Highlights of Greece with Cruise

Athens was once the centre of the world and for a short spell it will be the centre of yours. Arrive at your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the Greek capital your way. Evidence of the city's former status as the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation' can be seen around every turn, so lace up your walking shoes and hit the pavements in search of the artistry, architecture and archaeological treasures that have made Athens a popular stop for history lovers. Later, meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers. Stay: Novotel

Today, you'll come face to face with the impressive ancient backdrop that accompanied you throughout yesterday's solo sightseeing – the Acropolis. A Local Guide joins you for a tour of the ancient citadel, including the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena. See the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Zeus, and Hadrian's Arch, stopping at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to admire the curiously clad Evzone guards.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Athens on your own terms. Or why not visit a turtle sanctuary as part of our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Choice Experience? Later, follow the road once taken by the ancient Greeks who sought the wisdom of the Oracle, arriving in Delphi for your overnight stay. (B) Stay: Nafsika Palace

Walk the Sacred Way to the Temple of Apollo – the same path once trodden by Alexander the Great, who demanded to hear that he would conquer the entire ancient world. Your Local Guide will reveal the site's captivating history and some of the Oracle's prophecies, many of which would eventually come true. You'll also discover Delphi's fame as the host of the Pythian Games, dedicated to Apollo and the arts.

A scenic drive then takes you to Thermopylae, most notably the site of King Leonidas and his brave Spartans' defence against the invading Persians. Later arrive in Kalambaka, where you dine tonight at your hotel. (B/D) Stay: Aeton Melathron

The mystical monasteries of Meteora cling almost implausibly to the rounded rock towers that overlook Kalambaka. This morning, join a Local Guide to visit this heavenly Eastern Orthodox complex, built by monks in the 14th century to stave off attacks from the invading Turks. Return to Athens later this afternoon, where the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. A Choice Experience this evening could see you indulge in tasty traditional cuisine. Join your new friends for a taverna evening including dancing and drinks. (B) Stay: Novotel

Set your watch to the laid-back pace of the Greek Islands, boarding your cruise through the Aegean where your only priorities will be good food, good friends and good times. With that in mind, your first stop ticks all the boxes as you enjoy your time on Mykonos, the Island of the Winds, whether you're rambling through the narrow streets of Chora or sharing the sun-dappled courtyard with lazy cats and welcoming locals. (B/L/D) Stay: MV Celestyal Discovery

Visit the Turkish shores of Kusadasi for a complimentary Shore Experience to ancient Ephesus. Continue to Patmos, the site where the Book of Revelation was written by St. John. Here, you could choose to see the Cave of the Apocalypse and St. John's Monastery as a Choice Experience. (B/L/D)

You may decide to explore Crete's ancient Minoan culture and heritage at the Palace of Knossos. Admire its bright wall paintings that were restored at the turn of the 20th century and explore centuries of history that predate Christ. Or choose to drive deep into the beautiful countryside and experience the true flavour of Cretan lifestyle.

Continue to Santorini, watching as this Cycladic island comes closer on the horizon, rising out of the Aegean with its distinctive cliff-top towns. You could consider an optional Shore Experience this afternoon, passing villages and vineyards bound for Oia with its white buildings and blue-domed churches which vie for the best views over the caldera. (B/L/D)

And just like that, we're back in Athens! After soaking up ancient Greek history and living the Aegean island dream, it's time to wrap up your adventure. From walking in the footsteps of Socrates, Aristotle and Plato to admiring some of the world's greatest treasures, you've ticked off bucket list items spanning millennia. As you disembark the cruise, it's goodbye for now—but those memories will stick around much longer. Heads up: your flight from Athens should be scheduled no earlier than noon on disembarkation day. (B)