DETAILS
Call on the islands of Volos, Delos, Mykonos, Pátmos, Rhodes, and Santorini on this epic, 7-night voyage. Enjoy excursions to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora; Delos’ classical ruins, including the Sanctuary of Apollo and the theater quarter; the archaeological site and ancient ruins of Ephesus; and Santorini, believed to be the legendary lost city of Atlantis. Discuss life on the islands with local residents during the ISLAND LIFE® forum. Our study leader, David Brown, will accompany the October 14th departure. Complimentary alcoholic & nonalcoholic beverages are included throughout the cruise!
- Pricing from
- $5,215
Reserve early and SAVE!
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Ocean & Sea Voyages
- Departure Dates
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Oct 14, 2024 - Oct 22, 2024
Oct 21, 2024 - Oct 29, 2024
Athens Pre-Program Option
Begin your journey with 2 nights in the ancient city of Athens to explore the monumental Acropolis; the Parthenon; the Acropolis Museum; the Temple of Poseidon; and Plaka, the city’s oldest neighborhood. Enjoy accommodations in an ideally located luxury hotel.
Delphi Post-Program Option
Extend your journey with a 2-night itinerary that features a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Thebes and a tour of Delphi with a visit to the Delphi Archeological Museum. Also see the Treasury of Athens, the Temple of Apollo, and the impressive Stadium along the Sacred Way. Spend 2 nights in 2 carefully selected luxury hotels.
The Pre- and Post-Program Options are available at an additional cost. Details will be provided with your reservation confirmation.
Airport transfers and luggage handling abroad are only included if air arrangements are booked through Gohagan & Company. If travelers make their own air arrangements, transfers and luggage handling are not included; transfers can be organized through Gohagan & Company and purchased by the traveler.
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David J. Brown
Few names over the past twenty-plus years have been as synonymous with the National Trust for Historic Preservation as David J. Brown. David served as EVP and the organization’s founding Chief Preservation Officer, where he led the Trust’s advocacy, educational, field work, research, and historic sites programs. A national leader, speaker, and author with a four-decade record of achievement in saving historic places and supporting thriving communities, David is the founder of Bearden Brown LLC, which works to build nonprofit leadership and grow organizational impact. An affiliate fellow at the American Academy in Rome and a founding board member of the International National Trusts Organisation, David brings an international perspective to his discussions of preservation, history, and architecture.
A non-refundable administrative fee of $300 per person will apply for all cancellations received more than 7 days after booking and before other fees take effect at 120 days:
120 days $300 per person admin fee after 7-day grace period from booking
120 – 91 days 25% of full invoice fare
90 – 61 days 50% of full invoice fare
60 – 31 days 75% of full invoice fare
30 – 0 days 100% of full invoice fare
Separate airfare Terms & Conditions apply
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY
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day 1 & 2
Home City/ Athens, Greece
Arrive in Athens, Greece, where you may have time on your own for lunch before traveling with the group to embark the five‑star Le Bougainville.
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day 3
Volos/Meteora
Arrive in Volos and enjoy an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora. One of the most important complexes of Greek Orthodox monasteries, they are built on natural sandstone massifs and date to the 14th and 15th centuries. Originally the only access to the monasteries was by means of long ladders, which could be drawn up when not in use, or by a basket or net suspended on ropes. Steps have now been cut out in the rock face and there is a modern road servicing the main monasteries, which is how we will reach these remarkable structures. Attend the Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner this evening.
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day 4
Delos/Mykonos
This morning, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delos—the legendary birthplace of Artemis and Apollo. Walk along the Sacred Way to the Sanctuary of Apollo, a spectacularly rich archaeological site with remains of three separate temples from the 5th and 6th centuries B.C. See the legendary Terrace of the Lions, dedicated to Apollo, where hand‑carved marble statues guarded the island for nearly 2,600 years. After lunch on board the ship, explore the island of Mykonos, where according to ancient legend, its craggy hills and clefts were formed from the petrified bodies of giants defeated by Hercules.
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day 5
Kusadasi, Turkey for Ephesus
Arrive in Kusadasi and drive to Ephesus, a vast archaeological site of Greek, Roman and Byzantine ruins including the restored and reconstructed Celsus Library and the Great Theater. Visit the Terrace Houses and the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, which showcases artifacts that were retrieved from Ephesus during excavations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries—including the famous statue of Artemis.
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day 6
Pátmos, Greece
On the island of Patmos, tour the Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. John, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Cave of the Apocalypse, where St. John the Apostle most likely wrote the Book of Revelation in 95 A.D. This
afternoon, meet and engage with local residents who will discuss daily life on the islands during the Island Life® forum. -
day 7
Rhodes/Lindos
Dock in Rhodes at the wall of Rhodes Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a stop at its ancient port—where the mighty Colossus of Rhodes statue stood before it was destroyed by an earthquake in the third century B.C. Explore the medieval old town as it was built by the Order of St. John, which occupied Rhodes from the early 14th century through the 16th century. Visit the Palace of the Grand Masters, a formidable Gothic castle that houses a treasure trove of art, furniture, and icons from that era. You will be able to choose from two activities this afternoon. One is an excursion to the ancient village of Lindos to see its Church of Panagia and clifftop
Acropolis. At a height of 535 feet, this iconic site offers breathtaking views and photo opportunities of the entire village, including its medieval castle, sandy beaches, and charming whitewashed, sugar-cube houses. Alternatively, you may opt to indulge in an afternoon at leisure in Rhodes. Enjoy a traditional Greek folklore show with local musicians and dancers, followed by dinner on board the ship this evening. -
day 8
Santorini
Be on deck as the ship cruises into the port of Santorini, beneath which some believe lies the legendary lost city of Atlantis. From the port we will drive to the southern end of the island for a guided tour of the newly reopened excavations of Akrotiri—a unique archeological site that dates to prehistoric times. Tour these spectacular Minoan ruins, held intact by layers of pumice and ash for over 3,500 years. Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, which houses finds excavated from Akrotiri. Continue to the town of Fira, renowned for its whitewashed buildings, stunning views, and vibrant energy, for some free time to explore. You may also choose to descend by cable car to the pier for the short ride back to the ship.
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day 9
Athens/Disembark ship/Return to the U.S.
Arrive in Athens this morning. Disembark and continue on the Thebes and Delphi Post‑Program Option or transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Everything you need to know about the tour
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