Athens & 7-Day Idyllic Aegean Cruise

Arrive in Athens and check-in to your hotel. Balance of day is at leisure.

After breakfast transfer to Athens and enjoy a visit to the world-famous ACROPOLIS, perched high on a rocky outcrop overlooking the city. Here, see the Parthenon, the Erechtheum with its Porch of Maidens, the Temple of Athena Nike, and enjoy a panoramic view that includes glimpses of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Theater of Dionysus, and the beautifully preserved Theseum, where Socrates taught. Later, a city orientation tour features the Old Parliament House and a picture stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Built in the 2nd century AD, it is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble and was host to the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympics in 1896. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)

Morning at leisure in Athens to view the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier or to stop at the Athens Flea Market, Monastiraki. Afternoon transfer to the port in Piraeus to board the 7-day Idyllic Aegean Cruise. (B,L,D)

Early morning arrival in Mykonos, the ‘island of the winds,’ where you will spend the entire day. Choose to join in an optional excursion or explore the island, with its rugged rocky landscape and beautiful sandy beaches, on your own. (B,L,D)

This morning we depart Mykonos and sail to the island of Milos where you will spend the afternoon and evening. Milos’ rocky coastline and quaint whitewashed fishing villages will captivate you. (B,L,D)

Spend a full days on the breathtaking and unique island of Santorini, where you will be swept away to somewhere truly magical. Included in your cruise is a shore excursion to Spectacular Oia. On your own time, you can visit the black or red beaches, enjoy lunch at a cliff side café, visit a winery or simply take in the beauty of the outstanding views. (B,L,D)

Enjoy colorful, sun-soaked beaches, stunning views, and tastings at famous wineries that are yours for discovering in your free time today. Maybe stroll along the cobblestone streets and enjoy the local atmosphere. Return to the ship late this evening and sail overnight to Heraklion. (B,L,D)

Arrive in Heraklion early this afternoon on the island of Crete. A few miles away is KNOSSOS, the center of the 3000 BC Minoan civilization. The palace at Knossos was an intricate collection of over 1,000 interlocking rooms, including the Hall of the Royal Guard, the Hall of the Double Axes, the King’s Chamber with the alabaster throne, the Queen’s Apartment, as well as beautiful courtyards and shrines. Return to your ship this evening to sail overnight to Kusadasi. (B,L,D)

Your port of call today is in Kusadasi, Turkey. Just ten kilometers from the port is the ancient city of Ephesus, where you’ll find an archeological site that ranks among the wonders of the world. Visit the fascinating Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of EPHESUS. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight sailing to Athens. (B,L,D)

Return to Piraeus port (at approx. 9 am) and after enjoying breakfast onboard, depart to the Athens airport for your return flight home. (B)