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17th17 | NovNov | 202424 | Piraeus, Greece, embark on the Silver Dawn | 19:00 | |||
It's no wonder that all roads lead to the fascinating and maddening metropolis of Athens. Lift your eyes 200 feet above the city to the Parthenon, its honey-color marble columns rising from a massive limestone base, and you behold architectural perfection that has not been surpassed in 2,500 years. But, today, this shrine of classical form dominates a 21st-century boomtown. To experience Athens—Athína in Greek—fully is to understand the essence of Greece: ancient monuments surviving in a sea of cement, startling beauty amid the squalor, tradition juxtaposed with modernity. Locals depend on humor and flexibility to deal with the chaos; you should do the same. The rewards are immense. Although Athens covers a huge area, the major landmarks of the ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods are close to the modern city center. You can easily walk from the Acropolis to many other key sites, taking time to browse in shops and relax in cafés and tavernas along the way. From many quarters of the city you can glimpse "the glory that was Greece" in the form of the Acropolis looming above the horizon, but only by actually climbing that rocky precipice can you feel the impact of the ancient settlement. The Acropolis and Filopappou, two craggy hills sitting side by side; the ancient Agora (marketplace); and Kerameikos, the first cemetery, form the core of ancient and Roman Athens. Along the Unification of Archaeological Sites promenade, you can follow stone-paved, tree-lined walkways from site to site, undisturbed by traffic. Cars have also been banned or reduced in other streets in the historical center. In the National Archaeological Museum, vast numbers of artifacts illustrate the many millennia of Greek civilization; smaller museums such as the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art Museum and the Byzantine and Christian Museum illuminate the history of particular regions or periods. Athens may seem like one huge city, but it is really a conglomeration of neighborhoods with distinctive characters. The Eastern influences that prevailed during the 400-year rule of the Ottoman Empire are still evident in Monastiraki, the bazaar area near the foot of the Acropolis. On the northern slope of the Acropolis, stroll through Plaka (if possible by moonlight), an area of tranquil streets lined with renovated mansions, to get the flavor of the 19th-century's gracious lifestyle. The narrow lanes of Anafiotika, a section of Plaka, thread past tiny churches and small, color-washed houses with wooden upper stories, recalling a Cycladic island village. In this maze of winding streets, vestiges of the older city are everywhere: crumbling stairways lined with festive tavernas; dank cellars filled with wine vats; occasionally a court or diminutive garden, enclosed within high walls and filled with magnolia trees and the flaming trumpet-shaped flowers of hibiscus bushes. Formerly run-down old quarters, such as Thission, Gazi and Psirri, popular nightlife areas filled with bars and mezedopoleia (similar to tapas bars), are now in the process of gentrification, although they still retain much of their original charm, as does the colorful produce and meat market on Athinas. The area around Syntagma Square, the tourist hub, and Omonia Square, the commercial heart of the city about 1 km (½ mi) northwest, is distinctly European, having been designed by the court architects of King Otho, a Bavarian, in the 19th century. The chic shops and bistros of ritzy Kolonaki nestle at the foot of Mt. Lycabettus, Athens's highest hill (909 feet). Each of Athens's outlying suburbs has a distinctive character: in the north is wealthy, tree-lined Kifissia, once a summer resort for aristocratic Athenians, and in the south and southeast lie Glyfada, Voula, and Vouliagmeni, with their sandy beaches, seaside bars, and lively summer nightlife. Just beyond the city's southern fringes is Piraeus, a bustling port city of waterside fish tavernas and Saronic Gulf views. A city of legend, civilisation and enduring culture, Athens is a majestic and magical urban sprawl. Extraordinary elegance and grace combine with grit and graft in Greece's capital, where highways encase ruins from antiquity, and gleaming museums and galleries stand beside concrete sprayed with edgy street art. These contrasts enhance and elevate the wonders of this 2,500-year-old city, however, which can count notable contributions to philosophy, drama and democracy, among its global legacy. Piraeus' giant port and naval base welcome you to the edge of the Athens' urban area. From there it's a simple jaunt to the centre. The majestic ancient citadel of the Acropolis dominates an elevated platform and is a constant presence as you explore the city. The wonderful remains of the columned temple of the Parthenon - which date back to the 5th century BC - stand here, representing the pinnacle of classical architecture. The nearby Acropolis Museum adds context to your visit and frames the broad views from its giant glass windows. Or rise up Mount Lycabettus, to be rewarded with perhaps Athens' best panorama of the Acropolis sitting high over the city on its grand stage. See the marble horseshoe of the Old Olympic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896, for more of the city's enduring legacy. Elsewhere, golden beaches and temples stretch out along the coastline, should you wish to explore a little further afield. Coffee is an art form to the Greeks, and it's an unwritten rule that coffee time must never be rushed. So prepare to settle down for a couple of hours and lose yourself in a good chat. Feeling hungry - try traditional souvlaki made with sauces handed from generation to generation. | |||||||
