Your Itinerary
Welcome to Athens!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome drink.
Marvels & Myths
Wake-up in Athens for the start of your Greek Odyssey! Guided sightseeing is composed of an orientation drive to see Athen’s main landmarks, including Syntagma Square, the Temple of Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium, plus a visit to the iconic Acropolis. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore more. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOTS Explore the heart of Ancient Greece, in the historic empire where 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, never fail to amaze! See the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the venues of the first modern Olympic Games.
ATHENS–CORINTH–MYCENAE–EPIDAURUS–NAUPLIA
Greek History & Heroes
Leave Athens and drive to Corinth, stop to take photos of the world’s deepest canal, and one of the most famous, the Corinth Canal, before joining a guided walking tour of the ancient city. Continue to Mycenae, according to legend the city walls were built by Cyclopes! Enjoy some free time for lunch before entering the excavations for a guided tour, including a visit to the museum. Reach Epidaurus for a guided visit to see the 2,300-year-old open-air auditorium. This evening, arrive at the seaside town of Nauplia. (B,D) 132 mi / 212 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEM The outdoor auditorium of Epidaurus combines perfect mathematic proportion with excellent acoustics. This fascinating archaeological treasure was used for the healing of patients from all over Greece and was dedicated to Asklepios, the god of healing.
Ruins & Recipes
Take a scenic drive across the Arkadian Mountains of the Peloponnese peninsula to reach Olympia, dedicated to Zeus, and birthplace of the Olympic Games. Join a guided walking tour of the archaeological site and visit the museum. This evening, [LF] attend a cooking demonstration to learn how to make traditional Greek tzatziki. (B,D) 112 mi / 181 kmLOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Dip into the delicious tradition of Greek tzatziki – a mix of yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and herbs such as dill, mint, parsley, and thyme. Learn how to make this quintessential recipe loved the world over.
Digs & Dances
Depart Olympia, drive by the busy seaport of Patras and cross the spectacular Rion-Antirion bridge. Journey along the coast to reach Delphi, considered by ancient Greeks to be the center of the world where the oracles of Apollo predicted the fate of many a man. Take a guided walking tour of the excavations and Archaeological Museum to discover more. This evening, step into the culture when you [LF] learn how to dance the sirtaki while sipping a glass of ouzo, the traditional Greek spirit closely associated with friendship and laughter. (B,D)149 mi / 239 kmLOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITION Dance in the steps of Zorba the Greek to learn the sirtaki. This passionate and dramatic dance goes very well with a glass of ouzo, the anice-infused drink the locals are so fond of.
Monasteries in Magical Greece
Drive north past Lamia and Trikala to reach Meteora, which can be translated as “suspended in the air.” Prepare to be inspired by the breathtaking views afforded by this UNESCO-listed area. Enjoy a fascinating guided visit to the Monastery of St. Stephen and the Holy Monastery of Varlaam, perched atop the vertical rock formations. (B,D) 155 mi / 249 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT SACRED SITES Perched atop soaring huge cliffs are the monasteries of Meteora, of which six are still active. Visit the beautiful monasteries of Varlaam and St. Stephen’s to marvel at this serenely mystical landscape with breathtaking views from above. Long revered for the perfect monastic retreat from the world outside, Meteora’s spectacular array of massive sandstone cliffs create a surreal setting unlike any other.
METEORA AREA–THERMOPYLAE–ATHENS
Grecian Battles & Beauty
This morning, sit back and relax for a scenic drive. Stop at Thermopylae, learn about the famous battle and see the statue of the Spartan King, Leonidas. Continue to Athens and enjoy a leisurely afternoon and evening exploring. (B) 236 mi / 380 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDARY LIVES The story of the Battle of Thermopylae is hard to beat for drama. You may recognize this tale of the heroic, yet doomed Spartans of 480 BC fighting against the Persian army, which is dramatized in the film “300.” Their brave battle endures as a valiant symbol of bravery and sacrifice for a patriotic cause.
