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.
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Superior Stateroom
Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, desk, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.