Cruise Through Greece's Ancient Wonders

Arrive in Athens and let us welcome you to the Greek capital. We'll provide your transfer to the hotel where you can settle in and enjoy some leisure time. In the afternoon, be sure to check the hotel reception for details regarding the start of your journey with us. Athens, the cradle of Western civilisation, is a dynamic city blending ancient history with contemporary life, and your adventure here is just beginning. 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 will transfer you to Lavrio Port for our 11:00 a.m. departure on a delightful Mediterranean cruise. As we navigate the shimmering waters, take in the enchanting sea views. By 6:00 p.m., we will arrive in Mykonos, where you will have time to explore this charming island known for its iconic windmills and stunning whitewashed architecture by the sea. At 11:00 p.m., we set sail again, spending the night comfortably aboard our ship.

Our day begins at 7:00 a.m. as we arrive in Kusadasi on Turkey's beautiful Aegean coast. Here, you'll have the opportunity to explore the bustling markets, where you can indulge in a bit of shopping before embarking on an included excursion to the ancient city of Ephesus. This fascinating archaeological site was once a thriving commercial centre of the ancient world. At midday, we'll set sail for the island of Patmos, known for its religious significance. Upon our 4:00 p.m. arrival, you can choose to visit the cave where St. John is believed to have penned the Apocalypse, near the historic Monastery of the Apocalypse. By 9:00 p.m., we'll depart Patmos, enjoying the comfort of our overnight stay on board. For those inclined, perhaps a dance in the onboard nightclub will be the perfect end to an adventurous day.

On the fourth day of our journey, we'll continue our exploration of the Mediterranean with a stop in Heraklion, the vibrant capital of Crete. As the birthplace of the ancient Minoan civilisation, this city offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Following our visit to Heraklion, we'll set sail for Santorini, a Greek island renowned for its stunning cliffside views and iconic blue-domed buildings. Here, you'll experience the unique charm of its picturesque villages nestled among dramatic ravines. We'll spend the night on board, ready for another day of adventure tomorrow.

We will arrive in Athens early in the morning and commence a panoramic tour of the city’s landmarks. You’ll see the grandeur of the Presidential Mansion and the historic Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games. We'll also pass the National Library and vibrant downtown squares. The tour will highlight the city's development for the 2004 Olympic Games. Our journey concludes at the iconic Acropolis, where you’ll have the option to explore independently, as entrance fees are not included.

We set out early this morning, heading towards northern Greece. Our first stop is Kamena Vourla, an enchanting seaside town set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes. Moving further north, we arrive at the historic Thermopylae Mountain Pass, the famed site of the battle where King Leonidas and his men made their legendary stand. The journey continues to Kastraki, a charming village where you can enjoy lunch while taking in the sweeping views of the surrounding valley. Afterwards, we explore the magnificent Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking rock formations and ancient monasteries. Admission to one of these spectacular monasteries is included in our tour. We conclude the day with dinner in the town of Kalambaka.

Enjoy a leisurely day in Kalambaka, where you are free to explore the town and its surroundings at your own pace. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Meteora rock formations, Kalambaka offers a blend of natural beauty and fascinating history. You might choose to wander through its charming streets, filled with traditional Greek architecture and quaint cafés, or venture into the scenic landscapes around the town. For those interested in a deeper cultural experience, the nearby monasteries perched atop the rocks offer a remarkable insight into monastic life. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, Kalambaka provides a perfect setting to unwind and experience the essence of Greece. After your explorations, we’ll head back to Athens, ensuring you are ready to continue your journey the next day.

Today promises a unique exploration of Greece's Saronic Islands. We begin our day with an early ferry ride from the hotel to Aegina, an island steeped in history, with over 4,000 years of habitation and just under an hour from the mainland. Here, you have the opportunity to enjoy the scenic harbour, immerse yourself in the charm of traditional neighbourhoods, and perhaps visit the Greek Temple of Apollo. As our journey continues, we take another ferry, this one lasting around 1 hour and 15 minutes, to reach the island of Poros. On arrival, you'll have free time to explore this vibrant island, where old houses ascend towards the famous clock tower, and there are plenty of picturesque spots for a leisurely lunch. After lunch, we embark on a 15-minute journey to the coastal village of Galatas on the Peloponnese. From Galatas, we travel by road through picturesque hillside landscapes to reach Epidaurus. You have the opportunity to visit the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, an incredible structure built 2,400 years ago, which remains in excellent condition and continues to host performances for up to 14,000 spectators. Our day concludes in the charming coastal city of Nafplio, renowned for its majestic citadel and Venetian fortress. You'll have some free time to wander and absorb the history and beauty of this delightful city before we gather for dinner. Please note, ferry schedules may vary, especially in the low season, which could affect our visit to Aegina Island.

Today we traverse the rugged landscapes of the Peloponnese, heading first to Tripoli, the capital of Arcadia. Here, you'll have free time to explore Areos Square, a lively area filled with cafés and restaurants—ideal for soaking up the local atmosphere. Our journey then continues to Olympia, a site of immense historical significance as the birthplace of the Olympic Games in 776 BC. We'll explore the Archaeological Site with a guided tour included, allowing you to marvel at ancient treasures like the Temple of Zeus, the Stadium, and the Gymnasium. Following Olympia, we proceed to Patras, Greece's third largest city and an important port. Overlooked by a medieval fortress, Patras is home to the country's largest cathedral, a major pilgrimage site, as well as the nearby old church of St. Andrew. Our day concludes here with an included dinner—a perfect opportunity to reflect on the day's explorations.

Following breakfast, we embark on our day by crossing the Rio-Antirrio bridge, an impressive cable-stayed structure connecting the Peloponnese to mainland Greece. Our first stop is Naarpaktos, a charming town on the Gulf of Corinth. Known historically as Lepanto, it was the site of a significant naval battle where Cervantes famously lost an arm. You'll have time to explore the beautiful old town and its picturesque harbour at your own pace. Continuing our journey along the Gulf of Corinth, we visit Mycenae. This ancient citadel, dating back to the 18th century BC, is considered the birthplace of European civilization. Admission to this historic site is included, and you'll have some free time to enjoy lunch and wander around. Our next destination is the impressive Acrocorinth Fortress, where the remnants of an ancient temple dedicated to Aphrodite are perched at its highest point, entry tickets are provided. Before heading back to Athens, we will also pause briefly at the remarkable Corinth Canal. We expect to arrive in Athens by evening.

Following breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of an unforgettable journey.