Greece, Montenegro & Italy: A 22-Day Mediterranean Adventure with All-Inclusive Cruise
Discover the delights of the Mediterranean on a 22-day adventure, beginning with a tour of Greece and ending with an all-inclusive cruise between Greece, Montenegro and Italy. Spend four nights in Athens, five in Rhodes and five nights on the stunning Greek island of Symi before boarding your seven-night cruise and travelling to Corfu, Kotor, Venice, Brindisi, Katakolon and Santorini. Includes return flights between Athens and Rhodes and ferry transfers between Athens and Symi, sightseeing per itinerary, all-inclusive dining and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) aboard the cruise, English-speaking guides and transportation throughout tour.
package Options
- This package is valid for one person based on twin share - you must purchase two packages
- Four nights hotel accommodation in Athens, five in Rhodes and five in Symi
- A seven-night all-inclusive cruise aboard the MSC Musica with daily breakfast, lunch, dinner and free-flow drinks
- Return flights between Athens and Rhodes
- Return ferry transfers from Rhodes to Symi
- All transfers, excluding on Symi and one way from Rhodes to Port for Symi
- English-speaking guides, transport and sightseeing per itinerary
- This package is valid for one person based on twin share - you must purchase two packages
- An upgraded Balcony Cabin aboard the cruise
- Four nights hotel accommodation in Athens, five in Rhodes and five in Symi
- A seven-night all-inclusive cruise aboard the MSC Musica with daily breakfast, lunch, dinner and free-flow drinks
- Return flights between Athens and Rhodes
- Return ferry transfers from Rhodes to Symi
- All transfers, excluding on Symi and one way from Rhodes to Port for Symi
- English-speaking guides, transport and sightseeing per itinerary
Sparkling blue ocean, Instagram-worthy islands, fresh food and spectacular history: welcome to the Mediterranean. Touring through Greece, uncover the delights of Athens, Rhodes and Symi, before embarking on a cruise that will introduce you to Corfu, Kotor, Venice, Brindisi, Katakolon and Santorini.
What You’ll Love…
The Tour - Discover the history of Athens, Rhodes and Symi
Your tour begins in Athens, the historic capital of Greece. The city is still dominated by landmarks from the fifth century BC, including the Acropolis, a hilltop citadel with ancient buildings like the colonnaded Parthenon temple. Visit the fascinating Acropolis Museum, which, along with the National Archaeological Museum, preserves sculptures, vases, jewellery and more from Ancient Greece.
Continue to Rhodes, the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands, known for its beach resorts and ancient ruins. Lapped by emerald waters, the beautiful Greek islands are exemplary of a Mediterranean lifestyle sought after the world over – and Rhodes is, without doubt, one of its most coveted destinations, rich in pristine beaches, ancient history, vibrant nightlife and rugged beauty.
Your tour will also take you to Symi, part of the Dodecanese island group. With ample free time to explore here, indulge in fresh seafood at the harbour, famous for its colourful neoclassical houses.
The Cruise - All-inclusive drinks and dining as you go Greek island hopping, with stops in Montenegro and Italy
Board the MSC Musica for seven nights of all-inclusive cruising through the Adriatic Sea. An interior décor of wood and marble reflects Italian style, with two dining rooms, onboard activities and fitness programmes providing high-quality food and entertainment. Stay in an Oceanview Cabin (or upgrade to a Balcony Cabin) and enjoy all-inclusive drinks and dining, with daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, free-flow house wines by the glass, draught beer, select spirits and cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Your cruise begins in Athens and will dock in the Greek island of Corfu. Rich in history and with stunning white beaches that overlook the crystal clear waters of the Ionian sea, Corfu is a perfect introduction to the Greek islands.
Visit Kotor in Montenegro, characterised by its beautiful bay and limestone cliffs. Take walks down winding streets and admire the medieval old town with its Romanesque churches.
Take in the beauty of Venice, recognised as one of the world’s most romantic cities. Float down the canal on a gondola and try some truly Italian pizza and gelato.
In the Italian port city of Brindisi, take time to admire the tall Monumento al Marinaio d’Italia, a rudder-shaped limestone memorial to sailors, with sea and city views.
The picturesque blue waters of the Ionian Sea await in the port and beach town of Katakolon. It is most famous for being the closest port to Olympia, the ancient site where the Olympic Games were born in the 8th century BC.
