Greece & Turkey by land and luxury cruise

Today, you’ll meet with your private guide and embark on a private walking tour of the Acropolis followed by a visit to the fantastic Acropolis Museum. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city further.

Athens is yours to explore until your evening departure. You might sample some of the city’s renowned coffee, which has been elevated to an art form in Greece, or try local street food like souvlaki and spanakopita. In the afternoon, make your way to your ship for boarding. After settling into your suite, you can start to get your bearings in your home for the next seven nights, perhaps enjoying an aperitif in the Pool Bar or taking in the view from the Panorama Lounge.

Your ship makes its first port of call in Nafplio this morning. This pretty port city is a beloved summer retreat for Athenians, and how you explore is entirely up to you. You could take a guided small-group tour, complete with ouzo tasting, or visit nearby Mycenae, a Bronze Age citadel that was home to the first distinctly Greek culture. After exploring, dine in one of the ship’s eight eateries — all your meals and most of your drinks are included.

Arriving in Syros, you may find that it’s similar to better-known islands like Mykonos and Santorini — think blinding-white beaches, blue-green coves, and medieval villages. The capital, Ermoupoli, has Venetian mansions and cobbled streets that make it a pleasant place to wander around, either on your own or with a small-group tour. Alternatively, escape the city on a guided tour of the island’s small rural villages, including a visit to the only Orthodox monastery on the island.

You arrive on the eastern side of Crete at Aghios Nikolaos, where pastel houses stand on the shores of the bay and Lake Voulismeni. You can take a guided tour to explore the countryside and mountains of Crete, taking in sweeping views of valleys across the Lassithi Plateau. You might also take part in a visit to a 150-year-old farm to explore the role of olives in Mediterranean cuisine, including a guided tasting.

Today, you’ll call in at Rhodes, known for its ancient and medieval history as well as its sun-soaked beaches. If you'd like to take a break from the ruins, you might spend your day relaxing on the golden sands of Tsambika Beach — your ship can get you there and back. Or, opt for a step-free tour of the city’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its well-preserved medieval core.

The port city of Kuşadası welcomes you to Turkey. It sits just a short drive from the remarkably well-preserved city of Ephesus, one of the greatest metropolises of the ancient world. The sprawling archaeological site is a rewarding stop, and you choose to join an in-depth guided exploration on foot or a more relaxed option designed to give those with limited mobility a taste of the ruins. Afterwards, unwind in the Observation Library, taking in the views from panoramic windows.

With turquoise seas, sugar-cube churches topped with ultramarine domes, and exceptional beaches, Mykonos has earned its reputation as one of the most attractive Greek islands. After arriving this morning, you can explore the island’s many sweeping sea views from the comfort of a van or a guided walking tour through the narrow, white-washed streets, which were deliberately designed in a confusing tangle to thwart pirates. You might also like to enjoy a guided food tour, tasting the island’s culinary offerings.

After you disembark, you will be met by your private vehicle and driven to your Athens hotel, where you are free to enjoy your final evening in Greece.

You’ll meet your driver this morning for a transfer to the airport and your flight home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.