert, explore this Greco-Roman treasure, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, sail to the island of Patmos where St. John the Devine was exiled by the Emperor Domitian. Later, your cruise sets sail for the island of Crete.
Day 15: Crete And Santorini Relaxed Start
Location: Crete
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Discovery (or similar).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, you dock at Heraklion in Crete, where you visit the site of the ruins of King Minos' Palace of Knossos with a Local Expert. Later, cruise beneath the sheer cliffs of Santorini. Explore the capital of Thira, with its clifftop restaurants and cafes, breathtaking views and amazing sunsets.In the evening you sail onto Athens.
Day 16: Depart Athens
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bid farewell to Athens. Your journey ends with a transfer to the airport.
What's Included
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Local Expert Guided Tours
Join a Local Expert to explore various destinations including Plitvice Lakes National Park, Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Tirana, Delphi, and Ephesus.
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Plitvice Lakes National Park, Trogir, Kotor, and Ephesus.
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Cruise Experience
Enjoy a cruise around the fabled bay of Dubrovnik and a cruise journey to Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Crete, and Santorini.
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Transportation
Travel in a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets are provided to give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any commentary.
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Baggage Handling
Baggage handling is included, with bags delivered to your hotel door.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Hotel and restaurant tips are included, along with all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
Stay connected with complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi where available.
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Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as visits to Ljubljana and the Zagorje region are not included.
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Flights
Flights to and from the start and end locations of the tour are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks outside the included package are not covered.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach featuring double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Enjoy a cruise on the MV Celestyal Discovery, with complimentary drinks and meals, as you explore the Aegean Sea.
Accommodation
Stay in a variety of accommodations including the Sheraton Zagreb, Lyra in Licko Petrovo Selo, President Solin in Split, Croatia Cavtat, TQ Plaza in Budva, MAK Albania in Tirana, Divani Palace Hotel in Corfu, Amalia Hotel in Delphi, and the MV Celestyal Discovery cruise ship.
Dining Summary
8 Dinner (D)15 Breakfast (B)3 Lunch (L)
Additional Included Highlights
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Insight Experiences
Heraklion: While in Crete, enjoy your guided visit to the Palace of Minos at Knossos.
Well-being
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are offered at Plitvice Lakes National Park?
At Plitvice Lakes National Park, you can choose between two unique experiences. You can join a Local Expert to explore the park and learn about the studies and initiatives to protect the natural habitat and ecosystems. Alternatively, you can meet the women of the Tara Community Center, where they produce handicrafts, providing them with financial and psychological support.
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What can I expect during the visit to Diocletian's Palace in Split?
During the visit to Diocletian's Palace in Split, you will explore the 1,700-year-old palace cellars with a Local Expert. You will learn about the history of the Roman Emperor Diocletian and see significant sites such as St. Duje's, the Temple of Jupiter, and the Golden Gate.
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What is included in the cruise experience around Dubrovnik?
The cruise experience around Dubrovnik includes a relaxing journey around the fabled bay, where you can enjoy views of the Adriatic. The evening starts with a glass of sparkling wine, followed by a dinner featuring authentic local specialties.
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What historical insights are provided during the visit to Delphi?
During the visit to Delphi, you will ascend the Sacred Way with a Local Expert, passing the Athenian Treasury and the Polygonal Wall. You will reach the Temple of Apollo, where the Oracle of Delphi once provided divine wisdom. The site is rich in history and mythology, dating back to 4,000 BC.
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What activities are available on the island of Corfu?
On the island of Corfu, you have a full day at leisure to explore. You can visit the Old Town to admire its mix of architectural styles or relax at the hotel pool. The island offers a blend of Roman, Venetian, French, and British influences.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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