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2018 Grand Tour of Greece Back Home

with 4-day Aegean Cruise

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 Honolulu Departure.

Our classical and mythical Greek adventure and cruise begins this afternoon with a departure for the east coast where we make a comfortable connection to Europe. Once the preliminary flight schedule is ready it will be displayed online doldworldjourneys.com under the journey's page.

Day 2 Via Germany to Athens, Greece.

We are scheduled to arrive into Newark in the morning and transfer to a nearby hotel for day use rooms. In the early evening, we board our direct flight to Germany.

Day 3 Arrival in Athens, Greece.

After a brief stretch, depart on a two and half hour hop to Athens, Greece arriving there at noon. We clear customs formalities, are met by our specially chosen Greece Tour Director, and transfer to the Hotel Electra, our home for the next two nights. Tonight, celebrate the start of our journey with a Welcome Drink at our hotel.

Day 4 Exploring Athens.

Start our day with a guided visit to the world-famous Acropolis, perched high on a rocky outcrop overlooking the city. Here we see the Parthenon, the Erechtheum with its Porch of Maidens, the Temple of Athena Nike, and enjoy a panoramic view which includes glimpses of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Theater of Dionysus, and the beautifully preserved Theseum, where Socrates taught. Later, a city orientation drive features the Old Parliament House and a picture stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Built in the 2nd century AD, it is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble, and was host to the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympics in 1896. The afternoon is at our leisure to relax or stroll through the amazing Plaka with Alex. Tonight, sample a glass of Ouzo and savor a Greek-style 4 course dinner at a festive taverna in the Plaka district. Folks dances will put us in a special mood reminiscent of Zorba the Greek. (B), (D)

Day 5 Via Corinth, Mycenae and Epidaurus to Nauplia.

Today begin our sojourn through the land of antiquity. We drive along the coast to the bridge crossing the spectacular Corinth Canal. The canal separates the Peloponnesus from the Greek mainland. Stop and wander through the remain of the ancient city of Corinth, where St. Paul preached.

Then head to Mycenae and the 19th-century excavations reveal impressions of the splendors so vividly described by Homer. Admire the Beehive Tombs, the Treasury of Atreus, Lion Gate - Europe’s oldest known monument, remains of Agamemnon’s Royal Palace, and the impressive fortifications of the Citadel. Spend time in the museum before a short drive to Epidaurus and its Sanctuary of Asclepius, God of Medicine (UNESCO). Explore its amazingly well-preserved 2,300-year-old open-air theater. Finally, we arrive in Nauplia, the classiest small city in all of Greece. Amalia Nauplia Hotel. (B), (D)

Day 6 To Olympia.

Spectacular scenery as our motorcoach takes us on a drive through the Arcadian Mountains to Olympia. Spend the afternoon where the athletes of antiquity competed in honor of the king of deities. Learn about the history of those original Olympic Games held in 776 B.C. as we stroll among the impressive remains of the Gymnasium and the Temples of Hera and Zeus. Enjoy the museum which features Praxiteles’ magnificent statue of Hermes. Tonight, we enjoy a cooking demonstration and learn how to make the traditional Greek tzatziki appetizer. Europa Hotel. (B), (D)

Day 7 Via Patras to Delhi.

Via the busy seaport of Patras, we proceed through the picturesque fishing villages along the south coast of the mainland to mystic Delphi. The afternoon is devoted to a fascinating discovery of the ancient sanctuary of the god Apollo in its dramatic setting on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Hear about the Oracle as we walk with our guide along the Sacred Way and explore this ancient Archaeological Site. We end our day with a visit to the museum to admire the Charioteer, an extraordinary 5th-century BC bronze statue. Our highlight this evening is a dance lesson, where we learn how to dance the sirtaki, made famous in the movie Zorba the Greek, accompanied by a glass of the traditional Ouzo. Amalia Hotel Delphi. (B), (D)

Day 8 To Kalambaka (Meteora Area).

