Wednesday, October 8 - ATHENS (PIRAEUS), GREECE (Embarkation)
Departure 11:00 PM
A city of legend, civilization, and enduring culture, Athens is a majestic and magical urban sprawl. Extraordinary elegance and grace combine with grit and graft in Greece's capital, where highways encase ruins from antiquity, and gleaming museums and galleries stand beside concrete sprayed with edgy street art. These contrasts enhance and elevate the wonders of this 2,500-year-old city; however, which can count notable contributions to philosophy, drama, and democracy, among its global legacy. Piraeus' giant port and naval base welcome you to the edge of Athens' urban area. From there it's a simple jaunt to the centre. The majestic ancient citadel of the Acropolis dominates an elevated platform and is a constant presence as you explore the city. The wonderful remains of the columned temple of the Parthenon - which date back to the 5th century BC - stand here, representing the pinnacle of classical architecture. The nearby Acropolis Museum adds context to your visit and frames the broad views from its giant glass windows. Or rise up Mount Lycabettus, to be rewarded with perhaps Athens' best panorama of the Acropolis sitting high over the city on its grand stage. See the marble horseshoe of the Old Olympic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896, for more of the city's enduring legacy. Elsewhere golden beaches and temples stretch out along the coastline, should you wish to explore further afield. Coffee is an art form to the Greeks, and it's an unwritten rule that coffee time must never be rushed. So prepare to settle down for a few hours and lose yourself in a good chat. Feeling hungry - try traditional souvlaki made with sauces handed from generation to generation.
Thursday, October 9 - MYKONOS, GREECE
Arrival 8:00 AM
Departure 9:00 PM
Indulge in idyllic island life, as you take your fill of superb foods and wines, and soak in endless views of sweeping turquoise seascapes and pretty whitewash buildings. Known for its lively nightlife and rejuvenating, carefree outlook, Mykonos is a dazzlingly beautiful island escape. The secret is well and truly out, but Mykonos has retained the enduring, exclusive allure that first drew celebrities like Brigitte Bardot to its star-studded shores. True to its roots, Mykonos is a rich land of culture, and traditional and swirling legend, and the island is said to be built on the frozen bodies of giants slain by Hercules and to have been the legendary battleground between Zeus and the Titans. Head out onto the crystalline waters to seek out serene islands, hit perfect beaches, or venture into the labyrinth of Mykonos Town. White facades, red roofs, and cobalt blue shutters add to the lively town's appeal. Explore narrow streets housing studios - where artisans piece together mosaics - and plenty of restaurants and bars offer sanctuary. Head to Little Venice for a waterfront view of one of the island's famed sunsets, and to enjoy an aperitif of the favorite aniseed liqueur, ouzo. Boasting numerous attractive sandy coves, a wealth of top-notch restaurants, and rich cultural appeal, it's little wonder that Mykonos is one of the most popular Greek Islands. Discover this jaw-droppingly scenic island paradise, watched over by its iconic huddle of picturesque windmills.
2 Included Shore Excursions:
Mykonos Panorama
Mykonos Town Highlights on Foot
Friday, October 10 - NAFPLION, GREECE
Arrival 8:00 AM
Departure 7:00 PM
Greece's first capital remains the escape of choice for Athenians, who spend the weekend here indulging in the town's gorgeous seaside setting. One of the country's most romantic towns, the warm color palette and tempting, island-sprinkled waters, pull on plenty of heartstrings. With perfect beaches, crystal clear waters for swimming, and evocative fortress-capped mountains, Nafplion is a sun-soaked Greek beauty. A gorgeous blend of Greek, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman influences, stroll the seafront promenade and soak up the ambiance in tavernas and bars. Head into the warren of an old town full of narrow streets, neoclassical architecture, and pink-flowered trees drooping overalls. Located on the hill that towers over Nafplion, Palamidi Fortress is a Venetian castle built in 1714, and its steep walls flow dramatically down the slope. If you're feeling brave, a slog of 857 steps will take you to the top to see beautiful views across Nafplion and the Argolic Gulf. Acronafplia fortress is Nafplion's oldest castle, and its walls enclosed the entire town until the 13th century. Just offshore, the Venetian Bourtzi fortress rises on a tiny islet, a short boat ride away across the glistening waters. Venetians built this harbor fortress to protect the town before it later housed the official executioner. Today its hardy walls shake to music, during its summer festival, and the castle enjoys a gorgeous view back over the waves to the town's humming waterfront. Ancient cities like Corinth lie close by, recovered the unearthed after being wiped from history by immense earthquakes.
