Itinerary

Day 1:
(Sat.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Athens, Greece. (Sun.) Time to rest or to start exploring the Hellenic capital. At 6 p.m. meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome drink.

Day 3:
Athens. (Mon.) Enjoy a tour of the classical sights with a Local Guide: the Parthenon’s crowning beauty atop the ACROPOLIS, the Erechtheum with its Porch of Maidens, the beautifully preserved Theseum, Roman Temple of Zeus, Theater of Dionysus, and the Agora where Socrates taught. Vistas of the Royal Palace, government buildings, and elegant homes in the modern city provide a striking contrast to the remains of the glorious past. The rest of the day is at leisure. How about a Greek dinner tonight? Your Tour Director knows where to find local fare and entertainment reminiscent of Zorba the Greek. (BB)

Day 4:
Athens–Delphi. (Tue.) On the way to Delphi your Tour Director will tell you about Marathon, where in 490 B.C. 10,000 Athenians defeated more than twice that number of Persian invaders, and Thebes, the setting of Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex. In the afternoon, a fascinating tour of Delphi''s ancient sanctuary of the god Apollo in its dramatic setting on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Hear about the Oracle and tour the EXCAVATIONS. Finally, visit the ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM to admire the Charioteer, an extraordinary 5th-century B.C. bronze statue. (BB,D)

Day 5:
Delphi–Olympia. (Wed.) Travel through the picturesque fishing villages along the coast to Patras on the Peloponnese. The afternoon is dedicated to OLYMPIA, where the athletes of antiquity performed in honor of the King of Deities. Learn about the history of those original Olympic Games as you walk with your Local Guide among the impressive remains of the Gymnasium and the Temples of Hera and Zeus. Also visit the MUSEUM that displays Praxiteles’ magnificent statue of Hermes. (BB,D)

Day 6:
Olympia–Mycenae–Epidaurus–Nauplia. (Thu.) Spectacular scenery on the way through the Arkadian mountains. Two major features today: MYCENAE, where 19th-century excavations reveal impressions of the splendors so vividly described by Homer. Admire the Beehive Tombs, the Treasury of Atreus, Lion Gate—Europe’s oldest known monument, remains of Agamemnon’s Royal Palace, and the impressive fortifications of the Citadel. Then a short drive to EPIDAURUS for a tour of its amazingly well-preserved 2,300-year-old open-air theater. Overnight in nearby Nauplia. (BB,D)

Day 7:
Nauplia–Piraeus (Embarkation)–Mykonos. (Fri.) Head for Piraeus via the bridge spanning the Corinth Canal. Around 11 a.m., sail into the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea, easily settling into the cruising routine of sunbathing, sipping cool drinks, splashing in the pool, and reveling in the delights prepared by the ship’s expert chefs. Later, dock at the mountainous island of Mykonos with its characteristic windmills and dazzling white houses. Time to wander at whim through narrow paved streets lined with trendy boutiques and shady tavernas before returning on board. (BB,L,D)

Day 8:
Rhodes. (Sat.) All day is dedicated to the island of Rhodes. Explore the sights in the historic Old City with its ramparts and palaces built by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades. Another possibility: join an optional excursion to Lindos and the fabulous Temple of Athena. And if sightseeing is not your thing, Rhodes’ sun-drenched public beaches and colorful shopping districts are within easy walking distance of the port. (FB,L,D)

Day 9:
Patmos–Kusadasi, Turkey. (Sun.) Two ports of call today. First the tiny Greek island of Patmos, where St. John the Divine wrote the Revelation. The 11th-century monastery with its valuable manuscript collection is well worth a visit. Next, discover the Turkish port of Kusadasi. An optional excursion takes you to the fascinating Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus. (FB,L,D)

Day 10:
Piraeus, Greece (Disembarkation)–Athens. (Mon.) After breakfast on board disembark at Piraeus and return to Athens. The remainder of the day is free to catch up on last-minute shopping. (FB)

Day 11:
(Tue.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)

Dates & Prices

ATHENS
Welcome drink; guided sightseeing; visit the Acropolis

DELPHI
Guided visit of the excavations and the Archaeological Museum

OLYMPIA
Guided visit of the archaeological site and museum

MYCENAE
Guided visit of the excavations

EPIDAURUS
Guided visit of the 2,300-year-old open-air theater

CRUISING
Three-night cruise to Mykonos, Rhodes, Patmos, Kusadasi (Turkey)
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
(Fri.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Athens, Greece. (Sat.) Time to rest or to start exploring the Hellenic capital. At 6 p.m. meet your Athens Host and traveling companions for a welcome drink.

