NEW! Iberia & Mediterranean Antiquities

See the highlights of Athens by motor coach and visit the National Archaeological Museum. From the port of Piraeus, journey with your guide into ancient Athens. You will pass the small harbor of Zea, whose 5th-century BC dock still survives, and the elegant promenade at Mikrolimano. In the center of historic Athens, you will see the Hellenic Parliament and Syntagma (Constitution) Square, as well as the distinctively uniformed Presidential Guard, or “Evzones,” at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Your scenic drive also includes views of Panathenaic Stadium and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Following the panoramic tour, you will visit the National Archaeological Museum, one of the world’s great museums. Its vast array of exhibits provides a panorama of Greek civilization from the beginnings of prehistory to Late Antiquity.

Immerse yourself in ancient and modern Athens, from the heights of the Acropolis to the intimate Plaka District. Travel with your guide past the harbor of Zea, with its dock dating to the 5th century BC, and the elegant promenade at Mikrolimano. During your visit to the legendary Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, climb 80 steps through its grand entrance, the Propylaeum, to the plateau of the rock. Here, the mighty Parthenon reigns over the Nike, Erechtheum and other temples. You will have time to take it all in. Your panoramic drive also passes the ancient athletic Panathenaic Stadium as well as the Hellenic Parliament, Syntagma (Constitution) Square, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Stroll the cobblestone streets of the laid-back Plaka District, admiring the colorful facades of its buildings and views of the Acropolis.

Visit Mt. Parnassus and Delphi, where ancient leaders sought advice and prophecies changed the course of nations. The mythical oracle is gone, but the city is a magnificent treasure. Drive with your guide to the foothills of Mt. Parnassus, where the ancient city clings to a scenic slope. Walk up the Sacred Way to the Temple of Apollo, where the oracle dispensed her advice. Continue uphill to the Theater, dating from the 4th century BC; from the top-row seats, take in stunning views of the Stadium of Delphi and the partially restored Tholos within the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia. You may also hike up to the ancient stadium, the best preserved of its kind in Greece. Visit the excellent Delphi Archaeological Museum to view fine examples of votive offerings and statues, including the astonishing life-sized “Charioteer of Delphi.” Enjoy lunch and free time in Delphi before returning to your ship.

Take in the stunning natural beauty of Greece’s coast and explore the fascinating remains of ancient cities. Join your local guide for a drive along the magnificent Attic Peninsula. Along the way, stop for photos at the remarkable Corinth Canal, a 3½-mile waterway carved through limestone during the 19th century. Upon arrival in the modern village of Mycenae, you will gaze upon the ancient citadel above, perched on a spur of Mt. Zara. Walk up the gentle stone ramp, pass through the fantastic Lion Gate and explore this amazing site. Here, you will see the grave circle where the golden mask of Agamemnon was found, the postern gate, the foundations of Agamemnon’s palace, the entrance to the underground cistern and the Tomb of Agamemnon. Among the remains of Epidaurus, marvel at the incredible acoustics of the theater and visit the excellent on-site museum. Another scenic drive leads back to your ship.

Gain an in-depth view of Athens, from the shores of Piraeus to the Acropolis Museum, with a local guide. En route to the city, you can admire Piraeus’s scenic Zea and Mikrolimano marinas, where sleek yachts bob on the tide. At Athens’s Olympic Stadium, a 19th-century reconstruction built on Roman foundations, imagine the games played here in 1896. Pass some of the city’s most important modern sites, including Syntagma (Constitution) Square and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Continue your tour to the Acropolis Museum, where more than 4,000 objects from the ancient city are preserved and where you will see a stunning collection spanning the ages. From the second floor of the museum, see the Acropolis on the hilltop in the distance. Enjoy the village-like feel of the laid-back Plaka District as you walk along its cobblestone streets and admire more views of the Acropolis.

Encounter ancient architecture and legends of the Acropolis during a visit to the magnificent site and its museum. Drive with your guide past the ancient harbor of Zea, its dock dating to the 5th century BC, and the elegant promenade at Mikrolimano. Upon arrival at the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, climb 80 steps through the Propylaeum, the grand entrance that delivers you to the plateau of the rock. Here, the mighty Parthenon reigns over the Nike, Erechtheum and other temples. After time to explore, continue to the new Acropolis Museum, where more than 4,000 objects from the ancient city are preserved. Built atop Roman and Byzantine ruins, its stunning collection spans the ages, from the Greek Bronze Age through Byzantine Greece. You will have time to explore its priceless artifacts, then return to your ship.

Pedal past the highlights of ancient Athens on an electric bike. Begin your journey with a short drive into the city center, where you will meet your guide and receive your e-bike. After a short safety briefing and time to familiarize yourself with your ride, head out along the wide promenade that rings the storied Acropolis. Your route will give you the opportunity to do some sightseeing as you ride. Immerse yourself in the beauty of your surroundings as you pass by iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis Museum, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Thision Open Air Cinema, the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Gate and the Lysicrates Monument. After your journey, enjoy a well-deserved rest and a refreshing beverage before returning to your awaiting ship.

