An Extended Journey to Minoan Marvels, Minarets an Cruise

Day 1 - Venice (Fusina), Italy

Arrive: Thu 15 May 2025 / Depart: Thu 15 May 2025 at 21:00

Day 2 - Rovinj, Croatia

Arrive: Fri 16 May 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 16 May 2025 at 18:00

Day 3 - Ancona

Arrive: Sat 17 May 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 17 May 2025 at 18:00

Day 4 - Bari

Arrive: Sun 18 May 2025 / Depart: Sun 18 May 2025

Day 5 - Kotor

Arrive: Mon 19 May 2025 at 09:00 / Depart: Mon 19 May 2025 at 21:00

Day 6 - At Sea

Day 7 - Chania, Crete

Arrive: Wed 21 May 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 21 May 2025 at 18:00

Day 8 - Marmaris

Arrive: Thu 22 May 2025 at 10:00 / Depart: Thu 22 May 2025 at 20:00

Day 9 - Samos

Arrive: Fri 23 May 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 23 May 2025 at 18:00

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 10 - Athens

Arrive: Sat 24 May 2025 at 07:00 / 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 11 - 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 12 - 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 12 - 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 13 - 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 14 - 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 15 - 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 16 - At Sea

Day 17 - Istanbul

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

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.