Jewels of Europe with Ancient Empires of Greece

22 Days
Athens to Amsterdam
From (NZD)
$ 14,890
$ 13,090
Dates & Pricing

2021 Athens > Amsterdam

A world of wondrous history

From ancient Greek mythology to the birth of the modern Olympics, Greece is defined by a fascinating and complex past.
Attributed as the birthplace of Western culture, today the charismatic people of Greece are living modern lives surrounded by ancient ruins and landmarks. Add stunning natural beauty and sublime cuisine to the list, it becomes clear why a visit to this glorious country is unmissable.
Tour Map
Tour Code:
GRST
Duration:
22 days
Departure City:
Athens
Return City:
Amsterdam

Selected Itinerary

22 Day Itinerary

  1. Day 1 - Welcome to Greece

    Begin your journey in Athens, where a world of ancient myths and intriguing culture awaits. Join your Tour Director and fellow travelers this evening for a welcome drink, before settling in for your two night stay.

  2. Day 2 - Athens

    This morning, discover the bustling Greek capital with a guided city tour. Explore the city’s mix of ancient and contemporary with your local guide, including a visit to the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, the impressive Panathenaiko Stadium. You’ll also visit many of the city’s ancient wonders, such as the World Heritage-listed Acropolis, the Propylaea, and the Parthenon, just to name a few.

    Freechoice

    Visit the Acropolis Museum, situated overlooking the famed Acropolis offering stunning 360-degree views of the city, and discover the many ancient treasures on display. Alternatively, take a walking tour through Plaka, the oldest district in Athens, learning about local handicrafts along the way.

    Tonight, enjoy a delicious included dinner in a local restaurant.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3 - Athens > Nafplion

    Today travel towards Nafplion, Greece’s historic first capital. You’ll have the opportunity to stop and admire the 23-metre wide Corinth Canal, before continuing to the small village of Epidaurus, where you’ll visit the renowned Great Theatre of Epidaurus, dating back to 4th century BC.  This afternoon, arrive in the charming town of Nafplion and discover this picturesque seaside port with a guided city tour. Notice the many Venetian and Ottoman influences that make this city unique, as your guide takes you through the narrow streets of the Old Town, finishing your tour at the imposing Palamidi Fortress. Relax tonight at your hotel, where you’ll enjoy a one night stay.

    Meals Included: Breakfast

  4. Day 4 - Nafplion > Olympia

    This morning begins with a visit to the important archaeological site of Mycenae. Learn about the legendary Agamemnon, as you marvel at the fortified ruins where once stood the most powerful kingdom in Greece. As we continue towards Olympia, stop at local winery Skouras Domaine for a wine tasting. Then join a cooking class followed by a delicious lunch in the traditional village of Vytina. Continue to the small ancient town of Olympia, renowned as the site of the first Olympic Games held over 2,800 years ago. Here we’ll visit the Olympia Archaeological site, home to many extraordinary monuments such as the Temples of Hera and Zeus, and the ancient stadium where the torch of the modern Olympic Games is still lit today. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Archaeological Museum, which proudly displays relics dating back to prehistoric times. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant before your over night stay.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5 - Olympia > Delphi > Itea

    Depart today for the mountainside town of Delphi, considered by Zeus to be the centre of the world if ancient Greek mythology is to be believed. Explore significant historical sites such as the ancient ruins of the Temple of Apollo, and the Archaeological Museum of Delphi. As we head towards Itea for our overnight stay, stop at local honey farm for a tour and olive tasting. Tonight is yours at leisure.

    Meals Included: Breakfast

  6. Day 6 - Itea > Meteora > Kalambaka

    Continue today to the World Heritage-listed site of Meteora. See the natural wonders of 60 million year old rock formations, with incredible Byzantine monasteries dating back to the 14th century balanced high on the rock pillars above. Originally, more than twenty monasteries once hovered high in the mountains, today only six stoically remain.

    Freechoice

    Visit the fascinating Monastery of Rousanou and the Antonite Varlaam Monastery, followed by a panoramic driving tour through the mountains for breathtaking views of this remarkable site, or for those feeling more active, follow the old footpaths monks have walked for centuries on a guided hike, exploring monasteries along the way, some still proudly standing and others in ruins.

    Tonight you’ll be treated to a home hosted dinner, before your overnight stay.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

  7. Day 7 - Kalambaka > Athens

    Today we journey back to Athens, as we make our way to the city centre’s highest point, Lycabettus Hill. Take an enjoyable ride on the funicular railway to the peak, and be rewarded with spectacular views across the city. At the top is the setting for our unforgettable farewell dinner.   

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

  8. Day 8 - Athens

    After breakfast this morning, transfer to Athens airport for your included flight to Budapest where you will board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. 