Discover one of the most powerful cities of antiquity during a visit to ancient Corinth. Board your motor coach and embark on a one-and-a-half-hour drive to the old city. Vestiges of its importance can be seen in the many archaeological sites that dot its historic streets. Accompanied by your guide, set out on foot to discover iconic landmarks such as the monolithic Doric columns of the Temple of Apollo—dating back to 540 BC, they are among the earliest examples of monumental stone architecture in Greece. After, return to your coach for a short drive to the famous Corinth Canal; plans to build a canal through the Isthmus of Corinth predate the Romans, but the 4-mile long waterway carved through steep limestone was not completed until the late 19th century. After a short stop for photos, you will continue back to your awaiting ship.

Immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine as our Executive Chef leads you on an interactive culinary adventure. Journey by mini-coach to the local market to handpick ingredients under the guidance of our Chef. Later this evening, you will dine on regional dishes prepared by our experienced culinary team, using produce from the market. As you and your fellow guests enjoy this delicious creation at The Kitchen Table, you will also observe the art of plating with each dish. From fresh market fare to cooking techniques and elegant presentation, experience firsthand how your ship’s world-class culinary staff brings distinct, local flavors from the market to your taste buds. It is an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind opportunity to shop, interact and dine with the masters.

Discover the birthplace of Western civilization during visits to iconic sites—the Acropolis and Temple of Poseidon. Journey with your guide past the marinas of Zea and Mikrolimano to Athens. Admire the sights of the city as you drive through, including the Temple of Zeus and the Old Marble statue, before you reach a rocky outcrop. Perched atop is the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. Climb 80 steps with your guide through its grand entrance to the plateau. Here, the mighty Parthenon reigns over the other temples and sanctuaries. Explore with your guide as they reveal the secrets of this ancient citadel. Descend and enjoy a delicious lunch of Greek classics before continuing to Cape Sounion. Visit the Temple of Poseidon and view the dramatic cliffs it overlooks while you discover its history with your guide.

Delight in some of Greece’s classic dishes during a stroll through Athens. Travel by motor coach through the scenic port city of Piraeus. Upon arrival in Athens, you will begin your tasting journey to sample some of the country’s delicacies. Accompanied by your guide, you will start in the grand Syntagma Square and wander through the storied streets of Athens to taste Greek staples, focusing on the region’s most delectable sweets, including pastries and honey dumplings. Listen as your guide illuminates the rich history of Greece’s unique culinary heritage and Mediterranean cuisine’s long-standing status as a model of healthy living. Once you have whet your appetite, head to Monastiraki, where you will enjoy lunch at a traditional souvlaki restaurant. Savor some of Greece’s most iconic foods paired with local wine, then return to your ship.

Discover the secrets of Mediterranean cooking as a chef leads you on a culinary adventure. Enjoy a scenic drive into the heart of Athens before arriving at a local vegetable market. Here, you will meet your culinary expert who will lead you through the stalls filled with colorful offerings enroute to the kitchen studio. Under careful instruction, you will prepare several traditional and delectable Greek dishes and learn tips and techniques to adjust them so they can be prepared and enjoyed in the comfort of your own home. Afterward, sit to enjoy the fruits of your labor and savor your menu that features some of the region's highlights, including dips, pies, and classic mains, served with pita and of course, dessert. With your appetite sated, return to your motor coach and drive back to your awaiting ship.

Settle in for an evening of culture as you enjoy a traditional dance performance paired with a classic Greek dinner. This evening, depart your ship by motor coach for a celebration of Greek heritage. After a scenic drive, take your seat in the main hall for a dinner of Greek cuisine and local wine, accompanied by a performance of Sirtaki, or the “Zorba dance.” First performed in the 1964 film Zorba the Greek, it combines elements of traditional Greek dances, including the slow and fast versions of hasapiko, and has become an enduring tradition at festivals and weddings. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere and watch as the dance begins with slow, measured steps before transitioning to fast movements characterized by hops, kicks and complex footwork. Take to the dance floor to follow in the dancers’ footsteps or simply sit back and clap along to the rhythm. After, return to your ship.

Discover Grecian culture during a visit to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion and a sampling of local wines. Board your motor coach and set out along the Attic Peninsula toward Cape Sounion. Crowned by the 5th-century Temple of Poseidon, this promontory overlooking the Aegean Sea is famed for its mythological significance. Legend says it was here that King Aegeus leapt into the sea, believing his son Theseus had died in Crete. Fifteen of the temple’s original Doric columns still rise against the horizon, bearing witness to centuries of travelers—including Lord Byron, whose name is etched in its marble. After time to explore, transfer to the Strofilia Estate, one of the region’s oldest wineries. Discover Greece’s rich winemaking traditions as you sample three distinctive varietals, paired with local delicacies such as handmade cheese and spinach pies, before returning to your ship.