Day 1:  USA - ATHENS. Depart on an exciting transatlantic flight to Athens, the capital of Greece.

Day 2:  ATHENS. Time to rest or to start exploring the Hellenic Capital. In the evening enjoy the lively atmosphere of the tavernas and nightclubs in the old Plaka district with its narrow streets and sound of bouzouki music. Dinner and overnight.

Day 3:  ATHENS.  Enjoy this morning a tour of the classical sights of this ancient capital. Visit the Constitution Square, the Monument to the unknown Soldier, and the Olympic Stadium. Soon, we arrive at the Acropolis - the Parthenon's crowning beauty and its fascinating museum, the Erechtheum with its Porch of Maidens, the beautifully preserved Theseum, Roman Temple of Zeus, Theater of Dionysius and the Agora where Socrates taught.  Vistas of the Royal Palace, government buildings.  After lunch, travel to Cape Sounion.  On the tip of the southern coast of Attica, beyond the beaches and villas, stand the imposing remains of the 5th century BC Temple of Poseidon, God of the Sea.  The rest of the day, is at leisure.  In the evening enjoy the lively atmosphere of the tavernas in the old Plaka district with its narrow streets and sound of bouzouki music.  Dinner and overnight.

Day 4:  MYSTRA - NESTOR´S PALACE - OLYMPIA.  Spectacular scenery on the way through the Arkadian Mountains. Our morning highlight is the sightseeing at Mysta, at one time known as "The Florence of the East".  After lunch, an afternoon drive to Olympia.  Learn more about the Olympic games on the optional sightseeing tour.  Dinner and overnight.

Day 5:  OLYMPIA - DELPHI.  After breakfast drive north to Patras, the capital of the Peloponnese and the west coast largest port.  Stop a while to see St. Andrews church. After lunch we proceed through the picturesque fishing villages along the south coast of the mainland to mystical Delphi. Dinner and overnight.

Day 6:  DELPHI - METEORA AREA.  After breakfast, sightseeing of Delphi.  In the afternoon, travel north via Lamia and Trikala to Kalambaka.  Stop for lunch in the unreal, fantastic landscape of Meteora with its 24 rock-top monasteries.  We have selected two of them for us to visit: Varlaam Monastery (famous for its frescoes) and St. Stephens featuring a unique collection of icons and an incredible panoramic view.  Dinner and overnight.

Day 7:  METEORA AREA - THERMOPYLAE - ATHENS.  After breakfast drive to visit Thermopylae and then to Athens.  Stop for lunch.  Late afternoon embarkation on our cruise ship for our seven night cruise.

Day 8:  ATHENS - CRUISING - ISTANBUL.  Today, we continue our cruise to Istanbul, arriving in the early evening.  Upon arrival we have optional visit to the Grand Bazaar before closing, or enjoy "Istanbul at Night" optional excursion.  Depart by motor coach and take a short drive through the illuminated streets of Istanbul and enjoy a variety of Turkish specialties while we are entertained by Turkish musicians, belly dancers and folk dancers.  Return to the ship for overnight.

Day 9:  ISTANBUL.  This morning we drive across the Bosphorus Bridge, the world's fifth-longest suspension bridge.  Crossing to the Asian side of the city, we arrive at the Beylerbeyi District, home of an opulent palace of the same name.  Return to the city to start our sightseeing at Emperor Justinian´s Hagia Sophia, Sultan Ahmet´s Blue Mosque, and the Underground Cistern - one of the most spectacular buildings of the 6th century.  Next turn to the Topkapi seraglio, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans with entrance fee included.  After lunch break on the ship, the rest of the afternoon is free.  Return to the ship for dinner and overnight. 

Day 10:  CRUISING - MYKONOS.  Afternoon arrival in Mykonos, a granite island and the most typical of the Cyclades.  Its cubic houses, windmills, and chapels seem to make the islands light even more translucent. Time to wander at whim through narrow gravel streets, before returning on board.

Day 11:  CRUISING - PATMOS - KUSADASI.  Two ports of call today.  First the tiny Greek island of Patmos, where St. John the Divine wrote the book of Revelation.  The 11th-century monastery with its valuable manuscript collection is well worth the optional visit.  Then discover the Turkish port of Kusadasi.  An optional excursion takes us to the fascinating Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus.

Day 12:  CRUISING - RHODES.  Dock in Rhodes, largest of the Dodecanese Islands and former site of the Colossus of Rhodes - a 105-foot statue destroyed by and earthquake in 2 BC. All day is dedicated to the island of Rhodes.  Optional excursion to explore the sights of the Old City with its palaces built by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades.  And, if sightseeing is not our thing, Rhodes´ sun-drenched beaches and colorful shopping districts are within easy walking distance of the port.

Day 13: CRUISING - CRETE - SANTORINI.  Two more ports of call today. Morning at Heraklion (Crete). The optional visit is only a few miles away, Knossos, the center of the 3000 BC.  Next is Santorini, the "Black Pearl of the Aegean".  Excursion to the cliff-top village of Oia for one of the world's most breathtaking panoramas.

Day 14:  PIRAEUS - ATHENS.  Early morning arrival in Piraeus. Drive to the airport for our return flight home – arriving the same day – the end of a memorable journey.