Day 3:
Athens. (Sun.) Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide features the Parthenon’s crowning beauty atop the ACROPOLIS, the Erechtheum with its Porch of Maidens, the beautifully preserved Theseum, Roman Temple of Zeus, Theater of Dionysus, and the Agora where Socrates taught. Vistas of the Royal Palace, government buildings, and elegant homes in the modern city provide a striking contrast to the remains of the glorious past. The afternoon is free. How about a Greek dinner tonight? Your Host knows where to find local fare and entertainment reminiscent of Zorba the Greek. (BB)

Day 4:
Athens–Piraeus (Embarkation)–Mykonos. (Mon.) Around 11 a.m., sail into the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea, easily settling into the cruising routine of sunbathing, sipping cool drinks, splashing in the pool, and reveling in the delights prepared by the ship’s expert chefs. Later, dock at the mountainous island of Mykonos with its characteristic windmills and dazzling white houses. Time to wander at whim through narrow paved streets lined with trendy boutiques and shady tavernas before returning on board. (BB,L,D)

Day 5:
Kusadasi, Turkey & Patmos, Greece. (Tue.) Two ports of call today. First, Kusadasi on the Turkish coast. An optional morning excursion takes you to the fascinating Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus. Before returning to the ship, take time to browse in the excellent rug shops near the port. Next, discover the tiny Greek island of Patmos, where St. John the Divine wrote the Revelation. The 11th-century monastery with its valuable manuscript collection is well worth a visit. (FB,L,D)

Day 6:
Rhodes. (Wed.) All day is dedicated to the island of Rhodes. Explore the sights in the historic Old City with its ramparts and palaces built by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades. Another possibility: join an optional excursion to Lindos and the fabulous Temple of Athena. And if sightseeing is not your thing, Rhodes’ sun-drenched public beaches and colorful shopping districts are within easy walking distance of the port. Sail from Rhodes around dinner time. (FB,L,D)

Day 7:
Heraklion & Santorini. (Thu.) First port of call today is Heraklion on Crete. A few miles away is Knossos, the center of the 3,000 B.C. Minoan civilization, and an optional excursion can be booked. Afternoon call (weather permitting) at Santorini, the "Black Pearl of the Aegean." The optional shore excursion here takes you up to the cliff-top village of Thera for one of the world’s most breathtaking panoramas. (FB,L,D)

Day 8:
Piraeus (Disembarkation)–Athens. (Fri.) After breakfast on board, disembark at Piraeus and return to Athens. The remainder of the day is free to catch up on last-minute shopping. (FB)

Day 9:
(Sat.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)

Dates & Prices

ATHENS
Welcome drink; guided sightseeing, visit the Acropolis

CRUISING
Four-night cruise to Mykonos, Kusadasi (Turkey), Patmos, Rhodes, Heraklion, Santorini
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
(Tue.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Athens, Greece. (Wed.) Time to rest or to start exploring the Hellenic capital. At 6 p.m. meet your Athens Host and traveling companions for a welcome drink.

Day 3:
Athens. (Thu.) Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide features the Parthenon’s crowning beauty atop the ACROPOLIS, the Erechtheum with its Porch of Maidens, the beautifully preserved Theseum, Roman Temple of Zeus and Theater of Dionysus, and the Agora where Socrates taught. Vistas of the Royal Palace, government buildings, and elegant homes in the modern city provide a striking contrast to the remains of a glorious past. The afternoon is free. How about a Greek-style dinner tonight? Your host knows where to find local fare and entertainment reminiscent of Zorba the Greek. (BB)

Day 4:
Athens–Piraeus (Embarkation). (Fri.) Morning at leisure in Athens. In the afternoon drive to Piraeus for embarkation. Around 3 p.m. sail into the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea, easily settling into the cruising routine of sunbathing and sipping cool drinks. (BB,D)

Day 5:
Istanbul, Turkey. (Sat.) Plenty of time to get acquainted with the ship’s amenities as you cruise towards Istanbul. (FB,L,D)

Day 6:
Istanbul. (Sun.) Full day at leisure for optional sightseeing in this fascinating city, gateway between East and West and the Islamic and Christian world. Depart early evening. (FB,L,D)