Finally, visit stunning Santorini, the Greek island of dreams with its whitewashed houses and sparkling blue sea. Grab a drink in one of the many bars and keep an eye out for famous faces who like to vacation here.
Your Tour Includes:
- Four nights hotel accommodation in Athens, five in Rhodes and five in Symi
- A seven-night all-inclusive cruise aboard the MSC Musica with daily breakfast, lunch, dinner and free-flow drinks
- Return flights between Athens and Rhodes
- Return ferry transfers from Rhodes to Symi
- All transfers, excluding on Symi and one way from Rhodes to Port for Symi
- English-speaking guides, transport and sightseeing per itinerary
The tour begins and ends in Athens, Greece. International flights are not included in your package. It is your responsibility to book a flight that gets you to Greece in time for your chosen tour departure date.
Flights to Athens depart from most major Australian cities, with carriers including Qatar, Emirates and Qantas. A minimum of one stop is required, with an approximate flight time of 23 hours.
Flights depart regularly from major gateways including Singapore (approx flight time of 19 hours), Hong Kong (approx flight time of 10 hours), Dubai (approx flight time of 9 hours) and Bangkok (approx flight time 15 hours).
Airport arrival and departure transfers are only available on the first and last day of the tour. Any arrivals and departures outside of these days will need to make their own arrangements to/from the airport.
Need Flights? We have a dedicated team who are able to assist with all your flight requirements. If you need a stopover or are looking at travelling to more destinations, our team can help. Contact our flights concierge team using the phone number on our website.
Day 1: Arrive Athens
Upon arrival at Athens airport, you will be transferred to your hotel for your four-night stay.
Overnight: Athens
Day 2: Athens Sightseeing
Today it’s time to explore this amazing city and join a guided walking tour of Athens, the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum (entrance fees not included).
Make your way to the tour starting point to meet your local guide. On the tour you will visit two of the most famous sites in Athens: the striking Acropolis reigning from the hill and the renowned Acropolis Museum. Meander through glorious monuments like the Parthenon, Nike Temple and Ancient Agora. Enjoy a guided visit to the Acropolis Museum and admire the artefacts on display.
Follow your guide across the south slope of the Acropolis to avoid the crowds and gaze at the beautiful views of the city as you climb to the top. On the way, visit the Dionysus Sanctuary and Dionysus Theatre, built in the 5th century BC.
Wander through the Acropolis site as your guide takes you back in time with stories and legends from Greek mythology. See the famous Parthenon and hear about its dedication to the goddess Athena. Continue your tour to discover the Erectheion, the Propylaia, the Nike Temple and the Agrippa Monument.
End with a visit to the world-famous Acropolis Museum, designed by Swiss architect Bernard Tschumi in cooperation with the Greek architect Michalis Photiadis. Watch the on-going excavations and examine more than 4,000 artefacts portraying daily life in ancient Greece.
Overnight: Athens
Day 3: Athens Sightseeing
With your taste buds leading the way, make your way to the food tour starting point to explore more of Athens on this morning’s walking tour.
Stroll along the enchanting streets of this historic city while tasting your way through some the city’s best food shops, bakeries and markets as you learn the secrets of world-renowned Greek cuisine.
Visit various speciality and food shops, colourful delicatessens and aromatic bakeries and sweet shops, where you can enjoy scrumptious samples of many Greek delicacies, ranging from the mouthwatering loukoumades and koulouri to traditional meats, herbs and spices.
Experience the central Varvakeios food market, filled with bustling energy and the sounds of intense bargaining. Wander among the vibrant fruit and spice stalls, or browse meat and fish products. Follow your specialist food guide and gain valuable insight into the unique culinary heritage of Greece, and the Mediterranean diet, hailed today as a model of healthy living.
Overnight: Athens
Day 4: Meteora
Today a spectacular full-day tour will take you to see the monasteries of the Meteora, admiring the beautiful Greek landscape along the way.
Catch a taxi or make your own way to the tour meeting point in time to take the train from Athens Train Station at 7:20am to Kalabaka.
Arrive into Kalabaka at 11:30am, where a VIP Limo Mini Bus will be waiting for you. Your Tour Guide will begin your customised Special Panoramic Meteora Tour, taking four hours and covering six monasteries, with opportunities to enter three.
