8 Days Luxury Greece Cruise - Athens to Athens

A city of legend, civilisation and enduring culture, Athens is a majestic and magical urban sprawl. Extraordinary elegance and grace combine with grit and graft in Greece's capital, where highways encase ruins from antiquity, and gleaming museums and galleries stand beside concrete sprayed with edgy street art. These contrasts enhance and elevate the wonders of this 2,500-year-old city, however, which can count notable contributions to philosophy, drama and democracy, among its global legacy. Piraeus' giant port and naval base welcome you to the edge of the Athens' urban area. From there it's a simple jaunt to the centre. The majestic ancient citadel of the Acropolis dominates an elevated platform and is a constant presence as you explore the city. The wonderful remains of the columned temple of the Parthenon - which date back to the 5th century BC - stand here, representing the pinnacle of classical architecture. The nearby Acropolis Museum adds context to your visit and frames the broad views from its giant glass windows. Or rise up Mount Lycabettus, to be rewarded with perhaps Athens' best panorama of the Acropolis sitting high over the city on its grand stage. See the marble horseshoe of the Old Olympic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896, for more of the city's enduring legacy. Elsewhere, golden beaches and temples stretch out along the coastline, should you wish to explore a little further afield. Coffee is an art form to the Greeks, and it's an unwritten rule that coffee time must never be rushed. So prepare to settle down for a couple of hours and lose yourself in a good chat. Feeling hungry - try traditional souvlaki made with sauces handed from generation to generation.

One of the most beautiful parts of this region of the Peloponnese is the plain of Laconia which extends from Sparta to the port of Gythion. The many neo-classical houses of this harbor town are built on the slopes of Mount Kourmaros. Aside from its remaining ancient theater and cultural museum, visitors can enjoy local beaches and a variety of dining opportunities. The inhabitants of Gytheion claim Hercules and Apollo as its founders. According to mythology, Paris and Helen of Troy were reputed to have spent their first night together on nearby ancient Kranae, now called Marathonissi. Enlarging the natural harbor, it was used by the Spartans as their naval base and the main port of trade. Today Gythion is visited mostly for its scenic beauty and access to numerous historical sites. These include the cliffside city of Mistra, one of the finest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture in Greece, and ancient Sparta.

Holding the torch as the spiritual home of the Olympic Games, Olympia has an enduring legacy, and its values echo around the world during humanity's greatest sporting contest. Come ashore at Katakolon - a small port village on the Peloponnese peninsula facing the Ionian Sea, and relax on beautiful Kourouta Beach. Or, head inland through this legendary destination to the historic home of the Olympic Games. Located in the valley of the River Alfeios, Olympia is a staggering archaeological site of immense ruins and an enduring legacy. Visit the museum and Olympia Stadium - where the ancient games were held in honor of the Greek god Zeus. As many as 45,000 spectators fit into the mud seats, to witness the ultimate contest of athleticism. See the stand where judges would sit and the white blocks where runners would line up to compete. The tradition continues stronger than ever, and the Olympic flame of the modern games is ignited by the sun here, in the ruins of the Temple of Hera. It is then taken to spread the Olympic values across the globe. The Temple of Zeus, and the Statue of Zeus - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - also stood here in all of their glory. Hewn from limestone, the temple contained the 13-meter-tall statue of Zeus, which was sculpted by Phidias - one of Ancient Greece's finest artists. Although the statue has been destroyed, you can walk the temple's ruins and see the guesthouse where the majestic wonder was painstakingly crafted.

Breathlessly romantic, and incredibly scenic, the azure domes and whitewash buildings that cascade down Santorini's slopes are prime honeymoon material - and relentlessly romantic. A true gem of the Cycladic Island group, Santorini is startlingly pretty, and its white windmills and dazzling villages are incredibly easy on the eye. Envy-inducing and evocatively beautiful, Santorini's sunsets are legendary, and the island is a highlight of any voyage to the Greek islands. Look out over the endless expanse of blue waves, filling the massive volcanic caldera of Santorini - and absorb one of the most spectacular views in the world. The sheer rock shoulders of the caldera create an immense, natural amphitheater - so enjoy the show, as you sip a local, volcanic-mineral enhanced white wine, and fall in love all over again. Any meal is well rounded off with the famous wine, Vinsanto. The east side of the island may lack the incredible panoramas, but it's ideal if all you want to do is recline on volcanic-sand beaches - which range in hues from charcoal-black to flame-red. This beautiful island was forged by powerful volcanic activity, and you can learn more about the huge eruption of 1,600 BCE - which wiped out the Minoan city at Akrotiri. The eruption sank the center of the island, forming the moon-shaped topography we see now. Visit the archaeological site that has revealed and preserved the village, which was lost to time below the pumice and ash. Some whisper that this destroyed town may even be the fabled Atlantis.