Day 7:
Mykonos, Greece. (Mon.) This morning, cruise towards the mountainous island of Mykonos, with its characteristic windmills and dazzling white houses. Arrive in the afternoon with plenty of time to wander at whim through narrow paved streets lined with trendy boutiques and shady tavernas. (FB,L,D)

Day 8:
Patmos–Kusadasi, Turkey. (Tue.) Early morning arrival in Patmos. The tiny island is where St. John the Divine wrote the Revelation. The 11th-century monastery with its valuable manuscript collection is well worth a visit. Mid-morning departure for Kusadasi arriving early afternoon. An optional excursion takes you to Ephesus’ Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations. (FB,L,D)

Day 9:
Rhodes. (Wed.) Dock in Rhodes, largest of the Dodecanese Islands and site of the Colossus of Rhodes, a 105-foot statue destroyed by an earthquake in 224 B.C. Most of the day is dedicated to the island of Rhodes. Explore the sights in the historic Old City with its ramparts and palaces built by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades. Another possibility: join an optional excursion to Lindos and the fabulous Temple of Athena. Rhodes’ sun-drenched beaches also beckon. (FB,L,D)

Day 10:
Heraklion & Santorini. (Thu.) Early arrival in Heraklion, capital of Crete. Enjoy a fascinating optional excursion to Knossos, center of the 3,000 B.C. Minoan civilization. Mid-day departure for Santorini, the “Black Pearl of the Aegean” (weather permitting). An optional excursion takes you up to the cliff-top village of Oia for a breathtaking view. (FB,L,D)

Day 11:
Piraeus (Disembarkation)–Athens. (Fri.) After breakfast on board, disembark at Piraeus and return to Athens. The remainder of the day is free to catch up on last-minute shopping. (FB)

Day 12:
(Sat.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)

Dates & Prices

ATHENS
Welcome drink; guided sightseeing, visit the Acropolis

CRUISING
Seven-night cruise to Mykonos, Patmos, Kusadasi, Rhodes, Crete, Santorini
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Milan, Italy. Transfer to the hotel for check in. Remainder of the day is at leisure. This evening, at 6 p.m., join your Tour Director and meet your fellow travelers at a welcome briefing.

Day 3:
Milan. Today’s sightseeing includes the DUOMO and a stroll through the GALLERIA. Special arrangements have been made to see Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper painting in the CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA DELE GRAZIE. The afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (BB,D)

Day 4:
Milan–Florence, Italy. Depart for Florence. Remainder of the afternoon is at leisure; perhaps visit the Academy of Fine Arts, home of Michelangelo’s David, or see some of the world’s greatest masterpieces of art in the extraordinary Uffizi Gallery. (BB)

Day 5:
Florence. Excursion to Siena and Verrazzano Castle. Depart for the hilltop town of Siena in the Tuscan countryside. Enjoy a walking tour and a visit to the DUOMO. Continue on to one of the many vineyards in the Tuscany region to learn about the production of Chianti wine. Enjoy WINE TASTING with lunch at Verrazzano Castle. Return to Florence. Evening at leisure. (BB,L)

Day 6:
Florence–Venice, Italy (Embarkation). After breakfast, transfer to the railway station. Travel by Eurostar train to Venice (first-class). Transfer to the pier for embarkation. (BB)

Day 7:
Venice, Italy. Depart 8 A.M.

Day 8:
At sea.

Day 9:
Athens, Greece (Piraeus). Arrive 6 A.M. Depart 5:45 P.M.

Day 10:
Kusadasi, Turkey (For Ephesus). Arrive 7 A.M. Depart 1 P.M.

Day 11:
Istanbul, Turkey. Arrive 8 A.M. Depart 6 P.M.

Day 12:
Mykonos, Greece. Arrive 12 N. Depart 7 P.M.

Day 13:
At sea.

Day 14:
Naples/Capri, Italy. Arrive 7 A.M . Depart 7 P.M.

Day 15:
Rome, Italy (Civitavecchia). Arrive 7 A.M. Depart 7 P.M.

Day 16:
Florence/Pisa, Italy (Livorno). Arrive 6:30 A.M. Depart 6 P.M.

Day 17:
Marseille, France For Provence. Arrive 7 A.M. Depart 5 P.M.

Day 18:
Barcelona, Spain. Disembark A.M.

Dates & Prices

MILAN
Guided sightseeing, visit the Duomo, Galleria, see Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper at the Churc