Day Day 3 - Athens – Corinth – Mycenae – Epidaurus – Nafplion - Accommodation: Amalia/Ippoliti/Nafplia Palace
We depart Athens this morning, crossing the mighty Corinth Canal to the wild Peloponnesian Peninsula. Arriving in Corinth, we join a Local Specialist to explore an ancient city that several empires fought over throughout the centuries. We continue to Mycenae, a mighty kingdom of ancient Greece, where we'll see the Beehive Tombs, (the Treasury of Atreus), the Lion Gate and the remains of Agamemnon's Royal Palace, in the company of a Local Specialist. Later, we'll travel to Epidaurus to visit the ancient theatre and view the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the God of Medicine, whose snake-entwined staff remains the symbol of medicine to this day. Arriving in the Venetian town of Nafplion later, we'll dine in our hotel this evening.
Day Day 4 - Nafplion – Olympia - Accommodation: Amalia/Europa/Olympia Palace
We traverse the Mountains of Arcadia to ancient Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games held in 776 BC. This evening, we 'Connect With Locals' joining the Karambellas family on their olive and wine farm for a Be My Guest dinner, some traditional dancing and characteristic Greek philoxenia.
Day Day 5 - Olympia – Patras – Delphi - Accommodation: Amalia/Nafsika Palace/Aegli
We join a Local Specialist this morning to delve into centuries of history. We'll visit the ancient Olympic site, the museum and the ruined remains of the Temples of Zeus and Hera. Leaving Olympia, we skirt the coastline north to Patras, crossing the Gulf of Corinth to mainland Greece before continuing to Delphi, our home for the night.
Day Day 6 - Delphi – Thermopylae – Kalambaka - Accommodation: Amalia/Meteora/Grand Meteora
Tread in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks, who would descend on the sanctuary of Delphi to consult with the most important oracle in the classical world. Join your Local Specialist and walk the Sacred Way to the 4th-century Temple of Apollo. View the statues immortalising the strength of the athletes who once competed in the Pythian Games, held in honour of Apollo and the Arts. A scenic afternoon drive brings us to Thermopylae, famous for the heroic defence by Leonidas and his brave Spartans against the invading Persians. We cross the lush Thessaly region, the 'bread basket of Greece', the travel over the Pourmaraki Pass towards Kalambaka.
Day Day 7 - Kalambaka – Meteora – Athens - Accommodation: Divani Palace Acropolis/Marriott
The UNESCO World Heritage monasteries of Meteora are our first stop today. Join a Local Specialist to visit two of the six Eastern Orthodox monasteries that cling impressively to immense, rounded rock towers overlooking the town. A scenic drive returns us to Athens, where we'll enjoy a rousing Farewell Dinner with our travel companions and reminisce over an incredible journey through Greece.
Day Day 8 - Athens Free Time – Embark
Spend the day at leisure exploring what was once the Cradle of Western Civilisation, before boarding your cruise ship this evening bound for the Cyclades.
Day Day 9 - Mykonos Free Time
Wake up to spellbinding Mykonos - its labyrinthine lanes, lined with white-washed cottages and tumbling cerise bougainvillea, are yours to explore as you soak up the sunshine and laid-back island atmosphere.
Day Day 10 - Mykonos – Milos – At Sea
Enjoy some free time in the former home of the famous Venus de Milo to indulge in the mouth-watering watermelon pies of Milos island and soak up the glorious sunshine in the turquoise waters of one of its many beaches.
Day Day 11 - Santorini Free Time
Indulge in the laid-back island life of Santorini for the next two days. Begin your exploration of the island when you ascend to the cliff-top village of Oia on your complimentary Shore Experience. We return to our ship this evening, where we'll spend the night.
Day Day 12 - Santorini Free Time
Enjoy another full day on the sun-kissed shores of Santorini to explore its villages, vineyards and beaches. Sit back and enjoy the allure of the Aegean on your terms.
Day Day 13 - Santorini – Heraklion – At Sea
We set sail for the island of Crete and spend the afternoon delving into the island's late Bronze Age heritage during our Complimentary Shore Experience to the Palace of Knossos.
Day Day 14 - Kusadasi – At Sea
Disembark at Kusadasi for a complimentary Shore Experience to the ancient city of Ephesus.
Day Day 15 - Disembark – Depart Athens
Our journey through an ancient world has come to an end. We disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight home.