Aegean Odyssey Idyllic Route

Dive right into a land of myths and legends. This one's the perfect experience for history and culture buffs, with a little bit of island-style relaxation thrown in for good measure. Your springboard to an idyllic holiday in the Aegean is vibrant Athens, which you'll have an opportunity to explore your way this evening. Gyros anyone? Stay: Novotel

Prepare for an exhilarating journey into antiquity today. You'll enjoy an extraordinary encounter with the ancients when you join your Local Specialist for an in-depth visit to some of the world's most treasured sights. A visit to the Acropolis to see Athena's Parthenon is the stuff of dreams, and there are plenty of stories to learn about as you hear how this was once the centre of western civilisation.

Make your way to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier next and watch the march of the Evzone guards before taking the rest of the afternoon to explore your way. That could mean getting lost in the labyrinthine lanes of vibey Plaka, but you may wish to spend your evening at a lively café soaking up the characteristic Greek zest for life. (B)

You'll have a final morning in Athens to get some final sightseeing under your belt, or perhaps choose a lazy start to your day to set the tone for your laidback adventure on the Aegean seas.

Later, you'll board your cruise ship for your exhilarating seven-night cruise to the Greek Isles and beyond. Settle in for a glorious week of glittering seascapes, laidback island living and epic ancient history that will captivate you at every turn. All aboard! (B/D) Stay: Aegean Cruise

Today you will have time to explore Greece's second largest city. Walk along the waterfront and enjoy the many cafes along Aristotelous Square and see ancient monuments such as the Arch of Galerius. (B/L/D)

The Turkish port of Kusadasi is your gateway to the ancient Greek City of Ephesus. You wouldn't believe the treasures you're about to see as you make your way down the marble avenue lined with what was once the homes of rich Ephesians to the Library of Celsus in Ephesus. Get to grips with the Hellenistic and Roman heritage of this UNESCO-listed site as you stroll along its marble colonnades and admire the Temple of Artemis learning all about its important role as an ancient Greek trading city in the Mediterranean.

You'll have plenty of time to explore the beautifully preserved remains of the city before returning to your ship in time for your evening departure. (B/L/D)

Start your morning on Crete, Greece's largest island, and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean. Home to myths and legends, including Zeus' birthplace and the Minotaur, embark on an epic tour to the capital city of Heraklion and absorb the rich history of Europe's first advanced civilization with a visit to King Minos' Palace in Knossos. (B/L/D)

Explore 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. (B/L/D)

You'll have a full day to explore Mykonos so there's no need to rush, though you'll want to get out and about exploring those charming rambling streets of Chora. Make your way to ‘Little Venice' and see how the quaint white houses with their colourful balconies plunge straight into the edge of the sea. Stroll past charming cottages and tumbling cerise bougainvillea in search of a quiet spot overlooking the Old Port with a refreshing drink. Or take an optional visit the Sacred Island of Delos, the birthplace of Apollo, a favourite stop for lovers of history and archaeology.

In the evening there is time to enjoy the buzzing nightlife. (B/L/D)

Say a sad farewell to Mykonos, but not for too long as you'll arrive in Milos ready to bite into one of its mouth-watering watermelon pies. Bask in the former stunning home of the famous Venus de Milo. You could choose to soak up the glorious sunshine in its turquoise waters or explore the ‘Island of Colours' on an Optional Experience that will reveal the beauty of one of the most laidback Greek islands.

After a day of wonderful sightseeing in the Greek islands, it's time to return to Athens. You'll come together with new friends, toasting to what has been an incredible encounter with an ancient and beautiful land. (B/L/D)

Arriving in Athens this morning, you'll disembark and transfer to your hotel. Ditch your sea legs and get your final fix of the Greek capital your way. There's time for a bit of souvenir shopping in Monastiraki or perhaps an afternoon of people-watching in Syntagma Square. You'll want to make sure you fuel up on some of your favourite local treats along the way or go in search of the city's tastiest souvlaki. (B) Stay: Novotel

Your enchanting journey has sadly come to an end. All that's left is to say a fond farewell to your travel companions at the end of a memorable holiday and the promise that you'll return one day soon. Find out more about your included transfers at costsavertour.com/transfers. (B)