Spectacular Greece with Island Cruise

Today we take off for a three-day road trip to the classical cities of mainland Greece. We'll visit the wonderfully preserved 2,300-year-old theater of Epidaurus. Next, we'll visit ancient Mycenae, founded by Perseus and built with the help of the mythological Cyclops, or at least that’s what the poets say! Here, we'll see excavations that reveal the splendors vividly described by Homer including the Beehive Tombs, Treasury of Atreus, Lion Gate (Europe’s oldest known monument), the remains of Agamemnon’s Royal Palace, and the impressive fortifications of the Citadel. In Nafplio, a picturesque and romantic city, we'll have time to explore and relax. This afternoon, we'll depart for Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. We'll enjoy dinner at our hotel this evening after check-in.

This morning, we'll join a local expert to tour the archaeological site and museum at Olympia, where the games were conceived as a tribute to Hercules, son of Zeus. As an enduring link between the ancient games and today’s Olympics, the Olympic flame is still lit here in Olympia. We'll view the impressive remains of the Gymnasium and the Temples of Hera and Zeus, as well as see the magnificent Hermes of Praxiteles, the most famous statue in the Olympia Museum. After visiting Olympia, we will pass through the beautiful medieval town of Nafpaktos on our way to Delphi. Tonight, we'll gather for dinner at the hotel.

After breakfast, we'll visit Delphi archaeological site where we'll marvel at the ruins of Sanctuary of Apollo, walk the marble Sacred Way and admire the fourth-century BC theater still in use today. We'll also see the glorious “Charioteer of Delphi,” one of the best known and preserved examples of classical bronze statues. On our way back to Athens, we'll stop in Arachova, a ski resort town in the mountains, for some free time to wander around the town. After we arrive in Athens later today, we'll check into our hotel.

Sailing is the best way to see the idyllic Greek Islands, and today we'll embark on four sun-kissed days and starry nights with the award-winning Celestyal Cruises! Refreshed with a sumptuous breakfast, we’ll journey to the port to board our ship and settle into the cruising lifestyle. This evening, our first port of call is Mykonos, where iconic windmills and whitewashed homes harmonize with stylish restaurants and trendy clubs. We'll have have free time to stroll through the town, explore shops and winding streets, and watch the local scene from a seaside taverna or café before heading back to the ship.

This morning, we dock in Kusadasi, Türkiye, a short drive from Ephesus. Considered the world’s best-preserved classical city and famous for its Temple of Artemis, Ephesus is one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. We'll return in time for lunch on the ship as we sail to scenic Patmos, a significant Christian pilgrimage destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site. See optional tours for information about an excursion to the countryside and the Grotto of Apocalypse. We'll enjoy dinner tonight on our ship.

Today’s port of call is beautiful Rhodes, home to a large medieval city that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fascinating web of Byzantine, Turkish and Latin ruins. We'll visit the Acropolis of Rhodes where we'll wander through the ruins of the Hellenistic Temple of Apollo with its impressive columns. Next, we'll head for Philerimos, one of the great tourist attractions of the island with its beautiful Monastery. Back in Rhodes, we'll learn more about the Knights and how they lived in the Palace of Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes. This is one of the most atmospheric and intriguing areas of Rhodes, where we'll delve into the very heart and soul of its history. Consider an optional excursion to Philerimos and the Palace of the Knights. We'll continue sailing later today.

Awaken to Crete, an island rich with history and culture. We'll come ashore in the bustling capital Heraklion, where we can enjoy some free time to stroll the charming Lion’s Square, sample a bougatsa (local pastry) at a café.

We'll return to the ship in time for lunch, as we continue sailing to romantic and utterly breathtaking Santorini, set on a volcanic crater immersed in the sea. Early this evening, we'll arrive in Santorini, a group of islands, and we'll stop in Thira. We'll fall in love with the whitewashed houses, narrow streets and outdoor cafes that line the steep cliffs, accessible by foot, cable car or mule. Later, we'll return to the ship for a final night at sea.

Today we bid farewell to the wonderful crew of our Celestyal ship near Athens. The ship disembarkation starts at approximately 6 AM.