ISLAND LIFE IN GREECE ITINERARY

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

Day 1
Depart the United States.

Day 2
Arrive in Athens and embark the M.S. Le Diamant.

Day 3
Delos & Mykonos, Greece. Enjoy a walking tour of the Isle of Delos’ splendid classical ruins and the beautiful whitewashed villages of Mykonos. From the dawn of Greek civilization, Delos held an esteemed position as one of the most sacred islands in the Greek world. The mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, it was as central to Greek spiritual life as Olympia or Delphi. Drawing close to the shore, gaze upon the magnificent Lion Terrace. Visit Delos’ awe-inspiring ruins, which include ancient temples, an entire district of ancient homes dating from 700 B.C. and the ancient Theater built in 300 B.C. After lunch, spend a leisurely afternoon on Mykonos. With charming windmills, whitewashed homes and golden sandy beaches, this picturesque epitomizes life in the Greek Isles.

Day 4
Santorini, Greece. Wake to awe-inspiring black cliffs soaring above the ship in Santorini, the “black pearl of the Aegean.” Ride a cable car up to the town of Thíra, whose stunning white walls stand in stark contrast against the dark volcanic cliffs, and the phenomenal ruins of Akrotíri excavated from volcanic rock in 1967. Held intact by layers of pumice and ash for over 3,500 years, Akrotíri’s streets reveal the artistry of its mysterious Minoan inhabitants.

Day 5
Rhodes, Greece. Enjoy an excursion on the legendary island of Rhodes. Located closer to Turkey than to mainland Greece, Rhodes has been one of the most prosperous islands and important strategic strongholds in the eastern Mediterranean since the dawn of history. Its most important cultural center, Rhodes Town, is an extraordinarily well-preserved medieval city. Built over a great Hellenistic metropolis, its vast array of monuments and architectural styles reflects the past rule of the Byzantines, Ottomans and the crusading Knights of St. John, who erected the splendid 14th-century fortifications of the Palace of the Grand Masters. You will also participate in an exclusive Village Forum with local residents of Rhodes to discuss life in the Greek Isles.

Day 6
Pátmos, Greece. This morning, explore the “Jerusalem of the Aegean,” Pátmos, where St. John the Divine received the vision of fire and brimstone in A.D. 95 that he dictated as the Book of Revelation. Founded in 1088, the Monastery of St. John was built to protect priceless religious treasures and the cave where St. John is said to have received his vision.

Day 7
Kusadasi/Ephesus, Turkey. Accessible from the Turkish port of Kusadasi through the sunflower-brightened countryside, the extensive ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus are among the world’s greatest relics of antiquity. On a guided tour, see the multi-story Library of Celsus is a breathtaking example of Greco-Roman architecture and stroll down Harbor Street, which was one of the few illuminated roads during the classical period. Continue along Marble Way to the astonishing 24,000-seat amphitheater, where gladiators battled to the death and St. Paul preached to some of the world’s first Christians. After the tour, enjoy some free time relaxing, shopping and exploring in the coastal resort of Kusadasi.

Day 8
Çanakkale/Troy, Turkey. Located near the port of Çanakkale on Turkey’s Aegean coast, the ancient city of Troy was immortalized by Homer in the Iliad, which chronicled the Trojan Wars of the 13th century B.C. and inspired many of the tales central to ancient Greek mythology. On a guided excursion, explore remnants of the Bronze Age citadel and ruins of the sixth-century B.C. Temple of Athena and the Roman Theater, and see how over the millennia, subsequent civilizations built nine new cities and settlements over those of their predecessors.

Day 9
Arrive at Istanbul and return to the U.S.

Athens Pre-Program Option
Preceding your Island Life in Ancient Greece travel program, spend two nights in Athens, Greece—Western civilization’s first great center of democracy and philosophy—with accommodations at the deluxe InterContinental Athenaeum and enjoy an included city tour of ancient Athens featuring Olympic Stadium, Adrian Gate, the Temple of Zeus and the Acropolis. Full details with cost will be provided with your reservation confirmation.

Istanbul Post-Program Option
Join a special two-night extension in Istanbul, Turkey, one of the world’s most beautiful and historic cities, with accommodations at the deluxe Ceylan InterContinental Istanbul. Your post-program includes two city tours, featuring Byzantium’s most enduring architectural monuments at the Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia), the ornate Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Istanbul’s legendary Grand Bazaar, the sprawling Topkapi Palace and the graceful Süleymaniye Mosque, built in the 16th century for the legendary sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. Full details will be provided with your reservation confirmation.