Events Calendar - Event View

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY:
(B,L,D) indicates if breakfast, lunch and/or dinner is provided

Your magical journey to Greece and the Greek Isles begins as you depart Houston, TX today on your overnight flight.

Arrive today in Athens, the capital of Greece and the birthplace of western civilization. You’ll be met at the airport and transfer to the hotel. The balance of the day is at your leisure. Accommodation at the Amalia Hotel (D)

After a sumptuous breakfast, check out of the hotel and board a bus for a guided Athens city tour including visits to the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. Afterwards, transfer to Piraeus, your port of embarkation, and settle into your cabin onboard the ship. Over the next seven days you’ll sail the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea and explore Turkey and the fascinating Greek Isles. 
Your ship sails at 7pm.  Dinner and overnight aboard ship. (B,L,D)

Dock this morning at the Turkish port of Kusadasi located a short driving distance from the ancient city of Ephesus.  Take a shore excursion to ancient Ephesus where you will find immortal relics of the Hellenistic, Roman and Early Christian era. At the archaeological site, you will be given a guided tour among the Agora, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the marble-paved main street of Kouretes, the Baths of Scholastica, Trajan’s Fountain, the Public Latrines, the Residences of the Patricians, the Prytaneum, and the Temple of Hadrian. The Great Theatre, built in the 4th century B.C., could accommodate 24,000 spectators and it is famous even nowadays for its acoustics. The finds from the excavations, which have brought to light only 13% of ancient Ephesus, reside in the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus, in the city of Selcuk.  During this excursion you will have the opportunity to do some shopping such as carpets, jewelry, leather and other souvenirs.

Return to the ship and set sail towards the lively Island of Rhodes, Greece in the evening. Dinner and overnight aboard ship. (B,L,D)

Today’s port of call is Rhodes, the beautiful “Island of Roses”. A visit to the old city of Rhodes is like stepping back to the time of the Crusades as you stroll the polished cobblestones of the Street of the Knights and explore the medieval Palace of the Grand Masters. You can relax at leisure or enjoy one of the optional shore excursions to the acropolis of Lindos, perched high on a hilltop overlooking the sparkling Bay of St. Paul. In the heart of the port city of Rhodes is the largest inhabited medieval town in Europe, a fascinating web of Byzantine, Turkish and Latin ruins. Its mighty fortifications provide the finest surviving examples of defensive architecture of all time. Rhodes’ most picturesque town is Lindos where whitewashed houses are clustered beneath a soaring castle-capped acropolis dedicated to the goddess Athena.
Set sail later today. Dinner and overnight aboard ship. (B,L,D)

Morning arrival to the island of Crete, rich with history and culture. Awake to the island’s bustling capital, Heraklion. The busy capital of Crete is a former Venetian harbor with a history dating back even further, to the time of the Minoans. Visit Knossos, once home to Europe’s oldest civilization and the setting of the legend of Theseus and the Minotaur and delve further into the art and creativity of the Minoans at the city’s extraordinary Archaeological Museum. You can visit one of the island’s most picturesque places: the Lion’s Square. Stop in a local cafe where you can savor a “bougatsa”, a local Cretan pastry.
The ancient city of Knossos, with constant habitation from the Neolithic era until the 5th century A.D. and is beyond doubt the land that “gave birth” to the first civilization of Europe. The first excavations were begun in 1878 by the Heraklian Minos Kalokairinos. A bit later (1900-1913 & 1922-1930) the excavations by the British Sir Arthur Evans were to complete the scientific research, bringing to light the Minoan palace in its entirety, which was, according to tradition, the residence of the wise King Minos. The palace of Knossos spreads around the large Central Court. You will reach the awe inspiring Throne Room, the fresco of the “Prince of the Lilies”, the imposing Grand Staircase, and the Queen’s Megaron in the east. 
We will stop in Heraklion on the way back to the ship. Heraklion was founded in 824 and is an important homeland of many contributors to Literature and Art, some examples of which are the Nobel winning poet Odysseas Elytis, the Renaissance painter Domenikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco) and the writer Nikos Kazantzakis.  Heraklion is also endowed with some wonderful edifices: the “Koules” fortress, the award winning Venetian structure of the Loggia, the Morosini Fountain, the Basilica of Saint Mark, and the Church of Agios Titos. Starting the walk from Liberty square of Heraklion, guests will pass by the shopping streets of Dedalou and 25th August and see the aforementioned sights along the way.
Return to the ship in the evening. Ship will sail at night for the next destination. (B,L,D)