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

  9. Day 9 - Budapest

    Freechoice

    Join a guided tour of Budapest, or relax and unwind at the local Thermal Baths and Spa. Alternatively, join a local guide for a tour focused on the past and present of Budapest, or experience the labyrinths of the Hospital in the Rock. Or if you’re feeling more active, take a hike to Buda Hill.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. Day 10 - Vienna

    While cruising, relax in one of the on board lounges and viewing areas and enjoy the scenery as your Scenic Space-Ship sails towards Vienna.

    Enrich

    Breathe in the opulence and luxury of Palais Liechtenstein. Then be enthralled by an enchanting private classical evening concert featuring the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  11. Day 11 - Vienna

    Freechoice

    Take a tour of the Slovakian capital Bratislava, or visit Schönbrunn Palace. Alternatively, learn about Viennese coffee culture with a local expert, or explore Vienna on a cycling tour to Danube Island.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  12. Day 12 - Dürnstein > Melk

    Freechoice

    Embark on a guided bike ride along the river from Dürnstein to Melk, or be guided through Melk’s 18th century Benedictine Abbey. Alternatively, visit the fairytale castle, Burg Aggstein.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  13. Day 13 - Salzburg

    Freechoice

    Enjoy a guided tour of the Baroque Old Town and learn about one of its most famous residents, Mozart. Or, choose to join a walking tour focusing on sights from the movie ‘The Sound of Music’.

    Enrich

    Let the ‘Best of The Sound of Music and Salzburg Show’ transport you to another time and place. This exclusive performance is based on the timeless movie of the same name. Enjoy an authentic Austrian lunch before an afternoon humming along to some of the catchy classics.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  14. Day 14 - Regensburg

    Freechoice

    Enjoy a walking tour of the city, or board a local ferry and sail the Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey. Alternatively, cycle to the Walhalla monument, or take an active walking tour to Thurn und Taxis Palace.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  15. Day 15 - Nuremberg

    Freechoice

    Explore the city on foot, or visit moving WWII sites and learn about this dark era in the city’s history. Alternatively, choose to stay on board for a beer tasting.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  16. Day 16 - Bamberg

    Immerse yourself in the World Heritage-listed Old Town of Bamberg and walk the same cobbled streets as medieval traders once did.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  17. Day 17 - Würzburg

    Freechoice

    Visit Würzburg’s Bishop’s Residenz Palace and sample some exquisite local wine. Alternatively, explore the famous Romantic Road, an important trade route during the Middle Ages, then take in the beautiful walled town of Rothenburg, a medieval gem overlooking the Tauber River.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  18. Day 18 - Miltenberg

    Freechoice

    Meet a Monk in a local monastery for a tour and insight into regional beer production, or meet a winemaker for a taste of his fine wines. Alternatively, meet a Baron and Baroness and learn about aristocratic life, or opt to visit a local Schnapps producer or a farming family and taste some of their home made products.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  19. Day 19 - Rüdesheim > Rhine Gorge > Marksburg

    Immerse yourself in charming Rüdesheim and board the Winzerexpress mini-train for a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Then enjoy a cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument.

    Enrich

    Delight in the medieval ambience of Marksburg Castle, which has remained virtually unchanged since the middle ages. Partake in a magnificent medieval feast, with an abundance of fine fare and free flowing local wine.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  20. Day 20 - Cologne

    Freechoice

    Take a stroll through Cologne and get up close to the twin towers of the famous cathedral. Or, explore the city’s past and present during a guided tour. Or, if you are feeling more active, join a guided cycling tour.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  21. Day 21 - Amsterdam

    Freechoice

    Explore the city by bicycle, or on foot during a flavours of Holland walking tour and taste some Dutch favourites, such as herring, cheese and poffertjes. Alternatively, experience an iconic canal cruise, or step outside of Amsterdam and visit the villages of Alkmaar & Schermerhorn, home to many authentic windmills dating back to the 16th century.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  22. Day 22 - Amsterdam

    Depart after a wonderful farewell breakfast. Amsterdam is the end of your cruise, but it will be the start of wonderful memories.

    This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above.

    Meals Included: Breakfast

Tour inclusions

Truly All-inclusive highlights
  • The comfort of small group sizes on your land journey with a maximum of just 24 guests
  • 5-star Scenic Space-Ships featuring Scenic Sun Lounges
  • 3 exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences
  • Your choice of 39 Scenic Freechoice activities
  • Up to five on board dining options, from casual to fine dining
  • 53 meals – 21 breakfasts (B), 14 lunches (L) and 18 dinners (D)
  • Complimentary premium beverages all day throughout your cruise
  • Butler service for all guests throughout your cruise
  • Exclusive Scenic Tailormade available throughout your cruise
  • The freedom of our e-bikes – electronically assisted bicycles
  • Cruise Director and Tour Director to guide and assist
  • Expert local guides
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout your cruise
  • All tipping and gratuities

Pricing & Availability

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