Greek Isles to Ancient Wonders Odyssey

Welcome to Athens! Upon arrival, we will arrange your transfer to the hotel, where you can settle in and begin your adventure. Spend the afternoon enjoying some leisure time as you please – perhaps take a stroll around the city or relax at a local café. Keep an eye out in the hotel reception area for the notice boards, which will provide all the information you need about the start of your tour. Enjoy your first day soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic city. 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.

After breakfast, we'll escort you to Lavrio Port for our 11 a.m. departure on a full-day Mediterranean cruise. As we set sail, take in the stunning sea vistas. By 6 p.m., we will arrive in Mykonos, where you will have the opportunity to explore this enchanting island at your leisure. Discover its renowned windmills and the charming whitewashed houses that dot the seaside. Our departure from Mykonos is at 11 p.m., and we will spend the night on board.

On Day 3, we continue our Mediterranean cruise with an early arrival at Kusadasi on the Turkish coast. You can explore the bustling bazaars before we embark on a guided visit to the ancient city of Ephesus, renowned for its well-preserved ruins that provide insight into classical Greek and Roman eras. At midday, we set sail for Patmos, known for its significance as the place where St. John the Apostle wrote the Book of Revelation. You have the opportunity to visit the cave where he lived, near the Monastery of the Apocalypse. We depart Patmos in the evening, and you might consider enjoying a dance at the nightclub on board before retiring for the night. As always, we will be spending the night on the ship.

Today, our cruise continues with a visit to Heraklion, the vibrant capital of Crete. Known as the bedrock of the Minoan civilisation, you'll find abundant historical wealth and cultural vibrancy here. Afterwards, we set sail for the enchanting island of Santorini. Famous for its breathtaking ravines and the iconic villages adorned in blue and white, Santorini's landscape is both dramatic and captivating. As evening falls, you can unwind and reflect on the day's adventures as we remain on board overnight.

Our early morning arrival in Athens marks the beginning of an insightful panoramic tour of the city. We'll explore key landmarks, including the Presidential Mansion, where Greek leaders reside, and the historic Panathenaic Stadium, home of the first modern Olympic Games. The tour continues with visits to the esteemed National Library and the lively central squares. We'll also take in views of the modern infrastructure developed for the 2004 Olympic Games. Our journey concludes at the iconic Acropolis, offering a chance to admire this ancient marvel from the outside—entry is available at your discretion.

On day six, we'll set off in the early morning for an adventure through northern Greece. Our first stop is the delightful seaside town of Kamena Vourla, which boasts breathtaking scenery. From there, our journey continues north to the historic Thermopylae Mountain Pass, famously known for the ancient battle that took place here. Next, we visit the charming village of Kastraki, where you'll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch while soaking in the stunning views of the valley. After lunch, we'll explore the extraordinary Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its towering rock formations topped with monasteries. Admission to one of these renowned monasteries is included in your visit, offering a fascinating glimpse into the area's rich history. We'll conclude the day's explorations with dinner in Kalambaka, providing a satisfying end to a memorable journey through Greece's remarkable landscapes and heritage.

Today, enjoy a leisurely day in Kalambaka. Use this opportunity to further discover the charming wonders of the city at your own pace. Whether you wish to explore more of its quaint surroundings, soak in its vibrant atmosphere, or delve deeper into its historical sites, the day is yours to design. Later, we will set off for Delphi, known for its significant archaeological heritage. Once there, seize the chance to immerse yourself in the ancient ruins and the timeless beauty of the landscape. As the day winds down, we will return to Athens for another overnight stay, ready to rest and recharge for the days ahead.

Today, embark on an extraordinary exploration of Greece's captivating islands. With a staggering 6,000 islands in its borders, Greece offers an intriguing blend of culture and history, and today we will focus on two of the Saronic Islands. Our adventure begins with an early ferry ride to Aegina, an enchanting island with over 4,000 years of history, just under an hour from Athens. Here, you'll have time to immerse yourself in the island's charm, peruse the historic harbour, stroll through traditional neighbourhoods brimming with quaint houses and ancient churches, or visit the Greek Temple of Apollo.Our exploration continues as we ferry across to Poros, approximately a 1-hour and 15-minute journey away. This vibrant island beckons with bustling activity and timeless old houses cascading towards its iconic clock tower. After enjoying some leisure time and indulging in lunch, we make a brief 15-minute journey to Galatas, a picturesque village nestled on the Peloponnesian coast.The mainland adventure leads us to Epidaurus, where we'll delve into the grandeur of the Ancient Theatre. Dating back 2,400 years and impeccably preserved, this theatre is a cultural treasure which continues to host up to 14,000 spectators for performances today. Next, we'll head to Nafplio, an enticing coastal city known for its impressive citadel and Venetian fortress. You'll have free time to explore its alluring blend of history and maritime charm, rounding off the day with a delightful dinner. Please be mindful that ferry schedules can vary, particularly outside peak season, and this may affect our visit to Aegina.

Today, we travel through the scenic mountains of the Peloponnese to Tripoli, the heart of the Arcadia region. Enjoy free time in Areos Square, a lively area filled with inviting cafes and restaurants. Our journey continues to Olympia, where we will visit the significant Archaeological Site—tickets and a guided tour are included. Olympia is renowned as the birthplace of the Olympic Games, first held in 776 BC, attracting athletes from across ancient Greece and its colonies. Key sites include the Temple of Zeus, the Stadium, the Gymnasium, and the Arena. Following our exploration of this historic locale, we head to Patras, Greece's third-largest city. Known for its bustling port, the city is overlooked by a medieval fortress and is home to Greece's largest cathedral, a vital pilgrimage destination. Nearby, you'll find the old church of St. Andrew. Dinner will be provided as part of our day’s exploration.

Today begins with breakfast before we embark on a journey across the impressive Rio-Antirrio Bridge, a magnificent cable-stayed structure linking the Peloponnese to mainland Greece. Our first destination is the charming town of Nafpaktos, set along the Gulf of Corinth. This town is steeped in history, known as Lepanto during the famous naval battle where the fleets of both Christian and Turkish forces clashed, resulting in Cervantes' significant injury. You will have the morning to explore Nafpaktos, with its striking Venetian fortress and charming old town. Following our scenic route along the Gulf, we arrive at Mycenae, a monumental citadel dating back to the 18th century BC, often hailed as the birthplace of European civilisation. You’ll have ample time to wander the ancient ruins and perhaps enjoy lunch at your leisure. We continue to the Acrocorinth, an imposing fortress crowned with remnants of a temple dedicated to Aphrodite, offering commanding views from its lofty perch. As we journey onwards, we’ll briefly pause to admire the engineering marvel of the Corinth Canal. Our day concludes as we reach Athens in the evening, enriched with historical discoveries and spectacular scenery.

Following breakfast, our adventure concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of the journey.