Early arrival in Santorini. Sprinkled like sugar over sheer black volcanic cliffs, Santorini’s whitewashed capital, Fira, is a sight to behold. Wander the narrow streets or venture along the clifftop to pretty Oia for that iconic shot of the blue domed church. The ship will spend the evening in port, so take a ringside seat in a cliff top bar to watch the fiery sunset. 
After breakfast the next day is your included excursion to Santorini’s Oia Village. First we head up to Megalochori village, one of the most authentic and unspoiled villages of the island with its distinctive architecture and character.  We will continue to the east passing by small traditional villages of Kamari, Monolithos, Fira, Firostefani and Imerovigli, with delicate architecture and beauties, to eventually arrive at the settlement of Oia. During the entire route, to the west is lace-like caldera, the little islands of Thirasia, Palea and Nea Kameni and a magnificent panoramic view. In Oia, we will have plenty of time to stroll through the marble-paved alleys, to gaze at cute shops, to take pictures, to become acquainted with the characteristic buildings carved into the rocks, and the unusual captains’ manors.  The settlement Ammoudi is at the foot of the caldera.  After your curiosity has been sated of the area which is characterized as being of “exceptional natural beauty”, you will return to the ship.  Afternoon at leisure in Santorini. 
Return to the ship. Dinner and overnight sailing to the next destination. (B,L,D)

This morning, arrival in the island of Milos. Volcanic Milos shows off classic Cycladic beauty: the pretty whitewashed capital Plaka spilling over a hilltop, the coastline fringed with wind-and sea-sculpted rock formations, soft sandy beaches and aquamarine coves. Bask on the flat rocks of stunning Sarakiniko Beach or explore 2,000-year-old catacombs. You can visit at leisure or select one of the optional shore excursions.  We will sail early afternoon to Mykonos and arrive in the evening. A cosmopolitan paradise that attracts more than its fair share of beautiful people, Mykonos Town is the archetypal image of the Cyclades, with immaculate whitewashed houses, windmills and winding alleys. Explore the sandy beaches, wander through the ancient temples on neighboring Delos and venture out on your overnight stay to enjoy the legendary nightlife. 
Dinner and overnight aboard the ship in Mykonos (B,L,D)

After breakfast, enjoy your day at leisure in Mykonos or select one of the optional shore excursions to discover the island of Delos with the Apollo sanctuary or travel to the South coast of the island and enjoy the day at the Kalafatis beach.
Return to the ship where we will sail early evening.  Dinner and overnight sailing to the next destination. (B,L,D)

Early breakfast and arrive in Piraeus at 9 am. You will disembark from the ship and take a bus transfer back to your hotel in Athens for an overnight stay.  Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure or you can opt for an optional excursion visiting the Vassiliou winery with wine tasting followed by a mezze lunch with seafood appetizers. 
Enjoy a memorable farewell dinner at a local restaurant with an incredible view of the Acropolis. Return to the hotel.  Accommodation at the Amalia hotel (B/D)

Following breakfast, early transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA. Your memorable journey ends as you arrive back in Houston, Tx later today or hop on to the post cruise extension for 2 more nights in Athens (B)

CABIN CATEGORY & PRICES:

            *Full Package:  $4,914                  Land Package:  $3,652

SBJ:   Junior Balcony Suite on Deck 6 & 7 (~15 sqm) with 2 lower beds and 1 sofa bed;    a refrigerated mini bar and a balcony

            *Full Package:  $5,477                 Land Package:  $4215

*Full package airfare is an estimate of $1200. This price is subject to change. 

