GREECE & THE AEGEAN

Vacation Overview

See the best of Greece’s ancient and modern mainland, beautiful islands of the Aegean, and Kusadasi, Turkey. Spend the first two nights in Athens with guided sightseeing that includes the Acropolis and its museum as well as time at leisure. Cross the Corinth Canal and marvel at the perfect acoustics of the Epidauros Theater and at the city fortress of Mycenae. Visit Sparta and see the monument to its king, Leonidas, then to Olympia, the legendary home of the Olympic Games. Cross the spectacular Rion-Antirion Bridge, and spend time in mythical Delphi. Marvel at the extraordinary rock-top Meteora monasteries before returning to Athens. Next, embark your cruise ship and set sail for Mykonos with its “Little Venice” district, then Kusadasi, a bazaar town and seaside resort but known for the Ephesus archaeological site. In Patmos, stop by the 11th-century monastery, stroll through the charming old walled city and souvenir stalls in Rhodes, see Heraklion in Crete, and marvel at awe-inspiring volcanic Santorini, the “Black Pearl of the Aegean.” Return to Athens for time at leisure, the ideal ending to your journey.

Map

Itinerary

Day 1Fri. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT

Day 2Sat. ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE

Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to start exploring the Greek capital. Later, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

Day 3Sun. ATHENS

A day to do just as you please. You could also join an optional day cruise to the islands of Aegina, Hydra, and Poros. In the evening, free time to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the tavernas and nightclubs in the old Plaka district with its narrow streets and sound of bouzouki music. (Breakfast)

Day 4Mon. ATHENS–EPIDAURUS–NAUPLIA

Join the included sightseeing tour of Athens featuring the highlights of this ancient capital and a visit to the Acropolis. Next, westward to the Corinth Canal. Journey into the Argolis to make a stop in Epidaurus. Visit the open-air theater, which can still seat 14,000 spectators, then head for the coast and overnight in Nauplia. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 5Tue. NAUPLIA–MYCENAE–SPARTA

This morning, enjoy the included excursion with a Local Guide to Mycenae, a city fortress cursed by the gods but rich in gold and warrior kings. Motor south in the afternoon deep into the Peloponnese to Sparta for an overnight. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 6Wed. SPARTA–MYSTRA–PYLOS

Your morning highlight will be the included sightseeing of the medieval Byzantine citadel of Mystra, at one time known as the “Florence of the East.” In the afternoon, drive west to Pylos, located on a majestic bay on the Messenian Gulf. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 7Thu. PYLOS–NESTOR’S PALACE–OLYMPIA

Drive north this morning to Nestor’s Palace. Your included visit will help you imagine the siege of Troy, where Nestor commanded a large fleet. A short stop at the Chora Museum will get you acquainted with the splendor of the past. Later, travel northwest to Olympia, the legendary venue of the Olympic Games, when every four years the city-states engaged in sport instead of war. (Breakfast)

Day 8Fri. OLYMPIA–PATRAS–DELPHI

Focus on Olympia, where the athletes of antiquity performed in honor of the King of Deities. Learn more about the history of the Olympic Games on the optional sightseeing tour. In the afternoon, drive north towards Patras, the capital of the Peloponnese and the west coast’s largest port. Then, proceed through the picturesque fishing villages along the south coast of the mainland to mythical Delphi, crossing the spectacular Rion-Antirion Bridge. (Breakfast)

Day 9Sat. DELPHI–KALAMBAKA

Optional morning sightseeing of the archaeological site of Delphi. In the afternoon, drive north by way of Lamia and on to Trikala in Thessaly for an overnight in Kalambaka. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 10Sun. KALAMBAKA–METEORA–ATHENS

A short drive to Meteora, which is a cluster of monastic buildings perched in an unforgettable manner on a set of rising rock formations. Your included visit is certainly the day’s highlight. Later, drive south via Lamia to Athens for an overnight. (Breakfast)