Enter Souda Bay to land on Greece's largest island, and explore the sun-soaked charms of this fascinating land of legends, landscapes, and luxuries. Packed with beautiful beaches and rich maritime history, Souda Bay's huge natural harbor is a spectacular entrance, opening up the treasures of Crete's many well-stocked museums, rich archaeological sites, and charming Venetian fishing towns. The massive natural harbor of Souda Bay also makes the site an interesting spot for military history - with a huge NATO base here, as well as the Souda Bay War Cemetery, which honors Allied soldiers of World War II. Soak up some Mediterranean sunshine by heading straight to one of the luxurious white sand beaches - where you can recline to a soundtrack of fizzing waves, and dine with sparkling sea views stretching out before you. Explore olive groves producing golden oil, and savor the deep, fruity flavors. The island's renowned wineries, also invite you to sample lovingly-crafted Vilana grape wines. Rethymno's old town and star-shaped, seafront fortress are impressive sites to explore, or you can head to Akrotiri to discover the Arkadi Monastery's role in the Cretan resistance - and visit the site where the Greek flag was hoisted high into the sky by rebels in 1897. Crete retains its independent spirit but has gathered countless influences over its history. The island's most beautiful Venetian port - Chania - is close by, and its picturesque old town and collage of historical influences are a highlight of any trip.

The white houses act as a blank canvas for splashes of color provided by the climbing purple bougainvillea, subtropical gardens, and front doors that come in every shade of blue to match the sea. Bodrum is Turkey's coast at its most vibrant. Located at the junction of the Mediterranean and the Aegean, Bodrum is all about the sea. It boasts a world-class marina, a favorite of super yachts, fine dining restaurants and bars. Set sail from here on one of the many boats heading out to the peninsular. Relax, soak up the sun and coastal scenery whilst drifting through the turquoise water. For a totally authentic experience, choose a 'gulet', a beautiful two-masted, wooden sailing boat traditional to Bodrum. Once ashore, dip into the history of Bodrum or Halicarnassus as it was once known. Still visible are remains of one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Mausoleum of Mausolus, once an impressive 46 meters high. In the 15th century, some of the stones of the ruined Mausoleum were reused by the Knights Hospitallers of St John to build the Castle of St. Peter which still dominates the seafront today. As much as the foundations of the castle are steeped in history, so are its exhibits today as home to the Underwater Archaeology Museum. Looking for a souvenir or a chance to people watch, head to the large bazaar by the castle. Set out as shops rather than stalls you can find almost anything from spices, fruit, and vegetables to textiles and local pottery. You won't be able to leave empty-handed.

The seahorse-shaped Patmos is a Greek island of stunning seascapes and immense cultural significance. Rising from the Aegean Sea, Christians embark on pilgrimages here from all across the world, seeking out the small hillside cave, said to be the location where St. John penned the Book of Revelations, in AD 95. Whether you're religious or not, there is something of the divine in this gorgeous island - a place of sanctuary fringed by crystal-clear waters and blissful beaches. Sleepy, whitewash towns gleam in the strong sunshine, while cats slink between the crumbling walls of this ruggedly beautiful island. High on the hillside, above the cobalt-blue bay, you'll find the sacred chapel, where an exiled John of Patmos is said to have entered the Cave of the Apocalypse and prophesied of the end of the world's fire and brimstone - a striking juxtaposition with the peaceful serenity of the calm location. Higher up you'll find the 11th-century Monastery of St. John, which offers spectacular views of the island's mounds curving around like a scorpion's tail. It stands watch over the island like a fortified crown. Sun-wrinkled, black-robed, monks climb the streets up to this World Heritage site, where bells peel out melodically. Inside, vaulted chambers and stunning frescoes tell stories amid the striking religious iconography. Chora's incredible narrow streets - molded white - are an enchanting place to lose your bearings, spreading below the monastery. Elsewhere, blissful beaches stretch out across the coastline, or this remote Greek island's curves can be admired while bobbing offshore in a sailboat.

A city of legend, civilisation and enduring culture, Athens is a majestic and magical urban sprawl. Extraordinary elegance and grace combine with grit and graft in Greece's capital, where highways encase ruins from antiquity, and gleaming museums and galleries stand beside concrete sprayed with edgy street art. These contrasts enhance and elevate the wonders of this 2,500-year-old city, however, which can count notable contributions to philosophy, drama and democracy, among its global legacy. Piraeus' giant port and naval base welcome you to the edge of the Athens' urban area. From there it's a simple jaunt to the centre. The majestic ancient citadel of the Acropolis dominates an elevated platform and is a constant presence as you explore the city. The wonderful remains of the columned temple of the Parthenon - which date back to the 5th century BC - stand here, representing the pinnacle of classical architecture. The nearby Acropolis Museum adds context to your visit and frames the broad views from its giant glass windows. Or rise up Mount Lycabettus, to be rewarded with perhaps Athens' best panorama of the Acropolis sitting high over the city on its grand stage. See the marble horseshoe of the Old Olympic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896, for more of the city's enduring legacy. Elsewhere, golden beaches and temples stretch out along the coastline, should you wish to explore a little further afield. Coffee is an art form to the Greeks, and it's an unwritten rule that coffee time must never be rushed. So prepare to settle down for a couple of hours and lose yourself in a good chat. Feeling hungry - try traditional souvlaki made with sauces handed from generation to generation.

Itineraries are subject to change.