2 Included Shore Excursions:
Ancient Corinth & Canal View
Ancient Mycenae
Saturday, October 11 - SYROS, GREECE
Arrival 8:00 AM
Departure 7:00 PM
The beautiful sea, crisp white beaches, and charming medieval villages add character and color to this gorgeous Greek Island. With its blockbuster neighbors, Mykonos and Santorini, Syros flies a little under the radar at times - but the island's devoted fans wouldn't have it any other way. Part of the Cyclades group of islands, visit the capital, Ermoupoli, to discover a network of picturesque narrow streets and winding alleyways - dotted with fancy old Venetian mansions, and elegant domed churches. The colorful town cascades down to an open waterfront of pine trees and beautiful views. Head to the sparkling marbled central square, overlooked by the Town Hall and surrounded by a celebrated collection of neoclassical buildings facing across narrow streets. A town of peeking bell towers and cobalt-blue domed churches - stop by the Church of the Assumption, which treasures an original El Greco wonder inside. Farther up you'll find the small, monastery-sparkled medieval village of Ano Syros. Settled on a hill, it offers a glorious view down over the part and white dwellings of Ermoupoli below. You can visit Capuchin Monastery, built in the 16th century to help the underprivileged. Encounter the Vamvakaris Museum, dedicated to Markos Vamvakaris, a famous rebetiko musician born here in 1905. Of course, Syros is surrounded by plenty of blissful beaches, if you'd rather hit the sands. Finikas beach is nearby, and a long, luxurious stretch, complete with sunbeds and umbrellas. Perfect for catching some sun and shade, and watching the blue seawater twinkling.
2 Included Shore Excursions:
Neoclassical Ermoupolis on Foot
Village of Syros
Sunday, October 12 - KUSADASI, TURKEY
Arrival 8:00 AM
Departure 11:00 PM
Explore the towering columns, and storied remains of Ephesus - one of the most spectacular cities left by the Ancient Greeks. Kusadasi welcomes you to the Turkish coastline and is your base for exploring these majestic remains, which sit just 10 miles inland from the port. The Ephesus UNESCO World Heritage Site is a true archaeological gold mine and an amazingly well-preserved site - once home to 150,000 people. The grand Temple of Artemis rose majestically here and was recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World before its destruction. The grand city was a fitting location for such a wonder, and with a mere 20% estimated to have been uncovered, Ephesus's scale and majesty are hard to comprehend as you walk its ancient streets fully. Visit the precious Library of Celsus - a gorgeous, double-layered façade of columns and artistry - and enjoy the city's gently illuminated, atmospheric venues - which still host stirring evening concerts. Ephesus's museum adds context to the 25,000 treasures that are exhibited within. After a long hot day exploring, recharge with a perfectly charred and seasoned kebab or vegetable and rice stuffed grape leaves like dolma. In Dusadasi itself, you can discover a lively seaside city with a buzzing Aegean beach scene, and a glut of restaurants and cafes to kick back in.
3 Included Shore Excursions:
Ephesus & Archaeological Museum
Easy Ephesus
Virgin Mary's House & Ancient Ephesus (Wheelchair Accessible)
Monday, October 13 - PATMOS, GREECE
Arrival 9:00 AM
Departure 6:00 PM
The seahorse-shaped Patmos is a Greek island of stunning seascapes and immense cultural significance. Rising from the Aegean Sea, Christians embark on pilgrimages here from all across the world, seeking out the small hillside cave, said to be the place where St. John penned the Book of Revelations, in AD 95. Whether you're religious or not, there is something of the divine in this gorgeous island - a place of sanctuary fringed by crystal-clear waters and blissful beaches. Sleepy, whitewash towns gleam in the strong sunshine, while cats slink between the crumbling walls of this ruggedly beautiful island. High on their hillside, above the cobalt-blue bay, you'll find the sacred chapel, where an exiled John of Patmos is said to have entered the Cave of the Apocalypse and prophesied of the end of the world's fire and brimstone - a striking juxtaposition with the peaceful serenity of the calm location. Higher up you'll find the 11th-century Monastery of St. Joh, which offers spectacular views of the island's mounds curving around like a scorpion's tail. It stands watch over the island like a fortified crown. Sun-wrinkled, black-robed, mons climb the streets up to this World Heritage site, where bells peel out melodically. Inside, vaulted chambers and stunning frescoes tell stories amid the striking religious iconography. Chora's incredible narrow streets - molded white - are an enchanting place to lose your bearings, spreading below the monastery. Elsewhere, blissful beaches stretch out across the coastline, or this remote Greek island's curves can be admired while bobbing offshore in a sailboat.
