TREASURES OF THE AEGEAN CRUISE TOUR

You will be transfered from the airport in Athens to your hotel for  some free time to relax and prepare for your amazing tour.

Overnight Athens - Hotel Royal Olympic 5* (Executive Room)

Dinner at leisure

After breakfast, meet your guide for a visit to the Acropolis, you’ll explore the fascinating history and mythology of ancient Greece. You’ll wander through the ancient ruins of the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at the stunning Parthenon. The guide will share insights into its history and significance for the people of ancient Athens. You’ll also visit the Theater of Dionysus, where dramatic and comic art was born, and discover its importance as the social and political center of the city in ancient times. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this legendary city.

Join us this evening for a wonderful Welcome dinner.

Overnight Athens - Hotel Royal Olympic 5* (Executive Room)

Meals B,D

Depart from the hotel and head to the Corinth Canal which connects the Gulf of Corinth in the Ionian Sea with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, arguably making the peninsula an island. The canal was dug through the isthmus at sea level and has no locks. It is 6.4 kilometres (4 mi) in length and only 21.4 metres (70 ft) wide at its base, making it impassable for many modern ships. From high up, you can enjoy the best view of Corinth's isthmus and admire the steep limestone walls while you observe the vessels below you navigate their way through the canal
After a brief stop at the canal, we will continue to the legendary Golden Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 2nd century B.C. Marvel at the Cyclopean Walls, Lion’s Gate, Royal Tombs, and Treasury of Atreus.  Our next stop will be to visit the Ancient Theatre in Epidaurus, known for its incredible acoustics. We will spend the next 3 nights in Nafplio, the first capital town of Greece.

Meals: B,L

Overnight in Nafplio - Hotel Naus 4* or similar

Depart Nafplio  for a full day of local discoveries that will include a cooking class where you will start by gathering vegetables in the garden for our meals, you will also bake bread, and prepare and cook the vegetables (Briam) and you will make a fresh Tzatziki.  Coffee will be served in the small village of Nestani on the main square of the town.

Meals B,L
Overnight Nafplio

Travel to the south today to Mystras where you will automatically understand why this location stands so unique within the Greek sites. Known as the ghost city, fortified on a citadel, Mystras is one of the two locations in Greece that preserves not only medieval churches but also ordinary houses, mansions and palaces of the Byzantine Empire in combination with Frankish elements.

After a lovely lunch at a local eatery, you will discover Sparta known as the eternal rival city of the Athenian Democracy. Sparta revolved around a different Cosmo theory for the ancient Greek standards. Initially known as the birth place of Helen of Troy and the Kingdom of Menelaus (in Mycenaean period), Sparta was organized as a purely military society in the ancient Greek period. It was the city of the two Kings were a few aristocrats ruled and of course the city where Leonidas and his 300 Spartans marched from to face the Persian army Thermopylae in 480 BCE. Continuing we will pass in front of the stadium where the statue of King Leonidas stands marking the ending point of Spartathlon race. We will also visit the museum of olive oil and learn many things about the most famous products of Greece.

Overnight Nafplio

Meals B, L

Photo by GNTO / G Filippini

After breakfast, you will have some free time before checking out of the hotel adnw ill then be transfered to Lavrion. Enjoy lunch at leisure on the lovely port. Embarkation starts at  2:30 pm.

Lavrion is not only the closest port to Athens international airport,

but it also boasts a rich and fascinating history. Begin or end your

adventure discovering this picturesque port, once a booming

mining town. Situated on a small bay opposite the island of

Makronissos, a former exile site for political prisoners, Lavrion still

holds a unique charm.

For a more slowpaced visit, the Lavrion Marina is perfect for a

relaxing stroll along the waterfront, lined with charming cafés and

fresh seafood tavernas. Dinner onboard. Overnight at sea to

Delos island.

Meals B,D

Wake up at a beautiful cove in Naxos for a swim-stop before we

sail towards the main port. Lunch onboard. Afternoon arrival for

a leisurely exploration of Naxos town and its famous “Portara”,

or join a private tour to discover the island’s authentic highlights. Visit the ancient Temple of Demeter, sample extra virgin olive oil at a historic olive press in Kaloxylos, and stroll through the marble-paved alleys of Apirantho. End your journey in picturesque Chalki with a tasting of the local “kitron” liqueur at the island's oldest distillery. Overnight at port.

Meals B,L

Sail to Ios island and enjoy a delightful morning swim at

Manganari Beach, one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in

Greece. Lunch onboard. Early afternoon arrival in Santorini,

giving you ample time to discover this mesmerizing island.

Explore its unique capital Fira, join a private tour to experience

the island’s breathtaking clifftop villages and local flavors. Visit

the iconic blue dome church in Firostefani, marvel at the

stunning views from Imerovigli, and enjoy a wine-tasting session

at a local volcanic winery. Conclude your tour in the beautiful

village of Oia to witness the world-famous sunset, before

returning to Fira for an evening stroll and dinner at your leisure.

Meals B,L

Morning arrival in the volcanic island of Milos, consistently voted best

island in the world. Join a private tour to discover the island's ultimate

geological and historical wonders. Marvel at the unique sea caves of

Papafragas, feel like you are walking on the moon at the iconic

Sarakiniko beach, and visit the picturesque fishing village of Mandrakia.

Next, wander through the scenic alleys of Plaka to enjoy homemade

local sweets and breathtaking sea views. Discover the ancient Roman

Amphitheater, see where the famous Venus de Milo was discovered,

and visit the historic Catacombs. End your exploration at the colorful

seaside village of Klima before returning aboard. In the afternoon, we set

sail to Kimolos island, a true hidden gem. Dinner on board. Evening at

leisure to explore the fairy-tale like Chora of Kimolos. Overnight at

port.

Meals B,D

Early afternoon arrival at Sifnos, after a scenic swim-stop at Polyegos

island along the way. Lunch onboard. Sifnos is world-famous for its

traditional white-washed architecture, iconic hiking trails, and a sizzling

food scene. Join an exclusive private tour to experience the island’s

ultimate highlights. Begin at the spectacular medieval Castle and visit

the most photographed spot of Sifnos, the clifftop Church of Seven

Martyrs. Next, explore the noble village of Artemonas with its grand

neoclassical mansions, traditional pastry shops, and beautiful windmills.

Conclude your tour with a short evening stroll into Apollonia, the

picturesque capital, to enjoy free time for shopping and a mouth-watering

dinner at one of the village's acclaimed local restaurants. Overnight at

port.

Overnight onboard in Syros.

Meals B,L

Morning arrival at Serifos, a lesser-known island of distinct Cycladic flair,

dotted with windmills, white-washed chapels, pristine beaches, and many

sites of cultural interest. Discover the island’s beauty or enjoy the day at

the beach. Late afternoon, it’s time for our farewell cocktail & dinner

onboard the Elysium as we sail towards Lavrion port. (B-D)

Meals B, D

Disembark after breakfast around 9:00 am. Transfers to the Athens airport for your flight home.