Women-Only: Spectacular Greece

Arrive today in Athens, the capital of Greece! Travelers who purchase our air-inclusive tour will be met at the airport and escorted to your conveniently located hotel. This afternoon, meet our guide for a lecture on the female goddess of Greek mythology to gain a better understanding of Greek mythology and the Olympian goddesses. While most are well aware of the heroics of the ancient Greek gods, the goddesses are no less important in terms of popularity and symbolic significance. Just like the Olympian gods, most of the ancient Greek goddesses resided in the realms of the heavens above Mount Olympus though there were quite a few exceptions too. Goddesses had special powers and could control specific aspects of life from motherly Rhea who dared to trick her own husband to save her children to the queen of the gods, Hera, or the goddess of wisdom, Athena, who was much revered by both gods and mortals. The ancient Greek goddesses were as much of a divine force to be reckoned with as the gods were. Later enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers.

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 of Piraeus to board our ship and settle into the cruising lifestyle. Our first port of call is Mykonos, where iconic windmills and whitewashed homes harmonize with stylish restaurants and trendy clubs. You’ll have 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 St. John’s Monastery and the Grotto of the Apocalypse. Dinner is on the 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 picturesque Lindos, where whitewashed houses are clustered beneath a clifftop acropolis dedicated to the goddess Athena. Here we’ll see the powerful fortifications that still stand today, including the Citadel of the Knights, a rare combination of Greek setting and Gothic architecture! 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 you can stroll the charming Lion’s Square, sample a bougatsa (local pastry) at a café or join an optional excursion to see the ruins of the Palace of Knossos. Return to the ship in time for , as we continue sailing to romantic and utterly breathtaking Santorini, set on a volcanic crater immersed in the sea. Santorini is actually a group of islands, and we’ll stop in Thira. You’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. Consider an optional tour of the photogenic Oia Village. Return to the ship for a final night at sea.

We bid farewell to the wonderful crew of our Celestyal ship near Athens and take off for a three-day road trip to the classical cities of mainland Greece. We’ll pass through several ancient towns, including Thebes (home of King Oedipus), on our way to Delphi, set majestically on the slopes of Mt. Parnassus, for a guided excursion. 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, as well as see the glorious “Charioteer of Delphi,” one of the best known and preserved examples of classical bronze statues. Later, a local expert will give a lecture for the role of women in the history of Greece and Athens. This evening, our group enjoys an included dinner.

Today we pass through the beautiful medieval town of Nafpaktos on our way to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. 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. Continue with a visit to a local farm where you'll learn about the techniques and technology used to collect grapes and make wine. After a technical and comprehensive lecture on the production of both olive oil and wine, you'll enjoy the opportunity to taste the local wine and organically grown gourmet dishes. Later, our group will gather for an included dinner at the hotel.

On our way to Athens, we’ll visit the wonderfully preserved 2,300-year-old theater of Epidaurus. Our travels continue to ancient Mycenae, founded by Perseus and built with the help of the mythological Cyclops, or at least that’s what the poets say! We’ll see excavations that reveal the splendors vividly described by Homer. Sites include the Beehive Tombs, Treasury of Atreus, Lion Gate (Europe’s oldest known monument), remains of Agamemnon’s Royal Palace and the impressive fortifications of the Citadel. We’ll check-in at our city-center hotel later today.

Our guided morning tour takes you to the famed Acropolis, a must-see UNESCO World Heritage site described as the “most striking and complete ancient Greek monumental complex still existing in our times.” We’ll see the stunning Parthenon, dedicated to Athena, the Erechtheum with its graceful Porch of Caryatids, and the ruins of the Temple of Zeus before descending the Acropolis for a panoramic drive past the Royal Palace, government buildings and elegant homes of modern Athens. Continue with a cooking class in a cozy local restaurant where you'll cook traditional Greek food the way Greek mothers and grandmothers used to do. You'll be encouraged to participate in the cooking process, you'll have the opportunity to learn about Greek Mediterranean cuisine, and prepare and taste traditional Greek food. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore Athens on your own or consider an optional tour. Our hotel is located within easy walking distance of Plaka, Athen’s lively old town.

Our tour comes to an end after breakfast today. Travelers who purchase our air-inclusive program will transfer to the airport for our return flight to the U.S.