YOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Depart USA. Your exciting cruise/tour begins as you board your overnight flight to Greece.

Day 2: Arrive Athens. Today arrive in Athens, vibrant capital of Greece. You'll be escorted to your hotel in the shadow of the Acropolis and a short walk from the Plaka, the charming old town. This evening, join your group for a welcome dinner. Divani Palace Hotel. (D)

Day 3: Athens/Set Sail. Morning tour of Athens, birthplace of Western Civilization, including the Parthenon, which rises above the city reflecting its ancient glory, Royal Palace, Pan Athenian Stadium, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the renowned Acropolis. Continue to Piraeus to board your cruise ship. Settle into your stateroom and enjoy the facilities aboard. Set sail this evening. Olympia Explorer Cruise Ship (B,D)

Day 4: Corfu. Arrive the magnificent island of Corfu this morning. Corfu has enchanted visitors for ages with its picturesque landscape and delightful climate. Stroll the lovely streets lined with Renaissance and Georgian-style buildings on your own, or explore the island on an optional excursion. Return to the ship and continue sailing for Venice, Italy. (B,L,D) Day 5: Venice. This amazing city dazzles every visitor. Discover the charms of romantic Venice on your own, join an optional excursion to St. Mark's Square and the countless other treasures of this incredibly enchanting city, or enjoy a romantic gondola ride. This evening return to the ship and set sail for Dubrovnik, Croatia. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Dubrovnik. This gorgeous city richly deserves to be called "Jewel of the Adriatic." Surrounded by a 1,000 year-old wall, it's an architectural marvel. Wander the old city at your own pace or join an optional excursion before sailing back to Greece. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Katakolon (Olympia). Today dock near the famed Olympia, built for the games dedicated to Zeus, which today are known as the Olympics. Here you can still see the Temple of Zeus and the stadium.  This afternoon continue cruising to Istanbul, Turkey. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Istanbul. As you approach Istanbul from the sea, the graceful minarets of countless mosques appear on the horizon in a spectacular blending of architectural achievement and beauty from East and West. Istanbul's Agia Sofia and Blue Mosque are among the most famous monuments in the world. At the Topkapi Museum, formerly a Sultan's Palace, treasures of the Ottoman Empire are displayed. Bargain for treasures at Istanbul's exotic and fantastic Grand Bazaar. This evening continue sailing to the beautiful Greek Islands of Mykonos and Santorini. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Mykonos/Santorini. Mykonos is a gorgeous island filled with sparkling beaches, chic boutiques, tiny chapels and beautiful windmills. Find a table on the waterfront and admire the view. Later, return to the ship and sail to Santorini, one of the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. The whitewashed houses, narrow streets, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques cling to steep cliffs, accessible by cable car or mule. Return to the ship later this evening. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Disembark/Athens. Disembark at Piraeus and transfer to your hotel in Athens. Enjoy the day at leisure to shop for treasures, stroll, and savor the sites and sounds of this exciting and cosmopolitan city. Divani Palace Hotel (B)

Day 11: Athens/USA. Early morning transfer to the airport for your return flight. Your memorable journey ends as you arrive later today. Today you may also start your 4-Day Classical Greece extension.

Classical Greece 4-Day Extension

Day 11: Athens/Nafplion. Today drive across the Corinth Canal to the Peloponnesian Peninsula, where 4,000 years of history are more fully and comprehensibly illustrated than anywhere else in Europe. Here, visit Mycenae and the famous theater of Epidaurus, the best preserved in Greece. Continue to Nafplion.
Amalia Nauplia Hotel (B,D)

Day 12: Nafplion/Olympia. Drive inland to Arcadia via Tripoli and Megalopolis, where Epaminondas' most ambitious creation, a 21,000-seat theatre reputed to be the largest in all of Greece, was built. Continue to Olympia, where the Olympic games were conceived as a tribute to Hercules, son of Zeus. Visit the Sanctuary of the Olympian Zeus and the Museum. Amalia Olympia Hotel (B,D)

Day 13: Olympia/Delphi. Depart for Delphi, passing picturesque Nafpaktos, where according to mythology, Hercules slew the Erymanthine boar and where you'll view the lovely circular Venetian harbor. Continue your drive to Delphi and visit the Castalia Spring and the Sanctuary of Athena Promaia. Amalia Delphi Hotel (B,D) Day 14: Delphi/Athens. Visit the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios and the Museum. Later, drive to the Byzantine monastery of Ossios Loukas and view it's beautiful mosaics. Proceed via Levadia and Thebes to Athens. Divani Palace Hotel (B)

Day 15: Athens/USA. Early this morning board your homebound flight, arriving later today.

YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:

• Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK) via scheduled Lufthansa Airlines flight

• 7-night cruise aboard the Deluxe Olympia Explorer ship

• 2-night deluxe hotel accommodations in Athens

• 22 meals: 8 buffet breakfasts (B),
  6 lunches (L), 8 dinners (D)

• Guided Athens sightseeing tour and all transfers

• Professional English-speaking Cruise Director and local guides

• Optional shore excursions available at extra cost