An Extended Journey to Island Enchantment, Cerulean Seas and Magnificent Architecture Cruise

Day 1 - Athens

Arrive: Sat 24 May 2025 / Depart: Sat 24 May 2025 at 19:00

Athenians don’t live in the past. Ahead of its time, Athens exudes glamour and a sense of possibility - housing galleries, gelaterias, bijoux boutiques alongside a plethora of museums. And you can’t help but marvel at the archaeological wonders of the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Stroll through vibrant streets and markets, dance at buzzing bouzoukia, sing along in tavernas. At night, head to the harbour, where dimly lit bars serve the local ice cold beer. And, as you inhale the salty air and watch Greek fishing boats peacefully depart for their catch, reflect on this ancient city's progressive attitude.

Day 2 - Chora, Mykonos

Arrive: Sun 25 May 2025 at 09:00

If you start early, you’ll have Mykonos to yourself. Stroll narrow streets famous for Cycladic architecture and getting lost; white-washed cubed buildings, alluring boutiques, orthodox churches and traditional windmills. Join glitterati guests at elegant events on iconic beaches, sink into saltwater pools, tour vineyards and dance at bars where beats evolve in tempo (and volume). When the heat of the day dies down, drop into the sacred isle of Delos to explore remarkable ruins; amphitheatres, temples, public squares, marketplaces and shrines to Greek Gods. Take a table in central Chora for perfectly-cooked, local dishes with generous views; mounds of flaky filo, Greek salads, halloumi and sea urchin, washed down with freddo. When the sun sets, head for a signature sundowner with views across the ocean. After dark, follow the fun to legendary bars and clubs. Progressive and profoundly beautiful.

Day 3 - Chora, Mykonos

Depart: Mon 26 May 2025 at 01:00

If you start early, you’ll have Mykonos to yourself. Stroll narrow streets famous for Cycladic architecture and getting lost; white-washed cubed buildings, alluring boutiques, orthodox churches and traditional windmills. Join glitterati guests at elegant events on iconic beaches, sink into saltwater pools, tour vineyards and dance at bars where beats evolve in tempo (and volume). When the heat of the day dies down, drop into the sacred isle of Delos to explore remarkable ruins; amphitheatres, temples, public squares, marketplaces and shrines to Greek Gods. Take a table in central Chora for perfectly-cooked, local dishes with generous views; mounds of flaky filo, Greek salads, halloumi and sea urchin, washed down with freddo. When the sun sets, head for a signature sundowner with views across the ocean. After dark, follow the fun to legendary bars and clubs. Progressive and profoundly beautiful.

Day 3 - Patmos

Arrive: Mon 26 May 2025 at 10:00 / Depart: Mon 26 May 2025 at 18:00

A tiny island with a big reputation. Voyage to this discreet island where few go. Famed for being the discerning guests’ paradise; sun-kissed beaches, clear waters shielded by protective coves and undeniably warm local hospitality. Classically Greek with beautiful, mountainous views of perfectly positioned white houses dotted high into the hills. Known as the Land of Legends, St John was said to have written his Book of Revelations here. Quiet but with a powerful energy, you’ll understand why this island was named "Letois", after the goddess and huntress of deer, Artemis, daughter of Leto. It was believed that Patmos came into existence thanks to her divine intervention.

Day 4 - Volos

Arrive: Tue 27 May 2025 at 09:00 / Depart: Tue 27 May 2025 at 21:00

Volos deals a perfect blend of architectural gems, scented archaic landscapes and beach-fringed salty bays. Discover treasures in the mythical home of Jason and the Argonauts before bearing off to Pelion, homeland of the mythical Centaurs. Zig zag through a network of old cobbled donkey tracks linking villages and wander a botanist’s dream of eucalyptus, fruit trees and thyme-scented woodland. Dip in blissfully quiet Pagasitic waters, bring history to life on gorge and bridge crossing Moutzouris and paddle past secluded coves into eerie sea caves and the Secret School. Visit Damouchari for a riot of bougainvillea and silvery olive trees, Tsagarada for the oldest plane tree in Greece and Milies for murals and absurd acoustics. This playground of the gods remains a quiet memory of Greek gone by - the Centaurs have protected it well.

