Arrive in Athens, the classical capital of Greece; Find your own transportation to your hotel or you can choose the optional private airport pick up service (U$80/person--Minimum to 2 ppl). The remainder of the day is at leisure to discover the ancient wonders of this city known as the cradle of Western Civilization and the birthplace of democracy. 

Drive through Thebes, Levadia and Arachova (famous for its bright multi-colored carpets) arrive in Delphi, the center of the Ancient World - the "Omphalos" (Navel of Earth). Delphi is the second-most important archeological site in Greece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its theater, Temple of Apollo, and various ancient ruins.  

The sanctuary of Delphi, set within a most spectacular landscape, was for many centuries the cultural and religious center and symbol of unity for the Hellenic world and seat of the Pythian Games, the second most important game in Greece after the Olympics. 

The tour then visits the archaeological sites of Delphi and the Museum where one can gander at ancient archeological treasures, and marvel at its spectacular exhibits including the frieze of the Treasury of the Sifnians, the Sphinx of Naxos, the Statue of Antinous, the metopes of the Athenian treasury and the famous bronze Charioteer.

Today, the tour will begin at the [Meteora] where you will enjoy unique and impressive scenery with ageless [Monasteries], containing priceless historical and religious treasures, standing between earth and sky atop rock formations. The Meteora is the biggest and most important group of monasteries in Greece after those in Mount Athos. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 the landscape view of the Meteora is not only beautiful but also widely seen as inspiring and self-centering.  

Back to Athens.

 Optional Program: Dinner next to the sea: U$79/person

Includes : Transfer, Escort, 4course Menu, One glass of wine or beer or soft drinks 

Join a beautiful ride pass Niarchos foundation cultural center and join dinner next to the sea in a posh area for locals  

Today, you will be transferred to the Cruise Terminal for embarkation. Transfer is included. 

The ship will be docked at Thessaloniki today. You are free to explore on your own or join our shore excursion option. 

 Optional Program: Thessaloniki Shore Excursion: U$99/person

Thessaloniki is Greece"s second largest city and the capital of Macedonia. It has an interesting and colourful past, including Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman ruins, and it was the wealthiest city in the Byzantine Empire. It is considered Greece"s cultural capital and is a wonderful combination of beauty, history, and culture, framed by huge and stunning sea vistas. Our panoramic tour begins with a walk down the seaside promenade to Aristotelous Square, which is named after Macedonia"s most famous philosopher, Aristotle. We will visit Thessaloniki"s most renowned landmark, the White Tower, which is part of the old defence of the lower city and has also functioned as a jail. Our guide tells us a fascinating story as we visit several of the city"s features, such as the Gallerius Arch, the Rotunda, and other neo-Classical structures. We also pay a visit to the 5th century St. Demetrius" Cathedral and make a halt at Upper Town for panoramic views of the city with Mount Olympus and the Thermaic Gulf in the background.

The ship will be docked at Kusadasi today. You are free to explore on your own or join our shore excursion option. 

 Optional Program: Kusadasi Shore Excursion: U$99/person

This is a great journey through some of history"s most significant and formative times, and we hope you will be captivated by the stories of the Hellenes, Romans, Ottomans, and Christians in this intriguing investigation of Ephesus. This fantastic open-air archaeological wonder, situated on the hills near Kusadasi and overlooking the Aegean, was established by the Greeks approximately 2000 BC. It was one of the region"s most prominent cities and was devoted to the goddess Artemis. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World was the Temple constructed in her honour. It contained almost 100 marble pillars, each 56 feet tall, and gave the city the nickname "Servant of the Goddess." On the site, one pillar that was discovered during an excavation in the 1870s is still standing. The Agora, Odeon, Library of Celsus, Main Street of Curetes, Baths of Scholastica, Trajan"s Fountain, Temple of Hadrian, and Houses of Koressus, where the affluent families of Ancient Ephesus resided, will all be visible to us. Only 13% of Ephesus has been explored thus far. The Archaeological Museum of Ephesus in Selcuk, Turkey, is home to the artefacts recovered from the excavations conducted thus far. At the conclusion of our trip, we have time to purchase for items including leather, jewelry, and rugs.

The ship will be docked at Crete today. You are free to explore on your own or join our shore excursion option. 

 Optional Program: Crete Shore Excursion: U$99/person

The ancient city of Knossos, in Crete"s capital Heraklion, was the birthplace of Europe"s earliest civilisation, the Minoans. As a result, we can confidently claim that it is Europe"s oldest city. Our journey will introduce us to the Minoan world by seeing one of the continent"s most important archaeological sites. Minos Kalokairinos, a Cretan, conducted the initial excavations in the 1870s. More work by Sir Arthur Evans of Britain in the early 1900s brought to the world"s attention the entire astonishing magnitude of the Palace of Knossos, according to tradition the abode of wise King Minos. We will be able to visit the expansive Central Court, the magnificent Throne Room, the towering Grand Staircase, and witness the "Prince of the Lilies" fresco. We believe you will be impressed by the Minoan civilisation"s rich cultural history as you walk through the royal rooms and explore the archaeological artefacts. The Cretan legend of the Minotaur, half man, half bull who dwelt in the Labyrinth and was slaughtered by Theseus, will definitely be told to you. But that"s an other tale. As we move from room to room, we shall relive the exceptional rule of King Minos in the Hall of the Royal Guard and the King"s Chamber.

