Enchanting Greek Odyssey and Island Cruise

Welcome to Athens, the start of your adventure. We will arrange your transfer to the hotel upon your arrival. Once settled in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. In the afternoon, you will find important information about the start of your tour displayed on the boards at the hotel reception. Take this time to acquaint yourself with the vibrant surroundings or simply relax and unwind before the journey officially begins. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On the second day of your adventure, we will dive into the history and vibrant culture of Athens with an expert local guide. Our tour will take in iconic sites such as the impressive Presidential Mansion, the historic Panathenaic Stadiumfamous for hosting the first modern Olympic Gamesthe National Library, and several bustling city squares that capture the heart of Athens. We'll also journey through contemporary areas that have flourished since the 2004 Olympic Games. Our exploration will culminate at the Acropolis, where you'll have the opportunity to absorb the history at your own pace (entry is not included). In the evening, we will transfer you to Plaka, a historic yet lively neighbourhood brimming with characteristic Greek tavernas. Here, you can wander its atmospheric streets and soak up the local folklore, making for a memorable Greek evening.

On the third day, we set off early for northern Greece, pausing at the delightful seaside town of Kamena Vourla, renowned for its scenic landscapes. Continuing our journey, we stop at the historic Thermopylae Mountain Pass, the site of the legendary battle. Our next destination is the village of Kastraki, offering stunning valley views. Here, you can enjoy your leisure time for lunch. In the afternoon, we explore the captivating Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its impressive monasteries perched atop striking rock formations. Admission to one of these remarkable monasteries is included. Our day concludes with dinner in Kalabaka.

We set off from Kalambaka as we journey south through the picturesque Thessaly region, renowned for its stunning landscapes. Our destination is the remarkable archaeological site in Delphi, which overlooks the Gulf of Corinth, offering breathtaking views. Here, we invite you to explore this historic site, which was once considered the centre of the world in ancient Greek mythology. After taking time for lunch, we continue our exploration with a visit to the Hosios Loukas Monastery. Esteemed as one of Greece's most exquisite Byzantine monasteries and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its magnificent 11th-century mosaics are a highlight. Following our visit, we head back to Athens, arriving in the evening.

Today offers an enticing glimpse into the island life of Greece, famed for its nearly 6,000 islands of which over 100 are inhabited. We'll set off early by ferry to Aegina, a historic island just under an hour away, where you can explore its charming harbour, and meander through traditional neighbourhoods showcasing delightful homes and ancient churches. A visit to the Greek Temple of Apollo is another option available to you. Following this, we'll board another ferry for approximately an hour and fifteen minutes to reach Poros. Here, you'll have free time to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this delightful island, with its bustling tourist scene and picturesque houses stretching up towards the clock tower. After you have strolled and lunched, we'll embark on a brief 15-minute trip to Galatas, a quaint coastal village in the Peloponnese. Our travels continue by road through stunning hillside scenery until we arrive at Epidaurus. Admission to the Ancient Theatre, a wonderfully preserved structure from 2,400 years ago, is included. It remains in use today, accommodating up to 14,000 spectators. We then make our way to Nafplio, a splendid coastal city renowned for its citadel and Venetian fortress, where you'll have the freedom to explore at your leisure. Dinner will be included. Please note that ferry schedules can vary, particularly in the low season, which may affect trips between Aegina and Poros. Should that happen, we may need to adjust our plan accordingly.

Today, we'll set out from Nafplio and traverse the mountainous terrain of the Peloponnese to reach Tripoli, the vibrant capital of the Arcadia region. You'll have some free time to relax and explore Areos Square, where an array of cafes and restaurants offer a welcoming atmosphere. Our travels then lead us to Olympia, an iconic site steeped in history as the birthplace of the Olympic Games, dating back to 776 BC. Here, a guided tour awaits to enrich your experience, including an admission ticket. Youll discover ancient wonders like the Temple of Zeus, the Stadium, the Gymnasium, and the Arena, all resonating with echoes of ancient athletic prowess. After exploring Olympia, our journey continues to Patras, Greeces third-largest city. This bustling port, watched over by a medieval fortress, is home to Greece's largest cathedrala significant pilgrimage location. Also nearby is the historic old church of St. Andrew. Our day concludes with an included dinner, offering a well-earned chance to unwind and reflect on a day filled with fascinating discoveries.

