Greek Odyssey Athens to Aegean Isles

Welcome to Athens! Upon your arrival, we will arrange your transfer to the hotel, where you can settle in and take advantage of some leisure time to acclimate to the vibrant city. Later in the day, check the hotel reception boards for important details regarding the start of your journey. Enjoy your first moments in this historic city and prepare for an exciting adventure ahead. 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.

Today, we begin our exploration of Athens with a guided city tour. We visit iconic sites including the Presidential Mansion, the historic Panathenaic Stadium, where the inaugural modern Olympic Games were hosted, and the National Library. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the city's central squares, and discover the areas that have sprung up since the 2004 Olympic Games. Our tour culminates at the Acropolis, a symbol of Greece's ancient glory, although entry is not included. In the evening, we will transport you to the Plaka neighbourhood, an area rich with character and lined with delightful Greek tavernas. Here, you can enjoy an authentic taste of Greek culture and cuisine.

Today, we journey into the scenic Peloponnese, beginning with a stop at the impressive Corinth Canal, a feat of engineering from the late 1800s that connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. Travelling through picturesque mountain landscapes, we arrive in Tripoli, the capital of the Arcadia region. You can enjoy some free time here to explore Aeros Square, a lively area dotted with bustling cafes and inviting restaurants.Our adventure continues as we head to Olympia accompanied by a local guide, where you will explore the Archaeological Site, tickets included. Olympia is the birthplace of the Olympic Games, first held in 776 BC. Its highlights include the storied Temple of Zeus, the ancient Stadium, the Gymnasium, and the Arena. From here, we proceed to Patras, Greece's third-largest city, known for its impressive medieval fortress and Greece's largest cathedral. Adjacent stands the small church of St. Andrew, an important pilgrimage site. We will conclude the day with an included dinner.

Following breakfast, we will traverse the impressive Rio-Antirrio Bridge, a remarkable cable-stayed structure linking the Peloponnese with mainland Greece. Our first destination is Nafpaktos, nestled along the Gulf of Corinth, where you'll find a picturesque harbour and a historic Venetian fortress. This site holds particular historical significance as the location of the Battle of Lepanto, a pivotal clash between Christian and Turkish fleets during which the renowned Cervantes famously lost his arm. You will have leisure time to wander through the charming harbour and explore the old town's quaint streets.Continuing our journey, we will arrive at Mycenae, an ancient citadel regarded as the cradle of European civilisation. Admission is included, and you will have some free time to enjoy lunch and delve into the site's rich history. Next, we visit the awe-inspiring Fortress of Acrocorinth. Admission is also included here, where you can marvel at the remnants of a temple dedicated to Aphrodite, perched atop the highest point of this ancient settlement. We will make a brief stop at the Corinth Canal before reaching Athens, where we will arrive in the evening.

Spend your day at leisure in Athens, taking the opportunity to absorb the city's unique charm at your own pace. This free day provides the perfect chance to delve into the plethora of memorable sites that Athens has to offer. Discover its rich history, vibrant culture, and picturesque streets, ensuring a personalised and enriching experience in this ancient yet ever-evolving metropolis.

Following breakfast, we'll make our way to Lavrio Port for an 11:00 a.m. departure on a full-day Mediterranean cruise. As we embark, soak in the panoramic sea views while we sail towards our enchanting destination. We arrive at Mykonos by 6:00 p.m., granting you the freedom to wander around this picturesque island, celebrated for its iconic windmills and charming, whitewashed seaside houses. Revel in the enticing atmosphere and explore at your leisure. Our ship will depart Mykonos at 11:00 p.m., as we settle in for an overnight stay on board.

Today, our journey takes us to Turkey, where we'll explore the captivating seaside resort of Kusadasi, nestled on the Aegean coast. Admission is included for a visit to the Ephesus Ancient City Ruins, a remarkable site reflecting the grandeur of classical antiquity. Once we've soaked in the historical richness of Ephesus, we return to our cruise ship and set sail for Patmos. Known as the island where St. John the Apostle penned the Apocalypse, Patmos offers a unique blend of spiritual and historical significance. We depart at 9:00 p.m. and spend the night onboard, continuing our adventure on the seas.

On the eighth day of our Mediterranean cruise, we dock at Rhodes at 7:00 a.m. Rhodes boasts a captivating medieval cityscape, once watched over by the fabled Colossus of Rhodes, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. You will have free time to wander through this historic island town, mingle with local culture, and explore at your own pace. At 6:00 p.m., we set sail again, allowing you to unwind and enjoy the various amenities available on board.

Our day begins in Heraklion, the heart of Crete, where you arrive at 7:00 a.m. Positioned near the ancient ruins of Knossos, this vibrant city offers a captivating mix of history and modernity. Mid-morning, we head towards Santorini, renowned for its dramatic cliffs, luminous white villages, and stunning sea vistas, making it one of the Mediterranean's most striking islands. At 9:00 p.m., our voyage continues as the cruise ship departs, inviting you to enjoy the lively onboard festivities. Spend the night aboard, immersed in the unique atmosphere of life at sea.

As dawn breaks at 06:30 a.m., we dock at Lavrio Port, marking the conclusion of our memorable journey. Reflect on the spectacular sites and experiences that have undoubtedly created lasting impressions. For those arriving by ferry from Rhodes, your entry point will be Piraeus. Should you wish to extend your stay in Athens, please note that transfers from the port to your hotel are independently available at an additional cost.