Day 1 - Wednesday, October 02: Depart for Greece
Evening departure from Toronto for Athens with Air Canada or similar. Dinner and breakfast will be served on board.
Day 2 - Thursday, October 03: Athens
Morning arrival in Athens, where you will be met by your local guide and driver and transferred to your hotel for check in and time to refresh. After lunch we are introduced to one of the greatest heroes of Greece, Alexander the Great by way of his portrait bust in the recently built Acropolis Museum before ascending to the Acropolis and the full splendour of 5th-century BCE Athens. Making our way through the Propolaea Gateway, we pass by the Temple of Athena Nike (Victory), to reach the Parthenon and Erechtheon. Upon descent, we stop by Mars Hill with the text of Paul's famous sermon inscribed on a plaque at its foot. The temple of Hephestos expansive Agora of Athens, where the ancient philosophers counselled and taught, and remnants of Roman emperor Hadrian’s impressive library is on our way to modern Athens to visit the Parliament, with its famous guards. Time for some refreshment under the shadow of the Acropolis in the oldest area of Athens with interesting curio shops, restaurants and cafes. Return to your hotel located at the beginning of Mitropoleos street. The hotel is only a stone’s throw away from Syntagma square, the center of Athenian life. This evening enjoy a traditional Greek dinner in the Plaka with local wine from the barrels, and during dinner enjoy folklore dances performed with typical Greek Bouzouki music. Hotel Electra Metropolis Athens
Day 3 - Friday, October 04: Athens
This morning a visit to the National Archeological Museum housing the world’s richest collection of Greek Antiquity artifacts including the golden Mask of Agamemnon(1550-1500BC) and Mycenaean gold treasures (16th century BC). On to the historic home of Heinrich Schliemann, the discoverer of Troy and archeologist of Mycenae. Following its renovation the city has moved the national Numismatic collection to the home. The frescoed ceilings are wonderfully restored, as are the mosaic floors. Even with the discovery of the historic portraits on the coins such as Anthony & Cleopatra, you can tour the two floors of the house and the gardens easily in an hour. It’s a five to ten minute walk through the heart of Athens shopping and dining district to your hotel. This evening learn how to cook a traditional Greek dinner during this small-group cooking class complete with an Acropolis view. Experience a hands-on class and prepare five different courses including an appetizer, Greek salad, entrée, and dessert. Bring home the recipes you prepare during the class and recreate a taste of Greece at home. Dinner and Greek wine are included; menus for vegetarians are available. Hotel Electra Metropolis Athens
Day 4 - Saturday, October 05: Olympia
Breakfast at the hotel before departing Athens. Follow the coastal road along the Saronic Gulf, past the Corinth Canal and Old Corinth, to Epidaurus for a visit to the 4th-century BCE theatre with its incredible acoustics. Then proceed to the town of Naflion for a short stop. Drive on to Mycenae, the center of one of Europe's earliest civilizations. According to legend, King Agamemnon led his Greek warriors from Mycenae to engage the Trojans in a war that lasted 10 years. Visit the archaeological site and the tomb of Agamemnon. Continue to Olympia through the central Peloponnese and the towns of Tripolis and Megalopolis. Arrive Olympia for dinner and overnight.Hotel Olympia
Day 5 - Sunday, October 06: Delphi
Visit the archaeological site, with the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the ancient stadium, and the Archaeological Museum. Then, drive through the plains of Eliad and Achaia to the magnificent bridge which crosses the Corinthian Bay from Rion to Antirion. Pass the picturesque towns of Nafpaktos (Lepanto) and Itea en route to Delphi, nestled in the mountains of Parnassus, with an unforgettable view across acres of olive trees as far as the Gulf of Corinth. Delphi was the site of the famous Oracle of Apollo. Dinner and overnight in Delphi. Hotel Delphi
Day 6 - Monday, October 07: Delphi
Visit the archaeological site of Delphi, the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios, and the museum. See the City Treasuries, the delicate 5th-century statue of the Charioteer and other priceless art treasures discovered nearby. Depart for Kalambaka, a small town situated at the foot of the astonishing complex of gigantic stone pillars and monasteries of Meteora. Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka, just because its history is staggering doesn’t mean the town doesn’t have some of the best food on Earth. Every dish is home-made and smells just as delicious as you could imagine. Hotel Kalambaka
Day 7 - Tuesday, October 08: Meteora
Visit Meteora hosting one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, where perched atop massive columns of rock are ageless monasteries which house exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. A visit to Meteora monasteries offers a unique perspective of nature’s grandeur in conjunction with history, architecture, and man’s everlasting desire to connect with the Divine. Return to Hotel Electra Metropolis Athens
Day 8 - Wednesday, October 09:
Begin sightseeing day at Hadrian’s Library and the Temple of the Winds then follow the route of Lord Byron along the scenic coast of the Saronic Gulf to a dramatically poised temple on Cape Sounion. The Temple of Poseidon was constructed from 444 to 440 BC during the ascendancy of the Athenian statesman Pericles, who also rebuilt the Parthenon in Athens. We end the day with a sunset dinner in a beautiful setting. Hotel Electra Metropolis Athens
Day 9 - Thursday, October 10: Start of Cruise
Transfer to Piraeus port to embark on an idyllic Aegean cruise on the …(Ship and boarding details TBA)
Day 10 - Friday, October 11: Thessalonika
Arrive in Thessaloniki at 10:00AM and depart at 7:00PM Thessaloniki is easy to fall in love with, it has beauty, history ,culture, and a remarkable cuisine. Evidence of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history remains, especially around Ano Poli, the upper town. The ruins of Roman Emperor Galerius’ 4th-century palace include the Rotunda that has been both a church and a mosque.
