Greece

Sunday 22 August

Depart Auckland on Emirates to arrive in Dubai. Change planes to continue on to Athens.

Monday 23 August

Arrive in Athens and transfer to your central city hotel. Settle in for two nights, with an evening at leisure.

Tuesday 24 August

After breakfast, a private city tour takes in the most important sites, including the Panathenaic Stadium, site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, the Prime Minister’s Residence, the former Royal Palace, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch. Continue on to the Acropolis itself, home to the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Parthenon. Return to the hotel for a relaxing dinner.

Wednesday 25 August

Today, travel through the beautiful Greek countryside, with a short stop in the mountain town of Arachova, known for its traditional stone houses and views of Mount Parnassus. Arrive in Delphi around midday to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site once considered by the ancient Greeks to be the centre of the world, and home to the legendary Oracle of Apollo. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before an evening meal together.

Thursday 26 August

Continue to Kalampaka for a tour of the spectacular UNESCO-listed Meteora monasteries, perched atop towering sandstone cliffs. Followed by a guided tour and tasting at family-owned Liakou Winery, including six wines and local Thessalian delicacies, before dinner and an overnight stay in Kalampaka.

Friday 27 August

Return to Athens this morning to board your cruise ship Harmony G, home for the next seven-nights. The cruise departs via Cape Sounion for Kea, with time at leisure to explore Kea’s tiny port of Coressia after dinner.

Saturday 28 August

Step ashore this morning to visit the unique archaeological site of Delos, antiquity’s most sacred island. This guided walk takes in Hellenistic houses with their striking mosaics, the Sanctuary of Apollo, the marble lions of the Sacred Way, and the island’s theatre and Roman quarter. This afternoon cruise to the port of Mykonos, with time along the way to dive straight off the boat and cool off in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean. The rest of the day is free to explore Mykonos.

Sunday 29 August

An early morning sailing brings you to Santorini around noon, anchoring at Fira. Head ashore to take  in the dramatic volcanic caldera before arriving at the archaeological site of Akrotiri and on to the clifftop village of Oia, renowned for its blue-domed churches and views over the caldera.

Monday 30 August

This morning, arrive at Crete’s famous and lively port of Rethymnon. Explore the Minoan Palace of Knossos, seat of the legendary King Minos, followed by a stop in Heraklion to sample local delicacies at a traditional Cretan taverna, before a late departure for Kythira. 

Tuesday 31 August

Enjoy a late-morning swim stop before arriving at Kythira, a less well-known island gem fast becoming a favourite among visitors to Greece. Spend the evening at leisure in the picturesque main town of Chora, taking in the peaceful charm of the island.

Wednesday 01 September

An early morning sailing reaches Monemvasia, a remarkable medieval fortified town, with time at leisure to explore its uniquely preserved Byzantine and Venetian architecture. Depart in the early afternoon for Nafplion, with a swim stop along the way. Nafplion’s charming old quarter has narrow streets and period architecture, with impressive medieval fortifications above the port. 

Thursday 02 September

Your morning tour visits Mycenae, the powerful walled palace of Agamemnon, then finishes with a guided walk through Nafplion’s historic old town. In the early afternoon, depart for the island of Hydra, with time at leisure to explore this picturesque port town. Enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board tonight as you cruise back to Athens.

Friday 03 September

This morning disembark and enjoy a relaxing day in Athens before an afternoon departure to Dubai.  Overnight stop in Dubai.

We not continue your stay in Europe and join our inaugural Baltic Tour – See enclosed flyer for details.

Saturday 04 September

Morning check in and fly to Auckland.

Sunday 05 September

Morning arrival in Auckland. Welcome home.