Day 5 - Thessaloniki

Arrive: Wed 28 May 2025 at 09:00 / Depart: Wed 28 May 2025 at 20:00

Breeze into a beguiling mix of vintage and modern, awash with a thriving art, culture and history scene. Crowded with museums dedicated to the past plus an extraordinary 15 UNESCO sites – there’s much to learn. Admire ramparts built to last; the impressive Galerius Palace, the beautiful domed multi-serving Rotunda, a bevy of Byzantine churches and the curious 15th century White Tower. Dig deeper into the past to trace pre-historic times at the Archaeological Museum. Rove around Ladadika narrow streets and charming squares that emit a Parisian air, absorb Greek produce in the Market’s holy halls and soak up modern art on the lively waterfront. Raise hairs at Heptapyrgion, take coffee in Aristotelous Square or head out of town to peer at Alexander the Great’s birthplace in Pella and Vergina’s royal tombs. Perfectly poised on the placid Thermaic Gulf, Thessaloniki brings past and present together in remarkable harmony.

Day 6 - Kavala, Greece

Arrive: Thu 29 May 2025 at 09:00 / Depart: Thu 29 May 2025 at 20:00

Wind into lively alleys once known as the mecca of tobacco. Climb cobbled streets to Kavala’s old town and the Byzantine walled fortress. Wander the scenic walls to the whitewashed lighthouse for a chance to spot Mount Athos. Watch the amphitheatre put on a show at the top of Panagia, then descend into the Imaret complex of domes. Amble the taverna and bar-filled pedestrianised streets around Agios Nikolaos church and visit the atmospheric old hammam and mosaic memorial before routing to the ancient UNESCO city of Philippi. Refresh in waterfalls at the foot of Mount Pangaion, stroll to village watermills, neo-classical mansions, a celebrated winery and stockpile home-made honey. Float to leafy Thasos for coveted snow-white mined marble, archaeological sites and quaint old stone houses in Kastro. Then relax for Turkish coffee with a side of Greek schnapps in this quietly forgotten corner of Greece.

Day 7 - At Sea

Day 8 - Istanbul

Arrive: Sat 31 May 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 31 May 2025 at 23:55

Embark on a European and Asian adventure packed with a wealth of charm and cultural diversity. Roam the ‘blue’ mosque of Sultan Ahmet, the Grand Bazaar, opulent Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia or sink into a serene Turkish Bath experience. Embrace the city’s vine-shaded homely district where ladies shop for butter-soaked baklava and freshly picked olives. Explore further to haggle for gold jewellery, linen and oriental antiques. Dine in the atmospheric old city or take a ferry to Asia for street-served food. Feast over rich platters of meze, moist grilled bluefish and succulent kebabs. Heighten your senses even further in the spice bazaar with enticing aromas and vibrant, colourful displays. After such a sensorial feast, indulge in a restorative raki, whichever continent you’re in. By night parties don’t start until late, but expect to dance till dawn. Join the late crowd spilling into the streets overlooking the Bosphorus. Sway at European rooftop bars, shimmer by ferry over to the Asian suburbs or remain ensconced in old-fashioned folk venues. An eclectic fusion of east and west, this city is conservative at heart with a truly modern soul.

Day 9 - At Sea

Day 10 - Syros

Arrive: Mon 02 June 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 02 June 2025 at 20:00

Day 11 - Bodrum

Arrive: Tue 03 June 2025 at 09:00 / Depart: Tue 03 June 2025 at 21:00

Imagine an old-world fishing town with high society appeal. Explore breathtaking sights on the sunlit Peninsula of the turquoise coast. Soak up the town’s buzzing energy; shop, eat, relax and explore. Pay respect to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, savour fresh fish and meze and sip coffee of toe-tingling strength. Delve into captivating landscapes bursting with nature; the Bafa Lake, olive groves, bougainvillea and hundreds of different bird species. Feel the wind in your hair on a private gullet as you voyage to crystal clear coves of the Aegean. Lasting memories abound.

Day 12 - Rhodos

Arrive: Wed 04 June 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 04 June 2025 at 22:00

Day 13 - Samos

Arrive: Thu 05 June 2025 at 09:00 / Depart: Thu 05 June 2025 at 22:00

The Sanctuary of Samos Authentic and non-intrusive, life couldn’t get much more low-key on the haven that is Samos. Enjoy the quiet romance and rare beauty of this Greek isle, where you'll only need to decide which sweet local wine to sip, remote beach to visit or quiet spot of cool inland forest to frequent. With warm waters so clear and inviting, you’ll get why this was the goddess Hera’s private sanctuary. Listed by UNESCO, the ruins of Heraion and the astonishing Eupalinos Tunnel won’t fail to impress.

