Mediterranean : Classical Greece Cruise through Antiquity

Following your arrival in Istanbul, transfer to the designated hotel.

Istanbul is the first destination on the classical Greece cruise. Admire some of the world’s most magnificent buildings and pieces of historic art as you begin a morning sightseeing tour. Amongst some of the spectacular sights is the 6th century cathedral of Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Sultan Ahmet Camii, more familiarly known as the Blue Mosque whose imposing spires penetrate the skyline. The afternoon of your classical Greece cruise can be spent as you wish, perhaps visit the Church of St Savior which exhibits colourfully ornate frescos and mosaics.

Board the Aegean Odyssey and cruise across the deep, iridescent waters of the Sea of Marmara and the Dardanelles, affectionately named the ‘Marble Sea’ due to the marble quarries of Marmara Island.

Mount Athos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a picturesque peninsula that is peppered with 20 Eastern Orthodox monasteries, some of which date back to the 10th and 11th century. No women, including female animals, are allowed to enter onto the mountain, fortunately the majority of the monasteries which border the coastline can be witnessed from the comfort of the ship (weather permitting). During the afternoon the classical Greece cruise arrives in Skiathos where you have ample time to explore at leisure. Maybe visit one of the museums or if you prefer the outdoors, discover the lush island’s sun-bleached beaches that are enveloped by dense pine forests. Embark the ship as the classical Greece cruise departs for Samos in the evening.

The magical island of Samos is the birthplace of the renowned philosophers Epicurus and Pythagoras. Our first stop on the tour of Samos is the Archaeological Museum in Vathy which boasts the largest, detached marble sculpture of ancient Greece. See the single surviving column of the temple of Heraion, once the biggest in the world. Savour some of the finest Greek wines at the Museum of Wine before we join the classical Greece cruise to Kusadasi at midday. The afternoon can be enjoyed exploring the immense site of Ephesus, once the Roman capital of the province of Asia. Relax in Kusadasi during an overnight stay.

Today’s tour on the classical Greece cruise is devoted to the breathtaking monuments of Aphrodisias. The well-preserved ruins are twice the size of Pompeii and comprise the Temple of Aphrodite and the immense stadium, true pearls of the classical Greece cruise. Impressive sculptures and rock carvings decorate the inspiring landscape which lies among the isolated hills enveloping the valley of Meander. Prepare for a late departure to Delos.

The morning of your classical Greece cruise can be spent touring the incredible temples of Delos and its prominent sculpted lions. At noon, the ship sets sail for Mykonos where you can enjoy early evening drinks before departing for Heraklion in Crete.

The first stop of the morning tour is Knossos, a Minoan site which plays host to a beautifully restored palace and its dramatic Minoan interior. Later, we journey by road to Chania where we board the ship for lunch. Chania is a colourful and picturesque city which can be explored in the afternoon, stroll around the charming harbour and admire the extraordinary Ottoman and Venetian architecture of Rethimnon. In the evening, the classical Greece cruise continues to Nauplia.

The day begins with an exploration of the Argolid plain which exposes ancient Mycenaean culture. Later, you have the choice of visiting Epidaurus where you will see one of the best preserved Greek theatres or if you prefer, take a trip to Nauplia and the Archaeological Museum which can be found in the former Venetian Arsenal. In the evening return to the ship as the classical Greece cruise travels to Athens.

Disembark the Aegean Odyssey and bid farewell to Greece as you catch your return flight home.