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9 Night Classical Greece To Antiquity and Beyond and Land Tour

From Athens (Port of Piraeus) to Athens (Port of Piraeus)
  • Douglas Mawson
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Douglas Mawson

Aurora Expeditions
4 Stars
  • Cruise #: 13951268
  • Departs: Mon, Sep 7, 2026
  • Returns: Wed, Sep 16, 2026
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    Rates

    Includes

    Other Dates

    Oceanview $9,116
    Balcony $9,916
    Suite $15,836
    *Prices are per person based on double occupancy
    Includes taxes & fees
    Tap the "Send Quote" button to get a quote include unadvertised prices including Senior, Military and Resident promotions.
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    Itinerary Summary

    Day by Day Details

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Monday - Sep 7, 2026
    Day
    1
    Athens (Port of Piraeus), Greece
    • Athens (Port of Piraeus), Greece
    Welcome to Athens. On arrival at Athens Airport make your way to the Arrivals Hall to meet Aurora Expeditions representative, followed by a transfer to your group hotel. At the hotel, visit the hospitality desk in the lobby to meet the team who will provide you with useful information regarding pre-embarkation procedures and about your time in Athens. You will also receive cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and your cabin number on the ship. This evening offers time to relax in preparation for tomorrow. Accommodation: Athens Hotel ...
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    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Tuesday - Sep 8, 2026
    Day
    2
    Athens (Port of Piraeus), Greece
    • Athens (Port of Piraeus), Greece
    After breakfast, enjoy a morning 'Your Choice' experience. Walk in Socrates' footsteps, explore the ancient wonders of the Acropolis, or immerse yourself in Athens' vibrant food scene with a local guide. You can then rejoin the motorcoach to return to your hotel or take a leisurely stroll to the nearby Plaka district. This charming area is filled with streets and alleys lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops-ideal for a bite to eat or picking up gifts (lunch at your own expense). Tonight, we kick off our journey with a Welcome Event, celebrating Greek style. With a rich recorded history spanning 3,500 years, Athens is a city brimming with stories. Widely hailed as the 'cradle of civilization' and revered as the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and theater, Athens seamlessly merges its illustrious past with its vibrant present. This bustling metropolis, home to three million inhabitants, is adorned with a wealth of ancient sites that punctuate its landscape like temples, iconic columns, and former city centers. Athens' influence in antiquity transcended its borders, ushering in a Golden Age characterized by political discussion, education, and philosophy, hosting luminaries such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. The democratic principles forged in Athens laid the groundwork for modern governance systems worldwide. Yet, Athens is more than just a relic of ancient history. As a historical seat of power, it has weathered waves of invasions, shaping its contemporary identity with a diverse fusion of architectural styles, culinary delights, and cultural traditions. Whether you are wandering amid ancient ruins or indulging in the flavors of modern Greek cuisine, Athens offers a captivating journey through the ages, beckoning travelers from across the globe to explore its timeless allure. ...
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    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Wednesday - Sep 9, 2026
    Day
    3
    Athens (Port of Piraeus), Greece
    • Athens (Port of Piraeus), Greece
    • Bus Travel