Accommodation on Board Cruise Ship
Day 11 - Saturday, October 12: Rhodes
Arrive in Rhodes at 9:00AM and depart at 6:00PM. Shore excursion to the Acropolis of Lindos on Rhodes included. Looming high above the modern capital of Rhodes is the magnificent ancient Acropolis of Lindos and the Temple of Athena. The walled fortress is a historical podium with a prime vantage point atop a steep cliff, offering up spectacular panoramic views of the stunning coastline.
The beautifully preserved Acropolis of Lindos is equally awe-inspiring and undoubtedly one of the most impressive archaeological sites thanks to its stunning natural landscape. But that shouldn’t come as a surprise considering the ancient Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, the Knights of St John, and the Ottomans have all had a hand in the rich history of the citadel.We also visit the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights, situated at the highest point of the medieval Rhodes Town. The 14th-century castle stands on the site of a 7th -century Byzantine fortress, and boasts a large courtyard with impressive towers, massive walls, and elaborate Gothic architecture for you to admire.
Day 12 - Sunday, October 13: Arrive in Kusadasi (Ephesus) at 1:00PM and depart at 9:00PM
Shore excursion to Ephesus is included. Enter the ancient ruins of Ephesus and walk in the footsteps of Christian emissaries including the apostle Paul and John, and the Virgin Mary. Ephesus was a pivotal centre of commerce and spirituality in its heyday and remains one of the best-preserved classical cities in the eastern Mediterranean.
Day 13 - Monday, October 14: Crete and Santorini
Arrive in Heraklion, Crete at 7:00AM and depart at 12:00PM. Historical facts and Greek mythology intertwine at the mysterious Palace of Knossos. Whilst it is known that King Minos did exist, the notorious half-man half-beast said to roam the palace’s famous labyrinth is a product of imagination. As you venture through this incredible open-air museum, crowned upon a hilltop looking out across the shimmering Aegean, it’s clear to see how the oldest city in western Europe inspired one of Greek mythologies most awe- inspiring legends. The long winding roads of Crete’s most important site gradually exposes the fascinating art and architecture of the Minoan civilization and provides you with a fascinating insight into a world that was forgotten for almost 3500 years.While in Heraklion take time to admire magnificent examples of Venetian architecture including the formidable Koules Fortress overlooking the Heraklion harbour, the 17th-Century Venetian Loggia, the harmonious Morozini fountain and the 10th century Church of St. Titus.
Arrive Santorini at 4:30PM. The charming coastal village of Oia is widely considered to be Santorini’s jewel attraction. The traditional village of Oia boasts an unmistakable Cycladic style of architecture, and a labyrinth of interesting shops, cafes, bars and art galleries that are worth exploring during your free time. Santorini’s famous caldera offers spectacular vistas. From the prime clifftop location, it’s possible to admire the island’s capital Fira and the cluster of islands which includes Thirassia, Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni.
Depart Santorini at 2:00AM.
Day 14 - Tuesday, October 15: Mykonos
Arrive Mykonos at 8:00AM.The island was named after the hero Mykonos. He was the son of Anios, King of Delos, who was born to god Apollo and the nymph Reo. According to the myth, this is the place where the giants slain by Hercules were buried and that is why the island is strewn with big rocks. Chora the island’s capital is a typical town of the Cyclades, one that will impress you with its sheer beauty and style. Walk along its narrow backstreets, see the little whitewashed houses with the blue-coloured window frames and the small wooden balconies, the pots of colourful fragrant flowers, and the little churches. While in historic Chora you may want to visit the Archaeological Museum, or the Folklore Collection of Mykonos. Go for a stroll in the picturesque harbour area and see the multi-coloured fishing boats moored next to each other Pass by the busy shops that line the streets and enjoy dining in one of the many cafes- your options are many. Depart Mykonos at 2:00AM.
Day 15 - Wednesday, October 16: Milos
Arrive Milos at 9:00AM and depart at 7:00PM. In Milos visit the Roman amphitheater and historic mining museum’s presentation of the rich geological and mining history of Milos.The awe-inspiring Milos bay leads to Sarakiniko Beach where you will be mesmerized by the lunar-like terrain of other-worldly rocks and caves. It is easy to see why this is the most photographed spot in the Cyclades. Wrap up the day in the charming capital, Plaka, where you can explore the artisanal shops and quirky cafes, tucked in the narrow arteries of cobbled alleyway
Day 16 - Thursday, October 17: Return to Athens and flight home
Arrive at Pireaus port (Athens) at 7:00AM and disembark from the ship and transfer to the airport for your departure flight to Toronto
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