Day 1: Depart the USA for Athens, Greece

 

Day 2: Athens

 

On arrival a private transfer to your elegant hotel. Relax, take a walk, have a Greek coffee in a sidewalk café; you have arrived in Athens. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel Grande Bretagne.

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Day 3: Athens/Delphi/Athens

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Drive through rugged mountain scenery along the shores of the Gulf of Corinth, arriving at the sacred religious center of Delphi. Visit the great Temple of Apollo, home of the famous oracle; the sturdy Temple of the Athenians and the extensive Ancient Theater. In the Archaeological Museum see the Charioteer of Delphi, one of the most beautiful Greek statues from the fifth century BC. Return to Athens where dinner this evening is at leisure. Hotel Grande Bretagne B L

 

Day 4: Athens/Piraeus

 

This morning a guest lecturer provides a fascinating introduction to the ancient civilization of Greece. Then depart for the stunning Acropolis, adorned with the mighty Parthenon. Continue for a visit to the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, to see its collection of stunning artifacts from Neolithic times, Greek civilization and Roman art. Then step aboard 'Seven Seas Navigator' to begin your luxury seven-night cruise. Dinner is served on board as you set sail. MS 'Seven Seas Navigator' B L D

 

Day 5: Nafplion

 

This morning depart for the nearby archaeological site of Epidaurus, to admire the magnificent fourth-century theater whose elegance, perfection of design and harmonious proportions made it the most famous in the Ancient World. Today the theater is beautifully preserved and retains the astonishing acoustics that enabled the actors to be heard without difficulty by all of the 14,000 spectators. Lunch is served on board and the afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore the charming old town of Nafplion. Located on a rocky peninsula projecting into the calm waters of the Argolic Gulf, Nafplion is a mixture of ancient Greek and Venetian influences. MS 'Seven Seas Navigator' B L D

 

Day 6: Santorini

 

Disembark and cross the island to Prophet Llias, offering panoramic vistas. As you drive through picturesque villages, enjoy dramatic views of the sea and land. Continue to Oia for a short walking tour that showcases the region's typical architecture. You have leisure time to visit artists' workshops or stop at a coffee shop overlooking the volcano. Pause for a wine tasting before driving back to the ship. MS 'Seven Seas Navigator' B L D

 

Day 7: Kusadasi, Turkey/Ephesus/Kusadasi

 

Transfer from the port to Selçuk village to visit Ephesus, the best preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean. Pass olive groves, cotton fields and apricot orchards to the town of Tire to visit its famous market place. Next, visit Camlik Village Weavers Association for a demonstration and an opportunity to taste some local wines and olive oil. Return to your ship at the pier in Kusadasi. MS 'Seven Seas Navigator' B L D

 

Day 8: Rhodes

 

Enjoy a city tour of Rhodes that takes you to the Palace of the Grandmaster, the 13th-century Church of St. Mary, the ramparts and the Archaeological Museum. The balance of the day is at leisure. MS 'Seven Seas Navigator' B L D

 

Day 9: Mykonos

 

A boat takes you to the sacred uninhabited island of Delos, housing the Temples of Apollo, second in importance only to the shrine at Delphi. See the unique marble lions that overlook the Sacred Lake (now dry). MS 'Seven Seas Navigator' B L D

 

Day 10: Istanbul, Turkey

 

Explore the St. Sophia (the Church of Divine Wisdom), one of the most extraordinary buildings in the history of architecture. Visit the Suleymaniye Mosque that symbolizes the Ottoman glory of the reign of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent. Embark on a private sunset boat ride on the Bosphorus before returning to the ship for the evening. MS 'Seven Seas Navigator' B L D

 

Day 11: Istanbul

 

Your first stop today is the sixth-century Basilica Cistern. Continue to Topkapi Palace, which was the center for the Ottoman government and court. Visit the dazzling Grand Covered Bazaar and stop for lunch in a shopkeeper's restaurant. In the late afternoon explore the Pera district, the present-day heart of Istanbul. Go atop the Galata Tower for 360-degree views of this astonishingly beautiful city. Later, gather for a farewell dinner at one of the city's fine restaurants. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus B L D

 

Day 12: Istanbul

 

Private transfer to the airport for your flight back to the USA. B

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