Day 1

Welcome to Athens

Put the 'oh' in opa and embark on an unforgettable exploration of an ancient land of gods and goddesses, myths and legends. Your springboard to your spellbinding holiday is the vibrant capital of Athens, an effortless mix of ancient treasures and modern verve, which you will have an opportunity to explore after being transferred to your hotel. This evening, join your Travel Director and travel companions for a Welcome Reception, including a light meal and welcome drink.

Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Divani Palace Acropolis

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Welcome Reception

Day 2

Explore Amazing Athens

Join your Local Specialist for a guided morning sightseeing tour to the ancient complex that was once the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation'. Along our journey into antiquity, we'll have an opportunity to explore the Acropolis with its treasures and admire the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, the Royal Palace, Temple of Zeus and the Agora, once the haunt of Socrates and Plato. Dive Into Culture and see remarkable displays of an ancient world during an included visit to the Acropolis Museum, and see Hadrian's Arch and the stadium where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy on your own. Stroll through the Plaka, people-watch in Syntagma Square or go in search of the city's tastiest souvlaki – the choice is yours.

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast

Day 3

Journey to Corinth, Mycenae and Nafplion

We depart Athens this morning, crossing the mighty Corinth Canal to the wild Peloponnesian Peninsula. Arriving in Corinth, we join a Local Specialist to explore an ancient city that several empires fought over throughout the centuries. We continue to Mycenae, a mighty kingdom of Ancient Greece, where we'll see the Beehive Tombs (the Treasury of Atreus), the Lion Gate and the remains of Agamemnon's Royal Palace, in the company of a Local Specialist. Later, we'll travel to Epidaurus to visit the ancient theatre and view the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the God of Medicine, whose snake-entwined staff remains the symbol of medicine to this day. Arriving in the Venetian town of Nafplion later, we'll dine in our hotel this evening.

Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Amalia Nafplio

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4

Continue to Ancient Olympia

We traverse the Mountains of Arcadia to ancient Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games held in 776 BC. This evening, we Connect With Locals joining the Karambellas family for dinner on their olive and wine farm at a Be My Guest experience featuring traditional dancing and characteristic Greek philoxenia.

Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Amalia Olympia

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest

Day 5

Onwards to Patras and Delphi

We join a Local Specialist this morning to delve into centuries of history. We'll visit the ancient Olympic site, the museum and the ruined remains of the Temples of Zeus and Hera. Leaving Olympia, we skirt the coastline north to Patras, crossing the Gulf of Corinth to mainland Greece before continuing to Delphi, our home for the night.

Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Amalia Delphi

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast

Day 6

Off to Thermopylae and Kalambaka

Tread in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks, who would descend on the sanctuary of Delphi to consult with the most important oracle in the classical world. Join your Local Specialist and walk the Sacred Way to the 4th-century Temple of Apollo. View the statues immortalising the strength of the athletes who once competed in the Pythian Games, held in honour of Apollo and the Arts. A scenic afternoon drive brings us to Thermopylae, famous for the heroic defence by Leonidas and his brave Spartans against the invading Persians. We cross the lush Thessaly region, the ‘breadbasket of Greece', then travel over the Pourmaraki Pass towards Kalambaka.

Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Amalia Kalambaka

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7

Admire Meteora and Return to Athens

The UNESCO World Heritage monasteries of Meteora are our first stop today. Join a Local Specialist to visit two of the six Eastern Orthodox monasteries that cling impressively to immense, rounded rock towers overlooking the town. A scenic drive returns us to Athens, where we'll enjoy a rousing Farewell Dinner with our travel companions and reminisce over an incredible journey through Greece.

Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Divani Palace Acropolis

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Day 8

Athens Your Way

Spend the day at leisure on your own and see the city's ancient sites.

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast

Day 9

Embark on Your 7-Day Cruise

Spend the morning on your own exploring what was once the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation'. See the city's ancient sites before boarding your cruise ship this afternoon for your seven-night cruise through the Aegean.

Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Aegean Cruise

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10

Explore the Vibrant Streets of Thessaloniki

Arrive in Kusadasi, your gateway to the ancient Greek City of Ephesus. You'll join an included Ancient Ephesus sightseeing tour revealing the Hellenistic and Roman heritage of this UNESCO-listed site. Stroll along its marble colonnades and admire the façades of the Library of Celsus and Temple of Artemis before returning to your ship for your evening departure.

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11

Explore the Iconic Ephesus Ruins

Arrive in Kusadasi, your gateway to the ancient Greek City of Ephesus. You'll join an included Ancient Ephesus sightseeing tour revealing the Hellenistic and Roman heritage of this UNESCO-listed site. Stroll along its marble colonnades and admire the façades of the Library of Celsus and Temple of Artemis before returning to your ship for your evening departure.

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12

Rhodes Your Way

Explore the medieval Old Town of Rhodes, with its thick stone walls, ancient ruins and Crusader history, and join a walking tour revealing the story of the Knights of St. John. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes perspective on one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and everyday life in medieval Rhodes. Join an included visit to Lindos, in the heart of Rhodes, and visit the seven lodges of the Order of St. John where the original coats of arms are still displayed.

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13

Enjoy Sunny Crete and Santorini

Sail to Crete, home to the birthplace of Zeus according to the Greek mythology. There is time at leisure to explore Heraklion or perhaps join a Local Expert for an Optional visit to the site of King Minos' Palace in Knossos. In the afternoon, set sail for Santorini and gaze at the sheer cliffs and dazzling panorama. Explore the capital of Thira, with its clifftop restaurants and cafés, breath-taking views and amazing sunsets. This evening is free for you to explore Santorini's buzzing nightlife.

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14

Marvel at Mykonos

Enjoy a full free day to explore the narrow rambling streets of Chora, strolling past white-washed cottages and tumbling cerise bougainvillea in search of a quiet spot overlooking the Old Port with a refreshing drink. You could choose an optional visit the Sacred Island of Delos, the birthplace of Apollo, where an archaeological treasure trove awaits.

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15

Journey to Milos

Dock in the former home of the famous Venus de Milo. Savour the mouth-watering watermelon pies of Milos island and soak up the glorious sunshine in its turquoise waters. There's time to explore the ‘Island of Colours' on an Optional Experience. Depart this evening for Athens, celebrating a final evening on board with new friends.

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16

Disembark in Athens and Journey Home

This morning, disembark from your cruise ship for your transfer to the airport. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast