A paradise on Earth, the multi-colored strata of rocky outcrops in the Cyclades emerge from the shimmering waters of the Aegean Sea. On board this Le Lyrial 8-day voyage, discover some of the 56 magical islands of this stunning archipelago formed by fragments of mainland Greece which over the centuries broke off into the Aegean Sea. Sail to Mykonos, with its pristine white houses, winding streets, windmills, blue-domed churches and magnificent beaches and also to Delos, the sacred island where legend has it that Apollo was born.
Highlights
Explore the ancient civilization of Mycenae
Tour the archaeological site of Akrotiri
Wander the streets of Lindos and walk to the acropolis
Visit Delos and walk to the main shrines and Terrace of the Lions
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Your morning excursion is to Mycenae, center of the Mycenaean civilization, an extraordinary culture that flourished in the second millennium BCE. Homer described Mycenae, the legendary home of Agamemnon, as “rich in gold.” A tour of the citadel includes the imposing Lion Gate, other remains of the acropolis, as well as the impressive beehive-shaped tombs set outside the walls. Continue to Epidaurus, the ancient shrine of Asklepios, whose ruins are dominated by a 4th-century theater, one of the finest in Greece. Spend the afternoon at leisure in Nafplion, one of Greece’s loveliest and best preserved medieval towns.
Crete was the center of Minoan civilization, Europe’s earliest. From quaint Rethymnon, travel to Knossos and its fabled Minoan Palace, a maze of frescoed corridors and chambers depicting life as it was 4,000 years ago. It is also home to the labyrinth of the legendary Minotaur. Explore the Heraklion Museum before returning to Rethymnon for some time at leisure. Alternatively, walk part of the rugged, scenic Imbros Gorge, ending at the coast near the 14th-century Venetian castle of Frangokastello for a swim.
In the 2nd millennium BCE, volcanic eruptions shrouded Santorini in a blanket of pumice and ash, preserving many of the buildings in the town of Akrotiri. The cataclysmic eruption blew out the entire center of the volcanic island, causing the sea to rush in and form a wildly beautiful bay. Cruise into the flooded crater that forms the bay of Santorini, with whitewashed Phira town perched above. Explore the archaeological site of Akrotiri and Phira’s Archaeological Museum before enjoying lunch and time at leisure to stroll the streets of this picturesque town.
The island of Rhodes was known in the ancient world for its schools of philosophy and rhetoric. Today, it boasts one of the largest medieval towns in Europe. Discover Rhodes Town’s winding, labyrinthine streets and splendid open plazas, which owe their 14th-century charm to the Crusader Knights of St. John. In the lovely village of Lindos, take a donkey ride or walk up to the acropolis of Lindos. Built on a cliff 400 feet above the sea, the acropolis provides a stunning view of the village and bay below. You may choose to while away the rest of the afternoon exploring the town of Lindos on your own or swimming in the crystal waters of its white-sand beach.
From Kusadasi, travel to Ephesus. Renowned as the center of worship of the mother-goddess Cybele, later known as Artemis, Ephesus was also the site where St. Paul addressed the Ephesians. Excavations continue and archaeologists are restoring the Terrace Houses, which offer a glimpse of daily Ephesian life. See the facade of the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Great Amphitheater.
In the heart of the Aegean, tiny uninhabited Delos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Legend identifies it as the birthplace of twins Apollo and Artemis. A walking tour leads to the excavations of the main shrines dedicated to these gods as well as to the Terrace of the Lions, with its deftly carved archaic figures, originally constructed to overlook and protect the Sacred Lake. After lunch aboard ship, call at the picturesque island of Syros, whose main town is built against two hills, and where graceful neoclassical buildings line the waterfront.
Day 8: Athens | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark Le Lyrial and transfer to the airport for your flight.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Select a Date
Superior Stateroom
Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, desk, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.
Select a Date
Deluxe Stateroom
28 cabins, 200 sq. ft. + 43 sq. ft. private balcony. Located on Deck 3. Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, desk, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.
Select a Date
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
35 cabins, 200 sq. ft. + 43 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.
Select a Date
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
37 cabins, 200 sq. ft. + 43 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.
Select a Date
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
1 cabin, 200 sq. ft. + 43 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.
Select a Date
Deluxe Suite
3 cabins on Deck 6, 290 sq. ft. + 54 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, sofa, armchair and pedestal table, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.
Select a Date
Prestige Suite - Deck 5
11 cabins, 398 sq. ft + 86 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually controlled A/C, ensuite bathroom with shower, desk, sofa, armchair & table, 2 TVs, stereo, Satellite telephone, Wi-Fi access.
Select a Date
Privilege Suite
8 cabins, 398 sq. ft + 86 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually controlled A/C, ensuite bathroom with shower, desk, sofa, armchair & table, 2 TVs, stereo, Satellite telephone, Wi-Fi access.
Select a Date
Grand Deluxe Suite
1 cabin, 484 sq. ft. + 96 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually controlled A/C, ensuite bathroom with jacuzzi and shower, desk, TV, stereo, Satellite telephone, Wi-Fi access.
Select a Date
Grand Privilege Suite
7 cabins, 398 sq. ft. + 86 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually controlled A/C, ensuite bathroom with bathtub and shower, desk, minibar, TV, stereo, Satellite telephone, Wi-Fi access.
Select a Date
Owner Suite
On Deck 6, 592 sq. ft. + 129 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually controlled A/C, ensuite bathroom with jacuzzi and shower, desk, sofa, table with 4 chairs, armchair and table, 2 televisions, stereo, Satellite telephone, Wi-Fi access.
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.7 | 112 reviews
TrustScore 4.7 of 5
Based on 112 reviews on
20 hours ago
Adventure Life did an excellent job of planning, organizing and executing a great trip to Argentina. It was nice to have the trip with just the two of us which allowed for a more personable tour with excellent tour guides in all four locations visited. We learned lots of details of the beautiful sites in BA, Mendoza,Baliloche and Iguazu Falls. We want to do another trip with Adventure Life some day.
John WhartonMary Jo Catlett
1 day ago
Kassandra rocks! She had our trip planned and helped us arrange our air travel within the day we contacted her. She has helped us with our trips to Chile Argentina and Costa Rica, and she always finds us wonderful activities and accommodations. We’re looking forward to seeing what she’s planning for us this time when we go to Easter island
Janet
2 days ago
Nice thank you
Leo Lommen
2 days ago
quick to respond
thorough
Lisa Gallagher
4 days ago
Personal knowledge of the trip I was considering. Patience with our figuring out which dates we could travel.