North is our heading today. We drive over the Pourmaraki Pass to Lamia, and then on via Trikala to Kalambaka. Here we take in the unreal, fantastic landscape of Meteora with its 24 rock-top monasteries. You will always remember the first time you see the monasteries and we have the privilege to visit two of them: Varlaam Monastery, famous for its frescoes, and St. Stephen's Monastery, featuring a unique collection of icons and an incredible panoramic view. Amalia Hotel Kalambaka. (B), (D) **Ladies need to pack a long skirt, as shorts or trousers are inappropriate when visiting the monasteries.

Day 9 Via Thermopylae to Athens.

After breakfast, we take a scenic drive along the coast to Thermopylae. Take a guided stroll on the site of the heroic battle of Leonidas’ 300 doomed Spartans against Xerxes’ huge Persian army. On the way back to Athens, our Tour Director will tell us about Thebes, the setting of Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, and Marathon, where 10,000 Athenians defeated more than twice that number of Persian invaders in 490 BC. Tonight, admire the illuminated harbor of Mikrolimano, before driving to the yachting marina for a dinner at one of the city's most finest restaurants. Zafolia Hotel. (B), (D)

Day 10 Via Piraeus (Embarkation) To Mykonos.

This morning we are transferred to Piraeus to board our ship. Sail into the deep-blue waters of the Aegean Sea, easily settling into the cruising routine. Later dock at the mountainous island of Mykonos with its characteristic windmills and dazzling white houses. Enjoy a few hours wandering the narrow paced-streets lined with trendy boutiques and shady taverns. (B), (L), (D)

Our Celestyal's Crystal yacht inspired design and classic teak decks evoke an intimate atmosphere. Enjoy comfortable staterooms, elegant restaurants, bars and lounges, spa, fitness rooms and activities, as well as promenade decks, where we can revel in the splendor of a starlit ocean sky. Indulge in rich culinary delights cooked from scratch by talented chefs and savor fresh Mediterranean ingredients. Our cruise offers a variety of interactive arts and crafts sessions to unleash your creativity as well as fun and friendly dance lessons, games, and demonstrations. The vessel is fully air-conditioned, has stabilizers, telephone, fax, satellite telephone and physician on board. See the Ship Details page for more information.

Day 11 Cruising - Kusadasi, Turkey and Patmos, Greece.

Two ports of call for us today. First, discover Kusadasi on the Turkish coast where we visit the fascinating Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus. Next, join an optional excursion to discover the tiny Greek island of Patmos. Here we have the opportunity to visit the Grotto of the Apocalypse where St. John the Divine wrote the Book of Revelation and the 11th-century Monastery of St. John with its valuable manuscript collection (both UNESCO sites). (B), (L), (D)

Day 12 Cruising - Rhodes.

The day is dedicated to the beautiful island of Rhodes. Explore the sights in the historic Old City with its ramparts and palaces built by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades. Next is Lindos with the fabulous Temple of Athena. For our independent wanderers, the colorful shopping districts are within easy walking distance from the port. Sail from Rhodes around dinnertime. (B), (L), (D)

Day 13 Cruising - Heraklion, Crete to Santorini, Greece.

Our first port of call today is Heraklion, the largest city and capital of the Island of Crete. A few miles away is Knossos, the center of the 3000 BC Minoan civilization. Afternoon call (weather permitting) at Santorini. A volcano embraced by the Aegean, this island-phenomenon in the Cyclades gives its visitors a mythical experience. Perhaps join one of the optional shore excursions either to the volcano or up to the cliff-top village of Oia for one of the world’s most breathtaking panoramas. (B), (L), (D)

Day 14 Disembarkation in Athens.

After breakfast on board we disembark at Piraeus and transfer to the Hotel Electra for our last night in the ancient city. Time to relax or maybe do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Alex and our local guide will have some options. (B)

Day 15 To Honolulu.

Wonderful memories of a classical and mythical experience are with us as we return home. Our flight arrives in Honolulu in the late evening. (B)