Athens, and the Islands of the Aegean - 10 Days
*Optional three-day extension also available.
Day 1
Board your overnight flight to Europe.
Days 2, 3
Arrive in Greece and begin your tour of Athens - the cradle of Western Civilization. Visit the ancient Acropolis and see the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena, the Theatre of Dionysus, and tour the National Archaeological Museum.
See Hadrian’s Arch, the ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the sight where the first modern Olympic Games were held. There will also be free time for shopping in the Plaka district and the Agora marketplace. You will also experience the popular Sound and Light show that will literally illuminate Athens past.
Day 4
Make our way to Delphi, the place the ancient Greeks believed this site to be the center of the world. See the Temple of Apollo, where elected priests would interpret the oracle’s cryptic prophecies to waiting supplicants. Visit the Delphi Museum to view artifacts dating back to 550 B.C.
Day 5
Board your ship for a 4-day cruise of Greece's islands. First stop is Mykonos, the island of Mykonos (1 ½ hours). Walk to the Castro area and see the Paraportiani, the cluster of white churches that are so often photographed, and to Little Venice where Aegean sea washes along the sidewalk cafes.
Day 6
Cruise to Kusadasi, a busy commercial harbor, from which you may opt to visit the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, now part of Turkey. Proceed to the tiny island of Patmos where St. John wrote the Book of Revelation.
Day 7
Spend time today exploring the mystical island of Rhodes, whose famous harbor was once protected by the Colossus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Day 8
Travel to the island of Crete, and visit Heraklion, fabled birthplace of Zeus. Crete was also the setting for the legend of Perseus, the Minotaur, and the labyrinth. Last stop is Santorini, an island of volcanic landscapes.
Day 9
Arrive back in Athens for one last day. Join an excursion to Cape Sounion and see the Temple of Poseidon, which Pericles built in 440 B.C. Enjoy some last minute shopping!
Day 10
After nine incredible days, time to depart for home!
Optional Three Day Extension: Extend your adventure three days by traveling through the Peloponnese, and area filled with famous ancient Greek sites. We will visit Olympia, the site of the ancient Olympic games, travel to Corinth to see its ancient temple and the remains of the Roman Agora, stop to see a spectacular Mycenaen palace, enjoy the Theater at Epidaurus,(classical play performance may be possible), along with other noteworthy stops. Return home on Day 13.
