Grand Greek Odyssey Athens to Aegean

Welcome to your journey in Athens! Upon arrival, well arrange your transfer to the hotel, where you can settle in and enjoy some leisure time at your own pace. In the afternoon, please keep an eye on the hotel reception boards for important information regarding the start of your tour. Enjoy the beginning of your adventure in this historic city, where past and present blend seamlessly. 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.

We'll begin the day with a guided tour of Athens, exploring its prominent landmarks. Our stops include the Presidential Mansion, the Panathenaic Stadiumhome to the first modern Olympic Gamesthe National Library, and the city's lively squares. We'll also visit modern neighbourhoods that have flourished since the 2004 Olympic Games. The tour culminates at the iconic Acropolis; you'll have the chance to explore this historic site, though admission isn't included. In the evening, we'll transfer you to Plaka, a historic district known for its delightful Greek tavernas, where you can enjoy the local folklore and hospitality.

On the third day, we embark on a morning journey heading north through Greece, with our first stop at Kamena Vourla, a delightful seaside town set against a backdrop of stunning natural scenery. Continuing northward, we will visit the historic Thermopylae Mountain Pass, known for the legendary battle that took place here. Following this, we arrive at the picturesque village of Kastraki, where you'll have the opportunity to explore and enjoy your lunch with splendid views of the surrounding valley. Our day continues with a visit to the awe-inspiring Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its monasteries perched atop towering rock formations. Admission to one of these iconic monasteries is included in your visit. In the evening, we'll gather for dinner in Kalambaka, rounding off a day filled with remarkable sights and experiences.

Today, we embark on a scenic drive through the Thessaly region, known for its captivating landscapes, as we journey towards Delphi. At the heart of this ancient sanctuary, you'll have the opportunity to explore the archaeological site set against the stunning backdrop of the Gulf of Corinth. After enjoying a leisurely lunch, we make our way to the Hosios Loukas Monastery, celebrated as one of Greece's finest examples of Byzantine architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be awed by its splendid 11th-century mosaics before we continue our drive to Athens, arriving in the evening.

Today, we embark on a unique adventure exploring the Greek islands. Greece boasts nearly 6,000 islands, with over 100 inhabited, and today we will visit two of the Saronic Islands. Our day begins with an early ferry ride to Aegina, an island rich in history, inhabited for over 4,000 years and located under an hour from the mainland. You have the opportunity to enjoy the picturesque harbour, wander through traditional neighbourhoods with their charming houses and ancient churches, or visit the Greek Temple of Apollo.After exploring Aegina, we continue our journey with a 1-hour and 15-minute ferry ride to Poros. Youll find plenty to do with free time to enjoy the lively atmosphere, explore the winding streets lined with old houses, and perhaps find a spot for lunch. Post lunch, we make a brief 15-minute trip to Galatas, a quaint village on the Peloponnese coast. Our route then takes us through scenic hillside landscapes leading to Epidaurus. Here, well visit the marvelously preserved Ancient Theatre, an impressive structure that has stood the test of time for more than 2,400 years and still hosts performances today.Our day concludes in Nafplio, a charming coastal city known for its citadel and Venetian fortress. Youll have free time to discover the areas historic charm. The day concludes with an included dinner. Please note that ferry schedules can vary, especially during the low season when Aegina to Poros connections may not be available, in which case we would not visit Aegina Island.

Our adventure today takes us through the captivating Peloponnese region. We'll traverse the mountainous hinterland to reach Tripoli, the capital of Arcadia. You're free to explore Areos Square, where local cafs and restaurants provide a taste of the region's life. Our journey continues to Olympia, renowned as the birthplace of the Olympic Games in 776 BC. Here, we'll visit the Archaeological Site with its impressive landmarks, including the Temple of Zeus, the Stadium, the Gymnasium, and the Arena. Insights into the ancient games await you on the included guided tour. Our day concludes in Patras, Greece's third-largest city, with its vibrant port overlooked by a medieval fortress. Patras is also home to Greeces largest cathedral, a notable pilgrimage site. Dinner is included, offering a chance to relax and reflect on the day's discoveries.