18th18 | NovNov | 202424 | Soúda, Crete, Greece | 08:00 | 19:00 | ||
Enter Souda Bay to land on Greece’s largest island and explore the sun-soaked charms of this fascinating land of legends landscapes and luxuries. Packed with beautiful beaches and rich maritime history Souda Bay’s huge natural harbour is a spectacular entrance opening up the treasures of Crete’s many well-stocked museums rich archaeological sites and charming Venetian fishing towns. The massive natural harbour of Souda Bay also makes the site an interesting spot for military history - with a huge NATO base here as well as the Souda Bay War Cemetery which honours Allied soldiers of World War II. Soak up some Mediterranean sunshine by heading straight to one of the luxurious white sand beaches - where you can recline to a soundtrack of fizzing waves and dine with sparkling sea views stretching out before you. Explore olive groves producing golden oil and savour the deep fruity flavours. The island's renowned wineries also invite you to sample lovingly-crafted Vilana grape wines. Rethymnon’s old town and star-shaped seafront fortress are impressive sites to explore or you can head to Akrotiri to discover the Arkadi Monastery's role in the Cretan resistance - and visit the site where the Greek flag was hoisted high into the sky by rebels in 1897. Crete retains its independent spirit but has gathered countless influences over its history. The island’s most beautiful Venetian port - Chania - is close by and its picturesque old town and collage of historical influences are a highlight of any trip. | |||||||
19th19 | NovNov | 202424 | Mykonos, Greece | 08:00 | 18:00 | ||
Although the fishing boats still go out in good weather, Mykonos largely makes its living from tourism these days. The summer crowds have turned one of the poorest islands in Greece into one of the richest. Old Mykonians complain that their young, who have inherited stores where their grandfathers once sold eggs or wine, get so much rent that they have lost ambition, and in summer sit around pool bars at night with their friends, and hang out in Athens in winter when island life is less scintillating. Put firmly on the map by Jackie O in the 1960s, Mykonos town—called Hora by the locals—remains the Saint-Tropez of the Greek islands. The scenery is memorable, with its whitewashed streets, Little Venice, the Kato Myli ridge of windmills, and Kastro, the town's medieval quarter. Its cubical two- or three-story houses and churches, with their red or blue doors and domes and wooden balconies, have been long celebrated as some of the best examples of classic Cycladic architecture. Luckily, the Greek Archaeological Service decided to preserve the town, even when the Mykonians would have preferred to rebuild, and so the Old Town has been impressively preserved. Pink oleander, scarlet hibiscus, and trailing green pepper trees form a contrast amid the dazzling whiteness, whose frequent renewal with whitewash is required by law. Any visitor who has the pleasure of getting lost in its narrow streets (made all the narrower by the many outdoor stone staircases, which maximize housing space in the crowded village) will appreciate how its confusing layout was designed to foil pirates—if it was designed at all. After Mykonos fell under Turkish rule in 1537, the Ottomans allowed the islanders to arm their vessels against pirates, which had a contradictory effect: many of them found that raiding other islands was more profitable than tilling arid land. At the height of Aegean piracy, Mykonos was the principal headquarters of the corsair fleets—the place where pirates met their fellows, found willing women, and filled out their crews. Eventually the illicit activity evolved into a legitimate and thriving trade network. Morning on Mykonos town's main quay is busy with deliveries, visitors for the Delos boats, lazy breakfasters, and street cleaners dealing with the previous night's mess. In late morning the cruise-boat people arrive, and the shops are all open. In early afternoon, shaded outdoor tavernas are full of diners eating salads (Mykonos's produce is mostly imported); music is absent or kept low. In mid- and late afternoon, the town feels sleepy, since so many people are at the beach, on excursions, or sleeping in their air-conditioned rooms; even some tourist shops close for siesta. By sunset, people have come back from the beach, having taken their showers and rested. At