Grecian Gems, Ephesus & Dalmatian Delights Cruise

Day 1 - Athens

Arrive: Sun 19 July 2026 / Depart: Sun 19 July 2026 at 17:00

Piraeus has been the port for Athens since 482 BC. The busy harbor is filled with ferries and cruise ships making their way to the Greek Islands and other Mediterranean cities. The busy metropolis of Athens and its treasure trove of antiquities lie just a few miles from the port. Even as the reality of the modern city took hold, with its high-rise apartments, crowded sidewalks and bustling traffic, the beauty of the Acropolis, the outstanding museums, charming cafés, sidewalk markets and startling views come together in a cultural mosaic for all to enjoy.

Day 2 - Mykonos

Arrive: Mon 20 July 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 20 July 2026 at 18:00

The quintessential Greek island of Mykonos is marked by whitewashed houses, domed churches, imposing windmills, and a labyrinth of winding streets designed to disorient pirates. Everywhere there is a dash of bright, bold blue - doors, shutters and window frames, sea and sky. The harbor bustles with colorful fishing boats, vendors selling fish and locals gathered with visitors in the casual seaside cafes. The port even comes with two beloved mascots, the pelicans Petros and Irini.

Day 3 - Agios Nikolaos, Greece

Arrive: Tue 21 July 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 21 July 2026 at 17:00

This charming village of white houses climbing up the slopes is beautifully situated on the sparkling Gulf of Mirabello. The attractive Venetian harbor is surrounded by restaurants, outdoor cafes and clusters of shops selling everything from necessities to souvenirs. The ship docks in the center of town, and you are able to wander at will and enjoy the atmosphere of Crete's foremost resort.

Day 4 - Symi

Arrive: Wed 22 July 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 22 July 2026 at 17:00

Symi belongs to the Dodecanese islands and lies across the Asia Minor coast and just a few nautical miles NW of Rhodes. Aristocratic and far off the model of mass tourism, Symi pleasantly surprises its visitors with its plain, aristocratic yet wild beauty. As you glimpse the perfectly formed harbor of Symi, Gialos, you are confronted with a beautiful picture-postcard Venetian village. Wonderfully well-preserved two and three story mansions with their facades painted in bright and vivid colors reflect the island's rich past since Symi was once one of the richest islands with a tradition in sponge diving, ship building and wood carving. The history of Symi goes back to ancient times. Aigli, Metapontis and Kariki are some of Symi's ancient names where according to mythology the Graces were born. Symi got its current name from the nymph Symi, who according to the myth mated with Poseidon, God of the Seas, and brought to life Hthonios who became the leader of the island's first inhabitants.

Day 5 - Kos

Arrive: Thu 23 July 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 23 July 2026 at 18:00

Just 3 nautical miles from the coast of Asia Minor, Kos is an underappreciated gem of an island bedecked with sparkling beaches and picturesque villages. Known for its rich vegetation and temperate climate, Kos is also rich in history, featuring numerous sites of archaeological significance, and is known for being the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine. Enjoy the beautiful weather, stunning views, and delicious local cuisine.

Day 6 - Kusadasi

Arrive: Fri 24 July 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 24 July 2026 at 23:00

Kusadasi, which means "bird island," is set in a superb gulf known for its sparkling water, broad sandy beaches and large marina. The city has managed to retain a certain earthiness while doing a brisk trade in Turkish carpets and leather goods to visitors. The town's old quarter is a picturesque maze of winding streets and houses adorned with flowers and birdcages. In the center stands a 17th-century caravanserai, now converted into a hotel. The resort is also gateway to important sites of archaeological and religious interest.

Day 7 - At Sea

Day 8 - Athens

Arrive: Sun 26 July 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 26 July 2026 at 17:00

Piraeus has been the port for Athens since 482 BC. The busy harbor is filled with ferries and cruise ships making their way to the Greek Islands and other Mediterranean cities. The busy metropolis of Athens and its treasure trove of antiquities lie just a few miles from the port. Even as the reality of the modern city took hold, with its high-rise apartments, crowded sidewalks and bustling traffic, the beauty of the Acropolis, the outstanding museums, charming cafés, sidewalk markets and startling views come together in a cultural mosaic for all to enjoy.

Day 9 - Santorini

Arrive: Mon 27 July 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 27 July 2026 at 23:00

"Thira, the Wild Island" and "Kalliste, the Fairest One" - all terms of endearment for this seductive, volcanic Greek island in the Sea of Crete. Extraordinary for its black sand beaches and sheer limestone cliffs, Santorini also showcases remnants of the Phoenician, Spartan and Minoan cultures, which fell under the island's spell - an unvarying, irresistible lure that continues to this day. Fira, the picturesque, pedestrian-only capital, is reached from the seaport via a short cable car ride that offers thrilling views as you ascend.

Day 10 - Monemvasia

Arrive: Tue 28 July 2026 at 09:00 / Depart: Tue 28 July 2026 at 18:00

Monemvasia was once on the Peloponnese mainland. Then an earthquake turned it into an island. It is now joined to the mainland by a narrow causeway that limits access, originally for reasons of defense. The tall, flat isle is completely honeycombed with nooks and grottoes, narrow alleys and rock-carved rooms. Clearly it was a formidable redoubt in times of attack, and earned its nickname the Gibraltar of the East. The upper town, long uninhabited, has narrow pathways leading to the Byzantine Aghia Sophia church, and remains of the medieval fortress and walls. In the lower town, look for the bell tower that leads you to Elkomenos Square, with its namesake medieval Elkomenos Christos church and a small museum.