Following breakfast, we will traverse the stunning Rio-Antirrio Bridge, a striking feat of modern engineering that links the Peloponnese to mainland Greece. Our journey takes us first to Nafpaktos, situated along the Gulf of Corinth. Here, you can explore the historical Venetian fortress, an enduring symbol of the town's past as Lepanto, where the famous naval battle between Christian and Turkish forces took place. It was in this battle that Cervantes famously lost an arm. You'll have some free time to wander around the picturesque harbour and the charming old town.We continue our adventure skirting the Gulf of Corinth until we reach the ancient site of Mycenae. Known as the cradle of European civilisation, this impressive citadel dates back to the 18th century BC. We have included your admission, and you will have free time to explore the site and savour lunch at your own pace. Our next destination is the impressive Fortress of Acrocorinth, perched high on a hill. Admission is covered, allowing you to visit the remnants of the ancient Temple of Aphrodite that crowns the summit.As we make our way back, we will pause briefly at the Corinth Canal before arriving in Athens in the evening, wrapping up an extraordinary day of exploration and history.

Today offers a perfect opportunity to freely explore the delights of Athens at your own pace. Immerse yourself in the city's vibrant atmosphere, perhaps taking time to visit its myriad of captivating sites or simply enjoy the local lifestyle. With no planned activities, the day is yours to uncover the hidden gems and memorable places that Athens has to offer.

After breakfast, we will transfer you to Lavrio Port, setting sail at 11:00 a.m. on a full-day Mediterranean cruise. As we glide across the sea, soak in the stunning views that the Mediterranean has to offer. At 6:00 p.m., we will arrive in Mykonos, where you will have the freedom to explore this enchanting island. Mykonos is known for its iconic windmills and the striking whitewashed houses that line the waterfront. At 11:00 p.m., we will depart from Mykonos and continue our journey. Your night will be spent onboard the ship.

Upon arrival in Turkey, we will explore Kusadasi, a charming seaside resort along the Aegean coast. Admission is included for a visit to the ancient city ruins of Ephesus, a noteworthy site for its historical significance and architectural splendour. After our exploration, we'll return to the cruise ship and continue to the island of Patmos, famously known as the place where St. John the Apostle wrote the Apocalypse. The ship will depart from Patmos at 9:00 p.m., and we will spend the night on board.

On Day 11, you will enjoy a full day aboard a Mediterranean cruise. The ship arrives at 7:00 a.m. in the captivating city of Rhodes, renowned for its stunning medieval architecture and once guarded by the legendary Colossus of Rhodesone of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. As we explore this historic destination, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in its rich heritage and wander through its charming streets. We will set sail again at 6:00 p.m., allowing you to relish the excellent amenities on board as we continue our journey through the Mediterranean.

We dock early in the morning at Heraklion, the bustling capital of Crete. This city is just a stone's throw away from the famous archaeological site of Knossos, an important remnant of Minoan civilisation. As we continue our voyage towards Santorini, prepare to be captivated by what is often considered the most spectacular of the Mediterranean islands. Its dramatic landscape features striking cliffs and enchanting white-washed villages that shimmer in the sunlight against a backdrop of stunning sea views. Our ship will depart at 9 p.m., marking the end of a day in paradise. Spend the night on board enjoying the vibrant nightlife and festivities available.

At 06:30 a.m., we'll dock at Lavrio Port, marking the end of our remarkable journey. You'll disembark with a treasure trove of unforgettable memories from your travels. Please note: If you're arriving from Rhodes by ferry, your point of arrival will be Piraeus. Should you wish to extend your stay in Athens, be aware that transfers from the port to your hotel are not included and will incur an additional charge.