16 days exploring the ancient cities of the Mediterranean. 3 nights Athens in first-class hotel plus 12-night Mediterranean cruise aboard the Royal Princess.
Sunday, May 17 - Athens
Arrive Athens Sparta Airport and transfer to Athenian Callirhoe, a 4-star hotel centrally located and within 5 minutes walking distance to the Acropolis and Plaka district.
Monday, May 18 – Athens B,L
Today begins with the natural fortress of the Acropolis, one of the most photographed and recognizable hills in the entire world. Accompanied by a guide, we walk up the uneven footpath leading to the summit. Sights include the Propylaea, the Temple of Apteros Niki, the Erectheum, and the architectural triumph of the Parthenon. Following the Acropolis we will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and then head for the Temple of Poseidon, standing some 200 feet above the sea. The evening is free to enjoy the sites of Athens.
Tuesday, May 19 – Athens B,L
Today we head for Delphi in a private coach. Situated on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, at a height of 700 meters, one can easily see why Delphi was once believed to be the centre of the earth. We begin our guided tour at the Sanctuary of Apollo, following the paved Sacred Way to reach the Doric Temple of Apollo. In its "Adyton" the High Priestess "Pythia" sat on a tripod and delivered the oracles. Admire the Theatre and the Stadium, used for the main events of the Pythian Festival, located on terraces above the Temple. To the right of the entrance to the Sanctuary is the Kastalian Fountain, where Pythia washed before speaking her prophecies. Across and below the road from the spring is the Sanctuary of Athena, with the conspicuous building of Tholos. We will have time for the museum; containing a rare and exquisite collection of archaic sculpture including the world famous Charioteer and then we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to our hotel in Athens.
Wednesday, May 20 B
Enjoy a free morning in Athens to wander the streets on your own. This afternoon we will transfer to Piraeus and board the Royal Princess.
Thursday, May 21
Known as the "Black Pearl of the Aegean," Santorini has one of the most dramatic backdrops of cliffs, sea and sky in the world. A volcanic eruption during the Bronze Age caused the middle of this once-circular island to sink. This cataclysmic event is the reason for many of the island's remarkable features -- from its black-sand beaches and exquisite wines, to its fascinating archeological sites.
Friday, May 22
According to mythology, Patmos was a present from Zeus to his daughter Artemis, goddess of hunting and young women. She was worshipped here in antiquity, and the famous monastery of St. John was built on her temple. In 2006, the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse, were declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Patmos also has a great choice of beautiful beaches.
Saturday, May 23
A sleepy fishing village until only recently, Kusadasi has emerged as one of the most alluring spots for travelers along the Ionian Coast. Tourists from all over the world come to Kusadasi to visit Ephesus, one of the most fascinating archeological sites available to the modern-day traveler. Ephesus is a treasure of antiquity and historical legend. On its ancient streets paved in white marble and lined with colonnades, Mark Antony and Cleopatra rode in procession and St. Paul preached against the goddess Artemis.
Sunday, May 24
At Sea. Relax.
Monday, May 25
Haifa is a seaport located on Israel's Mediterranean coastline about 60 miles north of Tel Aviv and is the major regional center of the north of Israel. Over time, it has fallen under the rule of the Byzantines, Arabs, Ottomans, Egyptians, and the British and today is home to a mixed population of Jews and Arabs. Great beaches, the cosmopolitan Tel Aviv, and Galilee are all accesible from this port.
Tuesday, May 26
Jerusalem, is located in the Judean Mountains, between the Mediterranean Sea and the northern tip of the Dead Sea, the city has a history that goes back as far as the 4th millennium BC, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. The Old City is home to several sites of key religious importance: the Temple Mount and its Western Wall for Jews, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Christians, and the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa Mosque for Muslims.
Wednesday, May 27
Port Said has the second most important harbor in Egypt behind Alexandria. It is strategically positioned at one end of the Suez Canal and acts as a great starting point for exploring the cradle of civilization. In Cairo head for the Great Pyramid of Giza, the only survivor of the original Seven Ancient Wonders. Built 4600 years ago, there are over 2 million blocks of stone incorporated into the pyramid. It is part of the Giza Necropolis, home of several pyramids and the Great Sphinx.
Thursday, May 28
Alexander the Great traveled to Egypt after conquering Greece and selected a small fishing village in the Mediterranean for his new capital, Alexandria. It's now Egypt's second largest city, and a juxtaposition of modern influences and ancient culture.
Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30
At Sea. Ahhhh!
Sunday, May 31
Split, Croatia was first settled when, at the end of the third century AD, the Roman Emperor Diocletian built his palace here. Many of Split's historical and cultural buildings can be found within the walls of Diocletian's Palace.
Monday, June 1
Located at the head of the Adriatic Sea, an intricate web of tiny islands and canals make up the enchanting city of Venice. Gondoliers serenade, delicate bridges lead to winding cobblestone streets, and glorious renaissance architecture form a fairy-tale backdrop. Disembark and transfer to airport for return home, or stay and enjoy the city for a few days.
