Greek Odyssey Athens to Santorini

Welcome to Athens! Upon arrival, we will arrange your transfer to the hotel, allowing you some leisure time to start discovering this fascinating city at your own pace. Later in the afternoon, be sure to check the hotel reception for important information regarding the commencement of your tour. Enjoy your first day in the vibrant capital of Greece and take in the sights and sounds that await you. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

We will embark on an enlightening exploration of Athens today, accompanied by an expert local guide. Our journey through this vibrant city will include visits to iconic landmarks such as the Presidential Mansion and the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games were held. We will also admire the striking National Library and soak in the atmosphere of the lively city centre squares. The tour will take us through some of the newer neighbourhoods that have blossomed since the 2004 Olympic Games. Our sightseeing venture concludes at the base of the Acropolis, an emblem of Athens' historical grandeur – please note, admission is not included. In the evening, we will transport you to the historic neighbourhood of Plaka, famous for its delightful Greek tavernas. Here, you can enjoy the vibrant folklore and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of this remarkable region.

We embark on our journey north from Athens in the early morning, pausing at the picturesque seaside town of Kamena Vourla, known for its stunning landscapes. Our adventure continues as we head north to the historic Thermopylae Mountain Pass, famously remembered for the legendary battle that took place there. We then travel to the idyllic village of Kastraki, where you will have free time to enjoy lunch with panoramic views of the valley. Our next destination is the awe-inspiring Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its towering rock formations and ancient monasteries. Admission to one of these iconic monasteries is included – a truly unforgettable experience. As the day concludes, we will have dinner in Kalambaka.

Today, we'll travel south through the picturesque Thessaly region, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, until we reach Delphi. Here, we'll explore the exceptional archaeological site, which offers sweeping views over the Gulf of Corinth. After enjoying some free time for lunch, we'll proceed to the Hosios Loukas Monastery. A remarkable example of Byzantine architecture and a World Heritage Site, the monastery is known for its stunning 11th-century mosaics. Our journey will then continue towards Athens, where we will arrive in the evening.

Spend the day at your own pace in Athens, soaking up the city's unique atmosphere. This is your opportunity to delve deeper into its rich history and vibrant culture. Perhaps visit the Acropolis, wander through the charming streets of Plaka, or enjoy a leisurely meal in one of the local tavernas. Whether you prefer exploring ancient landmarks, indulging in the local cuisine, or simply strolling through the lively markets, Athens offers something for everyone.

After breakfast, we'll transfer you to Lavrio Port for your cruise departure at 11:00 a.m. As we set sail, take in the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. We will arrive in Mykonos at 6:00 p.m., where you'll have time to explore this enchanting island, renowned for its iconic windmills and charming whitewashed houses overlooking the sea. At 11:00 p.m., we'll depart from Mykonos, and you'll spend the night on board.

Our Mediterranean cruise continues as we dock in Kusadasi, Turkey at 7:00 a.m. Here, you'll have the opportunity to browse the vibrant bazaars, a perfect spot to pick up local treasures. Our itinerary includes an excursion to the fascinating ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a glimpse into the lives of the ancient Greeks and Romans. At midday, we set sail for the island of Patmos, where we'll arrive by 4:00 p.m. Patmos holds historical and spiritual significance as the place where St. John the Apostle is said to have written the Book of Revelation. You can explore the cave where he lived, situated near the Monastery of the Apocalypse. We depart Patmos at 9:00 p.m., spending the night on board. You might want to enjoy some entertainment and perhaps a dance in the ship's nightclub.

Today we continue our Mediterranean cruise with a visit to Heraklion, the spirited capital of Crete, renowned as the heart of the ancient Minoan civilisation. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the city, soaking in its vibrant atmosphere and rich history. After departing Heraklion, our next port of call is the enchanting island of Santorini. Famous for its dramatic cliffs and iconic blue and white architecture, Santorini offers a visual feast and a chance to wander through the picturesque villages. We remain on board overnight, enjoying the gentle sway of the ship and the anticipatory excitement of what tomorrow will bring.

At 06:30 a.m., we will arrive at Lavrio Port, marking the end of our journey. You will leave with cherished memories of your travels. Please note that if your journey includes arriving by ferry from Rhodes, the port of arrival will be Piraeus. Should you wish to extend your stay in Athens, be aware that the transfer from the port to your hotel will incur an additional charge, as it is not included in the package.