    Cruise Segment of Itinerary

    Day 3 - Wednesday - Sep 9, 2026
    Day
    3
    Cruise Begins
    • Cruise Begins
    • Athens (Port of Piraeus), Greece
    Enjoy a leisurely morning in Athens. Revisit your favorite sites, explore the city's markets and shops, or discover hidden treasures on an independent exploration. Athens' extensive metro network makes it easy to navigate the city, while the warm Greek hospitality ensures you are never far from helpful advice on how to make the most of your time. Mid-afternoon, we transfer from our hotel to the port of Piraeus to board the Douglas Mawson and sail towards the famed island of Mykonos. This evening, we enjoy a 'Welcome Aboard' dinner where we meet our crew and Aurora Expeditions team. ...
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    Thursday - Sep 10, 2026
    Day
    4
    Cruising the Corinth Canal, Greece
    • Cruising the Corinth Canal, Greece
    • Itea, Greece
    • Bus Travel
    • Delphi, Greece
    • Bus Travel
    • Itea, Greece
    Sailing the Corinth Canal is a unique experience. This narrow waterway connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea, cutting through the Isthmus of Corinth and saving vessels a significant 700-kilometer journey around the Peloponnese peninsula. Stretching 6.4 kilometers and only 21 meters wide at its base, the Corinth Canal is one of the narrowest lock-free canals in the world. Its towering limestone walls, reaching heights of up to 78 meters, create a dramatic passage for vessels, which almost touch its sides as they sail its path. The concept of cutting a canal through the isthmus dates to ancient times, with plans proposed by Periander of Corinth in the 7th century BCE. Construction finally began under Roman Emperor Nero, only to halt upon his death. It was not until 1893 the canal was finally completed. Its construction was a monumental effort, involving the excavation of millions of cubic meters of earth and rock, all dug at sea level. It stands as a remarkable achievement in engineering and continues to be a key route for maritime traffic, enhancing Greece's role as a central hub in the Mediterranean. Exiting the canal, we sail the Gulf of Corinth to Itea where our afternoon offers a glimpse into the life of the early Greeks, with a visit to the former city of Delphi. Our local guides tell tales of pilgrimage, sacrifice, and early faiths as we take a literal step into the world of ancient Greece. Revered throughout antiquity as a sacred site where pilgrims could glimpse the future, the Oracle of Delphi cast cryptic prophecies for over a millennium. Dubbed the 'navel of the world' for its pivotal position in the Greek realm, Delphi drew pilgrims from all sectors of society, shaping critical decisions, from civic politics to personal destinies. Perched dramatically on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, the Oracle was esteemed as a direct conduit to the divine realm of Apollo - the sun god. Revered for his beauty and creative prowess, Apollo symbolized order and harmony. As a result, Delphi became integral to Greek identity, reflecting its religious, cultural, and political life. It was a unifying site where people from various city-states gathered, fostering a sense of shared Hellenic heritage. Our journey leads us to the very site of the Oracle, alongside the opulent Treasury of the Athenians - a testament to offerings made. We pause at the ancient theater, host to the prestigious Pythian Games, and the Castalian Spring, where pilgrims purified themselves before seeking counsel. Today, Delphi stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its influence enduring through the annals of literature, history, and art. It remains a profound emblem of ancient wisdom and cultural legacy, cherished by Greece as a bridge to its storied past. ...
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    Friday - Sep 11, 2026
    Day
    5
    Zakynthos, Greece
    • Zakynthos, Greece
    The tale of Zakynthos unfolds from antiquity, with traces of human habitation dating back to the Neolithic Period. Across the ages, Zakynthos has been molded by various civilizations, including the ancient Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and British, each leaving an indelible imprint on the island's heritage and architecture. Among the island's most iconic landmarks is Navagio Beach, nestled amid towering limestone cliffs and famed for the shipwreck that graces its shores. This secluded cove epitomizes Zakynthos's rugged coastline, where hidden caves, rocky coves, and inviting waters beckon exploration. Zakynthos's capital city, bearing the same name, showcases elegant Venetian architecture, inviting squares and a vibrant waterfront promenade. Visitors can meander along narrow cobblestone streets, admiring historical edifices adorned with vibrant bougainvillea, and savor traditional Greek delicacies at local tavernas. ...