2 Included Shore Excursions:
St. John's Patmos & Churches
Patmos Island & Scenic Drive
Tuesday, October 14 - RHODES, GREECE
Arrival 8:00 AM
Departure 7:00 PM
With an endless sun-soaked season, earthy history, and vibrant culture; the island of Rhodes has it all. At the crossroads between many mighty civilizations throughout its tumultuous history. Part of the Dodecanes Islands, which are sprinkled across the blissfully blue Aegean Sea, dive into the island of dazzling beaches, historic medieval towns, and whitewashed villages crusted with turrets and walls, alluding to its strategic significance over the years. Unexpected history has been left behind, and the cobbled streets of the UNESCO World Heritage site listed Old Town are some of Europe's best. Wander back through time, with occasional minarets from Ottoman-era mosques rising from the tangle of Medieval history, and the smells of cinnamon, cumin, and pepper lingering above stone-paved streets. Discover inviting outdoor restaurants, which spill across flower-filled courtyards, and enjoy fresh Greek cuisine with an Eastern influence. The preserved columns of Linds's spectacular Ancient Greek Acropolis watch out over electric blue water, and the Gothic Medieval stronghold of the 14th-century Palace of the Grand Masters of the Knights of Rhodes, adds fascinating history to explore. Fragrant, pine tree-coated hills, and gorgeous beaches of eye-watering blue water, offer your choice of unbridled relaxation or thrilling action, and you can raise the pulse with water sports, or shelter in coves with shocks of turquoise water and monolithic rock formations.
2 Included Shore Excursions:
Medieval Rhodes
Panoramic Rhodes
Wednesday, October 15 - HERAKLION, GREECE
Arrival 8:00 AM
Departure 11:00 PM
It may not be the prettiest place in Crete, but Heraklion's patchwork of history, bustling activity, and cultural intrigue make it the perfect pace change. This is certainly no sleepy island fishing village; and Greece's fifth-largest city is adorned with a rich collection of quality museums, ancient ruins from antiquity, and a lively culture of it sown. A refreshing shift-up from the many quaint beach towns and fishing villages you'll encounter in the Greek islands, Heraklion - also known as Iraklio - has great shopping, and extraordinary history and is the ideal base for ventures to the archaeological treasures of Crete. Traded by the Arabic, Venetian, and Ottoman empires over the years, Heraklion is a multi-layered place with fascinating tales to tell. The city's impressive Venetian fortress, which waits over the gently rolling waves of the gleaming Mediterranean, welcomes you ashore. A stroll out along the seawall, alongside creaking fishing boats, will take you to the squat fortifications that have stood since 1540. Climb to the top for views across the water, back towards the city's waterfront. The sun-roasted earth outside the city hides treasures from the realms of history, including the Bronze Age remnants of Europe's oldest city, Knossos. A visit to the fantastic Archaeological Museum of Heraklion ties this history together and exhibits relics from the civilizations and eras of Crete's past. Elsewhere, Daidalou's pedestrianized paving is a charming stroll through Heraklion's shops, with streets branching off to café-lined plazas and twinkling fountains. Stop to try local food - like fresh feta and olive-sprinkled dakos mezze - all washed down with a sample of local raki brandy.
3 Included Shore Excursions:
Heraklion & Archaeological Museum
Scenic Lassithi Plateau
From King Minos to Saint Paul
Thursday, October 16 - SANTORINI, GREECE
Arrival 8:00 AM
Departure 7:00 PM
Breathlessly romantic, and incredibly scenic, the azure domes and whitewash buildings that cascade down Santorini's slopes are prime honeymoon material - and relentlessly romantic. A true gem of the Cycladic island groups, Santorini is startlingly pretty, and its white windmills and dazzling villages are incredibly easy on the eye. Envy-inducing and evocatively beautiful, Santorini's sunsets are legendary, and the island is a highlight of any voyage to the Greek islands. Look out over the endless expanse of blue waves, filling the massive volcanic caldera of Santorini - and absorb one of the most spectacular views in the world. The sheer rock shoulders of the caldera create an immense, natural amphitheater - so enjoy the show, as you sip a local, volcanic-mineral enhanced white wine, and fall in love all over again. Any meal is well rounded off with the famous wine, Vinsanto. The east side, of the island may lack the incredible panoramas, but it's ideal if all you want to do is recline on volcanic-sand beaches - which range in hues from charcoal-black to flame-red. This beautiful island was forged by powerful volcanic activity, and you can learn more about the huge eruption of 1,600 BCE - which wiped out the Minan city at Akrotiri. The eruption sank the middle of the island forming the moon-shaped topography we see now. Visit the archaeological site that has revealed and preserved their village, which was lost to time below the pumice and ash. Some whisper that this destroyed town may even be the fabled Atlantis.
2 Included Shore Excursions:
Discover Oia on your own
Villages of Santorini
Friday, October 17 - ATHENS (PIRAEUS), GREECE (Disembarkation)
Arrival 7:00 AM
Disembark this morning in Athens for your flight home or you can extend your stay.
