Gems of Greece & Aegean Cruise - 9 Days

Welcome to Athens, the capital city of Greece. Upon arrival at the airport you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. You'll have the rest of the day to discover the city, home to an exquisite architectural history and an equally thriving modern society.

Today we embark on a coach tour of Greece's vibrant capital city, named after the goddess Athena and thought to be over 3000 years old. Sights include the Panathenaic Stadium, the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which lies at the heart of modern Athens. The highlight of our day is the Acropolis, considered by some to be the most important ancient site in the western world. Here we find masterpieces of classical Greek architecture, including the iconic Parthenon. We also enjoy a guided tour of the Acropolis Museum, recently voted one of the best museums in the world.

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in Plaka, a historical and picturesque part of the city. Take a stroll through the cobbled streets or relax with a drink at one of the many tavernas in the area. Don't forget to shop for souvenirs on Ermou Street.

Itinerary Alteration - please note: Departures from March to November - this Athens city tour will operate on day 5 after the three-day excursion to Olympia and Delphi

Athens - Epidaurus - Mycenae - Olympia. Today we depart Athens and head for the Peloponnese, a region which was the setting of many great myths and legends. Our first stop is the narrow Corinth Canal, a man-made waterway completed in 1893 after centuries of attempts. We then continue to the beautifully preserved theatre at Epidaurus, a sanctuary famed for medicine & healing in antiquity. Next we visit the World Heritage site of Mycenae, the early civilization excavated by Heinrich Schliemann. We'll see the Cyclopean walls, Tomb of Agamemnon, and Lion Gate. We continue across the Peloponnese mountains to Olympia for the evening.

Olympia - Delphi. Today we explore the home of the ancient Olympic Games. Situated along the longest river in the Peloponnese, the Alfios, Olympia is a fascinating step back in time to the birth of one of today's biggest sporting events. We visit the Temple of Zeus, the Palestra and Phidia's workshop.

Heading north this afternoon, we cross the impressive Rio-Antiro Bridge before heading for our final stop of Delphi.

Delphi - Athens. The sanctuary at Delphi was revered in antiquity as a centre of pilgrimage, home to the Pythian Oracle in the Temple of Apollo. We'll walk up the Sacred Way, the path followed by ancient visitors through the sanctuary, to see the temple ruins, and visit the local museum, where we'll find the bronze Charioteer statue and mythical omphalos stone. Afterwards, we head back to Athens for the evening.

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.

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. 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.