Cyprus, the Island of Aphrodite, to Athens, the City of Gods

Day 1 LARNACA

Passengers are welcome to board at 6:00 p.m. We'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Dinner will be served on board, followed by an evening of entertainment.

Day 2 LARNACA

This morning, set out on an included tour of Nicosia, the city split between Cyprus and Greece. Regardless of its status as the last European city separated in two, Nicosia is a lively, modern metropolis. We'll begin the tour with Buyuk Han—the largest and finest example of caravanserai architecture on the island. During the Ottoman Empire, travelers and traders stayed in these inns when journeying. The building is one of the best-preserved caravanserai from the era and a superb example of Ottoman architecture. Built in 1572, the inn was renovated at the beginning of the 1990s to make it the center attraction in the old town—with cafés, boutiques, and traditional craft workshops in the upper rooms that once served as lodging.Next, we'll stroll through the traditional pedestrian area known as Laïki Geitonia, with its labyrinth of streets, Venetian balconies, and inevitable souvenir shops. At the end of the tour, we'll enjoy a tasting of local products.Our ship will cruise to Limassol in the afternoon.

Day 3 LIMASSOL

This morning, join us for an included tour of the archaeological ruins in Paphos, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll visit the impressive underground tombs dating back to the 4th century BC that have a distinct Egyptian influence. The remnants of villas, palaces, theaters, fortresses, and tombs have exceptional architectural and historical value. We'll continue to the coastal town of Yeroskipou to visit a Loukoum (Turkish Delight) factory and indulge in a tasting.We'll spend the afternoon cruising. Enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment.

Day 4 RHODES

We'll spend the morning cruising.This afternoon, join us for an included excursion: Medieval Rhodes. Rhodes is famous for gorgeous beaches and awesome weather, but it is also jam-packed with history, especiallynoteworthy medieval tales. The island is home to one of the largest medieval centers still thriving today. Don't miss this opportunity to enter the city walls and wander the labyrinth of streets. The fort, bastion, walls, gates, minarets, old homes, fountains, and peaceful squares are as if King's Landing has come alive. You'll visit the Kos Town Castle at the entrance of the harbor. The Knights of Saint John built the fortress and stronghold we see now during their rule from 1314 to 1522.Our ship will cruise to Kos overnight.

Day 5 KOS

Included excursion in the morning: Kos and the Asklepion. An Asklepion was the ancient Greek version of med school, where healers cured patients and taught others their techniques. The Asklepion on Kos is surrounded by a forest that was considered sacred. We'll visit the three-terrace ruins to learn more about its history and enjoy the remarkable views. Our next stop will be the older part of the city of Kos to see its antique and medieval ruins, including the gate, ancient marketplace, and the castle built by the Knights of the Order of Saint John. We'll stop to see the Tree of Hippocrates, where legend has it the great Greek savant taught his students.The ship will cruise to Santorini in the afternoon.

Day 6 SANTORINI

We'll spend the morning cruising the Aegean Sea.This afternoon, join us for an included excursion: The legendary island of Santorini (travel to and from the island will be done in rowboats). Jacques Cousteau once set sail for Santorini in search of the mythical island of Atlantis. The volcano shaped the land into what we see today, and it remains one of the greatest attractions. The volcanic caldera extends over a large part of the island and even plunges into the sea. We'll enjoy a panoramic tour to see the different landscapes and visit iconic sites, such as Profitis Ilias Mountain and the striking village of Megalochori, to absorb the ambiance of its historic mansions and old traditional houses. The gorgeous village of Fira, perched on the edge of a high caldera that faces west across the sea, will be our last stop. We'll watch the sun set slowly along the horizon as the colors change to fiery orange, purple, and pink hues. We'll return to the ship by rowboat.This evening, we'll enjoy a Greek dinner on the Sun Deck. Tonight's entertainment is the warm air and nature's grandeur as the sun sets.

Day 7 PAROS

We'll spend the morning cruising.In the afternoon, we'll set out on an included tour of Parikia. Parikia, the capital of Paros, is a gorgeous village full of small, whitewashed houses and imposing mansions. The city's port and waterfront have been strategic to its survival and influence in the region. The most famous site in Parikia is the church of Panayia Ekatontapyliani—the 6th-century church with 100 doors, including a secret one! We'll then head to Lefkes, tucked into the island mountains. The village was the first capital of the island during medieval times. Our last stop will be Naoussa, a beautiful fishing village with a tiny harbor bursting with restaurants and cafés.

Day 8 MYKONOS - DELOS

We'll cruise to Delos in the early morning.Included excursion this morning: Delos, the mythical birthplace of Apollo (travel to and from the island will be done in rowboats). Delos has been considered a sacred island since ancient times. Greek mythology recounts the island as the birthplace of both Apollo and Artemis, and it has played an important role over many millennia as a religious and economic center. We'll visit the sanctuary dedicated to Apollo, the Terrace of the Lions, and several ruins of homes with superb mosaic art. We'll return on board and begin cruising to Mykonos.This afternoon, join us for an included excursion to visit the island and the city that bears its name. Mykonos is the incontestable star of the Cyclades. We'll stroll through the narrow streets of the capital, a contrast of blue sea and white walls, while luxuriating in the true Mediterranean feel of this living paradise. We'll visit the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani, the official protector of the island. Built in the 1500s, tourists visit it not only for the religious experience but for its outstanding architecture.Our ship will cruise to Athens overnight.

Day 9 ATHENS

Included excursion in the morning: Athens and the Acropolis. We'll explore the Acropolis, an ancient religious center in Athens, which includes the Temple of Athena Nike and the iconic Parthenon. After our visit to the Acropolis, enjoy a coach tour of the capital of Greece.This afternoon, join us for an included excursion to the Apollo Coast and Cape Sounion. The route along the coast travels around the rim of the Saronic Gulf all the way to Cape Sounion. The promontory on the southernmost tip of the Attic Peninsula looks west towards Patroklos, across the Aegean Sea. The cape is most noted for the ruins of the Temple of Poseidon, dating back to the Golden Age of Athens.

Day 10 ATHENS

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m.