Day 01. Arrival / Athens.
Arrival at the Athens airport, welcome assistance and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Athens.
Day 02. Delphi / Kalambaka.
After our breakfast we depart northwards towards Delphi, which used to be the most sacred place in the world and a pilgrimage center for many centuries in antiquity. You will admire the Sanctuary of Apollo, walk the Sacred way, and visit the temple of Apollo, home of Pythia (the oracle). In the afternoon, and after a short break for lunch (not included), we will be crossing the mountains of central Greece to arrive in Kalambaka for dinner and overnight.
Day 03. Meteora / Athens.
This morning we will be visiting Meteora. Amazing rock formations, like towers of sandstone, stand ageless, and have provided sacred retreat for monks over the centuries. A number of monasteries are hidden on top of Meteora. The view over the plain is breathtaking. Meteora is considered among the most beautiful areas of mainland Greece and belongs to Unesco's list of world heritage monuments. After our visit, we will take the road back to Athens. On the way, we will make a short stop at Thermopylae, to admire the statue of Leonidas king of Sparta. Overnight in Athens.
Day 04. City tour / Athens.
The day is dedicated to exploring the city of Athens. We begin with a panoramic tour to the most important monuments and landmarks of the city including the Panathinaikon stadium, the Zappeion, the temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, Syntagma square, the Parliament, the tomb of the unknown soldier, Schliemann's house, the Academy, the University, the National Library, and the old Parliament. Next we head for our guided visit to the Acropolis, including the Propylae, the temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon, the Erechtheion. Later, we continue with a guided visit to the Acropolis museum voted one of the best museums in the world. Afternoon at leisure to explore Plaka, the picturesque old part of the city, and why not, some shopping at Ermou street.
Day 05. At leisure / Athens.
Day at leisure to explore more of Athens on your own, or follow an optional excursion to Cape Sounion or Argolis.
Day 06. Athens – Mykonos / on cruise.
Breakfast and transfer to Piraeus port to embark on «Celestyal cruises» for the three night «Iconic Aegean» cruise. Arrival in Mykonos at 18:00. Free time to explore the bustling town of Mykonos until late in the evening.
Day 07. Samos or Kusadasi – Patmos / on cruise.
Early in the morning you will be arriving at the island of Samos. Those who do not wish to continue to Turkey, will be able to disembark in Samos and follow the included excursion “Panoramic Samos”. The cruise ship will continue and arrive in Kusadasi. Those who chose to stay onboard will depart for the included excursion “Ancient Ephesus through the Ages”. In the afternoon, and after a short stop in Samos, the ship will arrive in Patmos with the famous monastery of St. John and the Grotto of the Apocalypse.
Day 08. Rhodes / on cruise.
Arrival in Rhodes early in the morning. You will have a full day in Rhodes and you will be able to explore the Acropolis of Lindos and the Medieval citadel of the Knights (Rhodes old town) during your included shore excursion.
Day 09. Heraklion – Santorini / on cruise.
Arrival in Heraklion early in the morning. Possibility of an optional excursion to the Minoan Palace of Knossos. In the afternoon we will arrive at the unique island of Santorini. You can explore the magnificent town of Fira with the stunning views to the volcano on your own, or follow and optional shore excursion to “Spectacular Oia perched on the Caldera rim”.
Day 10. Piraeus / Departure. Arrival at Piraeus port early in the morning. Breakfast on board. Disembarkation and transfer to the Athens airport for your departure.