Day 11Mon. ATHENS–PIRAEUS (EMBARKATION)–MYKONOS

Early morning embarkation and an afternoon spent cruising in the Aegean. Evening arrival in Mykonos, a granite island and the most typical of the Cyclades. Its cubic houses, windmills, and chapels seem to make the island’s light even more translucent. Spend some time visiting a taverna or just wandering around the town enjoying its timeless beauty. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 12Tue. KUSADASI, TURKEY & PATMOS, GREECE

Two ports of call today. First, Kusadasi on the Turkish coast. An optional morning excursion takes you to the fascinating Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus. Next, discover the tiny Greek island of Patmos, where St. John the Divine wrote the Revelation. The 11th-century monastery with its valuable manuscript collection is well worth a visit. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 13Wed. RHODES

Dock in Rhodes, largest of the Dodecanese Islands and site of the Colossus of Rhodes, a 105-foot statue destroyed by an earthquake in 224 BC. All day is dedicated to the island of Rhodes. Explore the sights in the historic Old City with its ramparts and palaces built by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades. Another possibility: join an optional excursion to Lindos and the fabulous Temple of Athena. And if sightseeing is not your thing, Rhodes’ sun-drenched beaches and colorful shopping districts are within easy walking distance of the port. Sail from Rhodes around dinner time. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 14Thu. CRETE & SANTORINI

Morning at Heraklion on the island of Crete. A few miles away is Knossos, the center of the 3000 BC Minoan civilization, and an optional excursion can be booked. Next port of call (weather permitting) is Santorini, the “Black Pearl of the Aegean.” The optional shore excursion here takes you up to the cliff-top village of Oia for one of the world’s most breathtaking panoramas. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 15Fri. PIRAEUS (DISEMBARKATION)–ATHENS

Early morning arrival in Piraeus; drive to Athens. More time to explore the unseen parts of the city or do some last-minute shopping. (Breakfast)

Day 16Sat. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (Breakfast)

Vacation Highlights

Accommodations

Optional Excursions

Here's a list of optional excursions you can enjoy during your vacation. Whether it's a special dinner, a local show or a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional excursions are a wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further. Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.

Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, days of operation, group interests, and general feasibility for your vacation. The approximate value listed gives you a good, general idea of what you can expect to pay but may vary once you are on your vacation. Some information provided might be in a foreign currency; you can use our online currency converter for exchange rate information.

CITY: Athens

Greek Show
A short coach drive takes you to an authentic Greek night club, situated in Pireaus. This nightspot provides excellent food and service, with non stop entertainment including traditional dances in costumes (you will be invited to join in), live orchestra and singers. After the show finishes return to your hotel by coach.
Approximate value: EUR €55 per person

Aegean Cruise
Visit three Greek islands and enjoy lunch on board your modern cruise ship. Visit the Saronic islands of Aegina, Poros and Hydra. On Hydra there are no cars, the only means of transportation is by donkey.
Approximate value: EUR €83 per person

A Taste Of Athens
First by coach into the centre of Athens where you will pick up the "train" which will take you at a leisurely pace for about 20 minutes around the old part of Athens, the "Plaka" - a good way to get a first impression of the layout, shops and points of interest. Re-board your coach to continue to a Taverna for a Greek feast with unlimited local wine. On the way back to the hotel view the illuminated Acropolis.
Approximate value: EUR €53 per person

Acropolis Museum
A guided tour of the new Acropolis Museum, which was opened in 2009 and has been cited as one of the most important museums in the world. All the finds from the Acropolis have been collected here - more than 4000 art crafts are on display.
Approximate value: EUR €30 per person

CITY: Delphi

Delphi Archeological Site
Ancient Delphi is situated on the southern slopes of Mount Parnassus, overlooking the sacred valley and Itea Harbour, and home to the oracle of the sun god Apollo. Visit the oracle site, the Temple of Apollo, the Athenian treasury, stadium and theatre.
Approximate value: EUR €22 per person

CITY: Olympia

Olympian Delights
Not to be missed - enjoy a typical Olympian dinner with a three-course meal and local wine.
Approximate value: EUR €30 per person

Olympia Archaeological Site
This ancient site is the most famous of Greek sanctuaries, where Zeus was worshipped and where his ivory and gold statue was counted among the Seven Wonders of the World. Olympic Games were held here between 776 BD and 393 AD. Your local guide will bring Olympia back to life with her commentary.
Approximate value: EUR €22 per person

CITY: Shore Excursion

Rhodes & Lindos
Drive along the picturesque south-eastern coastline, dotted with white-washed villages, to Lindos, one of the most important of the three great cities of ancient times. From the Acropolis, marvel at the breathtaking views covering the great expanse of the Aegean Sea. After the guided tour of the Acropolis, enjoy some free time on your own in Lindos village. Return to Rhodes city for a short visit to a ceramic factory.
Approximate value: EUR €51 per person

Old City & Philerimos
Drive along the medieval walls to the summit of Mount Smith, the Acropolis of ancient Rhodes. The view encompasses the nearby Temple of Apollo, the stadium of Diagoras and the port, once protected by the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. The drive continues across the island to Philerimos to the restored Byzantine Church. After the visit and some free time, return to Rhodes for a guided walk of the old walled city.
Approximate value: EUR €52 per person

St. John Monastery & Grotto
Enjoy a short drive to the village of Chora, where the Monastery of St. John is built within the walls of a strong fortification then continue to the nearby Grotto of the Apocalypse and the Monastery of the Apocalypse above it. Afterwards, return back to the port of Scala for some free time in this quaint and picturesque town.
Approximate value: EUR €49 per person

Scenic Island Tour
An interesting tour has been designed for those passengers who prefer to discover the beauties of Patmos by coach. Drive to the central part of the island "Chora" and continue around the island to see its landscape of outstanding natural beauty. The tour ends at the port of Scala with free time in the quaint and picturesque little town. A refreshment will be offered at Arion Cafe, the oldest and most beautiful cafe of the town.
Approximate value: EUR €37 per person

Kusadasi-Ancient Ephesus
Drive through the colorful town of Kusadasi and along the coast to reach Ephesus, famous in antiquity for its Temple of Diana - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - and later the home of St. John. Discover innumerable monuments, view the symbols all around and marvel at the fact that one is still able to read the inscriptions in the ancient Greek language. Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time in Kusadasi.
Approximate value: EUR €61 per person

Ephesus & Virgin Mary'S House
Drive through the colorful town of Kusadasi to reach Mt. Koressos. Situated in a small valley, the humble chapel lies on the site of the little house where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days. Continue on to Ancient Ephesus through the Magnesian Gate for a guided walking tour which will take you through one of the most magnificent excavations in the world. Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time in Kusadasi.
Approximate value: EUR €64 per person

Palace Of Knossos/Arch. Museum
Crete is the largest and the most rugged of the Greek islands. It is also the home of the great Minoan Civilization and the mythological home of Zeus. After a short drive through the town of Heraklion the tour will arrive at the Knossos excavations. Your guide will lead you on a journey of discovery to learn of the sophisticated culture that flourished thousands of years ago on this island.
Approximate value: EUR €56 per person

A Taste Of Crete
The tour begins from the Venetian lion-guarded port of Heraklion with a drive through the city to the famous wine producing area of Peza, south of Heraklion. The first stop is a modern winery, then journey continues through rural villages and hilly countryside, with a photo stop to view one of the oldest farmhouses. The tour continues through the island's. At the quaint market town of Archanes, you can sample an assortment of Cretan snacks and locally produced wine, while listening to typical Greek live music.
Approximate value: EUR €52 per person

