14-night Grand Voyage: Athens To Athens Cruise

Day 1 Athens (Piraeus)

Piraeus is the seaport for Athens, the capital of western civilization, which boasts a fantastic mix of classical ruins and vivacious modern life. Climb the hill of Acropolis to wonder at the Parthenon, join the lively Athenians in Constitution Square, and find a welcoming taverna for spirited bizouki music, plenty of ouzo to drink, and energetic Greek dancing. Piraeus is the largest harbor in the country. The white chapel of St. George at its summit has a theater bearing the same name. The hill of Nymphs is the site of a planetarium, which is located above magnificent Thesseio temple. Among all of these hills, Acropolis is the one that glorified Athens and the whole Greek world and became the symbol of the western civilization. Bays and small rocky or sandy coves dot the area and during the summer are filled with Athenians and foreigners enjoying their beauty.

Day 2 At Sea

Day 3 Karpathos

Day 4 Rhodes

Rhodes is one of Greece’s favored vacation centers and was an important cultural center with a well-known School of Rhetoric attended by such greats as Cicero and Caesar. Rhodes' most famous attractions originated with the Knights of St. John, who occupied parts of the island from 1310 to 1522 and left a medieval town, dominated by the Palace of the Grand Masters and Knights' Hospital, which houses an Archaeological Museum with interesting exhibits of national archaeological finds. Rhodes has inspired many artists. The Old Town offers shopping opportunities and lively nightlife. At Mount Filerimos a church has been built on the site of an ancient temple. A popular excursion is to the charming village of Lindos. Its premier attraction, the ancient acropolis, stands atop sheer cliffs. Walls of a 13th-century Crusader castle enclose the site. Today, the winding path up to the acropolis is lined by stalls, where locals sell lace tablecloths and souvenirs. Mandraki Harbor's entrance is flanked by stone columns topped by figures of a stag and a hind, the town's heraldic animals.

Day 5 Mycale Strait (Samos Strait)

Day 5 Kusadasi (Ephesus)

Visitors come to Kusadasi for beaches and nearby ruins of Ephesus. The major attraction is the archaeological site of ancient Ephesus, considered to be most important in Turkey. The history of this ancient city dates back to 10th century BC; many remarkable structures seen today are result of an excavation and restoration program. Along a white marble road grooved by ancient chariot wheels, the two-story Library of Celsus presents a striking sight. There are temples, houses of noblemen, and community buildings lining ancient streets. Nestled in the mountainside is a 25,000-seat amphitheater, still used for performances during Festival of Culture and Art. Bible buffs may know Ephesus as inspiration for St. Paul’s Epistle to Ephesians and the site of one of the first seven churches of Asia Minor. Treasures are kept in the Seljuk Archaeological Museum. Among the better-known ancient sites near Kusadasi are ancient Miletus and Dydima. Remains include a well-preserved Roman theater at Miletus and Dydima's sacred temple of Apollo.

Day 6 Patmos

This island is known as the site of the apocalyptic Revelations of St. John the Divine, written here during his exile from the Roman Empire. The cave where he lived is near the site of the Monastery of the Apocalypse. The Monastery of St. John, built on one of the island's highest points, houses priceless icons and manuscripts in its Treasury.

Day 7 Gavrio

Day 8 Athens (Piraeus)

Piraeus is the seaport for Athens, the capital of western civilization, which boasts a fantastic mix of classical ruins and vivacious modern life. Climb the hill of Acropolis to wonder at the Parthenon, join the lively Athenians in Constitution Square, and find a welcoming taverna for spirited bizouki music, plenty of ouzo to drink, and energetic Greek dancing. Piraeus is the largest harbor in the country. The white chapel of St. George at its summit has a theater bearing the same name. The hill of Nymphs is the site of a planetarium, which is located above magnificent Thesseio temple. Among all of these hills, Acropolis is the one that glorified Athens and the whole Greek world and became the symbol of the western civilization. Bays and small rocky or sandy coves dot the area and during the summer are filled with Athenians and foreigners enjoying their beauty.

Day 9 At Sea

Day 10 Pythagoreion

Day 11 Cesme

Cesme is a seaside resort town just west of Izmir, Turkey. Along the main square visitors will find a nice selection of restaurants, cafes, tea houses, and breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. You will find excellent shopping opportunities along the old main street, and good beaches just south of the city. There are also a number of Greek Island ferries that operate out of Cesme.  

Day 12 Skyros

The picturesque and unique island of Skyros, located in the crystal blue waters of the Aegean sea, is one of the most charming and beautiful in all of Greece. It is a place that is perfect for your holidays and travels, where you can experience a traditional and authentic Greek island. On Skyros lived heroes such as Achilles, Lycomedes, Neoptolemos, while Theseus met his tragic end here. During the centuries all the societies that existed on Skyros have left their mark, where even today, through the art, traditions and the customs of Skyros, the influences of these societies are visable for all to see.

Day 13 Skopelos Island

Skopelos Island is located in the western Aegen Sea, and belongs to the Greek archipelago. The population of Skopelos was recorded at 4,696 in the year 2001.This charming island is home to beautiful pristine beaches and hosts bright green terrain. Skopelos is abundant in trees, shrubs and a wide range of flora which makes this island an ideal home for migrating wildlife. There is so much to do in the island, whether you choose to sip coffee at a local coffee bar or enjoy one of the beautiful beaches nearby – Skopelos is sure keep you dreaming for months after.

Day 14 Poros

This Saronic island, located 35 mi/55 km southwest of Athens, is known for its wine and unique architecture. As most cruise tours give visitors about 90 minutes to see it, you'll have to choose from among the following: the Panagia Monastery; the ruins of Poseidon's Temple (the climb up takes an hour); a hike through the pine trees; secluded tree-shaded beaches (take shoes—the shores can be rocky); or just a leisurely stroll around the picturesque town.

If you have time, we recommend staying two or three nights. Cross the channel to the mainland to see the ruins of Troezene (next to a ravine with a natural rock bridge) or the miles/kilometers of lemon groves near the town of Galatas.

Day 15 Athens (Piraeus)

Piraeus is the seaport for Athens, the capital of western civilization, which boasts a fantastic mix of classical ruins and vivacious modern life. Climb the hill of Acropolis to wonder at the Parthenon, join the lively Athenians in Constitution Square, and find a welcoming taverna for spirited bizouki music, plenty of ouzo to drink, and energetic Greek dancing. Piraeus is the largest harbor in the country. The white chapel of St. George at its summit has a theater bearing the same name. The hill of Nymphs is the site of a planetarium, which is located above magnificent Thesseio temple. Among all of these hills, Acropolis is the one that glorified Athens and the whole Greek world and became the symbol of the western civilization. Bays and small rocky or sandy coves dot the area and during the summer are filled with Athenians and foreigners enjoying their beauty.