Athens & 7 Night Idyllic Aegean Islands Cruise

Day 1 : ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE.

ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to start exploring. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

Day 2 : ATHENS-PIRAEUS (EMBARKATION).

ATHENS-PIRAEUS (EMBARKATION). Get to know the modern and ancient history of this fascinating city on the included guided sightseeing tour. Explore the ruins of the ACROPOLIS, the ancient temple-city symbolizing the greatness of ancient Greece in politics, culture, and philosophy. The city is busy and yet very fascinating, as it combines the great ancient heritage with modern creativity expressed in architecture and street art. Spend some free time discovering the city before driving to Piraeus to embark on your cruise ship in the late afternoon. (B,D)

Day 3 : KUSADASI, TURKEY.

KUSADASI, TURKEY. This morning, wake up in Turkey. Kusadasi is one of the favorite cruise ship destinations in the Mediterranean and boasts a seaside promenade with many hotels, cafés, and restaurants. Furthermore, the town is also very close to EPHESUS, the ancient city that boasts remarkable excavations from the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. Take advantage of the included half-day sightseeing shore excursion to the archaeological park, and learn about these important civilizations of the past. (B,L,D)

Day 4 : RHODES, GREECE.

RHODES, GREECE. Dock in Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands and site of the mythical Colossus of Rhodes, a 105-foot statue destroyed by an earthquake in 224 BC. Enjoy the half-day included excursion to LINDOS, with focus on the ancient ACROPOLIS and on the CITADEL OF THE KNIGHTS. Make sure that you spend some time wandering the narrow streets of the lively old city of Rhodes, with the many shops, cafés and bars. (B,L,D)

Day 5 : HERAKLION.

HERAKLION. Today’s stop is on the large island of Crete. The ship will dock in Heraklion, where you will have the opportunity to learn about Knossos on the included sightseeing tour. KNOSSOS was the site of the most important palace of Minoan civilization. According to tradition, it was the seat of the legendary King Minos. The Palace is also connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth with the Minotaur, and the story of Daidalos and Icaros. (B,L,D)

Day 6 : SANTORINI.

SANTORINI. Among the world’s best honeymoon destinations, Santorini, belongs to a group of islands surrounding the submerged caldera of a volcano. It was believed that the lost city of Atlantis was in these waters. The white-and-blue houses, built on the hills crowning the blue ocean, dotted with bright pink and red bougainvillea are the emblem of this breathtakingly beautiful island. Disembark to explore and maybe taste some of its local wines. (B,L,D)

Day 7 : SANTORINI–MILOS–MYKONOS.

SANTORINI–MILOS–MYKONOS. Depart Santorini in the early hours of the morning to arrive in Milos. The volcanic activity in ancient years has gifted this island with varied dramatic landscape, offering the visitor a wide range of activities. The funny shaped rocks with their wonderful colors on the beautiful white sandy beaches are just one of the volcanic features. In the early afternoon leave the port and arrive in Mykonos in time to enjoy the exciting nightlife of this mesmerizing island. (B,L,D)

Day 8 : MYKONOS.

MYKONOS. Spend the day exploring Mykonos, with its rugged landscapes, white houses, chapels, and windmills. Relax at one of its beautiful sandy beaches or do some souvenir shopping in the narrow alleyways of the town center. (B,L,D)

Day 9 : PIRAEUS (DISEMBARKATION)-AT...

PIRAEUS (DISEMBARKATION)-ATHENS. Disembark the ship this morning and, before checking into the hotel, enjoy the included guided visit of the Athens ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM. Here, you’ll discover the most important treasures of ancient Greece that were found at all major archaeological sites across the country. Later, enjoy some free time and maybe take a walk in the old Plaka district with its many tavernas and souvenir shops. (B)

Day 10 : ATHENS.

ATHENS. Your last day in Greece is at leisure. You can further explore the city with the aid of the CosmosGO app, or you can enjoy an optional excursion to the spectacular cliffside village of Delphi to visit the famous archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient Greeks considered Delphi the navel of the earth and built a sumptuous temple dedicated to Apollo. The journey through mainland rural areas will reveal a different side of Greece with remarkable landscapes. (B)

Day 11 : ATHENS.

ATHENS. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)