Mediterranean Odyssey: Greece, Cyprus & Israel

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Hotel Grande Bretagne. A transfer is included from Athens International Airport to historic Hotel Grande Bretagne, located in the heart of Athens. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner this evening. Stay: Hotel Grande Bretagne (D)

In Athens, excursion choices include a guided tour of the Acropolis, high above the city, with its complex of temple ruins including the iconic Parthenon; peruse the staggering wealth of archaeological treasures at the Acropolis Museum, accompanied by a local guide. Visit picturesque Plaka, a tree-lined neighborhood of narrow streets, and sidewalk cafes, for time at leisure.

Or, begin the day with a panoramic drive viewing iconic city sights such as the Academy (founded by Plato), the National Gardens and Panathenaic stadium – site of the first modern Olympic games; visit the Acropolis Museum and Plaka. Drive the short distance to the port of Piraeus and board Star Legend; this evening, sail for the Cycladic islands. Stay Eight Nights: Star Legend (B/D)

Arrive at Mykonos, Island of Winds, known for resorts, glorious beaches, fishing boats, and (naturally) windmills. Everyone begins the day with a walking tour of the town of Mykonos, then your choice of shore excursion. Ferry to Delos, birthplace of Apollo; the most sacred island in Ancient Greece, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with ruins from prehistoric times to Antiquity. Or, on an island drive, visit a farm for a taste of traditional daily life as well as homemade bread and tzatziki.

Following time to explore Mykonos on your own, join us later this afternoon for a special experience – an olive oil tasting and presentation aboard ship with a master sommelier. (B/L/D)

Crete was the island hub of the Ancient World, and Heraklion, its capital city, is steeped in 5,000 years of history and unrivaled collections of Greek artifacts. Explore centuries of architectural influences, from ancient Minoan to Arabic and Byzantine, on a guided walking tour, Or visit the Palace of Knossos, a Minoan masterpiece, and the fabulous Archaeological Museum, one of the top museums in Greece. At a family winery, the owners give you a tour and talk about winemaking over a lunch of local specialties.

Rhodes was a maritime power and a center of fabulous wealth and culture before an earthquake in 226 BC shook the city-state to its core. It fell into ruin until the Crusades, when the Knights of St. John captured Rhodes and restored its glory. The walled medieval city they built is a place out of time, an astonishing warren of stone streets, arches, and alleys, with beguiling architecture and beauty around every corner. Its centerpiece is the massive Palace of the Grand Master, a treasure-house of artifacts and mosaics. Take a guided walking tour of Old Town – or explore the ruined city of Kamiros.

Tonight, we invite you to join us for an evening in a fabulous venue on Rhodes, with Greek food and entertainment – exclusive to Tauck guests. (B/L/D)

Spend the day as you please aboard Star Legend as you sail the Eastern Mediterranean to Cyprus. You can take advantage of amenities such as an elevated pool, fitness area and spa – or simply enjoy the sea views. (B/L/D)

Cyprus has been making wine from its rare indigenous grapes for at least 6,000 years; get a taste of its legendary viniculture at Gerolemo Winery, as well as a guided visit in Old Port town of Limassol. Choices include exploring the antiquities at Kourion, or a visit to Omodos – a traditional village renowned for its wine production and orchards. (B/L/D)

Dock in Ashdod, Israel, and travel to Tel Aviv. Experience the vibrant city life along Rothschild Boulevard and its parade of modernist, Bauhaus architecture; sightseeing choices include a visit to the Museum of Jewish Peoples or Sarona Market. Next, tour the colorful, cobbled streets and alleys of Jaffa, the old port city. After lunch, return to the ship.

Dock in Haifa, where choices include a drive to seaside Akko to explore its prison and tunnels, visit the Jezza Pasha Mosque, and Nazareth. Or, travel to Galilee to visit sites where Jesus lived and preached, including Tabgha, and the Mount of Beatitudes. Both sightseeing excursions include a visit to Nazareth where you'll meet Ghada, a woman who is working to preserve traditional crafts of skilled local artisans, and visit the Church of the Annunciation. (B/L/D)

Bid farewell to Star Legend in Haifa. En route to Jerusalem, visit the stunning Bahai Gardens on Mount Carmel, before a visit to a kibbutz for a look at communal life; the kibbutz communities are unique to Israel. Have lunch at a local winery before arriving in Jerusalem, for three nights at the fabulous David Citadel Stay Three Nights: David Citadel (B/L/D)

A guided walking tour through Arab and Christian quarters includes the Via Dolorosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Visit the Israel Museum for a look at the Dead Sea Scrolls, then travel on to Bethlehem for a tour of iconic sites with local guides, returning to Jerusalem. (B/L)

You'll begin the day with an early morning visit to the Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock; enjoy a walking tour of the Jewish Quarter, a visit to the Western Wall, and a stop at the Machane Yehuda Market, with free time to explore as you please. Then it's your choice of a visit to the Yad Vashem Museum or a walking tour of an Ultra-Orthodox neighborhood and market. Join us at the hotel this evening for a farewell reception and dinner. (B/D)

Tour ends: Jerusalem. Fly home anytime A transfer is included from David Citadel to Israel's Ben Gurion Airport. Allow at least three hours for check-in. (B)