Experience the heart of Classical Greece on this 11-day Greek cruise. Sail on royal blue waters to towering bleached cliffs, whitewashed houses, and, most breathtaking, the exquisite remains of Classical civilization. From Athens, proceed to Delphi, where the oracle of Apollo revealed her visions, and then on to Olympia, where the sanctuary of Zeus guards the ancient playing fields. Byzantine Mystra is a prelude to Crete, Zeus’s birthplace and home to the Labyrinth of the Minotaur and the Palace of Knossos. Santorini provides a remarkable picture of Minoan life as it is preserved by the volcanic ash of an ancient eruption at Akrotiri. Learn about the fascinating history of the region as you cruise and explore ancient ruins, statues, and cities.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Athens and transfer to Piraeus to embark on the Harmony V.
Day 2: Itea / Delphi
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
From the small port of Itea, drive through spectacular scenery to Delphi. Famed in antiquity for its oracle, Delphi is one of the most impressive ancient sites in Greece.
Day 3: Katakolon / Olympia
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Visit Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympics, the ancient Sanctuary of Zeus and a vast site of well-preserved altars, temples, and other ruins. Highlights include the Temples of Hera and Zeus, the Council House, and the Treasuries. The Archaeological Museum houses exquisite sculptures and other artifacts from the site.
Day 4: Gytheion / Mystra
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Gytheion is the port of ancient and modern Sparta. Drive inland to Mystra, the best surviving Byzantine town in Greece. Built on a rocky spur which overlooks Sparta, Mystra was once a great center of learning, art, and culture. The city is dominated by its ramparts, palaces, and graceful domes. In Sparta, visit the Archaeological Museum.
Day 5: Rethymnon / Knossos
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Arrive in Crete, once home of the Minoans, Europe's earliest developed civilization. Travel to Knossos and its fabled Minoan Palace, a maze of frescoes corridors and chambers which show life as it was 4,0000 years ago. It is also home to the labyrinth of the legendary Minotaur. Then, spend some free time exploring Rethymnon and swim at a nearby beach.
Alternatively, walk part of the scenic Imbros Gorge, ending at the coast near the 14th century Venetian castle of Frangokastello from a swim.
Day 6: Santorini / Phira
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
In the second millennium B.C., volcanic eruptions shrouded Santorini in pumice and ash, and collapsed the island into a fractured caldera. This ultimately produced Santorini's wild, multi-hued beauty while sending its Minoan civilization into irreversible decline. Visit Phira's Archaeological Museum.
Day 7: Rhodes / Lindos
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The historic island of Rhodes was known in antiquity for its schools of philosophy, rhetoric, and sculpture. Today, it boasts one of Europe's largest medieval towns. Discover Old Town's winding streets and splendid plaza, which owe their 14th century charm to the Crusader Knights of St. John. In the village of Lindos, take a donkey ride or walk up to the acropolis, set on a cliff 400 feet above the sea, and take in the stunning views of the village and bay below. Alternatively, explore Lindos on your own and swim in the crystal waters of its white-sand beach.
Day 8: Bodrum, Turkey
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Arrive in Bodrum. In this location, King Mausolus lay in state within his Mausoleum, a tomb of exquisite beauty. In the 15th century, the Knights of St. John built the massive Castle of St. Peter using stones from the Mausoleum. Visit the ruins of the ancient site, Castle, and citadel, housing the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
Day 9: Kusadasi, Turkey / Ephesus
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 Harmony V), it was also the site where St. Paul addressed the Ephesians. Evacuations continue and archaeologists are restoring the Terrace Houses, which offer a glimpse of daily Ephesian life. See the facade of the Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, and Great Amphitheater.
Day 10: Delos / Syros
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Sail to Delos, the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and the center of the Delian League. Take a walking tour and visit the Sacred Way, Sanctuary of Apollo and the Terrace of the Lions. In the afternoon, visit beautiful Syros and enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town ending at the Apollon Theatre.
Day 11: Piraus / Disembark
1 Breakfast
In the morning, arrive in Piraeus and disembark. Transfer to the airport for your continued independent travels.
Dates & Prices
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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
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.