Aegean Explorer

• Day 1 Athens

  Fly from the UK and arrive in Athens, transfer to your ship. This evening, get to know your Cruise Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception.

• Day 2 Milos

  Known for its most celebrated export, the iconic Venus de Milo, volcanic Milos arches around a central caldera and is ringed with dramatic coastal landscapes of colourful and surreal rock formations. Disembark your ship and enjoy a tour of the island which includes Plaka, the island’s capital, the beach of Sarakiniko and the small fishing village of Pollonia. With the afternoon at leisure, you may wish to relax at one of the island’s most picturesque beaches, Paleochori. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a Gala Welcome Dinner.

• Day 3 Delos

  This morning, discover beautiful Delos, one of the most important historic sites in Greece. Explore the ancient location at your leisure before setting sail to the sun-drenched isle of Mykonos. Perhaps join an optional walking tour through the main town of Chora. Stroll through the maze of tiny lanes, take in the whitewashed buildings with iconic blue shutters and see the majestic, blue-domed churches. Admire the old port and famous windmills so often featured on postcards. Your ship will stay docked in port until late evening, so you may wish to disembark and enjoy dinner at your leisure at a local restaurant.

• Day 4 Pátmos

  Today visit Patmos and discover the tiny island’s rich history. First settled in 1088, the island was deserted for centuries because of constant raids by pirates and the Turks. It is now a quiet respite from other more popular Greek Isles. Enjoy time at leisure in town and delight in panoramic views over the Bay of Patmos and the stretch of islands in the archipelago beyond. Perhaps choose to join one of the optional sightseeing tours on offer.

• Day 5 Kusadasi

  This morning you will dock in Kusadasi, located on Turkiye’s Anatolian coast. From here explore the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities of the Eastern Mediterranean. Step back in time as you immerse yourself in ancient Roman life and imagine the city’s former splendour. Broad streets are lined with impressive buildings, including the library of Celsus, which was built in memory of Celsus Polemeanus, a Roman senator and reportedly a great book lover.

• Day 6 Mytilene, Lesbos

  Spend a day at leisure in charming Mytilene, the capital of Lesbos. Perhaps join an optional guided tour and admire once-grand 19th-century mansions, jumbled ancient streets and the imposing Byzantine castle. Built on top of a pine-clad hill, it is one of the largest castles in the Mediterranean, with magnificent views from the top overlooking the town and the Aegean Sea.

• Day 7 Çanakkale

  Arrive in Canakkale this morning and travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula to experience the Anzac legend first hand. Witness an array of trenches and memorials that remain as a tribute to those who have lost their lives in the First World War. Take a memorable visit to Anzac Cove, the Australian Memorial at Lone Pine and the New Zealand Memorial at Chunuk Bair. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

• Day 8 Istanbul

  After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Aegean Explorer Itinerary