Day 11 - At Sea

Day 12 - Itea

Arrive: Thu 30 July 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 30 July 2026 at 17:00

Itea is a small bathing resort and port at the end of a bay not too far from the ancient port of Delphi. The hills are covered with olive trees belonging to the sanctuary of Apollo in ancient times. Referred to as a "sea of olives," their production is now an important part of the local economy.

Day 13 - Nydri

Arrive: Fri 31 July 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 31 July 2026 at 18:00

Set in a picturesque inlet, the town of Nydri is a favorite Ionian yacht harbor. Explore the vast olive groves that blanket Lefkada’s landscape, and the famous Nydri Waterfalls.

Day 14 - Sarande

Arrive: Sat 01 August 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 01 August 2026 at 16:00

This important port on Southern Albania curls around a superb natural harbor, dominated by the hilltop 16th century Lekuresi Castle with distinctive round towers. In the town center are the ruins of a 5th century synagogue, later a Christian basilica, with remnant mosaic floors. Another picturesque ruin is the Forty Saints Monastery from the 6th century, which is thought to have been an important pilgrimage site. But the main attraction in southern Albania is the archaeological site of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with extensive ruins of communities dating from prehistory, though the Greek and Roman eras, as well as the Byzantine period, until the medieval period.

Day 15 - Dubrovnik

Arrive: Sun 02 August 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 02 August 2026 at 17:00

Founded in the 7th century, Dubrovnik rose to greatness as a merchant state, independent republic and cultural crossroads. The traffic-free Old Town has been called a Croatian Athens. This UNESCO designated World Heritage Site is a living museum of the ages with fortifications, chapels, monastic cloisters and Europe's second-oldest synagogue crowded into its ancient walls. Relax at a sidewalk café, listen to the chimes of the 14th-century bell tower or join the promenade down the palace-lined avenue known as the Stradun.

Day 16 - Kotor

Arrive: Mon 03 August 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 03 August 2026 at 16:00

One of the best preserved medieval towns of the Adriatic, Kotor is protected by UNESCO. Between 1420 and 1797, the area was under the rule of the Republic of Venice and the Venetian influence can be seen in its architecture. The Gulf of Kotor is sometimes called the southernmost fjord in Europe, although it is actually a submerged river canyon. The overhanging limestone cliffs of Orjen and Lovcen complete one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful landscapes.

Day 17 - Corfu

Arrive: Tue 04 August 2026 at 09:00 / Depart: Tue 04 August 2026 at 19:00

A scant few miles off the Albanian coast lies the island of Corfu, one of the most richly endowed of all the Greek Isles. Praised by Homer in the Odyssey and selected by Shakespeare as the setting for "The Tempest," the island retains evidence of cultural heritage from each of its past rulers - Byzantium, Venice, France, Russia and Great Britain. Rolling acres of olive groves, small orchards of lemon and orange trees, tall cypress, oleander, and myrtle bushes lend a lush, verdant look to the island. While the oldest part of Corfu Town has cobblestone lanes so narrow only pedestrian travel is possible, the modern sector has wide avenues. Residents boast that its "Spianada" is the largest and most beautiful square in all Greece.

Day 18 - At Sea

Day 19 - Split

Arrive: Thu 06 August 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 06 August 2026 at 18:00

Split is an ancient city founded on the Adriatic coast toward the end of the 3rd century. It is here that the emperor Diocletian built his walled castle on the slopes above the bay. Today that well-preserved palace and the later historic building built within its walls, form the heart of old Split, earning the community a place on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Split is a busy port with numerous ferries operating to and from nearby islands. It is also a popular resort with beaches and pleasant promenades.

Day 20 - Vis, Croatia

Arrive: Fri 07 August 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 07 August 2026 at 18:00

Vis

Day 21 - Zadar, Croatia

Arrive: Sat 08 August 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 08 August 2026 at 17:00

Located in central Dalmatia Zadar is one of the Adriatic's most historically interesting towns with a wealth of sightseeing and exciting nightlife. Zadar was founded by the Romans, attacked by the Turks, ruled by the Austrians and made part of Italy until 1943 when the Germans moved in. Allied bombing destroyed much of the historic centre which was rebuilt after the war only to suffer more attacks by Yugoslav forces in 1991. In recent years Zadar has undergone a startling revival. Cafes and bars are filled, museums and churches have been restored and tourists pour in to take boats to nearby islands.

Day 22 - Dubrovnik

Arrive: Sun 09 August 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 09 August 2026

Founded in the 7th century, Dubrovnik rose to greatness as a merchant state, independent republic and cultural crossroads. The traffic-free Old Town has been called a Croatian Athens. This UNESCO designated World Heritage Site is a living museum of the ages with fortifications, chapels, monastic cloisters and Europe's second-oldest synagogue crowded into its ancient walls. Relax at a sidewalk café, listen to the chimes of the 14th-century bell tower or join the promenade down the palace-lined avenue known as the Stradun.