There will be plenty of photo opportunities and stops at hidden treasures only locals know about, allowing a true insight into Greek culture. At the end will be transferred back to Kalabaka to catch the train back to Athens.
The train departs at 5:15pm and you will arrive in Athens at 9:30pm.
Overnight: Athens
Day 5: Athens to Rhodes
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Rhodes. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for your five-night stay.
Overnight: Rhodes
Day 6: Rhodes Sightseeing
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel for your full-day Highlights of Rhodes tour.
Make the most of your time on the island of Rhodes during a guided tour to an array of iconic destinations. A local guide ushers you to sites like the Kallithea Thermes, Mandraki Harbour, the Monastery of Filerimos, and the Seven Springs, with pauses to soak up the local vibe along the way.
Begin your memorable excursion with a visit to the historic Kallithea Thermes, where a series of hot springs are lauded for their miraculous healing properties. Take a dip or pause to savour the exquisite spectacle of the spa before heading to Mandraki Harbour, where a panoramic tour reveals the beauty of the swirling Mediterranean Sea.
The delights continue on a visit to the Monastery of Filerimos, followed by rousing walking tour of the village of Apollona, where you are invited to admire the wares inside an artisan-owned shop. Ample free time in town means you can peruse the local museum or treat yourself to a leisurely lunch at a traditional Greek tavern.
In the afternoon, trace a meandering route up the mountain of Profitis Ilias for an invigorating cup of coffee and bountiful photo opportunities. Nearby, the Fountoukli Monastery beckons, with its ornate frescoes dating back to the 16th century. Before returning to your hotel, experience the watery oasis of Seven Springs, where seven pools bubble forth in a wondrous natural display.
Overnight: Rhodes
Day 7: Rhodes Sightseeing
A transfer straight from your hotel brings you to the double-decked boat that will take you on your voyage to the isles, bays and beaches around Marmaris.
Enjoy the views as you cruise out from Marmaris Bay to Paradise Island, where you have the chance to stop for a swim. Next, get some photos at Phosphorous Cave and take another swimming break at Aquarium Bay before you stop at Kumlubuk Bay.
For lunch, dine on fish or chicken with local beer and wine. In the afternoon, choose to swim in the water at Amos Bay and the Green Sea or spend some free time in the resort village of Turunc before it’s time to sail back to Marmaris.
Overnight: Rhodes
Day 8: Rhodes
This is your time to enjoy exploring Rhodes at leisure, from the charming old town to beautiful beaches and finding perfect spots for happy hour.
Overnight: Rhodes
Day 9: Rhodes to Symi
Catch the ferry from Rhodes to Symi. Upon arrival, catch a taxi to your hotel and settle in to enjoy five nights on this spectacular island.
Overnight: Symi
Day 10: Symi Sightseeing
Today you will take a guided tour along the narrow streets of the village of Yialos and visit local sponge and spice shops. With some free time to spend on your own, explore the village and take beautiful photos.
At noon, our ship sails to the Monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis. Tied in with the Christian faith of the Symiot people, the monastery features an interior covered with wall paintings made by native hagiographers from the Byzantine period. A pair of museums in the monastery host collections of religious items and an exhibition of local folk culture. Return to Symi for overnight.
Overnight: Symi
Days 11-13: Symi
This fascinating island is renowned for its colour, history and beaches, which means lots for you to explore and enjoy during your stay.
Overnight: Symi
Day 14: Symi to Rhodes
Catch a taxi from your hotel to the ferry terminal and return to Rhodes via ferry for a night in Rhodes.
Overnight: Rhodes
Day 15: Rhodes to Athens for Greek Islands Cruise
Fly from Rhodes to Athens, where upon arrival you will be transferred to the port of Piraeus to board your magnificent MSC cruise.
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: All-inclusive
Day 16: Corfu
Rich in history and with stunning white beaches that overlook the crystal clear waters of the Ionian sea, Corfu is a perfect introduction to the Greek islands.
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: All-inclusive
Day 17: Kotor, Montenegro
Visit Kotor in Montenegro, characterised by its beautiful bay and limestone cliffs. Take walks down winding streets and admire the medieval old town with its Romanesque churches.
