Athens and the Aegean

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Thursday June 18: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Friday June 19: Athens

Arrive in Athens, meet your ACIS Tour Manager and begin to explore this enchanting, ancient city. Perhaps stop for a plate of honey-soaked, cinnamon-spiced loukoumades while you stroll through the winding streets of this cradle of civilization. (D)

Day 3, Saturday June 20: Athens

Enjoy a guided morning sightseeing tour that reveals the glory of Greece. Ascend the Acropolis for a visit to the Parthenon see the Agora and stroll through the Acropolis Museum, a modern architectural jewel. Then the afternoon is free to take snapshots from atop Mount Lycabettus. Tonight you’ll be thoroughly entertained by a Greek cultural evening in a traditional village setting. Taste freshly pressed olive oil, watch a tzatziki making demonstration, dine on authentic taverna cuisine and feast your eyes and ears on professional dancers moving to the traditional music. An expert also teaches you the steps of traditional Greek dances so that you can join in the fun! (B,D)

Day 4, Sunday June 21: Athens

A scenic drive through vineyards and olive groves brings you to Delphi, the center of the universe for ancient Greeks. A local guide shows you the ancient site where ancient Greeks asked for counsel from its fabled oracle. Visit the Temple of Apollo and the Delphi Archaeological Museum, featuring artifacts unearthed during local excavations. (B,D)

Day 5, Monday June 22: Cruise

Board your cruise ship in the morning and settle into your outside cabin. After a late-morning sailing from Piraeus, drop anchor in the afternoon on Mykonos, the dazzling white island with a jet-set atmosphere. View windmills, whitewashed houses and the rugged shoreline of coves and grottoes. Spend an enjoyable evening ashore. (B,L,D)

Day 6, Tuesday June 23: Cruise

Dock today at the Turkish port and resort town of Kusadasi and travel inland to Ephesus to tour a complete ancient city. Walk down the marble road still grooved by chariot wheels and see the intact façade of the Library of Celsus and great Temple of Serapis, as well as the stadium, theater, baths and more. Sail again in the afternoon and dock at tiny, sparkling white town of Patmos. Visit the sprawling castle-like Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse before returning to the ship. (B,L,D)

Day 7, Wednesday June 24: Cruise

Sail to Rhodes and enjoy a full day ashore the island Romans called the Bride of the Sun, beginning in the city of Rhodes with a locally guided tour of the spectacular medieval Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes. Then travel to Lindos to tour its Acropolis and see picturesque old captain's mansions as well as the Byzantine Church of the Virgin Mary, or Panagia. You’ll have time to soak up more of the island's culture at your own pace before an early evening sailing. (B,L,D)

Day 8, Thursday June 25: Cruise

Dock at Heraklion, the capital of Crete and take a guided tour of the 5,000 year-old Minoan Palace of Knossos. Then continue to stunning Santorini and enjoy a ride on the funicular up to the white-washed village perched on the rim of an ancient volcano. Many believe this is part of the lost continent of Atlantis. (B,L,D)

Day 9, Friday June 26: Nauplia

Disembark in Athens and journey to the great Theater of Epidaurus and visualize 14,000 ancient spectators who sat here all day long, held spellbound by tragedies of Sophocles or comedies of Aristophanes. Dine on a traditional, countryside Greek BBQ lunch (included instead of dinner), then drive to Mycenae to see mainland Europe's oldest city, including the Lion Gate, Royal Tombs and Acropolis. (B,L)

Day 10, Saturday June 27: Nauplia

Today enjoy a full day excursion to Olympia, the town known for the original Olympic Games dating back to 776 BC. Explore the sights and learn about the history. This evening enjoy dinner and some time to further explore. (B,D)

Day 11, Sunday June 28: Athens

Today travel back to Athens with a stop at beautfiul Cape Sounion to view the Temple of Poseidon. Round out your trip with final evening in Greece with dinner as a group. Recount your memories from an amazing week in Athens and the Aegean and beyond. (B,D)

Day 12, Monday June 29: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)