Sail on A&K’s bestselling cruise to Greece and explore ancient ruins and natural marvels. Joined by A&K experts, visit iconic sites such as Athens and Mykonos, as well as lesser-known gems, including Patmos, Delos and Syros. Go off the beaten path in Santorini with an exclusive wine tasting, hike to the Monastery of St. John in Patmos and soak up the idyllic Mediterranean Sea with a beach break in Rhodes.
SEP 27
SEP 28
SEP 29
SEP 30
OCT 1
OCT 2
OCT 3
OCT 4
OCT 5
OCT 6
SEP 27
Arrive in Athens, where you are met and transferred to the port of Piraeus to board stylish ‘Le Bougainville,’ your exclusively chartered home for the next seven nights. As your luxury cruiser sets sail, join fellow guests this evening for an onboard welcome briefing.
'Le Bougainville'
Meals: Dinner
SEP 28
Disembark in Heraklion this morning and join one of three expert-led shore excursions. Choose to visit the famous Archaeological Museum, discovering its Minoan art and artifacts from the Neolithic period to Roman times. Proceed to Knossos for a guided visit to King Minos’ imposing Minoan palace, which dates to the 15th century BC, and then sit down to an authentic Cretan lunch. Alternately, visit the Historical Museum of Crete, which showcases the cultural heritage of Crete from the Byzantine Empire through modern times. Soak in living history during a walking tour of the city, seeing fabled Lion Square and 25th of August Street with its stunning neoclassical architecture. After some time at leisure, set out on a scenic drive through the island and enjoy a lunch of local specialties. You may also choose to visit Heraklion’s renowned Archaeological Museum, followed by a scenic drive to a hilltop farm. Learn how to make cheese and grow olives; attend a hands-on cooking demonstration, kneading bread and making local dishes; and then enjoy lunch on the terrace overlooking the fields and sea. Each excursion concludes in the charming port town of Rethymnon.
'Le Bougainville'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SEP 29
Reach Santorini and take in magnificent views of the caldera. Partake in a guided visit to the Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri, its houses, streets, squares and workshops all meticulously preserved in volcanic pumice since the 16th century BC. Those looking to stretch their legs can take a short boat ride to the island of Nea Kameni to ascend the still-active crater on a vigorous guided hike, learning about the volcano’s history as you go. Then, sail to the thermal springs of Palea Kameni, where you may enjoy a swim. Wine lovers can sample the famed wines of the island with a scenic drive through hilly Santorini, learning about the particulars of vine cultivation on the windy, dry island. Visit a local winery to experience Santorini’s winemaking process firsthand. Later, sit down to a wine presentation and sample an array of selected local vintages. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Oia or Fira, which are dotted with white homes and blue-domed structures.
'Le Bougainville'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SEP 30
Spend a full day on the island of Rhodes, perhaps exploring its medieval fortifications on a guided walk. In the Old Town, visit the Grand Master’s Palace, inspired by the Papal Palace of Avignon, France. Stroll the Avenue of the Knights, where knights once lodged, and then visit the Archaeological Museum, which served as a knight’s hospital in the 15th century. For a more active experience, take a drive toward the ancient Doric town of Lindos. You may hike to its acropolis, seeing the temple of Athenia Lindia and the Byzantine church. You may also drive to a ceramic workshop to watch local artists create Rhodes’ unique and colorful pottery before making your own piece. Alternately, pay a visit to the Grand Master’s Palace and take a walking tour of Rhodes’ Old Town before transferring to a restaurant for a hands-on cooking experience.
'Le Bougainville'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OCT 1
Today, uncover the hidden gem of Patmos, one of the smaller islands of the Dodecanese and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Opt for a guided stroll through the hilltop village of Chora, visiting the House of Simandris and the historical Nikolaidis mansion. Alternately, visit the grotto of St. John, where the saint lived and is said to have had his revelation, and continue on to the Monastery of St. John and an exploration of the quaint village of Chora. Others may reach the Monastery of Evangelismos to learn about the humble lives of the nuns who inhabit it. For a more active experience, join a hike to the northern part of the island, reaching the hermitage of Zaroi and a secluded beach. Weather permitting, a beach enlivens the afternoon.
