Athens, Turkey & the Aegean

You’re never more than a few steps away from the past in Athens. Accompany your Tour Director to the Plaka, the historic district that borders the Acropolis. In its twisting narrow streets you’ll catch glimpses of an older city, from wrought-iron balconies bursting with geraniums to traditional Greek dancing in basement tavernas. Continue on to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, begun in the 6th century B.C. and finished in A.D. 132 by the emperor Hadrian. Its enormous columns provide a sense of the scale of the original temple. Nearby, the elaborate Hadrian’s Arch separated the ancient and imperial sections of the city.

View Hadrian's Arch, an enormous triumphal arch built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, which is still a symbolic entrance to Athens.

Athens has grown from the birthplace of democracy into a lively modern capital. With a licensed local guide, explore the city’s ancient highlights, beginning at the site of the first modern Olympic Games and the Acropolis, the heart of classical Athens. The Parthenon, dedicated to Athena, dominates the hill, while the nearby Erechtheion stands out for its Caryatids, the sculpted women supporting its porch. From here, the views over today’s Athens are remarkable. Back in the modern city, stop at Syntagma Square to see the Parliament building and the Changing of the Guard, a ceremony marked by the traditional uniforms with pleated skirts and pom‑pom shoes. Continue on to Omonia Square, another major meeting point, surrounded by shops, cafés, and everyday city life.

Visit the Acropolis, which has overlooked Athens for over 2,000 years; habitation traces indicate that it was occupied as early as the Neolithic Age. View the Temple of Athena Nike, and its successor, The Parthenon. The Parthenon is the crowning achievement of the Doric order, built to demonstrate the wealth of Athens in tribute to its patron goddess, Athena.

Syntagma Square, located directly in front of the Old Royal Palace, is the central square of Athens.

The Panathenaic Olympic Stadium is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble and the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. It was also used during the 2004 Athens Olympics for events such as the marathon finish and archery competitions. Its horseshoe shape follows the layout of the ancient stadium that once stood here, making it one of the city’s most iconic historic venues.

Head to an incomparable world capital and eight of the most beautiful coastal destinations in the world. Sail to Kusadasi, an ancient Turkish town that’s one of the Mediterranean’s most popular resort destinations and Ephesus for a taste of Turkey’s classical past. Discover Rhodes, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Milos and Santorini, where villages cling to the edge of a volcano and exotic black sand beaches stretch into the sea. Marvel at Mykonos where bright white houses contrast with Crayola-colored boats and the international jet set relaxes all day long on the beach. You cruise will include three shore excursions. Itinerary is subject to change.

The following three excursions are included on your cruise: Santorini: Spectacular Oia Village perched on the caldera rim, Ancient Ephesus through the ages: Hellenistic and Roman, and Heraklion: Minoan Palace of Knossos - 1st European Civilization. Note that depending on the departure date of your cruise, shore excursions are subject to change.

On Turkey’s west coast, Kusadasi (“Bird Island”) was named for the many pigeons that made their homes in and around the island’s 14th-century fort. Now tourists from around the world flock to this top Turkish resort for its miles of sandy beaches, beautiful rugged scenery, and proximity to important archaeological ruins. Wander through the market, where intricate carpets and glittering jewelry vie for buyers’ attention. Please note that planned shore excursions range between $75 and $125 and will be sold through the cruise ship in Greece.

Once a political and religious center of the ancient world (and home of one of the seven wonders of the ancient world), Rhodes now lures visitors with sunny beaches, well-preserved medieval fortifications, and a castle on a hill. A league of Christian knights built the beautiful palace in the 1300s on the highest point of the island. Though partially destroyed by an explosion in 1856, the palace was rebuilt by the Italians to serve as one of Mussolini’s summer homes.

The largest city on Crete and the fourth-largest city in Greece, Heraklion holds many treasures from the past within its modern buzz. The central Archaeological Museum proudly displays the remains of Heraklion’s Minoan heritage. Walk around and explore the many churches and ancient ruins, or just shop the markets and sample wonderful Greek fare.

Now one of the most popular of the Aegean islands, Mykonos is rugged and beautiful at the same time, and is one of the smallest islands of the Cyclades – it’s only 10 miles long and 7 miles wide. Mykonos is absolutely picturesque - thatched windmills, whitewashed streets, and a medieval quarter boasting cubic houses with picturesque balconies, and churches with red or blue doors. You can walk along the main shopping street, Matoyanni, and search for jewelry and clothing, or just take a break in one of the cafes that line the street. You’ll also visit the capital, Hora, with its colorful harbor in which little fishing boats nest happily side by side with luxury yachts.

Contemplate the sea god Poseidon from his temple perched high atop the hill of Cape Sounion, the southern-most tip of Central Greece. Stand among the tall, marble pillars rising up from the slippery slabs of rock and look out over the calm blue Aegean Sea. The Temple of Poseidon, built around the same time as the Parthenon (between 450-440 BC), is a refreshing point of calm after the chaos of modern Athens.