OPTIONAL TOURS (purchase onboard during cruise)

You will be transported by boat to the ancient harbor of Delos where you will travel back in time. In front of the pier is the “Agora of Hermaists” or “Competialists” with altars and shrines where the ancient road crossed the two porticoes. Behind the south portico used to be the “Agora of Delians”. Next follows the “Oikos (House) of Naxians”, dated to the 7th century B.C. Further north you will admire the three “Temples of Apollo”, the oldest of which was already in use by the 6th century. The southernmost temple is known as the “Temple of the Delians”. At the northern side of the temples you will stand in front of the so-called “treasures”. Here, every city of antiquity exhibited its offerings. A monument that will draw your attention is the “Sanctuary of the Bulls”. You will find yourself at the “Agora of Theophrastos”, and will pass by the “Temple of the Twelve Gods” to eventually reach the “Granite Monument”. Next follows the “Avenue of the Lions”, which was encircled by full-sized marble lions. The large building complex that rises in front of you is the “Establishment of the Poseidoniasts of Beirut” and it was built by ship owners and merchants from Beirut. The excursion comes to an end at Chora with free time for strolling through the alleys and the shops. Included: Guide, Boat transfer, Entrance Fees

This delightful excursion takes you on foot and up close to the wonders of Mykonos Town, one of the world’s best-loved destinations. We’ll start with a stroll along its narrow-cobbled streets, past chic boutiques and white-washed churches and elegant cafes, until we arrive at Kastro, home of the famous Paraportiani Church. Next to Paraportiani is the Folklore Museum*, which is found in an old two-story captain’s house. We will visit the museum, which houses interesting costumes, furniture and household items typically found in the island’s homes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries alongside jewelry and textiles. The Folklore Museum is an in-depth tour of Mykonian life as it was more than 100 years ago. While in Kastro, we will also visit the smaller chapels of Paraportiani. 
We walk from Kastro to Alefkhandra and Windmills. Alefkhandra, also known as “Little Venice,” is a charming corner of Mykonos Town. The houses here, the homes of wealthy merchants and sea captains, were built on the sea in the 18th century, and their wooden balconies evoke the homes along the canals of Venice. From here we will walk to the windmills for a magnificent sunset and one of the best spots to take photos on this splendid island. 
Your stroll through the picturesque little streets of Chora will bring you to a local tavern, where you are welcome to savor the taste, aromas and essence of genuine Greek spirit through Greek favorite flavors, drinks, music and dances.

Savor the delights of Mykonos with a foodie tour around the island capital. You’ll see the city’s highlights and neighborhoods all while sampling the best food and drink that Mykonos Town has to offer. We’ll start it all with a caffeine kick at Café Barco where you’ll be served a traditional coffee and sweet treat, after which we’ll stroll past the famous windmills, through the narrow, cobbled lanes of Little Venice and the Three Mills to the one and only Paraportiani Church. Next, try some Greek peppers and olives washed down with some local raki before heading to Gioras bakery to eat their famous cheese and onion pie. We continue our food odyssey at Popolo where you’ll sample local bruschetta, and then it’s onto the pretty garden of Cine Manto to taste fresh Greek salad, beer and Mykonian sausage. And last but not least, you’ll have some fig cheesecake served with olive marmalade waiting for you at Il Forno di Gerasimo.

A short drive from the harbor takes us to famous Sarakiniko beach and its landmark white rocks. Naturally sculpted by volcanic eruptions, the sea and strong Aegean winds, it’s the ideal backdrop for your snapshots. No wonder why it is one of the favorite photography subjects in the Cyclades. We’ll walk down to the inlet in quest of intriguing photo opportunities and for swimming of course. You’ll feel as if you’ve landed on the moon!

The picturesque village of Plaka, at the foot of the venetian castle, comes next. We’ll stroll through its cobblestone alleys, pass by traditional houses and blooming bougainvilleas. We have time to savor karpouzopita and koufeto, the local sweet delicacies at pastry shops, or head to the marble courtyard of Korfiatissa church for the best panoramic views – it’s right next to the Folklore Museum, which we can also visit. 