Day 14 - Paros, Greece

Arrive: Fri 06 June 2025 at 09:00 / Depart: Fri 06 June 2025 at 21:00

Unveil picturesque Paros' unadorned charms from ancient remains to traditional tavernas and sweet villages and blue-domed churches to a bounty of blonde-sand beaches. Head out to Parikia to find the awe-inspiring AD326 Byzantine monastery or take a ferry across to explore caves in the rugged natural beauty of Antiparos. Walk through the island's ancient archaeological history at the tiny museum and lose yourself in the labyrinth of lanes at the old Venetian port of Náoussa. Banish any tension on a sunlounger, then breeze through home-cooked mezze feasts in white-washed tavernas. Windsurf, kite-surf, dive, swim au naturel and enjoy a network of walking trails. Somehow Páros has managed to preserve more of the soft spirit than some of her Cyclade cousins.

Day 15 - Athens

Arrive: Sat 07 June 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 07 June 2025 at 19:00

Athenians don’t live in the past. Ahead of its time, Athens exudes glamour and a sense of possibility - housing galleries, gelaterias, bijoux boutiques alongside a plethora of museums. And you can’t help but marvel at the archaeological wonders of the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Stroll through vibrant streets and markets, dance at buzzing bouzoukia, sing along in tavernas. At night, head to the harbour, where dimly lit bars serve the local ice cold beer. And, as you inhale the salty air and watch Greek fishing boats peacefully depart for their catch, reflect on this ancient city's progressive attitude.

Day 16 - Monemvasia

Arrive: Sun 08 June 2025 at 09:00 / Depart: Sun 08 June 2025 at 22:00

Slow down to enjoy some whole-hearted peace and quiet. Rising high over the inky blue sea, Monemvasia is a mirage carved into the face of Peloponnese rock. Divided into a magical upper and lower sea-level town, the former is home to fallen streets, ancient Agia Sophia and Byzantine architecture. Wander through cobbled streets in the lower town amongst restaurants and residents. Listen to cicadas sing, watch black-clad grandmothers cook in divine tavernas and perhaps sample some Malvasia wine. This spectacular town sums up silence, sky and a sense of Mamma Mia.

Day 17 - At Sea

Day 18 - Korfoe

Arrive: Tue 10 June 2025 at 09:00 / Depart: Tue 10 June 2025 at 20:00

Revel in a heady mix of Ionian landmarks amid spirit-boosting views. Sit beneath the iconic Liston arches in the atmospheric Old Town, span Spianada Square where skinny streets radiate off past churches and cross the moat to the Old Fortress. Slip into homey tavernas where chefs work meze finesse, skip aboard a caique, mountain bike, horse ride or shop ceramics. Head for staggering Paleokastritsa views strewn with pines, firs and sleepy Corfiot villages, bird spot in lush wetlands and climb Mount Pantokrator to capture rare icons. An enticing and scenic jaunt through an eternal Greek classic.

Day 19 - Kotor

Arrive: Wed 11 June 2025 at 10:00 / Depart: Wed 11 June 2025 at 20:00

Day 20 - Zadar, Croatia

Arrive: Thu 12 June 2025 at 13:00 / Depart: Thu 12 June 2025 at 22:00

Head back in time through impressive walls and city gates to a treasure trove of architecture and natural beauty. Hike, ride or climb through an enchanting heartland of national parks; cruise up pine-cloaked rivers, swim under a crescent of cascades and spot sapphire dragonflies over emerald pools. Dance across the Monument to the Sun, follow whispers to remote turquoise shallows and hear the rhythm of the ocean from an underwater Sea Organ. Visit the Venetian towers, atmospheric wells and a superbly carved Romanesque Cathedral or climb a bell tower with far-reaching views. Infused in sunshine, Venetian charm and (according to Hitchcock) the world's best sunset - intriguing Zadar is a cultural gem resplendent.

Day 21 - Rovinj, Croatia

Arrive: Fri 13 June 2025 at 09:00 / Depart: Fri 13 June 2025 at 20:00

Day 22 - Fusina, Italia

Arrive: Sat 14 June 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 14 June 2025