Best of Greece with 7-Day Idyllic Aegean Cruise Moderate A

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.

We depart Athens this morning, crossing the mighty Corinth Canal to the wild Peloponnesian Peninsula. Arriving in Corinth, we join a Local Specialist to explore an ancient city that several empires fought over throughout the centuries. We continue to Mycenae, a mighty kingdom of Ancient Greece, where we'll see the Beehive Tombs (the Treasury of Atreus), the Lion Gate and the remains of Agamemnon's Royal Palace, in the company of a Local Specialist. Later, we'll travel to Epidaurus to visit the ancient Theatre and view the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the God of Medicine, whose snake-entwined staff remains the symbol of medicine to this day. Arriving in the Venetian town of Nafplion later, we'll dine in our hotel this evening.

We traverse the Mountains of Arcadia to ancient Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games held in 776 BC. 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.

We join a Local Specialist this morning to delve into centuries of history. We'll visit the ancient Olympic site, the museum and the ruined remains of the Temples of Zeus and Hera. Leaving Olympia, we skirt the coastline north to Patras, crossing the Gulf of Corinth to mainland Greece before continuing to Delphi, our home for the night.

Tread in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks, who would descend on the sanctuary of Delphi to consult with the most important oracle in the classical world. Join your Local Specialist and walk the Sacred Way to the 4th-century Temple of Apollo. View the statues immortalising the strength of the athletes who once competed in the Pythian Games, held in honour of Apollo and the Arts. A scenic afternoon drive brings us to Thermopylae, famous for the heroic defence by Leonidas and his brave Spartans against the invading Persians. We cross the lush Thessaly region, the 'bread basket of Greece', then travel over the Pourmaraki Pass towards Kalambaka.

The UNESCO World Heritage monasteries of Meteora are our first stop today. Join a Local Specialist to visit two of the six Eastern Orthodox monasteries that cling impressively to immense, rounded rock towers overlooking the town. A scenic drive returns us to Athens, where we'll enjoy a rousing Farewell Dinner with our travel companions and reminisce over an incredible journey through Greece.

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.

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.

Arriving in Crete this morning, you'll have free time to explore the charming harbour town of Agios Nikolaos, the 'St. Tropez of Crete'. Consider joining an Optional Experience this morning. Visit the Palace of Knossos in Heraklion to gain insights into the late Bronze Age heritage of the Minoan civilisation and then explore bustling Heraklion, the city of Hercules. Or head into the beautiful Crete countryside, starting your visit in Elounda, famed for its sparkling turquoise bay. Wander the flower-filled streets of Kritsa, sample traditional meze and raki and enjoy Crete folk music and dancing on a local olive farm.

Please note: Some sailings will visit Santorini prior to Crete.

Admire the dramatic volcanic landscape of Santorini, an inspiring backdrop for laid-back island life. Consider an optional visit to the stunning clifftop village of Oia, passing pretty villages and vineyards set against the backdrop of Santorini's magnificent caldera. During your optional tour, you'll enjoy wine tasting and some free time to cool off at Perissa Beach or pass the Mesa Vouno Mountain before visiting Fira. Return to the ship this evening where you'll stay overnight.

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, before continuing to Mykonos for an evening spent against the backdrop of its characteristic windmills.

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. Depart this evening for Athens, celebrating a final evening on board with new friends.

This morning, disembark from your cruise ship for your transfer to the airport.