night, the atmosphere in Mykonos ramps up. The cruise-boat people are mostly gone, coughing three-wheelers make no deliveries in the narrow streets, and everyone is dressed sexy for summer and starting to shimmy with the scene. Many shops stay open past midnight, the restaurants fill up, and the bars and discos make ice cubes as fast as they can. Ready to dive in? Begin your tour of Mykonos town (Hora) by starting out at its heart: Mando Mavrogenous Square. Indulge in idyllic island life as you take your fill of superb foods and wines and soak in endless views of sweeping turquoise seascapes and pretty whitewash buildings. Known for its lively nightlife and rejuvenating care-free outlook Mykonos is a dazzlingly beautiful island escape. The secret is well and truly out but nonetheless Mykonos has managed to retain the enduring exclusive allure that first drew celebrities like Brigitte Bardot to its star-studded shores. True to its roots Mykonos is a rich land of culture tradition and swirling legend and the island is said to be built on the frozen bodies of giants slain by Hercules and to have been the legendary battleground between Zeus and the Titans. Head out onto the crystalline waters to seek out serene islands hit perfect beaches or venture into the labyrinth of Mykonos Town. White facades red roofs and cobalt blue shutters add to this lively town’s appeal. Explore narrow streets housing studios – where artisans piece together mosaics - and plenty of restaurants and bars offer sanctuary. Head to Little Venice for a waterfront view of one of the island’s famed sunsets and to enjoy an aperitif of the favourite aniseed liqueur ouzo. Boasting numerous attractive sandy coves a wealth of top-notch restaurants and rich cultural appeal it’s little wonder that Mykonos is one of the most popular Greek Islands. Discover this jaw-droppingly scenic island paradise watched over by its iconic huddles of picturesque windmills. | |||||||
20th20 | NovNov | 202424 | Kusadasi, Turkey | 08:00 | 23:00 | ||
Whilst the busy resort town of Kusadasi offers much in the way of shopping and dining – not to mention a flourishing beach life scene, the real jewel here is Ephesus and the stunning ruined city that really take centre stage. With only 20% of the classical ruins having been excavated, this archaeological wonder has already gained the status as Europe’s most complete classical metropolis. And a metropolis it really is; built in the 10th century BC this UNESCO World Heritage site is nothing short of spectacular. Although regrettably very little remains of the Temple of Artemis (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world), the superb Library of Celsus’ façade is practically intact and it is one of life’s great joys to attend an evening performance in the illuminated ruins once all the tourists have left. The history of the city is fascinating and multi-layered and it is well worth reading up on this beforehand if a visit is planned. Another point of interest for historians would be the house of the Virgin Mary, located on the romantically named Mount Nightingale and just nine kilometres away from Ephesus proper. Legend has it that Mary (along with St. John) spent her final years here, secluded from the rest of the population, spreading Christianity. An edifying experience, even for non-believers. For the less historical minded amongst you, Kusadasi offers plenty in the way of activities. After a stroll through the town, jump in a taxi to Ladies’ Beach (men are allowed), sample a Turkish kebap on one of the many beachfront restaurants and enjoy the clement weather. If you do want to venture further afield, then the crystal clear beaches of Guzelcamli (or the Millipark), the cave of Zeus and the white scalloped natural pools at Pamukkale, known as Cleopatra’s pools, are definitely worth a visit. Explore the towering columns and storied remains of Ephesus - one of the most spectacular cities left by the Ancient Greeks. Kusadasi welcomes you to the Turkish coastline and is your base for exploring these majestic remains which sit just 10 miles inland from the port. The Ephesus UNESCO World Heritage Site is a true archaeological gold mine and an amazingly well-preserved site - once home to 150 000 people. The grand Temple of Artemis rose up majestically here and was recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World before its untimely destruction. The grand city was a fitting location for such a wonder and with a mere 20% estimated to have been uncovered the scale and majesty of Ephesus is hard to fully comprehend as you walk its ancient streets. Visit the precious Library of Celsus - a gorgeous double-layered façade of columns and artistry - and enjoy the city's gently illuminated atmospheric venues - which still host stirring evening concerts. Ephesus's museum adds context to the 25 000 treasures that are exhibited within. After a long hot day exploring recharge with a perfectly-charred and seasoned kebab or vegetable and rice stuffed grape leaves like dolma. In Kusadasi itself you can discover a lively seaside city with a buzzing Aegean beach scene and a glut of restaurants and cafes to kick back in. | |||||||
