Aegean Odyssey Idyllic Moderate B

Day 1: Arrive Athens (2 Nights)

Welcome to a land of myths and legends. Your springboard to an intoxicating holiday in the Aegean is vibrant Athens, which you'll have an opportunity to explore on your own after being transferred to your hotel.

Day 2: Athens Sightseeing

Join a 'Local Specialist' today for a journey into antiquity. Visit the Acropolis to see Athena's Parthenon and admire the march of the Evzone guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Enjoy an afternoon at your leisure exploring the labyrinthine lanes of Plaka.

Day 3: Athens – Embark

Spend the morning on your own exploring what was once the Cradle of Western Civilisation. See the city's ancient sites before boarding your cruise ship this afternoon for your seven-night cruise through the Aegean.  

Day 4: Kusadasi (Turkey)

Arrive in Kusadasi, your gateway to the ancient Greek City of Ephesus. You'll join an included Ancient Ephesus sightseeing tour revealing the Hellenistic and Roman heritage of this UNESCO-listed site. Stroll along its marble colonnades and admire the façades of the Library of Celsus and Temple of Artemis before returning to your ship for your evening departure.

Day 5: Rhodes Free Day

Explore the medieval Old Town of Rhodes, with its thick stone walls, ancient ruins and Crusader history, or join an optional walking tour revealing the story of the Knights of St. John. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes perspective on one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and everyday life in medieval Rhodes. Join an included visit to Lindos, in the heart of Rhodes, and visit the seven lodges of the Order of St. John where the original coats of arms are still displayed.

Day 6: Heraklion Free Day

Arriving in Crete this morning, you'll have time to enjoy an included visit to visit the Palace of Knossos in Heraklion in an included excursion which will reveal insights into the late Bronze Age heritage of the Minoan civilisation, predating Christ several thousand years. You could choose to join an Optional Experience to the Cretan countryside, driving to Peza, the island's wine valley, and Stironas, a small village where guests will enjoy local cuisine and the traditional Raki of the area.
Please note: Some sailings will visit Santorini prior to Heraklion.

Day 7: Santorini Free Day

Admire the dramatic volcanic landscape of Santorini, an inspiring backdrop for the next two days of laid-back island life. Consider an optional visit to the stunning clifftop village of Oia, passing pretty villages and vineyards set against the backdrop of Santorini's magnificent caldera. During your optional tour, you'll enjoy wine tasting and some free time to cool off at Perissa Beach before visiting Fira and passing the Mesa Vouno Mountain. Return to the ship this evening where you'll stay overnight.

Day 8: Santorini – Milos – Mykonos

Dock in the former home of the famous Venus de Milo. Savour the mouth-watering watermelon pies of Milos island and soak up the glorious sunshine in its turquoise waters. There's time to explore the 'Island of Colours' on an Optional Experience, before continuing to Mykonos for an evening spent against the backdrop of its characteristic windmills.

Day 9: Mykonos Free Day

Enjoy a full free day to explore the narrow rambling streets of Chora, strolling past white-washed cottages and tumbling cerise bougainvillea in search of a quiet spot overlooking the Old Port with a refreshing drink. You could choose an optional visit the Sacred Island of Delos, the birthplace of Apollo, where an archaeological treasure trove awaits. Depart this evening for Athens, celebrating a final evening on board with new friends.

Day 10: Disembark – Athens

This morning, disembark in Athens and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day as you please. Stroll through the Plaka, people watch in Syntagma Square or go in search of the city's tastiest souvlaki.

Day 11: Depart Athens

Say goodbye to your travel companions at the end of a memorable holiday. Transfer to the airport for your flight home.