Day 1: Athens/Mykonos
We leave the historic and classical capital of Greece aboard the Celestyal Olympia and set sail for our first destination, the beautiful island of Mykonos, also known as the Island of the Winds. Take an evening stroll through the atmospheric Old Town with its immaculate whitewashed houses, winding alleys, lovely little churches and delightful restaurants at the water’s edge. You will undoubtedly recognize the picture postcard white windmills sitting side by side, overlooking the sea.
Day 2: Kusadasi/Patmos
We arrive in the colorful Turkish beach town of Kusadasi in the morning.
This is the coastal gateway to the Hellenistic ruins of Ephesus, famed
for one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis.
A complimentary excursion is included to this iconic site, one of
the undoubted highlights of our journey.
Patmos, one of northernmost islands in the Dodecanese and one of all
the smallest has a charm all its own. It is famous for being the supposed
location of the vision to John the Baptist in the Book of Revelations and where it was written. Most scholars say this was probably someone else, but why spoil such a good story?
Day 3: Crete (Heraklion)/Santorini
Welcome to Crete, Greece’s largest island, a place of mystery, myths and legends. There’s the chance to take in the bustling city of Heraklion and some of Crete’s extraordinary archaeology and history. You can also learn more of the art and creativity of the Minoans. We have included a complimentary visit to the Palace of Knossos, once the home of Europe’s oldest civilization and the setting for the legend of Greek hero Theseus and the Minotaur.
Our odyssey continues as we spend an evening in Santorini, whose stunning face is instantly recognizable across the world. We’re sure she will take your breath away, with her soaring landscapes, clusters of whitewashed houses in the capital Fira, and of course the iconic blue-domed church at Oia. Don’t forget to try one of the many restaurants jostling for position at the edge of the caldera.
Day 4: Athens
We return to the capital after a whirlwind few days of adventure and discovery.