Beyond the Shore
Today board your Celestyal cruise ship and set sail across the Aegean Sea. Time to relax, get acquainted with your ship, and enjoy the facilities as you admire the stunning scenery. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT Set sail from Athens for a captivating course on the blue Aegean Sea to explore the exquisite beauty of the Greek Islands and Turkey. Marvel at the beauty of the island of Mykonos, also known as the island of the winds, revel in the unspoiled panoramas of Patmos, the magic of medieval Rhodes, Minoan Crete, and serene Santorini—with a special stop on the Turkish coast to see the amazingly preserved Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus.
CRUISING: KUSADASI, TURKEY
Turkish Treasures
Today reach the coast of Turkey and disembark at Kusudasi. Head to the incredible archaeological site of Ephesus, be captivated by stories as you follow your Local Guide on a fascinating walking tour to discover more about the city. Enjoy some free time at Kusadasi to stroll along the promenade and browse the Grand Bazaar.(B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Pull into port in Turkey to explore the fascinating Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus - one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world – with the historic ruins of the Library of Celsus, the Basilica of St. John, and the Temple of Artemis.
Blue Heaven
Enjoy a full free day on the island of Rhodes with its idyllic mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. Why not stroll around the crusader-influenced main town with its impressive buildings and quaint cobbled alleyways or join an optional shore excursion to visit the Acropolis at Lindos. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SIGHTS One of the original Seven Wonders of the World, the Colossal of Rhodes, a statue of the sun-god Helios said to be over 100ft high, once stood at the harbour greeting visitors to the island. While he is no longer there, you won’t notice his absence as there is plenty more to see, do and discover - this island has something for everybody!
Greek Mythology & Marvels
This morning reach Crete, the largest of the Greek islands and disembark in the resort town of Agios Nikolaos on the splendid Bay of Mirabello. Join an included guided visit to the Minoan Palace of Knossos and the bustling town of Heraklion. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTMYTHS & LEGENDS Marvel at the architecture of the Palace of Knossos in Crete’s city of Heraklion. Here, you’ll envision epic tales of Greek mythology- the Labyrinth, the Minotaur half-man/half-beast, and the legends of Daedalus and Icarus.
CRUISING: SANTORINI, GREECE
Sun, Sand & Sea
This morning, arrive in Santorini for a full day on this stunning island. During your free time explore the picturesque towns of Fira and Oia. Stroll the charming streets lined with white and blue houses, browse the shops, take in the spectacular views, or laze on one of the island’s idyllic beaches. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT With its postcard-like scenery, the lofty volcanic footprint of Santorini’s Oia caldera landscape embodies the essence of the Cyclades Islands. Spend free time amid azure seas and white and blue houses that line the maze of alleyways.
Mediterranean Magic
Mykonos is one of the most celebrated of the Cyclades Islands. Enjoy free time today and this evening to explore the island. See the iconic 16th-century windmills that dot the hillside, and the colorful homes of Little Venice. Browse the charming streets and stores and try some of the local delicacies. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEMS Your dreams of the Greek Islands come true with free time in Mykonos. This Aegean paradise of pristine waters and beaches, mixed with a lively nightlife scene, is only made brighter by the iconic 16th-century windmills that dot the hillside above.
Goddess of Love
Today, arrive at the island of Milos, with its dramatic landscape that has been sculpted and colored by its volcanic origins. Enjoy free time to explore the island at your own pace, browse the town of Plaka and try local specialties, or join an optional shore excursion to discover more. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Like love, Milos is both beautiful and dramatic in nature, with its enticing beaches and volcanic terrain. Here, an iconic statue was found hundreds of years ago – known as the famous Venus de Milo – a tribute to the Greek goddess Aphrodite.
Amazing Athens
This morning, disembark from your ship. Enjoy a free day in Athens, absorb more art and culture in one of the museums, browse the stores, or try local specialties. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE There are countless ways to enjoy free time in the birthplace of democracy, arts, science, and the philosophy of western civilization! Explore the urban landscapes and lively restaurants in this historic capital and enjoy the sunny slopes of this iconic city. Stroll in the shadow of the Acropolis in the village atmosphere of Plaka. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets to browse jewelry stores and ceramics shops, then linger in a sidewalk café or taverna to celebrate your Greek adventure.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)