21st21 | NovNov | 202424 | Rhodes, Greece | 08:00 | 19:00 | ||
Early travelers described Rhodes as a town of two parts: a castle or high town (Collachium) and a lower city. Today Rhodes town—sometimes referred to as Ródos town—is still a city of two parts: the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site that incorporates the high town and lower city, and the modern metropolis, or New Town, spreading away from the walls that encircle the Old Town. The narrow streets of the Old Town are for the most part closed to cars and are lined with Orthodox and Catholic churches, Turkish houses (some of which follow the ancient orthogonal plan), and medieval public buildings with exterior staircases and facades elegantly constructed of well-cut limestone from Lindos. Careful reconstruction in recent years has enhanced the harmonious effect. With an endless sun-soaked season, earthy history and vibrant culture, the island of Rhodes has it all. At the crossroads between continents, and sandwiched between Crete and Turkey’s coastline, Rhodes has swayed between many mighty civilisations throughout its tumultuous history. Part of the Dodecanese Islands, which are sprinkled across the blissfully blue Aegean Sea, dive into this island of dazzling beaches, historic medieval towns, and whitewash villages. Crusted with turrets and walls, alluding to its strategic significance over the years. Incredible history has been left behind, and the cobbled streets of the UNESCO World Heritage site listed Old Town are some of Europe’s best. Wander back through time, with occasional minarets from Ottoman-era mosques rising from the tangle of Medieval history, and the smells of cinnamon, cumin and pepper lingering above stone-paved streets. Discover inviting outdoor restaurants, which spill across flower-filled courtyards, and enjoy fresh Greek cuisine with an eastern influence. The preserved columns of Lindos's spectacular Ancient Greek Acropolis watch out over electric blue water, while the Gothic Medieval stronghold of the 14th-century Palace of the Grand Masters of the Knights of Rhodes, adds more fascinating history to explore. Fragrant, pine tree coated hills, and gorgeous beaches of eye-watering blue water, offer your choice of unbridled relaxation or thrilling action, and you can raise the pulse with water sports, or shelter in coves with shocks of turquoise water and monolithic rock formations. | |||||||
22nd22 | NovNov | 202424 | Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete, Greece | 08:00 | 18:00 | ||
Having been controlled by Arabic, Venetian and Ottoman empires over the years - it's no surprise that Heraklion is a diverse patchwork of exotic cultures and historical treasures. Celebrated as the birthplace of the Spanish Renaissance artist, El Greco, you can visit to explore the storied ruins of the Minoan empire's capital, and unearth the rich cultural treasures that Crete’s bustling modern capital has to offer. It may not be the prettiest place in Crete but Heraklion's patchwork of history bustling activity and cultural intrigue makes it the perfect change of pace. This is certainly no sleepy island fishing village and Greece's fifth-largest city is adorned with a rich collection of quality museums ancient ruins from antiquity and a lively culture of its own. A refreshing shift-up from the many quaint beach towns and fishing villages you'll encounter in the Greek islands Heraklion – also known as Iraklio - has great shopping extraordinary history and is the ideal base for ventures to the archaeological treasures of Crete. Traded by the Arabic Venetian and Ottoman empires over the years Heraklion is a multi-layered place with fascinating tales to tell. The city's impressive Venetian fortress which waits over the gently rolling waves of the gleaming Mediterranean welcomes you ashore. The sun-roasted earth outside the city hides treasures from the realms of history including the Bronze Age remnants of Europe's oldest city Knossos. A visit to the fantastic Archaeological Museum of Heraklion ties all of this history together and exhibits relics from the civilisations and eras of Crete's past. Elsewhere Daidalou's pedestrianised paving is a charming stroll through Heraklion's shops with streets branching off to café-lined plazas and twinkling fountains. Stop to try local food - like fresh feta and olive sprinkled dakos mezze – all washed down with a sample of local raki brandy. | |||||||
23rd23 | NovNov | 202424 | Piraeus, Greece | ||||
