DAY 1 – ATHENS, GREECE
Athens brought the world drama, history, poetry, and philosophy. Once home to the world’s most powerful and civilized empires, Athens is now the world’s foremost archaeological playground. The towering columns of the Parthenon still stand in homage to the virgin goddess Athena. The Parthenon sits atop the Athenian Acropolis and watches over the city where it can be seen from just about anywhere in Athens. Make it a point to visit the incredible Acropolis Museum on your cruise to Athens. In addition to an abundance of historical riches, modern Athens has plenty on offer—from scenic beaches to restaurants with superb Mediterranean cuisine and bustling central markets.
Your ship departs promptly at 5:00 pm, so we recommend arriving at least 2-3 hours early to smoothly navigate check-in and boarding. All ship amenities are open and ready, so kickstart your vacation with a refreshing drink or a delicious snack.
DAY 2 – KAVALA, GREECE
Tucked into the northeastern coast of mainland Greece, just below the Bulgarian border, the hillside city of Kavala overlooks the Aegean Sea and is the main seaport of eastern Macedonia. Kavala will offer you a surprising mix of history, culture, and architecture—archeological sites, monuments, cobblestone streets, wooden balconies lined with flowers, colorful palaces, and hilltop fortresses—as well as diverse landscapes like lush wetlands, lagoons, inland lakes, beaches, and diverse flora and fauna.
You will enjoy Kavala’s welcoming climate, which stays warm and temperate throughout the year. And with a culinary scene that joins East and West, you will experience traditional and modern food with ingredients that small local producers source from the nearby mountains, sea, and wineries. With all that Kavala offers, you will see why people quickly fall in love with this seaside city.
DAY 3 – THESSALONIKI, GREECE
The second largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki has so much going for it—beauty, history, culture, and absolutely amazing views of the sea. One of its most famous sites is the iconic White Tower which dates from the 1500s and was built as part of the city’s fortification. Head to the top of it for sweeping views of the city, shimmering gulf, and surrounding hills. Practically an open-air museum of Byzantine art, Thessaloniki offers many opportunities to stroll among 5th century churches, archaeological sites, a 13th century bathhouse, archaeological museums, and contemporary art museums.
DAY 4 – AT SEA
While at sea, indulge in some well-deserved relaxation before your next adventure. Unwind by the pool, pamper yourself at the spa, savor exquisite cuisine, or discover the unique venues on board. Your next incredible destination awaits.
DAY 5 – RHODES, GREECE
Rhodes, the friendliest city in the Mediterranean, is situated at the island’s northernmost point. This sunny retreat is also home to many historic sites, such as the ruins of the Temple of Venus and the medieval Street of Knights. Rhodes, pronounced ro-dos, is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands. The varied landscape with beaches, wooded areas, and ancient ruins also make this one of the most alluring of the Greek archipelago. A cruise to Rhodes wouldn’t be complete without exploring the picturesque Old Town with its winding streets and Byzantine legacy.
You can spend the day amid the chronicles of Greek history. Immerse yourself in the whitewashed romance of the archaeological site, Lindos and climb to the ruins of its ancient Acropolis for sweeping views of the village and the blue seas beyond. The island’s vibrant shops, great restaurants, and glittering clubs buzz with a happy, modern energy in contrast to the grace of its ancient history.
DAY 6 – LIMASSOL, CYPRUS
Limassol is the second-largest city in Cyprus, located on the island’s southern coast. Stroll around Old City, an historic part of town with stylish cafés, restaurants, shops, bars, the Old Fishing Harbour and the former Turkish quarter. Visit the Medieval Castle & Museum, the scene of spectacular, shady gardens and a 12th-century wedding between Richard the Lionheart and Berengaria. Swim and picnic at Petra tou Romiou, the spot where the Greek goddess Aphrodite is said to have emerged from the sea.
DAY 7 – DAY AT SEA
While at sea, indulge in some well-deserved relaxation before your next adventure. Unwind by the pool, pamper yourself at the spa, savor exquisite cuisine, or discover the unique venues on board. Your next incredible destination awaits.
DAY 8 – EPHESUS (KUSADASI), TURKEY
Once the capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor, this coastal town is now an archeologist’s dream. The UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Ephesus impress even those familiar with the world’s other ancient cities. Though excavations have been underway for 150 years, only 20 percent of the city has been uncovered. This former Greek banking and trading center is rich with historic sites, including the Great Theater, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. On your Europe cruise, check out the the Celsus Library — built in 117 A.D.— made up of towering columns highlighted by the statue of the goddess of wisdom.
DAY 9 – SANTORINI, GREECE
Here on the island of Santorini, you’ll find a classic Greek seascape—whitewashed houses accented by sea-blue roofs. This is a treasure trove for both professional and amateur archeology buffs, with sites that include tombs that date back to the 9th century and the sanctuary of Apollo. In many ways, Santorini could be considered an explosive place, being that its terraced collection of homes and windmills lie on a caldera– a huge basin formed by an erupting volcano. The island’s volcanic past has also produced delicious grapes for excellent wines that are well worth investigating while on your Santorini cruise. Oia’s hilltop not only has the ancient, Minoan site of Akrotiri, but is quite possibly the best vantage point from which to witness the spectacular sunsets. And, if you have some time, take a short trip to the island of Nea Kameni for a dip in its famous hot springs. The warm dark waters are enriched with iron and manganese and considered therapeutic.
DAY 10 – MYKONOS, GREECE
Mykonos is known for its whitewashed villages sprinkled with blue and jade green. It’s also famous for its sophisticated nightlife. The most popular island in the Cyclades is bustling with activity, awash in beautiful alleyways, and home to alluring sandy beaches.
DAY 11 – ATHENS (PIRAEUS), GREECE
Your cruise may have ended, but the adventure continues. Take advantage of the fantastic activities in the area. If you’re flying out, please keep your departure flight time in mind and plan accordingly.