Greece: Ancient Ruins & Iconic Islands

Arrive at any time.

Considered the cradle of Western civilization, Athens is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Explore the iconic Acropolis with an archaeologist guide and wander among the columns of the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena. Continue to the ancient Agora—where Athenians gathered to discuss the affairs of the day—and listen to our guide bring these timeless ruins to life. Afterwards, be enriched and refreshed with drinks and a tour of local non-profit cafe, Shedia Home.

Take free time to explore Athens on your own, or choose to visit the National Garden. Afterward, journey to Delphi, home to the Temple of Apollo—seat of the fabled oracle of Delphi and considered the center of the world by the ancients.

Explore mystical Delphi on a guided tour, then continue discovering the ruins on your own and visit the Archaeological Museum of Delphi to admire the many artifacts discovered at the site. Travel along the breathtaking Gulf of Corinth, crossing into the Peloponnese via the Rio-Antirrio bridge, an impressively long multi-span cable-stay bridge. Wind your way to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and channel your inner champion as you discover this remarkable site, where ancient Greek athletes would gather every four years to compete in a series of sporting events honoring Zeus.

Browse the Olympia Museum this morning, then travel to Náfplio, a charming port town and the first capital of modern Greece. In Náfplio, lose yourself in the winding lanes of the old town, and take in glimpses of the sapphire-hued Aegean Sea from the hilltops.

Embark on an excursion to the Bronze Age city of Mycenae, where the legendary king Agamemnon ruled. Take a guided tour of the ruins, enclosed within Cyclopean walls, and enter the citadel through the famed Lion Gate—one of Europe’s oldest monumental sculptures. Return to Náfplio and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Opt to climb up to the Akronafplia fortress, or hit the beach.

Drive back to Athens, stopping en route at the ancient site of Epidaurus and the ruins of Corinth, where the Christian apostle Paul is said to have visited in the first century A.D. From Athens, board a ferry to the Cyclades islands. Relax on board, enjoying sparkling views of the sea, and disembark at Náxos, the largest island in the archipelago.

The Cyclades are known around the word for their dazzling white villages and golden beaches. On Naxos, while away your time exploring the storybook old town; opt to walk to the emblematic Temple of Apollo, overlooking the sea; or stretch out on a sandy beach.

Catch a ferry to postcard-perfect Santorini. Get to know this much-photographed isle at your own pace, discovering candy-colored doorways and sugar-cube buildings; and take in a spectacular sunset from the village of Oía. Savor the taste of local produce—marked by the island’s volcanic soil—or unwind at the beach.

This morning, sail Santorini’s breathtaking sunken caldera, and learn about the volcanic origins of the surrounding crescent-shaped ring of islands. Later, enjoy free time to explore Santorini.

Fly back to Athens for an adventure in Greek cookery. Head out with a local expert to a teaching kitchen and learn how to craft mezze, a platter of appetizers commonly served in southeast Europe and the Middle East. Wash down these tasty snacks with a glass of ouzo, an anise-flavored liqueur, and cheer our journey with your best “opa!”

Depart at any time.