It's no wonder that all roads lead to the fascinating and maddening metropolis of Athens. Lift your eyes 200 feet above the city to the Parthenon, its honey-color marble columns rising from a massive limestone base, and you behold architectural perfection that has not been surpassed in 2,500 years. But, today, this shrine of classical form dominates a 21st-century boomtown. To experience Athens—Athína in Greek—fully is to understand the essence of Greece: ancient monuments surviving in a sea of cement, startling beauty amid the squalor, tradition juxtaposed with modernity. Locals depend on humor and flexibility to deal with the chaos; you should do the same. The rewards are immense. Although Athens covers a huge area, the major landmarks of the ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods are close to the modern city center. You can easily walk from the Acropolis to many other key sites, taking time to browse in shops and relax in cafés and tavernas along the way. From many quarters of the city you can glimpse "the glory that was Greece" in the form of the Acropolis looming above the horizon, but only by actually climbing that rocky precipice can you feel the impact of the ancient settlement. The Acropolis and Filopappou, two craggy hills sitting side by side; the ancient Agora (marketplace); and Kerameikos, the first cemetery, form the core of ancient and Roman Athens. Along the Unification of Archaeological Sites promenade, you can follow stone-paved, tree-lined walkways from site to site, undisturbed by traffic. Cars have also been banned or reduced in other streets in the historical center. In the National Archaeological Museum, vast numbers of artifacts illustrate the many millennia of Greek civilization; smaller museums such as the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art Museum and the Byzantine and Christian Museum illuminate the history of particular regions or periods. Athens may seem like one huge city, but it is really a conglomeration of neighborhoods with distinctive characters. The Eastern influences that prevailed during the 400-year rule of the Ottoman Empire are still evident in Monastiraki, the bazaar area near the foot of the Acropolis. On the northern slope of the Acropolis, stroll through Plaka (if possible by moonlight), an area of tranquil streets lined with renovated mansions, to get the flavor of the 19th-century's gracious lifestyle. The narrow lanes of Anafiotika, a section of Plaka, thread past tiny churches and small, color-washed houses with wooden upper stories, recalling a Cycladic island village. In this maze of winding streets, vestiges of the older city are everywhere: crumbling stairways lined with festive tavernas; dank cellars filled with wine vats; occasionally a court or diminutive garden, enclosed within high walls and filled with magnolia trees and the flaming trumpet-shaped flowers of hibiscus bushes. Formerly run-down old quarters, such as Thission, Gazi and Psirri, popular nightlife areas filled with bars and mezedopoleia (similar to tapas bars), are now in the process of gentrification, although they still retain much of their original charm, as does the colorful produce and meat market on Athinas. The area around Syntagma Square, the tourist hub, and Omonia Square, the commercial heart of the city about 1 km (½ mi) northwest, is distinctly European, having been designed by the court architects of King Otho, a Bavarian, in the 19th century. The chic shops and bistros of ritzy Kolonaki nestle at the foot of Mt. Lycabettus, Athens's highest hill (909 feet). Each of Athens's outlying suburbs has a distinctive character: in the north is wealthy, tree-lined Kifissia, once a summer resort for aristocratic Athenians, and in the south and southeast lie Glyfada, Voula, and Vouliagmeni, with their sandy beaches, seaside bars, and lively summer nightlife. Just beyond the city's southern fringes is Piraeus, a bustling port city of waterside fish tavernas and Saronic Gulf views. A city of legend, civilisation and enduring culture, Athens is a majestic and magical urban sprawl. Extraordinary elegance and grace combine with grit and graft in Greece's capital, where highways encase ruins from antiquity, and gleaming museums and galleries stand beside concrete sprayed with edgy street art. These contrasts enhance and elevate the wonders of this 2,500-year-old city, however, which can count notable contributions to philosophy, drama and democracy, among its global legacy. Piraeus' giant port and naval base welcome you to the edge of the Athens' urban area. From there it's a simple jaunt to the centre. The majestic ancient citadel of the Acropolis dominates an elevated platform and is a constant presence as you explore the city. The wonderful remains of the columned temple of the Parthenon - which date back to the 5th century BC - stand here, representing the pinnacle of classical architecture. The nearby Acropolis Museum adds context to your visit and frames the broad views from its giant glass windows. Or rise up Mount Lycabettus, to be rewarded with perhaps Athens' best panorama of the Acropolis sitting high over the city on its grand stage. See the marble horseshoe of the Old Olympic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896, for more of the city's enduring legacy. Elsewhere, golden beaches and temples stretch out along the coastline, should you wish to explore a little further afield. Coffee is an art form to the Greeks, and it's an unwritten rule that coffee time must never be rushed. So prepare to settle down for a couple of hours and lose yourself in a good chat. Feeling hungry - try traditional souvlaki made with sauces handed from generation to generation. | |||||||
24th24 | NovNov | 202424 | Piraeus, Greece, disembark the Silver Dawn | ||||