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    Saturday - Sep 12, 2026
    Day
    6
    Katakolon (Olympia), Greece
    • Katakolon (Olympia), Greece
    Today, the 'Your Choice' experiences are truly Olympic in scope, offering you two classic Greek treats. A brief ten-minute walk from our berth, finds a variety of shops and restaurants to explore. Just a short distance away, the popular pebbled Plakes Beach awaits, and the sandy stretch of Agios Andreas Beach is a mere five-minute taxi ride. Steeped in maritime history, the picturesque port town of Katakolon remains the gateway to the ancient site of Olympia, and our port for today. One of the most important sanctuaries in ancient Greece, Olympia was dedicated to Zeus, the king of the gods. Every four years, athletes from across the Greek world gathered here to compete in various sports, honoring Zeus and fostering unity among the city states. The busy port town of Katakolon itself is a hub of activity, with its quaint streets lined with shops and cafes, while the Katakolon Lighthouse and the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology offer insights into the region's rich history. ...
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    Sunday - Sep 13, 2026
    Day
    7
    Kalamata, Greece
    • Kalamata, Greece
    Renowned for its famous olives, Kalamata is the capital of the Messenia region. Having withstood the influences of various civilizations-including the Byzantines, Franks, Venetians, and Ottomans-Kalamata invites us to explore a slice of classic Greece on the Peloponnese Peninsula. Today, it serves as our gateway to a coastline dotted with medieval castles and provides an opportunity to savor the local olives. Sampling the renowned black Kalamata olives and picking up a bottle of extra virgin olive oil from a local producer is highly recommended. Many of these producers are small-scale and family-run, offering a genuine experience. This vibrant harbor city is dominated by a rocky outcrop, which now hosts the Frankish-built 13th-century Castle of Isabeau. The castle offers dramatic panoramic views across the Messenian Gulf. At its base, the Palia Poli, or Old City, provides an eclectic open-air venue for theater, music, and dance shows. The city's charm lies in its blend of historical allure and contemporary vibe. It continues to thrive as a center of agriculture, with its famed almond-shaped olives exported worldwide and locally produced olive oil coveted as a symbol of Greek culinary expertise. ...
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    Monday - Sep 14, 2026
    Day
    8
    Gythion, Greece
    • Gythion, Greece
    Gytheio enchants visitors with its coastal charm and fascinating traditions. Surrounded by nearby historical sites, including the scant ruins of the infamous Sparta, Gytheio is steeped in myth and said to be the birthplace of the sea god Poseidon. As a small ship we dock at the quay, gifting us direct access to Gytheio's waterfront. The town's charm is evident in its mix of neoclassical buildings, traditional stone houses, and Byzantine churches. The Tzanetakis Tower, a notable feature of Gytheio's skyline, offers views over the harbor and hints at the town's medieval history. Gytheio's harbor is lively, with colorful fishing boats bobbing in the clear waters and waterfront tavernas serving fresh seafood and Greek dishes. Along the promenade, you'll find cafes and shops, while the old town's winding streets reveal quaint courtyards and pleasant squares. Gytheio provides a genuine taste of the Peloponnese, perfect for those seeking an authentic Greek experience. ...
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    Tuesday - Sep 15, 2026
    Day
    9
    Nafplion, Greece
    • Nafplion, Greece
    Sitting on the northeastern coast of the Peloponnese peninsula, this historical town overlooks the Argolic Gulf, framed by surrounding mountains. Serving as the first capital of independent Greece, between 1833 and 1834, Nafplio boasts a wealth of historical landmarks that bear witness to its illustrious past. Serving as the gateway to major UNESCO World Heritage Sites Epidaurus and Mycenae, Nafplio offers visitors a memorable day out. ...
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    Wednesday - Sep 16, 2026
    Day
    10
    Athens (Port of Piraeus), Greece
    • Athens (Port of Piraeus), Greece
    • Cruise Ends

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Day 10 - Wednesday - Sep 16, 2026
    Day
    10
    • Bus Travel
    • Athens (Port of Piraeus), Greece
    After breakfast, disembark the ship and say farewell to your fellow passengers before being transferred to the airport for your onward journey. Consider scheduling your departure for after 1 pm today to ensure you have sufficient time to catch your flight.
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