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: All-inclusive
Day 18: Venice, Italy
Take in the beauty of Venice, recognised as one of the world’s most romantic cities. Float down the canal on a gondola and try some truly Italian pizza and gelato.
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: All-inclusive
Day 19: Brindisi, Italy
In the Italian port city of Brindisi, take time to admire the tall Monumento al Marinaio d’Italia, a rudder-shaped limestone memorial to sailors, with sea and city views.
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: All-inclusive
Day 20: Katakolon, Greece
The picturesque blue waters of the Ionian Sea await in the port and beach town of Katakolon. It is most famous for being the closest port to Olympia, the ancient site where the Olympic Games were born in the 8th century BC.
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: All-inclusive
Day 21: Santorini, Greece
Visit stunning Santorini, the Greek island of dreams with its whitewashed houses and sparkling blue sea. Grab a drink in one of the many bars and keep an eye out for famous faces who like to vacation here.
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: All-inclusive
Day 22: Depart Athens
Upon disembarking in Athens, you will be transferred from the port to the airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
The ‘7 day change of mind guarantee’ does not apply for Tour bookings. Due to the high demand and limited departures any cancellation / refund requests must be made within 48 hours of purchase. Otherwise, the standard Refund Policy applies.
After you have made your booking, please follow the instructions on your confirmation email and ensure you complete your traveller information details within 48 hours.
Valid for the following tour departure dates:
25 April 2020
2, 9, 16 May 2020
5, 12, 19, 26 September 2020
Airport arrival and departure transfers are only available on the first and last day of the tour. Any arrivals and departures outside of these days will need to make their own arrangements to/from the airport.
Please note: Packages are not transferrable to any other person. The tour order, itinerary and departure dates cannot be changed after the tour has been confirmed in writing. Any changes to confirmed reservation will incur an AU$150 change fee per person and it is subject to the tour provider’s approval/discretion, payable directly to the tour provider.
Instant Booking: To secure your dates at purchase, click ‘Instant Booking’ and select your preferred package. Once your preferred package is selected you’ll click through to ‘Choose Your Dates of Travel’ and will be able to enter in your preferred tour commencement date.
Twin-Share Package: The package is valid for ONE PERSON (based on twin share). If you are travelling with another person you must purchase TWO PACKAGES, otherwise, an additional solo traveller surcharge will apply. Solo travellers will get their own room throughout the tour.
Solo Traveller Surcharge: Solo travellers must pay a surcharge as follows, payable directly to the tour provider.
Oceanview cabin: AU$4,700
Balcony cabin: AU$5,000
Child Policy: Children are permitted but must purchase a full-priced package to travel. Unaccompanied minors are not permitted.
Maximum tour capacity is 22 people. Minimum group size is two people.
Tour includes accommodation at the following hotels and in a cabin aboard the MSC Musica:
Athens: Divani Caravel Hotel
Rhodes: Rhodes Sheraton Resort
Symi: The Market Hotel
Accommodation may be subject to change but will remain of a similar or higher standard.
Bedding Configuration: Two people per room in twin or double bedding.
Please note, disability access is limited during the tour, please consider this when making your booking.
Packages do not include visa fees, travel insurance, additional activities and upgrades and anything else not listed in the itinerary.
Tour Excludes:
- Travel insurance (required)
- Symi transfers to/from hotel
- Meals & sightseeing not specified in the itinerary
- Optional tours or shore excursions
- Cruise gratuities
- Personal items, such as drinks, snacks, WiFi, laundry etc
- Any items or services not listed in the inclusions or in the itinerary
Travel insurance is compulsory. We suggest purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this package.
Strictly no refunds for this package for amendments and change of date.
A visa may be required for the countries you are visiting and transiting. It is your responsibility to ensure you are holding a current visa.
The value and comparative savings have been determined based on published rack rates and the value of inclusions. Please be advised that rack rates may not be reflective of actual rates being charged, dependent on the timing and manner of your booking and therefore are only indicative of the level of saving.
Occasionally itineraries are updated prior to departure to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers’ feedback as well as updates from our ground operators. Please note that while we operate successful tours in this region throughout the year, some changes may be necessary due to inclement weather and common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes. This can happen with little notice so please be prepared for modifications to the route. The order and timing of included activities may also vary from time to time.
All activities and services are subject to availability.
Please note this tour is operated by a third party. You will be contacted post-purchase with further details.
Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.