Best of Greece Reverse with 7-Day Idyllic Aegean Cruise Premium

Put the 'oh' in opa and embark on an unforgettable exploration of an ancient land of gods and goddesses, myths and legends. Your springboard to your spellbinding holiday is the vibrant capital of Athens, an effortless mix of ancient treasures and modern verve, which you will have an opportunity to explore after being transferred to your hotel. This evening, join your Travel Director and travel companions for a Welcome Reception, including a light meal and welcome drink.

Join your Local Specialist for a guided morning sightseeing tour to the ancient complex that was once the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation'. Along our journey into antiquity, we'll have an opportunity to explore the Acropolis with its treasures. We'll admire the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, the Royal Palace, Temple of Zeus and the Agora, once the haunt of Socrates and Plato. Dive Into Culture and see remarkable displays of an ancient world during an included visit to the Acropolis Museum, and see Hadrian's Arch and the stadium where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy on your own. Stroll through the Plaka, people-watch in Syntagma Square or go in search of the city's tastiest souvlaki – the choice is yours.

Say goodbye to Athens, en route we have the chance to pay our respects to the heroic King Leonidas and his brave Spartans who stood their ground against the invading Persians. Cross the fertile Thessaly region, the 'bread basket of Greece' Later dine at your hotel in Kalambaka.

This morning visit two of the six monasteries built on sandstone rocks above the town with your Local Specialist. Travel over the Pourmaraki Pass and the Bralos mountain range to arrive in Delphi at the foothills of Mt. Parnassos, our home for the night.

This morning, tour the breathtaking Delphi with your Local Specialist and see the site of the most important oracle in the classical world. Walk the Sacred Way to the Temple of Apollo dating from the 5th century. It was here that every four years athletes competed in the Pythian Games, dedicated to Apollo and the arts. Cross the Gulf of Corinth and head south to the Peloponnese before continuing to Olympia. This evening, we Connect With Locals joining the Karambellas family for dinner on their olive and wine farm at a Be My Guest experience featuring traditional dancing and characteristic Greek philoxenia.

Meet your Local Specialist and spend the morning visiting the ancient Olympic site and museum and the Temples of Zeus and Hera − the wife of Zeus and one of the most important deities in Greek mythology. Arrive later in Nafplion where you will dine tonight at your hotel.

Visit the amphitheatre and view the Sanctuary of Aesculapius, the God of Medicine in Epidaurus with your Local Specialist. The rod of Aesculapius, a snake-entwined staff, remains the symbol of medicine to this day. In Mycenae − a mighty kingdom of ancient Greece and a military stronghold − see the Beehive Tombs (the Treasury of Atreus), the Lion Gate and the remains of Agamemnon's Royal Palace with your Local Specialist. Visit the ancient city of Corinth with your Local Specialist before crossing the mighty Corinth Canal en route to Athens. This evening enjoy a wonderful Farewell Dinner with you travelling companions.

Spend the day at leisure on your own and see the city's ancient sites.

Spend the morning on your own exploring what was once the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation'. See the city's ancient sites before boarding your cruise ship this afternoon for your seven-night cruise through the Aegean.

Arrive in Kusadasi, your gateway to the ancient Greek City of Ephesus. You'll join an included Ancient Ephesus sightseeing tour revealing the Hellenistic and Roman heritage of this UNESCO-listed site. Stroll along its marble colonnades and admire the façades of the Library of Celsus and Temple of Artemis before returning to your ship for your evening departure.

Arrive in Kusadasi, your gateway to the ancient Greek City of Ephesus. You'll join an included Ancient Ephesus sightseeing tour revealing the Hellenistic and Roman heritage of this UNESCO-listed site. Stroll along its marble colonnades and admire the façades of the Library of Celsus and Temple of Artemis before returning to your ship for your evening departure.

Explore the medieval Old Town of Rhodes, with its thick stone walls, ancient ruins and Crusader history, and join a walking tour revealing the story of the Knights of St. John. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes perspective on one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and everyday life in medieval Rhodes. Join an included visit to Lindos, in the heart of Rhodes, and visit the seven lodges of the Order of St. John where the original coats of arms are still displayed.

Sail to Crete, home to the birthplace of Zeus according to the Greek mythology. There is time at leisure to explore Heraklion or perhaps join a Local Expert for an Optional visit to the site of King Minos' Palace in Knossos.
In the afternoon, set sail for Santorini and gaze at the sheer cliffs and dazzling panorama. Explore the capital of Thira, with its clifftop restaurants and cafés, breath-taking views and amazing sunsets. This evening is free for you to explore Santorini's buzzing nightlife.

Enjoy a full free day to explore the narrow rambling streets of Chora, strolling past white-washed cottages and tumbling cerise bougainvillea in search of a quiet spot overlooking the Old Port with a refreshing drink. You could choose an optional visit the Sacred Island of Delos, the birthplace of Apollo, where an archaeological treasure trove awaits.

Dock in the former home of the famous Venus de Milo. Savour the mouth-watering watermelon pies of Milos island and soak up the glorious sunshine in its turquoise waters. There's time to explore the ‘Island of Colours' on an Optional Experience.
Depart this evening for Athens, celebrating a final evening on board with new friends.

This morning, disembark from your cruise ship and transfer to your hotel.

Transfers are provided to the airport for your return flight home. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.