Last but not least, is our tour to Kleftiko. We drive by coach to Kipos, passing by Papikinos beach and the Salt fields. Aboard the “Delfinia” boat, we start our journey towards Kleftiko, once a pirate lair that has become an absolute must for any traveler. Its greyish rocks come out of the turquoise sea and you have the chance to swim through the sea caves. On the way to Kleftiko, the boat will make a shorter swimming stop at Gerondas beach.

The little islands of Palea and Nea Kameni are of particular geological interest, since underneath them slumbers an active volcano. From the cruise ship, you will be transported easily within a few minutes by small boat to Nea Kameni which resembles a moon landscape! You will walk up to the verge of the crater, the heart of the volcano, a unique geological phenomenon that will overwhelm you with awe. In Nea Kameni, nowadays there is gas-steam activity at the top of the crater, while its beaches are embraced by thermal springs.
The next stop of this special excursion, is Palea (or Palia) Kameni with its therapeutic warm waters. Here you will have a chance to swim in the hot springs. The sea temperature here is 5°C higher than in the rest of the locations and the green-yellow water contains sulphur. After the trip to the volcano, you will have the chance to walk, take keepsake photos, to touch the magic and energy of Fira. Finishing your trip in the main town of Santorini, you will descend by funicular (the ticket is included in the fee of this excursion) to the Old Port to reach the cruise ship by small boat.

The people who lived on prehistoric Santorini called the island “Strongyle” (round). In 1650 BC the massive Thira volcano erupted, sinking the center of Strongyle and leaving behind an incredible caldera. You will marvel at its towering cliffs as slender boats carry you to the port of Athinios, where our air conditioned bus awaits to take you to Santorini’s most significant archeological site, the village of Akrotiri. 

From Athinios we will drive south. We will stop at the ruins of the island’s famous windmill for photos and to enjoy the incredible panoramic view. We leave the windmill for Akrotiri, where you’ll have a chance to explore this ancient village.  Its amazing ruins will take you back in time. These advanced people built two- and three-storey homes and grew crops, and you will marvel at the remnants of the houses, shops and workshops that surrounded the village square thousands of years ago. Akrotiri had been a bustling town, but its inhabitants abandoned it before the Thira volcano eruption, a mystery archeologists and historians are still trying to solve. The ash from the volcano buried the city, preserving many of its structures and some of its incredible frescoes. Could Akrotiri be the lost city of Atlantis? We’ll let you decide. 

After Akrotiri we’ll drive to Fira, the capital of Santorini and its largest town, where we’ll visit the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, also known as the Church of Ypapantis, famed for its elegant construction and its beautiful frescoes, which were painted by Santorini artist Christoforos Assimis. After our visit to the cathedral, you can linger in Fira to shop and enjoy a coffee or a snack, or you can take the Santorini Cable Car, the teleferik, to the port below with an incredible descent of more than 200 meters toward the deep blue waters of the caldera. Our boats will be ready, once you disembark from the teleferik, to bring you back to the ship.

OPTIONAL 2-NIGHT EXTENSION IN ATHENS: SEPTEMBER 25-27, 2022

• $504 per person Double Occupancy 
• Accommodation at first class hotel for 2 nights including breakfast
• Transfer from hotel to airport
• Half day tour in Cape Sounion w/ English speaking guide
• Optional excursions: half day Athens Markets walking tour; full day tour to Mycenae and Epidaurus.

