Day 1 : Fly to Greece

We begin with an overnight flight across the Atlantic.

Day 2 : Arrive in Athens

Upon arriving in Athens, we check in to our luxurious accommodations that are conveniently located near the Acropolis. Enjoy a restful afternoon or take time to explore the city independently before getting to know fellow travelers at tonight’s Welcome Dinner.

Day 3 : City Tour & Leisure Time

Savor an included breakfast every morning of our getaway. Today, we meet our local guide for a fascinating tour of Athens featuring Parliament, the Presidential Palace, the Temple of Zeus, Olympic Stadium, and the Acropolis, which offers storied masterpieces of classical Greek architecture and beautiful vistas. This afternoon, we have free time in the heart of the city at Syntagma Square. Later, you may freshen up and relax at the hotel before our dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4 : Delphi

We depart for Delphi this morning, traveling through the picturesque village of Arachova on the slopes of Mount Parnassus and Thebes, Livadeia. Reaching our destination, we explore the Delphi Archaeological Site and Museum with a local expert. Admire the Oracle of Delphi, one of the most important shrines in ancient Greece. Built over a sacred spring, it’s considered the center of the world and symbolizes unity. Afterwards, we pass through charming villages en route to our comfortable accommodations in Kalambaka.

Day 5 : Meteora

We travel to Meteora today, where monasteries lie between the earth and sky atop huge rocks featuring priceless historical and religious treasures. Enjoy a guided tour through some of these ancient pinnacles that were home to hermit monks as early as the 9th century, once their ideal place for solitude and prayer. Before returning to our hotel in Athens, we visit the battlefield area of Thermopylae to see the Leonidas Monument, created in honor of the Spartan king who heroically sacrificed himself during the famous battle in 480 B.C.

Day 6 : Cruise to Mykonos

Our spectacular four-night cruise on the Aegean Sea with Celestyal Cruises aboard Celestyal Cruises’s Discovery begins today and our first destination is Mykonos, known for its beautiful sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife. Enjoy time in the evening to explore this Mediterranean paradise’s open-air tavernas, whitewashed buildings, and cobblestone streets. Later, we set sail for Kusadasi.

Day 7 : Kusadasi & Patmos

Our exciting day includes two ports of call: Kusadasi and Patmos, both brimming with historical sites. In the morning, we arrive on the Turkish coast for an exciting shore excursion - a guided tour of ancient UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ephesus, one of the Mediterranean’s largest Roman archaeological sites. See the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Houses of the Patricians, and the former Temple of Artemis location, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In the afternoon, our ship sails to the Aegean island of Patmos. Choose from free time in Skala village or book optional tours of the Monastery of Saint John, who authored the Book of Revelations, or the Cave of the Apocalypse, where he received his visions. After dinner, our cruise ship departs for Rhodes.

Day 8 : Rhodes

We dock in Rhodes this morning, the largest island in the Dodecanese chain. The present-day city still looks much as it did in the 1300s, surrounded by Byzantine walls and fortresses built by the Knights of Rhodes. Embark on a guided tour through Lindos and discover a clifftop archaeological site with extraordinary views of the Mediterranean Sea in its awe-inspiring Acropolis. Next, we visit the Medieval City of Rhodes for a guided tour that includes the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights, also known as the Kastello. Your afternoon is free to explore the cobbled Street of the Knights, winding alleys, towers, and decorated facades. After dinner, we cruise to Crete.

Day 9 : Crete & Santorini

Enjoy two ports of call to explore on your own today, beginning with Heraklion on the island of Crete. View its astonishing Venetian fortress at the harbor gate and discover the wonders of Old Town, such as the gorgeous pedestrian mall on August Street, or book an optional tour of Knossos Palace. Later, we visit Skala on the volcanic isle of Santorini. Marvel at the breathtaking caldera, created by the island’s volcano in ancient times, or sign up for an optional tour to Oia, a romantic cliffside town that is the most photographed location in all of Greece.

Day 10 : National Archaeological Museum

After breakfast on the ship, we disembark and enjoy a picturesque drive back to where our adventure began in Athens, at the same charming hotel. We visit the National Archaeological Museum, devoted to ancient Greek art and antiquities, then the rest of the afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. Browse unique gifts at the Monastiraki flea markets or take a stroll through Anafiotika or Plaka, both charming neighborhoods with great shops and eateries. This evening, we celebrate our unforgettable Greek adventures at a delicious Farewell Dinner.

Day 11 : Fly Home

We return home with wonderful memories of our Greek adventure.