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The white-washed cliffs of Santorini

The Classical World of the Aegean

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Le Lyrial
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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.
Donkeys are a traditional form of transportation in GreeceAthens AcropolisThe whitewashed walls of GreeceBoats on the Mediterranean The white-washed cliffs of Santorini
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
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Athens | Embark

Arrive in Athens and transfer to the pier in Piraeus to embark Le Lyrial.

Day 2: Nafplion

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.

Day 3: Rethymnon, Crete

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.

Day 4: Santorini

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.

Day 5: Rhodes

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.

Day 6: Kusadasi | Ephesus | Kusadasi

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.

Day 7: Delos | Syros

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.

Ship/Hotel

Le Lyrial

Le Lyrial Lobby
Le Lyrial Observatory Lounge
Le Lyrial Restaurant

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Cabins on the Le Lyrial
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Superior Stateroom
Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, desk, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.
Cabins on the Le Lyrial
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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.
Le Lyrial Prestige Stateroom
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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.
Le Lyrial Prestige Stateroom
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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.
Le Lyrial Prestige Stateroom
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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.
Cabins on the Le Lyrial
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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.
Le Lyrial - Prestige Suite
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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.
Le Lyrial - Privilege SuiteLe Lyrial - Privilege Suite
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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.
Le Lyrial - Grand Deluxe SuiteLe Lyrial - Grand Deluxe Suite
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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.
Le Lyrial - Grand Privilege SuiteLe Lyrial - Grand Privilege SuiteGrand Privilege Suite on the Le Lyrial
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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.
Le Lyrial - Owner SuiteOwner's Suite on the Le LyrialLe Lyrial - Owner Suite
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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.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners

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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

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