Cyprus & Greek Isles Discovery: Larnaca to Athens

Embark on the Crystal Esprit at the beautiful port of Larnaca.

The pulse of Larnaca is found around the palm-lined promenade, filled with seafood eateries and spots for coffee or cocktails. Its 6,000 years of offers much for history buffs, like the medieval fort and the Church of the biblical Saint Lazarus. The Zenobia shipwreck is among the many popular diving sites here, while the world’s last divided capital, Nicosia is a fascinating land journey.

Paphos offers an abundance of architectural wonders – in fact, the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the spectacular House of Dionysus mosaics, charming Omodos Village and the solid rock catacombs of the Tombs of the Kings. Paphos is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Her spirit lives on in the ancient ruins and temples, as well as the modern harbor, palm-lined waterfront and sun-splashed beaches where love is always in the air.

This is the place to dive in, hike up, paddle on and soar over. A charming harbor town with welcoming, walkable promenades and traditional architecture, Kaş is an excellent starting point for all manner of outdoor pursuits, surrounded by bays perfect for ship-wreck diving, the stunning Taurus Mountains and ancient ruins to add some intrigue to the adventure, including vestiges of Antiphellos, the original Lycian town that settled here.

Rich with natural beauty and colorful history, Rhodes represents one of the most architecturally varied locations in Europe. Hellenistic, Byzantine, Medieval and Turkish influences intermingle with abundant sunshine and dry air to cast a magnificent light over the island that the ancients dedicated to Apollo, the God of Light. High on a cliff, the ruins of the Temple of Athena sit amidst the beautifully preserved Acropolis at Lindos.

Of all the Cyclades Islands, Santorini is often considered the most dramatic with its dark landscape and iconic whitewashed buildings. The rich soil is ideal for grapes and local vines produce a cherished crop known for its special volcanic taste. Picturesque "Thíra," or Fira Town, laid out along the edge of a cliff at the rim of the now-extinct caldera, exudes easy charm.

One of the most significant archaeological and mythological sites in all of Greece, Delos earns its UNESCO-celebrated status in spades. It is a tiny island in the heart of the Cyclades Archipelago in the Aegean Sea, is believed by Greek Mythology to have been the birthplace of Apollo, and considered to be the most sacred of all islands in ancient Greek culture. Excavations have unearthed tremendous monuments, sanctuaries and other facets of Hellenistic history. Due to its remote location and the fact that it was largely uninhabited since the 7th century AD, its well-preserved ruins are a fascinating journey through time and culture, situated in the heart of one of the most breathtaking stretches of sea in the world.

Arrive at Mykonos on this day also.

Mykonos, a former 18th-century pirates' bastion, is now a sophisticated and cosmopolitan island resort.

Located in the heart of the Aegean Sea, picture-perfect Paros is exactly what you would imagine a Greek island to be – a maze of narrow alleyways and classic Cycladic architecture with its white, cube-shaped homes accented by blue doors and windows. Make your way up to the 13th-century Venetian castle that sits at the top of the hill and be rewarded with a view that rivals that of Mount Olympus. A lack of modern buildings enhances the island’s unique, genuine character.

Venture through Greece’s largest port city, Piraeus, as you make your way to the cradle of Western culture. Athens has long since been the location of myth and muse, and its ancient heritage is still an incredible source of inspiration.

After breakfast aboard the ship, disembark at Athen's port.