Ancient Lands Premium Summer 2018

Day 1: Arrive Athens (2 Nights)

Your fascinating exploration of an ancient land begins in the vibrant city of Athens. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel before spending the rest of your day discovering the Athenian's zest for life and their characteristic xenia.

Day 2: Athens Sightseeing

Join a Local Specialist today to uncover the treasures of ancient Athens. Our morning sightseeing tour takes us to the Royal Palace, the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian's Arch and the Agora where Socrates once questioned ancient Athenians' understanding of the meaning of life. We'll enjoy a fascinating walking tour of the Acropolis with views of the Parthenon and marvel at the stadium built for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Spend the rest of the day embracing the energy of Athens. Ramble up the cobblestone lanes of Plaka, see the archaeological treasures of ancient Greece or indulge in a feast of Greek souvlaki or gyro at a traditional taverna, with a bit of opa thrown in for good measure. Buffet Breakfast

Day 3: Embark – Mykonos

We leave Athens this morning, sailing through the azure waters of the Aegean en route to Mykonos with its iconic windmills that greet visitors as they arrive in its beautiful bay. Spend your day getting lost in its labyrinthine cobblestone lanes lined by white-washed houses and bougainvillea. Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Kusadasi (Turkey) or Samos (Greece) – Patmos

This morning, choose between visiting the bustling port of Kusadasi in Turkey for a Complimentary Shore Experience to explore ancient Ephesus or visit the Greek island of Samos, renowned for its viticulture. Later, we cruise to Patmos where the Book of Revelation was written by St. John, whose Cave of the Apocalypse you may choose to visit on a Shore Experience. Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Rhodes – At Sea

Walk in the footsteps of the religious knights who once conquered the island of Rhodes and explore the fascinating medieval Old Town with its thick stone walls, gates and cobblestone lanes. Later, consider joining an Optional Experience to Lindos and its centuries-old acropolis that overlooks the town's labyrinthine white-washed alleyways and picturesque bay beyond. Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Heraklion – Santorini

Sailing overnight, we arrive in Heraklion on the island of Crete where you could enjoy a fascinating encounter with centuries-old Minoan culture at the Palace of Knossos. We continue to Santorini where we will enjoy a Complimentary Shore Experience to the stunning clifftop village of Oia, passing quaint villages and vineyards along the way. Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Disembark – Athens

We return to Athens this morning to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Spend the day exploring the city's art and architecture that span centuries, shopping in quaint Kolonaki or people-watching over strong Greek coffee in Syntagma Square. Buffet Breakfast

Day 8: Depart Athens

Our epic adventure through ancient lands has come to an end. We say a fond farewell to newfound friends before catching a transfer to the airport for your return flight. Buffet Breakfast