This 8-day cruise will allow you to explore the heart of the Mediterranean. Begin and end in Piraeus, port of Athens, the city that is considered the birthplace of Europe, philosophy and democracy, and is the embodiment of the Olympic ideal. World-famous and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, its landmark is the magnificent Parthenon temple, lying high up on the Acropolis in all its glory. Make stops in some of the most enchanting Greek islands and explore this region's rich culture and history, discovering how the enduring traditions of the ancient world still influence Western life today.
Highlights
Visit the world's most modern archaeological museum, the Acropolis Museum
Lose yourself in a labyrinth of whitewashed lanes in Mykonos
Explore Milos' distinctive landscapes, formed by volcanic activity
Discover the impressive 14,000-seat theatre in Epidaurus
"A ship will come...", declared the singer Melina Mercouri to the port of Piraeus. Later, as Greek Minister for Culture, she made Athens the first European Capital of Culture in 1985. The city is considered the birthplace of Europe, philosophy and democracy, and is the embodiment of the Olympic ideal. World-famous and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, its landmark is the magnificent Parthenon temple, set high up on the Acropolis in all its glory. At the foot of the Acropolis hill is the Plaka, the oldest quarter of Athens, and the world's most modern archaeological museum, the new Acropolis Museum, created in 2009.
Mykonos, with its houses stacked like sugar cubes with blue shutters, balconies adorned with flowers, blue-domed churches, and windmills, is perhaps the most famous and picturesque of the Cyclades islands. We have to thank Aristotle Onassis and his international jet-set friends for rediscovering the island in the mid-1950s and developing it into the favorite destination of the rich and famous. In Mykonos town you can happily lose yourself in the labyrinth of whitewashed lanes. Fishing boats bob up and down in the port. Upmarket restaurants, rustic taverns and classy bars and clubs invite you to stay a while. From the promenade you have a spectacular view over the sea.
This small island, of Greece's Dodecanese group in the Aegean sea, has embraced tourism without losing its original character. Small but charming, explore its whitewashed streets and small town of Chora, or relax by the sea.
Imposing cliffs, spectacular beaches and plenty of traditional Cycladic lifestyle - the island of Folegandros is almost untouched by large streams of tourists and can only be reached via the tiny port of Karavostasis. Chora, the largest village on the island and not far from the port, is perched spectacularly on a steep rocky slope 300-meters (985 foot) high and offers a fantastic view over the island and the sea. The church of Panagia is set even further up on the rocks and towers over the little town with its snowy-white cottages, beautiful castle, and narrow lanes.
The unique character of Milos' landscape was formed by volcanic activity. Hot springs, spectacular cliffs and distinctive rock formations give the various beaches their own individual character. The colors of Milos are most obvious where the water meets the stone and forms the coastline. Minerals have colored the sand and stones and each rock along the coastline seems to glow in a different color. Plaka, the picturesque old capital with its typical dazzling-white houses, is overlooked by a mighty castle which offers a superb view over Adamos Bay and the surrounding islands.
Explore some of Greece's finest beaches at Neapoli Vion, Simos Beach, and Elafonisos. With clear turquoise waters, powder-soft white sand, and beautiful rocky landscapes, these favorite spots are seaside paradise.
The old town of Nauplion has a picturesque peninsula setting and three Venetian fortresses guard the pretty town. In ancient times, Mycenae, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was one of the most important towns in Greece. Its legendary king, Agamemnon, has a large role in Homer's Iliad. The palace grounds were surrounded by a cyclopean stone wall. Now you can only gain entrance through the famous Lion Gate. In Epidaurus, also protected by UNESCO, the impressive 14,000-seat theater is one of the most important buildings in this archaeological site.
Day 8: Piraeus | Disembark
1 Breakfast
"A ship will come...", declared the singer Melina Mercouri to the port of Piraeus. Later, as Greek Minister for Culture, she made Athens the first European Capital of Culture in 1985. The city is considered the birthplace of Europe, philosophy and democracy, and is the embodiment of the Olympic ideal. World-famous and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, its landmark is the magnificent Parthenon temple, set high up on the Acropolis in all its glory. At the foot of the Acropolis hill is the Plaka, the oldest quarter of Athens, and the world's most modern archaeological museum, the new Acropolis Museum, created in 2009.
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.
$5,295
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Category 5
These approx. 9.5 m2/102 sq ft cabins with their upper and lower single beds (each 80 cm x 200 cm) once accommodated the ship’s officers, and their original features exude a romantic charm. These cabins can be ventilated with fresh air both day and night as the cabin door leads directly to the Promenade Deck beneath the bridge.
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Category 4
These cabins are each approx. 10.5 m2/113 sq ft and located on the Promenade Deck. They are furnished similarly to Cat. 3 cabins.
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Category 3
Located on the Promenade Deck, each of these outside cabins also features panorama windows, a marble bathroom with a fitted shower and a substantially sized wardrobe. They are approx.
12.5 m2/135 sq ft in size with two single beds (each 80 cm x
200 cm).
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Category 2
Each of these cabins features a marble bathroom with a fitted shower, two single beds (each 80 cm x 200 cm) which can be placed together, a substantially sized wardrobe and additional built-in storage space. Their location on the Captain’s and Lido Deck and their design, featuring two panorama windows, mean these approx. 13.5 m2/145 sq ft cabins feel extremely bright.
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Category 1
These two double-bed cabins are located on the Captain’s
and Lido Deck and feature unique corner panorama windows. Approx. 13 m2/140 sq ft in size, they offer a substantial wardrobe, a double bed with two mattresses (each 80 cm x 200 cm) and a spacious, elegant bathroom with a fitted shower.
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Category C
Warm and bright tones dominate these approx. 18-20 m2/198-215 sq ft deluxe outside cabins fitted with a double bed (160 cm x 200 cm) The cabins feature a modern elegance, generous storage space and a walk-in closet and a marble bathroom.
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Category B
Main Deck. Portholes, two single beds or king bed with two separate mattresses, one or two chairs, nightstand, decorative marble fireplace, walk-in closet, safe, A/C, private bath with shower or tub.
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Category A
Main Deck. Portholes, large double bed, two armchairs, antique nightstands, table or antique secretary, decorative marble fireplace, desk, walk-in closet, safe, A/C, private bath with tub and portholes.
Notes
Rates are based on double occupancy. A limited number of cabins can be booked for individual use for an additional charge.
Rates Include:
Beautifully appointed cabin in selected category
Welcoming bottle of champagne in your cabin
All meals (six per day) from early-bird breakfast to the exquisite 4-course dinner menu with the choice of the main course
5-course gala dinner during the cruise
Welcome and a farewell cocktail with champagne
Selected wines and beers thoughtfully are chosen to complement lunch and dinner
All soft drinks and juices throughout the cruise
All alcohol-free coffee and tea specialties
Bottled water on the excursions
Fresh fruit basket in your cabin, replenished daily
E-mails can be sent free of charge from the onboard laptop
English-speaking tour guide
Travel documents with detailed destination information
All port fees
Use of snorkeling and waterskiing equipment is free of charge
Rates Exclude:
Shore excursions. Contact us for pricing.
Tips
Excess luggage (allowance is up to 40 kg per passenger)
Additional meals and beverages (so far as not expressly included)
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or AmEx. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