'Le Bougainville'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OCT 2
Today, you can explore the small, uninhabited island of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the birthplace of the gods Artemis and Apollo. After a short boat ride, discover its remarkably preserved ruins, including government buildings, homes, the cistern and the amphitheater. If you stay in Mykonos, set out on a guided walk along its narrow, whitewashed streets. Otherwise, choose a panoramic drive through the island, taking in its sun-drenched beaches, quaint villages and nearby islands. Stop in the village of Ano Mera and visit the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani. Weather permitting, you may also partake in a beach break this afternoon on a wind-sheltered beach, where lounge chairs, towels, snacks and beverages await.
'Le Bougainville'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OCT 3
Arrive in Syros, one of the smallest of the Cyclades Islands, where you join a guided walk. See the impressive Cathedral of St. Nicholas, the Vaporia Quarter with its neoclassical mansions, and the Monument of the Unknown Soldier. End your exploration at the Apollo Theater, where you witness a rousing private performance. Enjoy a little time at leisure or opt to visit the Church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary to see an original icon by El Greco. Tonight, attend the farewell dinner aboard your luxury vessel.
'Le Bougainville'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OCT 4
After breakfast, bid farewell to your crew, disembark and join a guided visit to the world-renowned Acropolis Museum. Admire its antiquities that span the Bronze Age to the Roman and Byzantine eras. Enjoy lunch at a beloved restaurant overlooking the Parthenon and Acropolis. After time at leisure, transfer and check in to your landmark hotel in the heart of Athens. This evening, join your Expedition Team and fellow guests for a festive private event on an Athenian street featuring local culinary specialties as well as live music and dancing with folkloric entertainment.
Hotel Grande Bretagne
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OCT 5
Wake in the world’s ancient capital, a veritable open-air museum filled with iconic architecture. Choose to begin your day at the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you discover its Hellenistic ruins, among them the majestic Parthenon. Take in stunning views over the Plaka Quarter, the ancient Agora and the Theater of Dionysus, where the tragedies of Sophocles and Euripides were performed. Alternately, set out on a scenic drive to Peloponnese, pausing at the 19th-century Corinth Canal, an engineering marvel. Continue to the Argolis region, the land of Homer’s Golden Mycenae. Admire the Cyclopean Walls, the Lion’s Gate and the Royal Tombs, including the Treasury of Atreus and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Epidaurus, where you stand in awe of its acoustically impressive ancient theater. Should you prefer to experience Athens’ art scene instead, meet your art-focused guide and walk to a nearby gallery to learn about local contemporary artists. Proceed to the Benaki Museum, where you discover its eclectic, extensive collection of works from the Bronze Age. Enjoy your evening at leisure.
Hotel Grande Bretagne
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
OCT 6
Transfer to the Athens airport and board your return flight home, or join our Treasures of Northern Greece extension to visit Meteora.
Meals: Breakfast
Discover the ancient and historic Peloponnese Peninsula including the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Olympia and Epidaurus.
4 days from $3,495 per person
Single Supplement from $1,895 per person
SEP 24
Arrive in Athens and transfer to the centrally located Hotel Grande Bretagne for one night.
Hotel Grande Bretagne
SEP 25
Travel through the Peloponnese peninsula toward Nafplion. En route, visit Nemea and stop at a local winery for a visit.
Nafplia Palace Hotel & Villas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SEP 26
Enjoy a full-day excursion to the archaeological site of Olympia, one of the most influential ancient Greek sanctuaries, including its temples and stadium that hosted the original Olympic Games.
Nafplia Palace Hotel & Villas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
SEP 27
Today, visit the UNESCO sites of Epidaurus, experiencing the impressive acoustics of its ancient theater, as well as Mycenae. Return to Athens and join your main Luxury Expedition Cruise program.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Le Bougainville
Hotel Grande Bretagne
