Classical Greece & Aegean Cruise

Welcome to Athens! On arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel, where you have the rest of the day at leisure.

Today explore the most important landmarks and monuments of the historical city of Athens on a coach tour. You'll see the Panathenaic Stadium, home of the first modern Olympic Games and other iconic landmarks including the Zappeion, the temple of Olympian Zeus, and Hadrian’s wall. Then visit the iconic Acropolis and enjoy a guided visit to Propylae, the temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and the Acropolis Museum, recently voted one of the best museums in the world. This afternoon is free for you to independently explore – wander through the picturesque old neighbourhood of Plaka or shop for souvenirs on Ermou Street.

Athens - Epidaurus - Mycenae - Olympia. This morning bid farewell to Athens and travel to the Peloponnese, home to many of Greece’s greatest archaeological sites. First stop is the impressive Corinth Canal which separates the Greek mainland from the Peloponnese before travelling on to Epidaurus, a hub of ancient healing famous for its giant theatre.

This afternoon there's a brief stop in Nafplion, a beautiful town filled with numerous Venetian and Turkish buildings nestled in a labyrinth of narrow streets. Then continue to Mycenae, one of the most famous archaeological sites in the country. The site includes the towering Cyclopean walls, the beehive tomb of Agamemnon and the famous Lion's Gate. In the afternoon, cross the Peloponnese Mountains to Olympia, where there's time to freshen up or relax before dinner at the hotel.

Olympia - Zakynthos. This morning enjoy a guided tour of the archaeological site of ancient Olympia, home of the original Olympic Games. Highlights include the Temple of Zeus, the Palestra and Phidias’s Workshop. Then continue to one of the richest museums in Greece, home to the impressive Hermes of Praxitelis statue.

In the afternoon leave the rest of the group and take a private transfer to the port of Kyllini to board a local ferry to the island of Zakynthos, one of the most popular islands on the Ionian Sea. After checking into our hotel the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore.

Early this morning embark on a coach tour to the north-east part of Zakynthos and learn about the history and mythology of the island en-route. There's a brief stop at Alykes Hills for the perfect photo opportunity with great scenery overlooking the whole of the island, mainland Greece and the neighbouring island of Kefalonia. Then arrive at a small fishing village and board a boat to travel around the north shores of the island, arriving at Navagio beach, the most photographed beach in the world, before the crowds. The boat then continues to the famous “Blue Caves” (subject to weather conditions), one of the islands most famous natural attractions. Take a dip in the caves rich waters which appear to turn everything below the water blue. On your way back to the port look out for dolphins and sea-turtles before stopping at the sea-spa of Xingia, a small sandy beach with turquoise waters containing traces of Sulphur and collagen. Enjoy a swim that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.

Zakynthos - Delphi. This morning there's free time to enjoy the town of Zakynthos before your transfer to Kyllini port where you will board the ferry back to the mainland. From here continue your tour of mainland Greece. It's a scenic drive around Oatras and over the Rio-Antirio bridge to the picturesque town of Delphi in time for dinner at the hotel. Watch the sunset over the Gulf of Corinth and soak up the incredible views of Delphi's dramatic landscape.

Delphi - Kalambaka. Delphi, one the most sacred pilgrimage centres in the world, is yours to explore on a guided tour today. Admire the Sanctuary of Apollo and walk up the Sacred Way to reach the incredible Temple of Apollo. After exploring this spectacular archaeological site, see the bronze Charioteer statue and the mythical omphalos stone at the fascinating Delphi Museum. This afternoon cross the mountains of central Greece on your journey to Kalambaka, the gateway to Meteora. After dinner at the hotel, the evening is free to explore the town.

Kalambaka - Meteora - Athens. After breakfast visit the extraordinary Meteora World Heritage Site, where Byzantine monasteries are perched on top of towering rock formations. Marvel at the surreal landscape and explore two of the Orthodox monasteries, which provided a sacred retreat for monks over centuries. From Meteora it's a long drive back to Athens with a stop en route at Thermopylae, where King Leonidas and 300 Spartans made a famous last stand against the Persians in 480 BC. Upon arrival bid farewell to your fellow travellers and spend the evening at leisure.

Athens - Mykonos. After breakfast, transfer to Lavrion port to board the "Celestyal Cruises" vessel for your captivating Aegean cruise.

The journey sets sail with an afternoon arrival in the charming island of Mykonos, known for its white-washed buildings and narrow winding streets. There is free time to explore the lively island until late in the evening.

Mykonos - Kusadasi - Patmos. Early this morning, the cruise ship will arrive at the port of Kusadasi, offering you the opportunity to join an optional "Ancient Ephesus through the Ages" shore excursion.The ship will set sail again around midday for a brief journey to Patmos, where you will dock for the night. While here, consider joining the optional excursion to the renowned Monastery of St. John and the Grotto of the Apocalypse.

Patmos - Heraklion - Santorini. Arriving in Heraklion early in the morning, you have the option to explore the city at your own pace or join an optional excursion to visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos, steeped in legendary tales of the Minotaur.

In the afternoon, the cruise sails on to the enchanting island of Santorini. Here, you can either opt to take the cable car up to Fira town or embark on an optional excursion to the "Spectacular Oia village" which is perched on the caldera rim.

Santorini - Athens. As your cruise journey concludes, the ship arrives at Lavrion port early in the morning. Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking. Following disembarkation, a transfer will be provided to the Athens airport for your onward flight.