Greek Odyssey Ruins, Coastlines, Culture

Upon your arrival in Athens, we will arrange for your transfer to the hotel, where you can relax and enjoy some leisure time. Later in the day, be sure to check the information boards at the hotel reception for details about the start of your tour. Welcome to a journey filled with cultural exploration and delightful experiences. 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.

Our journey begins early as we leave Athens behind and head northwards, setting our sights on the charming seaside town of Kamena Vourla. Nestled amidst stunning landscapes, this popular tourist destination offers a perfect opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty. Continuing our northern adventure, we'll pause at the historic Thermopylae Mountain Pass, a site famed for its legendary battle in ancient history. Our journey then takes us to the picturesque village of Kastraki, where you're free to savour lunch while taking in the splendid views across the valley. After lunch, prepare to be awed by the Meteora, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we'll visit one of its renowned monasteries, taking in its stunning architecture and fascinating history. Our day concludes with dinner in the town of Kalabaka, allowing you to relax and reflect on the day’s incredible experiences.

Today, we will journey through the Thessaly region, renowned for its captivating landscapes. Our first destination is Delphi, where we will explore the remarkable archaeological site overlooking the Gulf of Corinth, offering stunning views. There will be ample time for lunch here. Following this, we will visit the Hosios Loukas Monastery, celebrated as one of Greece's most exquisite Byzantine monasteries and a World Heritage Site. Its 11th-century mosaics are particularly noteworthy. Afterwards, we will continue our travels towards Athens, where we will arrive in the evening.

We will set off on a guided tour of Athens, offering a splendid introduction to the city's rich heritage and vibrant culture. Our visit includes a stop at the Presidential Mansion and the historic Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games were hosted. We will admire the grandeur of the National Library and experience the lively atmosphere of Athens' central squares. As we travel through newer neighbourhoods developed after the 2004 Olympic Games, you'll witness the city's dynamic evolution. The tour culminates at the iconic Acropolis, though entry is not included. In the evening, we provide a transfer to Plaka, a historic district famed for its delightful Greek tavernas and opportunities to delve into the country's rich folklore and traditions.

After breakfast, we will take you to Lavrio Port to commence your full-day Mediterranean cruise, departing at 11:00 a.m. As we sail, enjoy the beautiful sea vistas from the deck. We will arrive in Mykonos at 6:00 p.m., where you will have leisure time to discover this enchanting island, renowned for its iconic windmills, charming whitewashed houses, and picturesque seaside views. Our ship departs from Mykonos at 11:00 p.m., and you will spend the night on board.

As you wake on this vibrant day of your Mediterranean cruise, we arrive at Kusadasi on the Turkish coast at 7:00 a.m., where the bustling bazaars beckon you to explore their myriad delights. Our itinerary includes an enriching excursion to the ancient city of Ephesus, allowing you to delve into the fascinating history of this iconic site. By noon, we set sail once more, heading towards the peaceful island of Patmos, with an arrival at 4:00 p.m. Here, where St. John the Apostle is said to have penned the Apocalypse, you can choose to visit the cave near the Monastery of the Apocalypse, immersing yourself in the reverence and tranquillity of this significant holy site. At 9:00 p.m., we bid adieu to Patmos as we continue our voyage, spending the night on board. As the day winds down, perhaps the ship's nightclub beckons for a dance as you soak up the unique ambiance of life at sea.

On the seventh day of our Mediterranean cruise, you'll find yourself in Heraklion, the bustling capital of Crete. It's a city rich in history, being the heart of the ancient Minoan civilisation. Take this opportunity to explore the vibrant streets and perhaps delve into the island's fascinating past. Following Heraklion, we'll make our way to Santorini, the enchanting island renowned for its dramatic cliffs and quintessential blue and white architecture. Santorini's breathtaking landscapes offer a perfect contrast to its serene villages. As the day ends, we will continue our voyage on board, with the gentle waves accompanying us through the night.

We dock at Lavrio Port at 6:30 a.m., marking the conclusion of our Mediterranean voyage. As this segment of your journey wraps up, we hope you'll cherish the unforgettable memories crafted along the way. Please note, for those arriving by ferry from Rhodes, your landing will be at Piraeus. Should you desire to extend your stay in Athens, do keep in mind that transfers from the port to the hotel will need to be arranged independently and are not included in the tour package.