DAY 1, Monday – Depart for Greece
Depart for Greece

DAY 2, Tuesday – Arrive in Athens
Arrive in Athens, the classical capital of Greece and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to discover the ancient wonders of this city known as the cradle of Western Civilization and the birthplace of democracy. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager, followed by a light dinner
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Wednesday – Athens City Tour
The exploration of Athens begins with a panoramic drive through the city center. View the Panathenian Stadium and the ruins of the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch, built to celebrate the arrival of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Continue on to visit the Acropolis, the ancient architectural masterpiece built during the Golden Age of Athens and the new Acropolis Museum, a striking modern building built at the base of the monument where many of the original statues from the Acropolis are now displayed. The rest of the day is at leisure. Be sure to walk to Constitution Square, where you might catch a glimpse of the colorfully-costumed Evzone guards, outfitted in the traditional Greek style. Tonight, perhaps walk through the lively Plaka area, the oldest section of Athens, a neighborhood of charming restaurants, shops and sidewalk cafes
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Thursday – Sightseeing en route to Olympia
Depart Athens via the scenic coastal road to the mighty Corinth Canal, dividing the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. Continue via Nauplion to Mycenae, the heartland of Greek mythology. Visit the Acropolis of Mycenae and the Tomb of Atreus, built around 1250 B.C. From here, drive through the Central Peloponnese Peninsula, whose major cities in classical times were Corinth and Sparta. Continue to Olympia, birthplace of the first Olympic Games
Overnight: Olympia
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Friday – Tour the Olympia Archaeological Site
Morning visit to the archaeological site of Olympia, including the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, and the ancient stadium where the Olympic Games were first held in 776 B.C. Visit a local store, where you will have a chance to taste local olive oil and spices. Then, drive north through the plains of Eliad and Achaia, crossing the Corinth Strait via a cabled bridge from Rion to Antirion. Pass the town of Nafpactos en route to Delphi, home of the ruins of the Tholos Temple
Overnight: Delphi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6, Saturday – Archaeological Tour of Delphi, Travel to Kalambaka
Tour the excavated site of Delphi and the archaeological Museum, perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered one of the most significant places in Greek history, its stunning setting and ancient ruins are truly inspirational. Walk the Sacred Way to the imposing 4th century B.C. Temple of Apollo, site of the most important oracle in the classical world. Then travel over the Pourmaraki Pass towards the small town of Kalambaka, situated amidst smooth sandstone cliffs in the foothills of Meteora
Overnight: Kalambaka
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Sunday – Meteora Sightseeing, Return to Athens
Visit Meteora, meaning “suspended in the air”, with its mystical Eastern Orthodox monasteries incredibly nestled perilously close to the edge of bizarre rock formations. Admire the exquisite specimens of Byzantine art and the panoramic vistas over the Peneios Valley. Stop at a workshop of Byzantine icons and souvenirs. Browse the store’s vast collection of icons, created using old traditional methods. Afterward, a scenic drive takes you along the coast, past Thermopylae. Arrive in Athens in the early evening
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Monday – Embark Cruise, Arrive in Mykonos
Morning arrival at the pier for embarkation. Set sail at 11:30 AM, and sit back as you take in the spectacular scenery of the beautiful turquoise waters of the Aegean. Arrive at 6 PM in the ultra-popular and chic jet-set island of Mykonos with its whitewashed houses, iconic windmills and sophisticated town with trendy cafes and boutiques. Find a table at a harborside taverna and gaze at the bustle of Cycladic island life and the gorgeous views. Perhaps visit one of the island’s popular night clubs before returning to the ship departing at 11 PM for Kusadasi, Turkey
Overnight: Aegean Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Tuesday – Arrive in Kusadasi (Ephesus), Evening in Patmos
Today, arrive at 7:30 AM in Kusadasi, Turkey. This splendid city is renowned for its significant historical and religious sites, including ancient Ephesus, one of the most exquisite cities in antiquity. Tour the magnificent archaeological site of Ephesus, home to the Library of Celsus and Fountain of Trajan. Enjoy free time in Kusadasi before returning to the ship in time for lunch and departure at 1 PM. At 5 PM, arrive in Patmos. This small island is steeped with an intense spiritual character, which inspired St. John the Divine to write the Book of Apocalypse. A large monastery in his name dominates the landscape above Chora, the island’s capital, surrounded by strong fortress-like walls. Follow the picturesque narrow lanes in the port of Skála and discover cafés, shops and bakeries selling traditional honey and nut pastries. Time to linger until sailing at 9:30 PM to Rhodes
Overnight: Aegean Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10, Wednesday – Full Day in Rhodes
View the magnificent panorama as the ship arrives at 7 AM in Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese Islands. Drive along the coastline to the tiny town of Lindos, with its whitewashed houses nestled on the hillside overlooking the crystal sapphire waters of the bay. Tour the Acropolis of Lindos and Temple of Athena before proceeding to the city of Rhodes. See the ruins of ancient Rhodes before enjoying a walking tour of the medieval Old Town. View the Palace of the Knights, continuing down Chevaliers Road, before transferring back to the ship. Set sail this evening at 6 PM
Overnight: Aegean Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11, Thursday – Arrive in Crete, Evening in Santorini
At 7 AM, arrive in Crete, largest of the Greek Islands. Crete’s remarkable history is highlighted by the ruins of the great Palace of Knossos, ceremonial and political center of the ancient Minoan civilization and residence of the mythical King Minos. Here, the mountain caves are thought to be the legendary birthplace of Zeus, according to Greek mythology. Free time to explore on your own or join the locals sitting in a café drinking coffee. Return to the ship in time for a leisurely lunch on board and depart at 12 PM. At 4:30 PM, cruise into Santorini’s caldera as you marvel at the sapphire blue water, snow-white architecture and multicolored cliffs that characterize this enchanting getaway. The streets of bustling Fira, the island’s capital city, are a vision of pristine whitewashed buildings. Relax at a cliffside café or wander the narrow footpaths before the ship sails towards Athens at 9:30 PM
Overnight: Aegean Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12, Friday – Depart Greece
Disembark at 7 AM and transfer to the airport in Athens for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast