Classical Greece with Iconic Aegean 3-Night Cruise

Day 1

ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome drink.

Day 2

ATHENS Marvels & Myths ATHENS Guided sightseeing includes a visit to the Acropolis and a stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS Explore the heart of Ancient Greece, in the historic empire where 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, never fail to amaze! See the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the venues of the first modern Olympic Games.

Day 3

ATHENS–CORINTH–MYCENAE–EPIDAURUS–NAUPLIA Greek History & Heroes CORINTH Cross the canal and visit ancient Corinth.
MYCENAE Free time for lunch. Guided visit of the excavations and museum.
EPIDAURUS Guided visit to the 2,300-year-old open-air auditorium before continuing to Nauplia. (B,D)
132 mi / 212 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEM The outdoor auditorium of Epidaurus combines perfect mathematic proportion with excellent acoustics. This fascinating archaeological treasure was used for the healing of patients from all over Greece and was dedicated to Asklepios, the god of healing.

Day 4

NAUPLIA–OLYMPIA Ruins & Recipes Take a scenic drive through the Arkadian Mountains.
OLYMPIA Join a guided visit to the archaeological site and the museum. [LF] Attend a cooking demonstration this evening to learn how to make traditional Greek tzatziki. (B,D)
112 mi / 181 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Dip into the delicious tradition of Greek tzatziki – a mix of yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and herbs such as dill, mint, parsley, and thyme. Learn how to make this quintessential recipe loved the world over.

Day 5

OLYMPIA–PATRAS–DELPHI Digs & Dances Drive by the busy seaport of Patras.
DELPHI Join a guided visit to the excavations and Archaeological Museum. This evening, [LF] learn how to dance the sirtaki while sipping a glass of ouzo. (B,D)
149 mi / 239 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITION Dance in the steps of Zorba the Greek to learn the sirtaki. This passionate and dramatic dance goes very well with a glass of ouzo, the anice-infused drink the locals are so fond of.

Day 6

DELPHI–METEORA AREA Monasteries in Magical Greece Drive past Lamia and Trikala en route to Kalambaka.
METEORA Guided visit of the Varlaam and St. Stephen’s Monasteries. (B,D)
155 mi / 249 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SACRED SITES Perched atop soaring huge cliffs are the monasteries of Meteora, of which six are still active. Visit the beautiful monasteries of Varlaam and St. Stephen’s to marvel at this serenely mystical landscape with breathtaking views from above. Long revered for the perfect monastic retreat from the world outside, Meteora’s spectacular array of massive sandstone cliffs create a surreal setting unlike any other.

Day 7

METEORA AREA–THERMOPYLAE–ATHENS Grecian Battles & Beauty THERMOPYLAE Stop at the battle site.
ATHENS Free time late afternoon and evening. (B)
236 mi / 380 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES The story of the Battle of Thermopylae is hard to beat for drama. You may recognize this tale of the heroic, yet doomed Spartans of 480 BC fighting against the Persian army, which is dramatized in the film “300.” Their brave battle endures as a valiant symbol of bravery and sacrifice for a patriotic cause.

Day 8

ATHENS (EMBARKATION)–MYKONOS Beyond the Shore ATHENS Embark on your Greek Islands cruise.
MYKONOS Free time to explore this evening. (B,L,D)

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE Your dreams of the Greek Islands come true with free time in Mykonos. This Aegean paradise of pristine waters and beaches, mixed with a lively nightlife scene is only made brighter by the iconic 16th-century windmills that dot the hillside above.

Day 9

CRUISING: KUSADASI, TURKEY–PATMOS, GREECE Turkish Treasures KUSADASI Visit the excavations of Ephesus.
PATMOS Afternoon call. (B,L,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Pull into port in Turkey to explore the fascinating Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus - one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world – with the historic ruins of the Library of Celsus, the Basilica of St. John, and the Temple of Artemis.

Day 10

CRUISING: HERAKLION, CRETE–SANTORINI Greek Mythology & Marvels HERAKLION Visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos.
SANTORINI Afternoon call (weather permitting). (B,L,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
MYTHS & LEGENDS Marvel at the architecture of the Palace of Knossos in Crete’s city of Heraklion. Here, you’ll envision epic tales of Greek mythology- the Labyrinth, the Minotaur half-man/half-beast, and the legends of Daedalus and Icarus.

Day 11

ATHENS (DISEMBARKATION) Amazing Athens ATHENS Disembark From your ship for a free day in Athens. (B)

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE There are countless ways to enjoy free time in the birthplace of democracy, arts, science, and the philosophy of western civilization! Explore the urban landscapes and lively restaurants in this historic capital and enjoy the sunny slopes of this iconic city. Stroll in the shadow of the Acropolis in the village atmosphere of Plaka. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets to browse jewelry stores and ceramics shops, then linger in a sidewalk café or taverna to celebrate your Greek adventure.

Day 12

ATHENS Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)