Extension to Athens Itinerary

Day 11 - September 25, 2022 -  Athens, Greece

Following breakfast, morning at leisure or enjoy the opportunity to take an optional Athens Markets walking tour which takes you to the hustle and bustle of the capital’s iconic 19th- century Varvakeios market, giving you the opportunity to walk amid the traditional stalls to take in the sights and smells of the freshest raw ingredients that have been the basis of Greek cuisine for centuries! Your expert guide will share stories of old Athens that will bring alive the history of this magnificent location. 
In the afternoon, embark on the included half day excursion to Cape Sounion including a guided visit of the temple of Poseidon with your English speaking guide. Drive along the coastal road  past the wonderful beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni and Varkiza to the most southern point of Attica, Cape Sounion, where the white marble pillars of the Temple of Poseidon stand. On the way there, you have a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf and the little islands offshore. After visiting the Temple of Poseidon, you have time to walk at leisure on the rocky promontory of Sounion. Rest of the day at leisure.  Accommodation (B)

Day 12 - September 26, 2022 -  Athens, Greece

Following breakfast, you can enjoy Athens at leisure or opt for this full day optional tour to Mycenae and Epidaurus. You will drive the coastal road along the Saronic Gulf to the Corinth Canal, which connects the Aegean Sea. After a short stop, you will drive on to Mycenae, the Homeric city of the Atreides – the city “rich in gold” of the ancient poets (visit the Lion’s Gate, the Cyclopean Walls, the Royal Tombs etc). Depart for Nafplion through the fertile plain of Argolis, the picturesque town nestling at the foot of a cliff crowned by the mighty ramparts of the Palamidi Fortress.  In the afternoon, we leave for Epidaurus to visit the Theatre (4th century B.C) famous for its astonishing acoustics. Return to Athens by the National road connecting Epidaurus with Corinth.
Accommodation (B)

Day 13 - September 27, 2022 -  Athens, Greece - USA

Following breakfast, early transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA. Your memorable journey ends as you arrive back in Houston, Tx later today (B)

OPTIONAL TOURS for Athens Extension post Cruise

 Athens Market Walking Tour $60 per person (Min. 15 participants)

Start by sampling different varieties of the country’s favorite breakfast food: traditional village pastries. Choose from a selection of cheese pies and spinach pies wrapped in traditional multilayered phyllo dough, before heading to your next stop, to explore the fragrant world of Greek herbal teas and infusions. Here you’ll get a chance to discover some of the different varieties of Greek herbs and learn about their medicinal properties and their role in traditional life around the country. 

Next, we’ll treat you to one of the country’s favorite treats: a plate of warm, freshly prepared loukoumades drizzled with aromatic Greek honey. Just a touch of sweetness before we move on to some savory delicacies! Your journey will then take you to the hustle and bustle of the capital’s iconic 19th- century Varvakeios market, giving you the opportunity to walk amid the traditional stalls to take in the sights and smells of the freshest raw ingredients that have been the basis of Greek cuisine for centuries! Your expert guide will share stories of old Athens that will bring alive the history of this magnificent location. 
The next stop takes you to what is likely the best traditional deli in the Greek capital, where you’ll enjoy an authentic meze experience, complete with a selection of smoked cured meats, traditional Greek cheeses and fragrant tsipouro to wash it down 
Continuing your journey through the city center’s winding side streets, you’ll stop to enjoy a cup of original Greek slow coffee. Traditionally brewed and served in small cups with a small sweet on the side, Greek coffee is a ritual in its own right—and you’ll also get introduced to another, closely linked ritual: the folk art of fortune telling based on the patterns of coffee grounds in your cup.  
To wrap up your tour, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy one-of-a-kind souvlaki, the quintessential Athenian street-food, before indulging in a fantastic wine-tasting experience to familiarize yourself with the world of Greek fine wines. 

 Vasiliou winery visit, wine tasting and Lunch $125 per person (Min. 15 participants)

The Nemeion Estate Winery, where guided tours and wine tastings take place, is a true work of art: Minimal but impressive it extends in 5 levels, with no windows. Two atriums allow the natural light to reach the underground cellar of the winery..
In the basement besides the production area there is the reception as well as a wine museum painstakingly created by the estate owner Giorgos Vassiliou.  We will conclude this tour with a Mezze lunch with seafood appetizer family style.

Mycenae, Epidaurus Tour  $110 per person (Min. 15 participants)

PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE REGISTERING FOR THIS TRIP!