DAY 1: UK - Athens.
Fly to Athens where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for one night.
DAY 2: Athens - Kalambaka.
Dominated by its stunning Acropolis, Athens ranks alongside Rome as one of Europe's most historic cities. This morning's included sightseeing tour features the highlights of Athens and provides a good introduction to Greece's fascinating capital. In the afternoon, drive to Kalambaka in the Meteora region for one night. (B, D)
DAY 3: Kalambaka - Meteora - Delphi.
Today's included trip is sure to be a highlight of your tour. Head to the heart of Meteora, where a cluster of monastic buildings sits perched atop natural pillar-like rock formations, hundreds of metres above the valley floor. Their spectacular and seemingly inaccessible position provided an ideal retreat for the hermit monks who lived here and today, the unusual rock spires topped by well-preserved monasteries provide an unforgettable sight. This afternoon, drive to Delphi for one night. (B)
DAY 4: Delphi - Olympia.
Start your day in Delphi with a fascinating archaeological site visit. Situated just a few minutes from the village, the ancient site, backed by imposing Mount Parnassus, is in one of the most beautiful natural settings in the country. Your visit with a local guide takes you along the Sacred Way to see the Temple of Apollo, some of the Treasuries and the Theatre. This afternoon follow the Gulf of Corinth through Nafpaktos to Antirion. Journey over the spectacular bridge to Rion and on to Patras before reaching Olympia for one night. (B, D)
DAY 5: Olympia - Epidaurus - Nauplia.
Olympia is the original home of the Olympic Games, which were first held in 776BC, and was considered to be a sacred precinct to the God Zeus, whose temple once housed one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This morning's visit with a local guide includes the ancient stadium where the Games were held and the temples of Zeus and his wife Hera. Later, head to Epidaurus to visit the world famous theatre (entrance fee included) before continuing to Nauplia for one night. (B)
DAY 6: Nauplia - Mycenae - Corinth - Athens.
This morning, enjoy a guided visit to the imposing ruins of Mycenae, an ancient city once dubbed the 'city rich in gold' by Homer. It was here that the Golden Mask of Agamemnon was unearthed as well as many other treasures, which exactly matched Homer's descriptions in the Iliad. Enter the city through the magnificent Lion's Gate and admire Agamemnon's Royal Palace. This afternoon, stop at the impressive Corinth Canal before continuing to Athens. Tonight, enjoy an optional evening excursion. (B)
DAY 7: Athens - Piraeus - embarkation.
Afternoon embarkation in Piraeus. Cruise overnight towards Istanbul. (B, D)
DAY 8: Arrival in Istanbul.
Enjoy the best part of the day at sea arriving into Istanbul in the early evening to catch the sunset over the Bosphorus. (B, L, D)
DAY 9: Istanbul.
Half in Europe, half in Asia, Istanbul is divided by the Bosphorus whose shores are filled with wealthy private residences and exclusive restaurants. Istanbul houses some of the world's greatest historic treasures such as the Blue Mosque, with its precious Iznik tiles, and the Topkapi Palace, containing the treasures of Ottoman sultans. Enjoy a full day at leisure for optional sightseeing in this fascinating city. Depart early evening for Mykonos. (B, L, D)
DAY 10: Mykonos.
Mid-afternoon arrival in Mykonos. Spend the afternoon wandering the white-washed lanes and admire the amazing array of fashionable jewellery, local art and pottery shops. Sail for Patmos late evening. (B, L, D)
DAY 11: Patmos - Kusadasi.
Early morning arrival in Patmos, the tiny island where St John the Divine wrote the Book of Revelation. This afternoon, set sail for Kusadasi, a colourful and lively port with plenty of shops, cafés and restaurants and a bustling covered market. Treat yourself to a true highlight: an optional visit to the ancient Roman port town of Ephesus, or wander along the narrow paved streets. Set sail for Rhodes in the evening. (B, L, D)
DAY 12: Rhodes.
Morning arrival in Rhodes, a beautifully preserved and UNESCO-protected walled town, just a short walk from the port. Stroll down the Street of the Knights, or visit the Palace of the Grand Masters. Don't miss the optional excursion to the town and Acropolis of Lindos. Evening departure to Heraklion, Crete. (B, L, D)
DAY 13: Crete - Santorini.
Early morning arrival in Aghios Nikalaos. Don't miss the optional excursion to Knossos, the centre of the 3,000 BC Minoan civilisation. Sail at midday. This afternoon, visit Santorini, the 'Black Pearl of the Aegean'. An optional excursion takes you to the cliff-top village of Oia for one of the world's most breathtaking views. Later return to the ship and look forward to a festive farwell dinner. (B, L, D)
DAY 14: Piraeus - disembark - Athens.
Early morning arrival in Piraeus for disembarkation. The remainder of the day is at leisure in Athens. (B)
DAY 15: Athens - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)