Fly from the UK to Athens, overnight at the hotel, Welcome to the birthplace of democracy, arts, science and philosophy of western civilisation. Home of Plato, Socrates, Pericles, Euripides, Sophocles, Aeschylus. Athens is one of the world's oldest cities. Its recorded history spans around 3.400 years and it has been inhabited since the 11th millennium B.C.E.

Overnight at hotel, Athens, the capital and largest city of Greece, is a vibrant blend of ancient history and modern urban life, situated on a peninsula in the Aegean Sea. It's known as the cradle of Western civilization, birthplace of democracy, and a major center for business, trade, and tourism.

Overnight at hotel, Athens is steeped in history and culture, from the ancient ruins dotted around the city, to its fascinating museums. You'll never be stuck for things to see and do, whether you're exploring the winding streets of Plaka or admiring the grand Temple of Olympian Zeus.

Transfer from your hotel to the cruise ship, embark ship.

Arrival at 08:00, Departure at 17:30

One of the most beautiful parts of this region of the Peloponnese is the plain of Laconia, which extends from Sparta to the port of Gytheion. The many neo-classical houses of this harbour town are built on the slopes of Mount Kourmaros. Aside from its remaining ancient theatre and cultural museum, visitors can enjoy local beaches and a variety of dining opportunities. The inhabitants of Gytheion claim Hercules and Apollo as their founders. According to mythology, Paris and Helen of Troy were reputed to have spent their first night together on nearby ancient Kranae, now called Marathonissi. Enlarging the natural harbour, it was used by the Spartans as their naval base and the main port of trade. Today, Gytheion is visited mostly for its scenic beauty and access to numerous historical sites. These include the cliffside city of Mistra, one of the finest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture in Greece, and ancient Sparta.

Arrival at 08:00, Departure at 17:00

Holding the torch as the spiritual home of the Olympic Games, Olympia has an enduring legacy, and its values echo around the world during humanity's greatest sporting contest. Come ashore at Katakolon - a small port village on the Peloponnese peninsula facing the Ionian Sea, and relax on beautiful Kourouta Beach. Alternatively, head inland to this legendary destination, the historic home of the Olympic Games. Located in the valley of the River Alfeios, Olympia is a staggering archaeological site of immense ruins and an enduring legacy. Visit the museum and the Olympia Stadium, where the ancient games were held in honour of the Greek god Zeus. As many as 45,000 spectators fit into the mud seats to witness the ultimate contest of athleticism. See the stand where judges would sit and the white blocks where runners would line up to compete. The tradition continues stronger than ever, and the Olympic flame of the modern games is ignited by the sun here, in the ruins of the Temple of Hera. It is then taken to spread the Olympic values across the globe. The Temple of Zeus, and the Statue of Zeus - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - also stood here in all of their glory. Hewn from limestone, the temple housed the 13-meter-tall statue of Zeus, sculpted by Phidias, one of Ancient Greece's finest artists. Although the statue has been destroyed, you can walk the temple's ruins and see the guesthouse where the majestic wonder was painstakingly crafted.

Arrival at 09:00, Departure at 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 harbor 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. Rethymno'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, yet it has gathered numerous influences throughout 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.

Arrival at 08:00, Departure at 21:30

Breathlessly romantic and incredibly scenic, the azure domes and whitewash buildings that cascade down Santorini's slopes are prime honeymoon material - and relentlessly romantic. A true gem of the Cycladic Island group, Santorini is startlingly pretty, and its white windmills and dazzling villages are incredibly easy on the eye. Envy-inducing and evocatively beautiful, Santorini's sunsets are legendary, and the island is a highlight of any voyage to the Greek islands. Look out over the endless expanse of blue waves, filling the massive volcanic caldera of Santorini, and absorb one of the most spectacular views in the world. The sheer rock shoulders of the caldera create an immense, natural amphitheatre - so enjoy the show, as you sip a local, volcanic-mineral enhanced white wine, and fall in love all over again. Any meal is well-rounded with the famous wine, Vin Santo. The east side of the island may lack the incredible panoramas, but it's ideal if all you want to do is recline on volcanic-sand beaches, which range in hues from charcoal-black to flame-red. This beautiful island was forged by powerful volcanic activity, and you can learn more about the huge eruption of 1,600 BCE, which wiped out the Minoan city at Akrotiri. The eruption sank the centre of the island, forming the moon-shaped topography we see now. Visit the archaeological site that has revealed and preserved the village, which was lost to time below the pumice and ash. Some whisper that this destroyed town may even be the fabled Atlantis.

Arrival at 08:00, Departure at 22:00

The white houses act as a blank canvas for splashes of colour provided by the climbing purple bougainvillaea, subtropical gardens, and front doors that come in every shade of blue to match the sea. Bodrum is Turkey's coast at its most vibrant. Located at the junction of the Mediterranean and the Aegean, Bodrum is all about the sea. It boasts a world-class marina, a favourite of super yachts, fine dining restaurants, and bars. Set sail from here on one of the many boats heading out to the peninsula. Relax, soak up the sun and coastal scenery whilst drifting through the turquoise water. For a totally authentic experience, choose a 'gulet', a beautiful two-masted, wooden sailing boat traditional to Bodrum. Once ashore, dip into the history of Bodrum or Halicarnassus as it was once known. Still visible are remains of one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Mausoleum of Mausolus, once an impressive 46 meters high. In the 15th century, some of the stones of the ruined Mausoleum were reused by the Knights Hospitallers of St John to build the Castle of St. Peter, which still dominates the seafront today. As much as the castle's foundations are steeped in history, so are its exhibits today, housed in the Underwater Archaeology Museum. Looking for a souvenir or a chance to watch people, head to the large bazaar by the castle. Set out as shops rather than stalls, you can find almost anything from spices, fruit, and vegetables to textiles and local pottery. You won't be able to leave empty-handed.

Arrival at 08:00, Departure at 18:00

The seahorse-shaped Patmos is a Greek island of stunning seascapes and immense cultural significance. Rising from the Aegean Sea, Christians embark on pilgrimages here from all across the world, seeking out the small hillside cave, said to be the location where St. John penned the Book of Revelations, in AD 95. Whether you're religious or not, there is something of the divine in this gorgeous island - a place of sanctuary fringed by crystal-clear waters and blissful beaches. Sleepy, whitewash towns gleam in the strong sunshine, while cats slink between the crumbling walls of this ruggedly beautiful island. High on the hillside, above the cobalt-blue bay, you'll find the sacred chapel, where an exiled John of Patmos is said to have entered the Cave of the Apocalypse and prophesied of the end of the world's fire and brimstone - a striking juxtaposition with the peaceful serenity of the calm location. Higher up, you'll find the 11th-century Monastery of St. John, which offers spectacular views of the island's mounds curving around like a scorpion's tail. It stands watch over the island like a fortified crown. Sun-wrinkled, black-robed monks climb the streets up to this World Heritage site, where bells peel out melodically. Inside, vaulted chambers and stunning frescoes tell stories amid the striking religious iconography. Chora's incredibly narrow streets - moulded white - are an enchanting place to lose your bearings, spreading below the monastery. Elsewhere, blissful beaches stretch out across the coastline, or this remote Greek island's curves can be admired while bobbing offshore in a sailboat.

Arrival at 05:00

Disembark the ship after breakfast and transfer to the airport for a flight to the UK.