Thira & Oia Village
Travelling along the road you will have the unique opportunity to admire the panoramic view of the Aegean Sea and the neighboring islands. Built on the Caldera rim, Oia Village is an excellent example of Cycladic architecture. Explore the village walking along the cobble-stone streets, then proceed to the town of Thira, an attractive town perched on the Caldera rim. Time to stroll through the lanes or relax over a coffee.
Approximate value: EUR €53 per person

Santorini Sailing & Volcano
Sail along the strange formations of the volcanic shores, where black lava rocks and white pumice are combined beautifully with the red color of lava. Take a walk to the top of the volcanic island where sulphur is spewed into the air by one of the craters. In the distance, admire the breathtaking sight of Thira town with its white washed houses clinging precariously on the rim of the Caldera. Take time to swim in the warm waters heated by Hot Springs.
Approximate value: EUR €53 per person

Dates and Prices

Departure Details	Departure Date	Tour Start Date	Return Date	Land/Cruise Price Only	Status
	9/10/2010	9/11/2010	9/25/2010	$2,145.00	Not Available
	9/17/2010	9/18/2010	10/2/2010	$2,145.00	Please Call
	9/24/2010	9/25/2010	10/9/2010	$2,145.00	Please Call
	10/1/2010	10/2/2010	10/16/2010	$2,115.00	Please Call
Popular Departure	10/8/2010	10/9/2010	10/23/2010	$2,115.00	Book Now!
Popular Departure	10/15/2010	10/16/2010	10/30/2010	$2,069.00	Book Now!
Popular Departure	10/22/2010	10/23/2010	11/6/2010	$2,069.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	3/25/2011	3/26/2011	4/9/2011	$1,999.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	4/1/2011	4/2/2011	4/16/2011	$1,999.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	4/8/2011	4/9/2011	4/23/2011	$1,999.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	4/15/2011	4/16/2011	4/30/2011	$1,999.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	4/22/2011	4/23/2011	5/7/2011	$2,079.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	4/29/2011	4/30/2011	5/14/2011	$2,079.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	5/6/2011	5/7/2011	5/21/2011	$2,079.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	5/13/2011	5/14/2011	5/28/2011	$2,115.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	5/20/2011	5/21/2011	6/4/2011	$2,115.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	5/27/2011	5/28/2011	6/11/2011	$2,115.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	6/3/2011	6/4/2011	6/18/2011	$2,115.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	6/10/2011	6/11/2011	6/25/2011	$2,115.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	6/17/2011	6/18/2011	7/2/2011	$2,115.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	6/24/2011	6/25/2011	7/9/2011	$2,039.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	7/1/2011	7/2/2011	7/16/2011	$2,039.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	7/8/2011	7/9/2011	7/23/2011	$2,039.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	7/15/2011	7/16/2011	7/30/2011	$2,039.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	7/22/2011	7/23/2011	8/6/2011	$1,965.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	7/29/2011	7/30/2011	8/13/2011	$1,965.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	8/5/2011	8/6/2011	8/20/2011	$1,965.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	8/12/2011	8/13/2011	8/27/2011	$1,965.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	8/19/2011	8/20/2011	9/3/2011	$1,965.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	8/26/2011	8/27/2011	9/10/2011	$1,965.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	9/2/2011	9/3/2011	9/17/2011	$2,145.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	9/9/2011	9/10/2011	9/24/2011	$2,145.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	9/16/2011	9/17/2011	10/1/2011	$2,145.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	9/23/2011	9/24/2011	10/8/2011	$2,145.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	9/30/2011	10/1/2011	10/15/2011	$2,115.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	10/7/2011	10/8/2011	10/22/2011	$2,115.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	10/14/2011	10/15/2011	10/29/2011	$2,069.00	Book Now!
Early Booking*	10/21/2011	10/22/2011	11/5/2011	$2,069.00	Book Now!

Popular Departure - due to itinerary and time of year, this departure historically sells out quickly. Early booking is encouraged.