Greece Odyssey From Athens to Islands

Welcome to Athens as you begin your exciting journey! Upon arrival, we will transfer you to your hotel. Once you've settled in, you'll have some leisure time to explore at your own pace or relax before the adventure begins. In the afternoon, you can find all the necessary details about the start of your tour on the information boards at the hotel reception. Prepare for a memorable exploration of Greece’s historic capital. 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 start our day in Athens with an engaging city tour, guided by a local expert. Our journey will take us to iconic landmarks such as the Presidential Mansion and the Panathenaic Stadium, notable for hosting the first modern Olympic Games. We'll also visit the National Library, alongside the vibrant squares of the city centre. As we explore, we'll venture into the newer districts that emerged after the 2004 Olympic Games, giving us a glimpse of Athens' contemporary side. The tour will wind up at the Acropolis, an essential cultural site (please note, entrance is not included). In the evening, we will provide transport to the historic Plaka neighbourhood, where you can wander through its atmospheric streets or dine in one of its delightful Greek tavernas, rich with local folklore and charm.

On the third day, we set off early for a journey through northern Greece. Our first stop is Kamena Vourla, a delightful seaside resort renowned for its striking natural scenery. We then travel northward to the legendary Thermopylae Mountain Pass, known as the site of the historic battle. Continuing on, we pause at Kastraki, a quaint village offering spectacular views across the valley. Here, you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon, we visit the Meteora – a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll gain entry to one of its famed monasteries. We conclude the day with dinner in Kalambaka, allowing you to unwind after a day of exploration.

Today, we travel through the stunning landscapes of the Thessaly region as we make our way south to the historic site of Delphi. We will explore this exquisite archaeological site perched above the Gulf of Corinth, offering breathtaking views. There will also be a break for lunch, allowing you some time to relax. Our journey then takes us to the Hosios Loukas Monastery, famed for its striking beauty and illustrious 11th-century mosaics. This Byzantine monastery is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll continue our drive in the afternoon, arriving back in Athens by evening, where you can unwind after a day filled with remarkable historical and cultural discoveries.

Spend the day at your leisure exploring Athens, a city brimming with historical and cultural wonders. With no scheduled activities, you have the freedom to roam its ancient streets, visit notable landmarks, or simply savour the local cuisine in one of the charming neighbourhood cafes. This is your opportunity to dive deeper into the vibrant character of Athens and make unforgettable memories at your own pace.

Following a delightful breakfast, we'll provide a transfer to Lavrio Port for an 11 a.m. departure. As we sail through the Mediterranean, take in the scenic sea views and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere aboard. We will reach the vibrant island of Mykonos by 6 p.m., where you'll have the opportunity to explore at your leisure. Known for its iconic windmills and whitewashed buildings along the waterfront, Mykonos offers a charming blend of culture and beauty. Our vessel departs from Mykonos at 11 p.m., and you'll spend the night on board, ensuring that you wake up refreshed for the next day's adventures.

As the sun rises, we arrive in Kusadasi on the Turkish coast at 7:00 a.m. Here, you'll have a chance to wander through bustling bazaars before joining us on an included excursion to Ephesus, one of the most important ancient cities. By midday, our cruise continues to Patmos, where we dock at 4:00 p.m. On this serene island, you can delve into history by visiting the cave where St. John the Apostle is said to have penned the Apocalypse, near the Monastery of the Apocalypse. As evening falls, we set sail at 9:00 p.m., and you might fancy a dance in the on-board nightclub as we cruise through the night.

We continue our Mediterranean cruise with a day of exploration and discovery. Our first stop is Heraklion, the vibrant heart of Crete, famed for its historical significance as the centre of the ancient Minoan civilisation. Here, you can soak in the bustling atmosphere of the city at your own pace. Our journey then takes us to Santorini, the quintessential Greek island, celebrated for its stunning geological formations and the striking beauty of its blue and white architecture. Enjoy the breathtaking views and unique charm of this island before spending the night aboard the ship, lulled by the gentle rhythm of the Aegean Sea.

We’ll dock at Lavrio Port at 6:30 a.m., marking the conclusion of our splendid journey. You’ll leave with lasting memories of the beautiful places you’ve explored. Please note, if your arrival is via ferry from Rhodes, your port of entry will be Piraeus. Should you wish to extend your stay in Athens, kindly note that transfers from the port to your hotel will incur an additional charge.