It's no wonder that all roads lead to the fascinating and maddening metropolis of Athens. Lift your eyes 200 feet above the city to the Parthenon, its honey-color marble columns rising from a massive limestone base, and you behold architectural perfection that has not been surpassed in 2,500 years. But, today, this shrine of classical form dominates a 21st-century boomtown. To experience Athens—Athína in Greek—fully is to understand the essence of Greece: ancient monuments surviving in a sea of cement, startling beauty amid the squalor, tradition juxtaposed with modernity. Locals depend on humor and flexibility to deal with the chaos; you should do the same. The rewards are immense. Although Athens covers a huge area, the major landmarks of the ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods are close to the modern city center. You can easily walk from the Acropolis to many other key sites, taking time to browse in shops and relax in cafés and tavernas along the way. From many quarters of the city you can glimpse "the glory that was Greece" in the form of the Acropolis looming above the horizon, but only by actually climbing that rocky precipice can you feel the impact of the ancient settlement. The Acropolis and Filopappou, two craggy hills sitting side by side; the ancient Agora (marketplace); and Kerameikos, the first cemetery, form the core of ancient and Roman Athens. Along the Unification of Archaeological Sites promenade, you can follow stone-paved, tree-lined walkways from site to site, undisturbed by traffic. Cars have also been banned or reduced in other streets in the historical center. In the National Archaeological Museum, vast numbers of artifacts illustrate the many millennia of Greek civilization; smaller museums such as the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art Museum and the Byzantine and Christian Museum illuminate the history of particular regions or periods. Athens may seem like one huge city, but it is really a conglomeration of neighborhoods with distinctive characters. The Eastern influences that prevailed during the 400-year rule of the Ottoman Empire are still evident in Monastiraki, the bazaar area near the foot of the Acropolis. On the northern slope of the Acropolis, stroll through Plaka (if possible by moonlight), an area of tranquil streets lined with renovated mansions, to get the flavor of the 19th-century's gracious lifestyle. The narrow lanes of Anafiotika, a section of Plaka, thread past tiny churches and small, color-washed houses with wooden upper stories, recalling a Cycladic island village. In this maze of winding streets, vestiges of the older city are everywhere: crumbling stairways lined with festive tavernas; dank cellars filled with wine vats; occasionally a court or diminutive garden, enclosed within high walls and filled with magnolia trees and the flaming trumpet-shaped flowers of hibiscus bushes. Formerly run-down old quarters, such as Thission, Gazi and Psirri, popular nightlife areas filled with bars and mezedopoleia (similar to tapas bars), are now in the process of gentrification, although they still retain much of their original charm, as does the colorful produce and meat market on Athinas. The area around Syntagma Square, the tourist hub, and Omonia Square, the commercial heart of the city about 1 km (½ mi) northwest, is distinctly European, having been designed by the court architects of King Otho, a Bavarian, in the 19th century. The chic shops and bistros of ritzy Kolonaki nestle at the foot of Mt. Lycabettus, Athens's highest hill (909 feet). Each of Athens's outlying suburbs has a distinctive character: in the north is wealthy, tree-lined Kifissia, once a summer resort for aristocratic Athenians, and in the south and southeast lie Glyfada, Voula, and Vouliagmeni, with their sandy beaches, seaside bars, and lively summer nightlife. Just beyond the city's southern fringes is Piraeus, a bustling port city of waterside fish tavernas and Saronic Gulf views. A city of legend, civilisation and enduring culture, Athens is a majestic and magical urban sprawl. Extraordinary elegance and grace combine with grit and graft in Greece's capital, where highways encase ruins from antiquity, and gleaming museums and galleries stand beside concrete sprayed with edgy street art. These contrasts enhance and elevate the wonders of this 2,500-year-old city, however, which can count notable contributions to philosophy, drama and democracy, among its global legacy. Piraeus' giant port and naval base welcome you to the edge of the Athens' urban area. From there it's a simple jaunt to the centre. The majestic ancient citadel of the Acropolis dominates an elevated platform and is a constant presence as you explore the city. The wonderful remains of the columned temple of the Parthenon - which date back to the 5th century BC - stand here, representing the pinnacle of classical architecture. The nearby Acropolis Museum adds context to your visit and frames the broad views from its giant glass windows. Or rise up Mount Lycabettus, to be rewarded with perhaps Athens' best panorama of the Acropolis sitting high over the city on its grand stage. See the marble horseshoe of the Old Olympic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896, for more of the city's enduring legacy. Elsewhere, golden beaches and temples stretch out along the coastline, should you wish to explore a little further afield. Coffee is an art form to the Greeks, and it's an unwritten rule that coffee time must never be rushed. So prepare to settle down for a couple of hours and lose yourself in a good chat. Feeling hungry - try traditional souvlaki made with sauces handed from generation to generation. |