Following a delightful breakfast, we will set off across the impressive Rio-Antirrio Bridge, a marvel of engineering that gracefully spans the Gulf of Corinth, linking the Peloponnese to the Greek mainland. Our first stop is the charming town of Nafpaktos. Here, you'll have the opportunity to wander around its picturesque harbour and explore the quaint old town. The Venetian fortress perched above the city is a testament to its historical importance, once known as Lepanto, where the Christian and Turkish fleets clashed in the famous battle that cost Cervantes his arm. Continuing our journey along the scenic Gulf, we arrive at Mycenae, a site of immense historical significance often regarded as the cradle of European civilisation. This impressive citadel dates back to the 18th century BC, and your exploration of the site includes entrance admission. You'll have some free time to delve into the rich history and enjoy lunch at your own pace. Our adventure then takes us to the imposing Fortress of Acrocorinth, with its stunning panoramic views. Located at the highest point of the settlement, remnants of an ancient temple dedicated to Aphrodite can be found here. Admission tickets are included, providing an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the ancient world.On our way back, we will make a brief stop at the awe-inspiring Corinth Canal before returning to Athens in the evening. This busy day promises to be as enlightening as it is captivating.

Today is a leisure day in Athens, an excellent opportunity for you to delve deeper into the city's unique blend of ancient history and modern vibrancy. With no fixed schedule, you're free to roam Athens at your own pace. Perhaps visit the iconic landmarks or explore local neighbourhoods to experience the authentic Athenian lifestyle. Whether youre interested in shopping, dining at traditional tavernas, or simply wandering through charming streets, this is your day to enjoy Athens in your own style.

Following breakfast, well transfer you to Lavrio Port for your 11:00 a.m. embarkation on a full-day Mediterranean cruise. Youll find yourself captivated by the scenic views of the sea as we sail. At 6:00 p.m., well arrive in Mykonos, offering you the opportunity to delve into this enchanting island at your own pace. Famous for its iconic windmills and dazzling whitewashed houses nestled by the sea, Mykonos is a sight to behold. Your exploration is yours to plan until our departure at 11:00 p.m. when we'll sail onwards. Enjoy the overnight stay on board, surrounded by the gentle waves.

Today, we'll dock at Kusadasi, a stunning seaside resort on Turkey's Aegean coast. Here, we offer an excursion to the renowned ancient city of Ephesus, where you'll immerse yourself in its captivating ruins. Admission is included in your tour, providing a glimpse into the city's illustrious past. After exploring Ephesus, we'll return to our cruise ship and continue our journey to the island of Patmos. Known as the place where St. John the Apostle wrote the Apocalypse, Patmos offers a unique historical backdrop. We'll arrive in the evening and depart around 9:00 p.m. as we settle in for another night onboard the cruise.

We spend the day immersed in the wonders of Rhodes, docking at 7:00 a.m. This remarkable island invites you to wander through its impressive medieval walled city. Once a sentinel of the ancient world, Rhodes was home to the legendary Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. As you explore, you'll discover the rich history woven into its streets and architecture. At 6:00 p.m., we set sail once more, giving you a chance to unwind and enjoy the facilities and activities provided on board our cruise ship.

Today, we'll continue our Mediterranean cruise as we arrive at Heraklion, the vibrant capital of Crete, at 7:00 a.m. This city is famed for its proximity to the archaeological site of Knossos, a significant centre of the ancient Minoan civilization. By mid-morning, we'll set sail for Santorini, one of the most spectacular islands in the Mediterranean. Admire the island's dramatic cliffs, charming whitewashed villages, and stunning sea vistas. At 9:00 p.m., our voyage will resume as the ship departs once more. Spend the night on board don't miss the lively boat party!

Early this morning, at 6:30 a.m., we dock at Lavrio Port as our unforgettable journey draws to a close. You will carry cherished memories of the diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and rich history we have encountered. For those continuing to explore Athens or arriving via ferry from Rhodes, please note that Piraeus will be your point of arrival. Should you wish to extend your stay in Athens, please be aware that transfers from the port to your hotel will be at your own expense.