Cruising the Aegean: A Classic Greek Islands Cruise with
Watercolorist David R. Becker

Board an overnight flight bound for Athens, Greece, and the beginning of your Greek Islands cruise. After clearing Immigration and Customs, you are met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner in the hotel.

Start your morning with a sightseeing tour of Athens that visits the Parliament House on Constitution Square; the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; and the Panathenaic Stadium, site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. A drive along Panepistimiou Avenue gives you a view of modern Athens when you see the Catholic Cathedral, the Academy of Arts, the university, and the National Library.

        Then, step back in time with a stop in the Plaka district, the old town, for your opportunity to explore on your own. After lunch on your own and some free time, depart for Zea Marina and embark M/Y Harmony G for the beginning of your Greek Islands cruise. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Dinner as you sail for Nafplion.

A beautiful, romantic town in the eastern Peloponnese, Nafplion, Greece’s former capital, is home to a Venetian castle located in the middle of the harbor. After breakfast on board, set out for a visit to the ruins of Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mycenae dominated the eastern Mediterranean world from the 15th to the 12th century BC and played a major role in the development of classical Greece. Return to the ship after lunch. Cultural Connection: Listen to a lecture on “Greek History, from Antiquity to Present Day.”

Your Greek Islands cruise takes you to Monemvasia, where two mountaintop fortresses stand guard over the beautiful Old Town. Cultural Connection:Monemvasia is also known for its wine, and you have the opportunity to sample some of the famous, whites, rosés, and reds, and learn about the viticulture and history of Malvasia. After an included lunch, return to the ship. Cultural Connection: Attend a lecture on “Alexander the Great.”

Your Greek Islands cruise ship arrives in Rethimnon on the island of Crete. After breakfast, depart on a walking tour of Chania. Cultural Connection: Wander the Chania open market with free time to shop or explore. Return to the ship for lunch, and then visit the Fortezza, the Venetian-era citadel, followed by a walking tour of Rethimnon. After some free time to explore on your own, return to M/Y Harmony G. Cultural Connection:Attend a lecture on “Byzantium.”

This morning, your Greek Islands cruise ship arrives in Heraklion, where the Minoan civilization flourished. It is home to traditional villages, Byzantine monasteries, inviting beaches, and Knossos Palace. Known as the home of legendary King Minos, it was also the political, economic, and religious center of Crete. Cultural Connections: Visit Thrapsano for a pottery presentation. Continue to the village of Archanes for a snack and music. Then, listen to a lecture on “Greek Mythology.” Return to the ship for dinner.

Cruise to the popular island of Santorini, where whitewashed houses rest on rugged cliffs overlooking a crystal-blue sea. Set out on a tour that takes you to the archaeological site of Akrotiri; Profitou Iliou Mountain; and Fira, the island’s capital. Cultural Connection:Afterward, listen to a lecture on “Architecture and Archaeology.” Then, take a cable car ride back to the ship. This afternoon, relax on board, explore Santorini on your own, or join an optional tour of the Oia and Santo Winery that included a tasting and a light lunch.

Beneath the glitz and glitter of Mykonos, there is a charming, fashionable destination and possibly the most popular of the Greek Islands. It is likely what you picture when you think of a typical Greek island, with small houses and churches, shop-lined streets, and a pretty harbor. Head out on a walking tour of  Mykonos that includes a stop for Greek meze (small plates of food) and ouzo tasting. Lunch is on board, and this afternoon, enjoy a panoramic cruise to Athens. Cultural Connection: Listen to a lecture on “Religions in Greece.” Tonight, attend the Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

Return to Athens and disembark the ship. Embark on a guided tour of the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its great architectural and historical significance. Your visit includes the Parthenon, often regarded as an enduring symbol of Ancient Greece. You also visit the New Acropolis Museum that houses the many artifacts found on the site of the Acropolis dating back to the Greek Bronze Age. Afterward, you have some free time with lunch on your own. This afternoon, check in to your hotel for a final night in Athens and the conclusion of your Greek Islands cruise tour.

Disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Or, begin your optional post-trip extension to Athens.