The ship will be docked at Santorini today. You are free to explore on your own or join our shore excursion option. 

 Optional Program: Santorini Shore Excursion: U$99/person

The charming coastal village of Oia is widely considered to be Santorini’s jewel attraction. On our scenic excursion you have an opportunity to discover the village’s beauty and romantic ambience for yourself.

The postcard-perfect homes of Firostefani and Imerovigli provide a pleasing visual distraction, as we drive towards our destination of the island’s second-largest village. Capture on camera the stunning views of the whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches surrounded by the sweeping vineyards of Megalochori.

Santorini’s famous caldera also offers unforgettable vistas. From the prime clifftop location, it’s possible to admire the island’s capital Fira and the cluster of islands which includes Thirassia, Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni.

On arrival in Oia, take a moment to soak up the atmosphere, before wandering through the winding, narrow streets that lead you to the hidden gems nestled in the villages narrow arteries and main shopping street. There are many delightful paths where you can enjoy idyllic romantic views and admire the spectacular landscape.

The ship will be docked at Mykonos today. You are free to explore on your own or join our shore excursion option. 

 Optional Program: Mykonos Shore Excursion: U$99/person

From Mykonos Town, often referred as as Chora, we go by coach towards Omos. On a small isthmus between two beaches, it is a charming fishing harbour and well-liked anchorage, and the streets are dotted with tavernas. Agia Anna and Kalafatis both have gorgeous, vivid beaches that we explore. We stop in the historic town of Ano Mera and the 1542-founded Panagia Tourliani monastery on the way back to Chora. It is highly worth visiting since it features a gorgeous bell tower, a collection of icons, and a marble fountain. Ano Mera"s charming town centre is the ideal location for a quick stop and perhaps a coffee. In one of the island"s oldest settlements, you can unwind. Back in Mykonos Town, we make a visit at the Folklore Museum and the Paraportiani church, also known as Our Lady of the Side Gate and composed of five chapels. Numerous displays are available here, including examples of traditional clothing, household objects, and other things of daily life from Mykonos in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It offers an interesting look at the island more than a century ago. We end in Little Venice in the Alefkhandra area to take in the famed windmills, which are a sight that is undoubtedly never boring. At various seasons of the year, the tour might not be offered.

The ship will be docked at Mykonos today. You are free to explore on your own. 

Today, you will be disembarking the cruise and you can explore Athens on your own or join UTOvacation on an incredible tour of the enchanting and glorious city of Athens.

Transfer from cruise port to the hotel is included.

 Optional Tour: Ancient Athens Highlights Tour: U$99/person:

The UTOvacation optional tour of Athens focuses on exploring the core treasures of this ancient city, rich with historical and cultural significance. The first landmark visited will be the [Acropolis] an archaeological wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage site.  The word acropolis means “Upper City” in Greek, the Acropolis is one of the most visited destinations in Europe.   The aura of the Acropolis is truly an unforgettable experience and tourists from around the world marvel as they explore the site known as the birthplace of Western Civilization. 

Within the Acropolis, your optional tour will then skip the long lines and bring you the ancient Greek temple of the Parthenon, which is dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their patron. The Parthenon is considered the most important surviving building of Ancient Greece.  Another structure dedicated to Athena is the Temple of Athena Nike, built-in 420 BC, with its placement on a bastion on the southwest corner of the Acropolis relatively close to the Propylaea which is the monumental gateway to the Acropolis.  The temple of Erechtheion located on the north side of the Acropolis will also be visited which was dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon. 

Next, your tour will bring you to the legendary [Temple of Zeus] a magnificent temple located in the center of Athens, the Greek capital.  The Temple was built in the 5th century on the ancient site of Olympia.  The temple is home to the Statue of Zeus, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.  This statue took nearly 13 years to complete and is one of Classical Greece’s most prized structures. 

Following the Acropolis, the optional tour will continue in the heart of Athens and pass by the [Panathinaiko Stadium], [Amalia avenue], and view the [Arch of Hadrian] and visit the syntagma square, Ermou street.  The group with then enjoy the views of various government buildings and elegant structures of the 19th century and drive-along Panepistimiou Street and view the [Catholic Cathedral], the [Academy of Athens], [University], and [National Library]. 

Arrival at the hotel in the afternoon.

 Optional Program: Plaka dinner: U$79/person:

Includes: Transfer, Escort, 4course Menu, One glass of wine or beer or soft drinks 

Short walking tour in the pedestrian streets of famous Plaka (where Ancient Athena used to be) and have dinner in a typical Greek taverna and taste Greek food. 

Please note: if Covid restrictions are lifted this dinner will include live music but currently it is not allowed 

Today, make your own transfer to the airport for your departure flight or you can choose the optional private airport drop off service (U$80/person--Minimum to 2 ppl). Please note: the Hotel room check-out time is 11:00 AM, later check out is available for an additional cost.