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.
Return flights including luggage allowance | |||
Overseas Transfers | |||
7 nights aboard the Silver Dawn | |||
Butler Service in Every Suite | |||
Gratuities Always Included | |||
Beverages In-Suite and Throughout the Ship | |||
Gourmet Dining | |||
In Suite Dining & 24-Hour Room Service | |||
Intimate small size ships | |||
Free Wifi Throughout the Ship | |||
Free Zodiac, Land and Sea Tours & Activities & Complimentary Expedition gear | |||
Port Taxes and Fees | |||
ABTA and ATOL Protection* |
Fly/cruise package |
Date 17th Nov 2024 |
Nts 7 |
Suite £3,600pp |
Suite £3,600pp |
Suite £3,600pp |
Suite £3,600pp |
Suite £3,600pp |
Suite £3,600pp |
Suite £3,600pp |
Suite £3,600pp |
Suite £3,600pp |
Suite £3,600pp |
Suite £3,600pp |
Suite £3,600pp |
Date 17th Nov 2024 |
Nts 7 |
Suite £3,600pp |
Suite £3,600pp |
Suite £3,600pp |
Suite £3,600pp |
Suite £3,600pp |
Suite £3,600pp |
Suite £3,600pp |
Suite £3,600pp |
Suite £3,600pp |
Suite £3,600pp |
Suite £3,600pp |
Suite £3,600pp |
Suite staterooms from | £3,600pp | ||
CV | Classic Veranda Suite | £4,600pp | |
DX | Deluxe Veranda Suite | £5,200pp | |
G1 | Grand Suite (1 Bedroom) | £12,400pp | |
G2 | Grand Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £21,100pp | |
O1 | Owner's Suite (1 Bedroom) | £15,500pp | |
O2 | Owner's Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £22,900pp | |
PA | Panorama Suite | £3,900pp | |
R1 | Royal Suite (1 Bedroom) | £10,200pp | |
R2 | Royal Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £19,100pp | |
S2 | Silver Suite (2 Bedrooms) | ||
SL | Silver Suite | £7,600pp | |
VI | Vista Suite | £3,600pp | |
SV | Superior Veranda Suite | £4,900pp | |
Suite staterooms from | £3,600pp | ||
CV | Classic Veranda Suite | £4,600pp | |
DX | Deluxe Veranda Suite | £5,200pp | |
G1 | Grand Suite (1 Bedroom) | £12,400pp | |
G2 | Grand Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £21,100pp | |
O1 | Owner's Suite (1 Bedroom) | £15,500pp | |
O2 | Owner's Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £22,900pp | |
PA | Panorama Suite | £3,900pp | |
R1 | Royal Suite (1 Bedroom) | £10,200pp | |
R2 | Royal Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £19,100pp | |
S2 | Silver Suite (2 Bedrooms) | ||
SL | Silver Suite | £7,600pp | |
VI | Vista Suite | £3,600pp | |
SV | Superior Veranda Suite | £4,900pp | |
Suite staterooms from | £3,600pp | ||
CV | Classic Veranda Suite | £4,600pp | |
DX | Deluxe Veranda Suite | £5,200pp | |
G1 | Grand Suite (1 Bedroom) | £12,400pp | |
G2 | Grand Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £21,100pp | |
O1 | Owner's Suite (1 Bedroom) | £15,500pp | |
O2 | Owner's Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £22,900pp | |
PA | Panorama Suite | £3,900pp | |
R1 | Royal Suite (1 Bedroom) | £10,200pp | |
R2 | Royal Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £19,100pp | |
S2 | Silver Suite (2 Bedrooms) | ||
SL | Silver Suite | £7,600pp | |
VI | Vista Suite | £3,600pp | |
SV | Superior Veranda Suite | £4,900pp | |
Suite staterooms from | £3,600pp | ||
CV | Classic Veranda Suite | £4,600pp | |
DX | Deluxe Veranda Suite | £5,200pp | |
G1 | Grand Suite (1 Bedroom) | £12,400pp | |
G2 | Grand Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £21,100pp | |
O1 | Owner's Suite (1 Bedroom) | £15,500pp | |
O2 | Owner's Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £22,900pp | |
PA | Panorama Suite | £3,900pp | |
R1 | Royal Suite (1 Bedroom) | £10,200pp | |
R2 | Royal Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £19,100pp | |
S2 | Silver Suite (2 Bedrooms) | ||
SL | Silver Suite | £7,600pp | |
VI | Vista Suite | £3,600pp | |
SV | Superior Veranda Suite | £4,900pp | |
Suite staterooms from | £3,600pp | ||
CV | Classic Veranda Suite | £4,600pp | |
DX | Deluxe Veranda Suite | £5,200pp | |
G1 | Grand Suite (1 Bedroom) | £12,400pp | |
G2 | Grand Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £21,100pp | |
O1 | Owner's Suite (1 Bedroom) | £15,500pp | |
O2 | Owner's Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £22,900pp | |
PA | Panorama Suite | £3,900pp | |
R1 | Royal Suite (1 Bedroom) | £10,200pp | |
R2 | Royal Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £19,100pp | |
S2 | Silver Suite (2 Bedrooms) | ||
SL | Silver Suite | £7,600pp | |
VI | Vista Suite | £3,600pp | |
SV | Superior Veranda Suite | £4,900pp | |
Suite staterooms from | £3,600pp | ||
CV | Classic Veranda Suite | £4,600pp | |
DX | Deluxe Veranda Suite | £5,200pp | |
G1 | Grand Suite (1 Bedroom) | £12,400pp | |
G2 | Grand Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £21,100pp | |
