Best of Greece plus 4 Day Aegean Cruise Premium

Day 1: Arrive Athens (2 Nights)

Put the 'oh' in opa and embark on an unforgettable exploration of an ancient land of gods and goddesses, myths and legends. Your springboard to your spellbinding holiday is the vibrant capital of Athens, an effortless mix of ancient treasures and modern verve, which you will have an opportunity to explore after being transferred to your hotel. This evening, join your Travel Director and travel companions for a Welcome Reception, including a light meal and welcome drink. Welcome Reception

Day 2: Athens Sightseeing

Join your Local Specialist for a guided morning sightseeing tour to the ancient hilltop complex that was once the Cradle of Western Civilisation and today overlooks a sprawling cityscape below. Along our journey into antiquity we'll have an opportunity to explore the Acropolis with its treasures. We'll admire the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, the Royal Palace, Temple of Zeus and the Agora, once the haunt of Socrates and Plato. We'll see remarkable displays of an ancient world during an included visit to the Acropolis Museum, and see Hadrian's Arch and the stadium where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy on your own terms. Meander through the cobbled lanes of Plaka, people-watch in Syntagma Square or go in search of the city's tastiest souvlaki - the choice is yours. Buffet Breakfast

Day 3: Athens – Corinth – Mycenae – Epidaurus – Nafplion

We depart Athens this morning, crossing the mighty Corinth Canal to the wild Peloponnesian Peninsula. Arriving in the ancient city of Corinth, we join a Local Specialist to explore an ancient city that several empires fought over throughout the centuries. We continue to Mycenae, a mighty kingdom of ancient Greece, where we'll see the Beehive Tombs, the Treasury of Atreus, the Lion Gate and the remains of Agamemnon's Royal Palace in the company of a Local Specialist. Later, we'll travel to Epidaurus to visit the ancient theatre and view the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the God of Medicine, whose snake-entwined staff remains the symbol of medicine to this day. Arriving in the charming Venetian town of Nafplion later, we'll dine in our hotel this evening. Buffet Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Nafplion – Olympia

We traverse the Mountains of Arcadia to ancient Olympia, past quaint mountain villages into a land of myths and legends, and the site of the first Olympic Games held in 776 BC. This evening we join the Karambellas family on their 30-acre olive and wine farm for an unforgettable Be My Guest dinner, some traditional dancing and characteristic Greek philoxenia. Buffet Breakfast, Be My Guest Dining

Day 5: Olympia – Patras – Delphi

We join a Local Specialist this morning to delve into centuries of history. We'll visit the ancient Olympic site, the museum and the ruined remains of the Temples of Zeus and Hera. Leaving Olympia, we skirt the coastline north to Patras, crossing the Gulf of Corinth to mainland Greece before continuing to Delphi, our home for tonight. Buffet Breakfast

Day 6: Delphi – Thermopylae – Kalambaka

Tread in the footsteps of ancient Greeks who would descend on the sanctuary of Delphi to consult with the most important oracle in the classical world. Join your Local Specialist and walk the Sacred Way to the 4th century Temple of Apollo and view the statues immortalising the strength of the athletes who once competed in the Pythian Games held in honour of Apollo and the Arts. A scenic afternoon drive brings us to Thermopylae, famous for the heroic defence by Leonidas and his brave Spartans against the invading Persians. We cross the lush Thessaly region, the 'bread basket of Greece', and travel over the Pourmaraki Pass towards Kalambaka. Buffet Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Kalambaka – Meteora – Athens

The breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage monasteries of Meteora are our first stop today. Join a Local Specialist to visit two of the six Eastern Orthodox monasteries that cling impressively to immense, rounded rock towers overlooking the town. A scenic drive returns us to Athens where we'll enjoy a rousing Farewell Dinner with our travel companions and reminisce over an incredible journey through Greece. Buffet Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Day 8: Embark – Mykonos

We depart Athens, boarding our ship to cruise the azure waters of the Aegean en route to the charming island of Mykonos. Spend the evening getting lost in its labyrinthine lanes lined by white-washed cottages and tumbling cerise bougainvillea. Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Kusadasi (Turkey) or Samos (Greece) – Patmos

Your choice of sightseeing today could see you touch the Turkish coastline and visit the port of Kusadasi for a complimentary Shore Experience to the ancient city of Ephesus. Or alternatively consider a visit to the Greek island of Samos, renowned for its viticulture. We continue to Patmos later where the Book of Revelations was written by St. John, whose Cave of the Apocalypse you could visit on an Optional Experience. Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Rhodes

The enchanting Old Town of Rhodes takes centre stage today as we walk in the footsteps of medieval knights who conquered this land. Consider joining an Optional Experience to visit Lindos, with its hilltop Acropolis overlooking the beautiful bay. Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Heraklion – Santorini

We sail to Heraklion on the island of Crete, where we delve into the fascinating culture and heritage of the Minoans at the Palace of Knossos. Our final stop today is the beautiful volcanic island of Santorini with its picturesque clifftop villages. Enjoy a Complimentary Shore Experience to the exquisite sun-kissed village of Oia, meandering past quaint villages and vineyards while enjoying the sight of Santorini's magnificent caldera. Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Disembark – Athens

This morning, disembark from your cruise ship and board a transfer to your hotel. Buffet Breakfast

Day 13: Depart Athens

Transfers are provided to the airport for your return flight home. Conditions apply. Buffet Breakfast