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Greek Odyssey
Day 1 - UK - Athens (Greece)
Fly from the UK to Athens and transfer to your Viking Ship. Spend the rest of the day exploring this magnificent city at leisure. Remain in port overnight.
Day 2 - Athens
Enjoy an included panoramic drive through Athens, passing the promenade at Mikrolimano Marina as you enter the city’s heart. There, you will see the Hellenic Parliament, Syntagma (Constitution) Square, the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Zeus and the iconic Acropolis. Included in this tour is a visit to the National Archaeological Museum. Alternatively, take the opportunity to explore the mighty Acropolis and discover the quaint streets of charming Plakka.
Day 3 - Volos
Arrive in Volos and visit the fascinating Archaeology Museum of Volos before driving onto the beautiful Mt. Pelion region on an included tour. Here you can explore picturesque villages including Makrinitsa and amazing natural beauty. Alternatively, take the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely train journey through the Mt. Pelion region which was once known as a playground for the Gods.
Day 4 - Thessaloniki
This morning, arrive in the vibrant city of Thessaloniki which boasts an exhilarating mix of ancient culture and modern life. Visit the city’s many highlights including the iconic White Tower, the imposing 5th century Church of St. Demetrios and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Alternatively, enjoy an optional excursion to the kingdom of Macedonia where you can explore the ancient capital of Pella, visit the charming town of Edessa and see the Edessios River waterfalls.
Day 5 - At Sea
Enjoy the ship's facilities on a relaxing day at sea.
Day 6 - Ephesus (Turkey)
Discover Ephesus at a gentle pace and discover the city’s highlights around the lower gate. Stroll through this once powerful metropolis and see the remarkably preserved sites as well as one of the educational institutions of the ancient world; the massive Great Theatre, built for 25,000 spectators; and the magnificent Library of Celsus.
Day 7 - Rhodes (Greece)
Enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town of Rhodes, Europe’s largest active medieval town. Stroll the atmospheric cobblestone streets and visit the 15th-century Hospital of the Knights, now an archaeology museum, as well as the the Palace of the Grand Masters. Alternatively, drive along the island’s east coast through lush vineyards and fertile olive groves on an optional excursion which takes in the magnificent Aegean beauty of Rhodes. Or perhaps, immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine as our Executive Chef leads you on an optional interactive culinary adventure.
Day 8 - Santorini
Enjoy a full day in the picture postcard island of Santorini with its whitewashed villages that cling to cliff sides and bright blue roofs. Embark a local boat and head to the island's main port of Athinios where you'll enjoy a scenic drive to the town of Oia. Optional tours include a cruise and hike, and a visit to wineries to gain an authentic view of the wine culture.
Day 9 - Crete (Souda Bay)
Arrive in Souda Bay and join a guided walking tour through vibrant Chania, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Explore charming Old Town and see Ottoman mosques, Minoan ruins and Byzantine churches. Stroll through the promenade of the picturesque Venetian Harbour, and admire the Venetian ramparts, old dockyards and 15th-century lighthouse before visiting the Archaeological Museum. Alternatively, enjoy an optional excursion to the once-grand Palace of Knossos which was the centre of the Minoan kingdom that ruled over the island of Crete from approximately 2600 to 1100 BC. Or perhaps tour a local olive oil factory and winery.
Day 10 - Nafplio
Visit Nafplio which is arguably one of Greece's prettiest towns which is overlooked by the impressive Palamidi fortress. Explore the narrow streets of the Old Town and discover the charms of its Venetian homes and Byzantine churches during a guided walk. Alternatively, take an optional excursion to Palamidi, an imposing fortress towering over the city, to view its sweeping vistas or perhaps learn about sporting events in ancient Greece and enjoy a tasting of local wine on an optional excursion to Nemea.
Day 11 - Athens - UK
Disembark the Viking ship in Athens and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
The Captain reserves the right to modify the itinerary.