O1 | Owner's Suite (1 Bedroom) | £15,500pp | |
O2 | Owner's Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £22,900pp | |
PA | Panorama Suite | £3,900pp | |
R1 | Royal Suite (1 Bedroom) | £10,200pp | |
R2 | Royal Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £19,100pp | |
S2 | Silver Suite (2 Bedrooms) | ||
SL | Silver Suite | £7,600pp | |
VI | Vista Suite | £3,600pp | |
SV | Superior Veranda Suite | £4,900pp | |
Suite staterooms from | £3,600pp | ||
CV | Classic Veranda Suite | £4,600pp | |
DX | Deluxe Veranda Suite | £5,200pp | |
G1 | Grand Suite (1 Bedroom) | £12,400pp | |
G2 | Grand Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £21,100pp | |
O1 | Owner's Suite (1 Bedroom) | £15,500pp | |
O2 | Owner's Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £22,900pp | |
PA | Panorama Suite | £3,900pp | |
R1 | Royal Suite (1 Bedroom) | £10,200pp | |
R2 | Royal Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £19,100pp | |
S2 | Silver Suite (2 Bedrooms) | ||
SL | Silver Suite | £7,600pp | |
VI | Vista Suite | £3,600pp | |
SV | Superior Veranda Suite | £4,900pp | |
Suite staterooms from | £3,600pp | ||
CV | Classic Veranda Suite | £4,600pp | |
DX | Deluxe Veranda Suite | £5,200pp | |
G1 | Grand Suite (1 Bedroom) | £12,400pp | |
G2 | Grand Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £21,100pp | |
O1 | Owner's Suite (1 Bedroom) | £15,500pp | |
O2 | Owner's Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £22,900pp | |
PA | Panorama Suite | £3,900pp | |
R1 | Royal Suite (1 Bedroom) | £10,200pp | |
R2 | Royal Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £19,100pp | |
S2 | Silver Suite (2 Bedrooms) | ||
SL | Silver Suite | £7,600pp | |
VI | Vista Suite | £3,600pp | |
SV | Superior Veranda Suite | £4,900pp | |
Suite staterooms from | £3,600pp | ||
CV | Classic Veranda Suite | £4,600pp | |
DX | Deluxe Veranda Suite | £5,200pp | |
G1 | Grand Suite (1 Bedroom) | £12,400pp | |
G2 | Grand Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £21,100pp | |
O1 | Owner's Suite (1 Bedroom) | £15,500pp | |
O2 | Owner's Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £22,900pp | |
PA | Panorama Suite | £3,900pp | |
R1 | Royal Suite (1 Bedroom) | £10,200pp | |
R2 | Royal Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £19,100pp | |
S2 | Silver Suite (2 Bedrooms) | ||
SL | Silver Suite | £7,600pp | |
VI | Vista Suite | £3,600pp | |
SV | Superior Veranda Suite | £4,900pp | |
Suite staterooms from | £3,600pp | ||
CV | Classic Veranda Suite | £4,600pp | |
DX | Deluxe Veranda Suite | £5,200pp | |
G1 | Grand Suite (1 Bedroom) | £12,400pp | |
G2 | Grand Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £21,100pp | |
O1 | Owner's Suite (1 Bedroom) | £15,500pp | |
O2 | Owner's Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £22,900pp | |
PA | Panorama Suite | £3,900pp | |
R1 | Royal Suite (1 Bedroom) | £10,200pp | |
R2 | Royal Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £19,100pp | |
S2 | Silver Suite (2 Bedrooms) | ||
SL | Silver Suite | £7,600pp | |
VI | Vista Suite | £3,600pp | |
SV | Superior Veranda Suite | £4,900pp | |
Suite staterooms from | £3,600pp | ||
CV | Classic Veranda Suite | £4,600pp | |
DX | Deluxe Veranda Suite | £5,200pp | |
G1 | Grand Suite (1 Bedroom) | £12,400pp | |
G2 | Grand Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £21,100pp | |
O1 | Owner's Suite (1 Bedroom) | £15,500pp | |
O2 | Owner's Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £22,900pp | |
PA | Panorama Suite | £3,900pp | |
R1 | Royal Suite (1 Bedroom) | £10,200pp | |
R2 | Royal Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £19,100pp | |
S2 | Silver Suite (2 Bedrooms) | ||
SL | Silver Suite | £7,600pp | |
VI | Vista Suite | £3,600pp | |
SV | Superior Veranda Suite | £4,900pp | |
Suite staterooms from | £3,600pp | ||
CV | Classic Veranda Suite | £4,600pp | |
DX | Deluxe Veranda Suite | £5,200pp | |
G1 | Grand Suite (1 Bedroom) | £12,400pp | |
G2 | Grand Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £21,100pp | |
O1 | Owner's Suite (1 Bedroom) | £15,500pp | |
O2 | Owner's Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £22,900pp | |
PA | Panorama Suite | £3,900pp | |
R1 | Royal Suite (1 Bedroom) | £10,200pp | |
R2 | Royal Suite (2 Bedrooms) | £19,100pp | |
S2 | Silver Suite (2 Bedrooms) | ||
SL | Silver Suite | £7,600pp | |
VI | Vista Suite | £3,600pp | |
SV | Superior Veranda Suite | £4,900pp | |
Fusion Cruises when selling travel arrangements is a trading name of The Midcounties Co-operative Ltd. Fusion Cruises is an Accredited Body Member of Midcounties Co-operative Travel Consortium. (ABTA:P6652, ATOL:6053).
Book with Confidence. We are a Member of ABTA which means you have the benefit of ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct.
Some of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme but ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services offered on this website. This website will provide you with information on the protection that applies in the case of each holiday and travel service offered before you make your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.caa.co.uk