Classical Greece & the Aegean Isles - 12 Days

On arrival in Athens, you are met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing you time to relax after the journey or explore the city at your own pace.

Athens – Epidaurus – Nafplio – Mycenae – Olympia. This morning, we depart for the Peloponnese, travelling westwards from Athens. Our first stop is the Corinth Canal, an impressive engineering feat that connects the Aegean and Ionian seas and dramatically cuts through the narrow isthmus.

We then continue to Epidaurus, the most important healing centre of the ancient world. Here we visit the remarkably well-preserved ancient theatre, renowned for its exceptional acoustics and still used for performances today.

Passing by the elegant seaside town of Nafplio, once the first capital of modern Greece, we continue to Mycenae. Described by Homer as ‘rich in gold’, this powerful Bronze Age city is home to the mighty Cyclopean walls, the Lion’s Gate and the so-called Tomb of Agamemnon.

Our day concludes in Olympia, where we check in and enjoy dinner.

Olympia – Delphi. We begin the day in Olympia, set amid the green valley of the River Alfios and known as the birthplace of the Olympic Games. We explore the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia, including the Temple of Zeus, once home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Palaestra and the workshop of Phidias, the sculptor of the great statue of Zeus. We also visit the local museum, where highlights include the celebrated statue of Hermes by Praxiteles.

In the afternoon, we continue our journey through central Greece, crossing the impressive Rio–Antirio Bridge which links the Peloponnese with the mainland. We arrive in Delphi later in the day, where we settle in for dinner.

Delphi – Kalambaka. After breakfast, we explore Delphi, dramatically set on the slopes of Mount Parnassos above vast olive groves and the Corinthian Gulf. In antiquity, Delphi was considered the centre of the world and the most sacred pilgrimage site in Greece.

We visit the Sanctuary of Apollo and walk along the Sacred Way, passing ancient treasuries before reaching the Temple of Apollo, once home to the oracle Pythia. Our visit also includes the archaeological museum, where highlights include the famous bronze Charioteer of Delphi.

We then continue our journey north through central Greece, travelling towards Kalambaka. On arrival, we check in and enjoy dinner.

Kalambaka - Meteora – Athens. Today, we visit Meteora, one of the most striking landscapes in mainland Greece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Towering sandstone rock formations rise dramatically from the plain, creating a unique and otherworldly setting that has attracted monks seeking seclusion since the Middle Ages.

We explore this extraordinary area, where historic monasteries perch atop the rocks and offer sweeping views across the Thessalian plain. The combination of natural beauty and spiritual heritage makes Meteora one of Greece’s most memorable sights.

In the afternoon, we begin our return journey to Athens. En route, we stop at Thermopylae to see the statue of King Leonidas, commemorating the famous stand of the 300 Spartans against the Persian army. We arrive back in Athens later in the day.

This morning, we set out on a panoramic city tour of Athens, taking in the city’s most important landmarks and monuments. We pass the Panathinaikon Stadium, site of the first modern Olympic Games, as well as the Zappeion, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch. We continue through Syntagma Square to see the Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, before passing Schliemann’s House, the Academy, the University, the National Library and the Old Parliament.

We then visit the Acropolis, the crowning glory of ancient Athens. Here we explore the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon and the Erechtheion, famous for its Caryatides. Our visit continues at the Acropolis Museum, where outstanding sculptures and artefacts from the Acropolis have been carefully displayed, offering valuable insight into life in ancient Athens.

The afternoon is at leisure, giving you time to explore the charming streets of Plaka and the historic city centre at your own pace.

You will have the day at leisure to explore Athens at your own pace. You may choose to spend more time discovering the city’s museums, neighbourhoods and cafés, or enjoy a relaxed day soaking up the atmosphere of the Greek capital.

Alternatively, you can join an optional excursion to Cape Sounion to visit the Temple of Poseidon, dramatically set above the Aegean Sea, or take an optional tour to the Peloponnese for further insight into Greece’s ancient heritage.

Athens – Mykonos. We make our way to Lavrion port, where we will start our Aegean cruise aboard Celestyal Discovery. After embarkation, we settle in and enjoy lunch on board as the ship sets sail.

We arrive in Mykonos in the afternoon. Known for its lively atmosphere, whitewashed streets and iconic windmills, the island offers plenty to explore. The remainder of the day is at leisure, giving you time to wander through Mykonos Town, browse the boutiques or enjoy the vibrant waterfront, before returning to the ship later in the evening.

Mykonos - Kusadasi (Turkey) - Patmos. After breakfast, we arrive at the port of Kusadasi, on the Turkish coast. You may choose to join an optional excursion to Ancient Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the eastern Mediterranean, with highlights including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre and the remains of the Temple of Artemis.

Around midday, we set sail for the island of Patmos. On arrival, you have the option to join an excursion to the Monastery of Saint John and the Grotto of the Apocalypse, where Saint John is believed to have written the Book of Revelation. Alternatively, you may enjoy time at leisure to explore the island before returning to the ship for the evening.

Patmos - Rhodes. Today, we arrive in Rhodes early in the morning, where the ship remains docked for the entire day. One of Greece’s most historic islands, Rhodes is renowned for its well-preserved medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site shaped by the Knights of St John.

You may choose to explore the Old Town independently, wandering through its cobbled streets, impressive fortifications and lively squares. Alternatively, you can join an optional excursion to Lindos, visiting its ancient acropolis and the imposing citadel of the Knights, with panoramic views over the coastline.

In the evening, we return on board to enjoy dinner and overnight on the ship.

Rhodes - Heraklion - Santorini. This morning, we arrive in Heraklion, the capital of Crete. You may choose to explore the city independently or join an optional excursion to the Palace of Knossos, the centre of the Minoan civilisation and the setting of the legend of the Minotaur.

In the afternoon, we continue to Santorini, one of Greece’s most iconic islands. On arrival, you can take the cable car up to Fira, the island’s capital, or join an optional excursion to the village of Oia, famed for its whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and dramatic views over the caldera. We return to the ship later in the evening for dinner.

Itinerary Alteration - please note: During winter departures, the cruise will not stop in the port of Heraklion. Instead, the ship will arrive in Santorini in the morning and spend the whole day in Santorini.

Santorini - Athens. After our final breakfast, we arrive at the port of Lavrion early in the morning. We say goodbye to our fellow travellers and crew before disembarking. You will then be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.