In Transit: Depart US/Canada on international overnight flight.

Morning: Arrival in Athens International Airport (ATH). Meet group outside of customs. Transfer to hotel.

Afternoon: Settle in at the hotel. We gather in the hotel lobby at 5:00 PM for a welcome orientation to the program.

Dinner: Dinner in the hotel dining room.

Lodging: Metropolitan Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast in the hotel dining room.

Morning: We will explore the Acropolis Museum.

Lunch: Lunch at a restaurant in Plaka.

Afternoon: A guided excursion through the ancient citadel of Athens, the Acropolis. Built during the "Golden Age" of Athens between 447-438BC under the orders of the great statesman Pericles, the Acropolis represents the magnificent achievements of Athenian culture during this remarkable era.

Dinner: Dinner in the hotel dining room.

Lodging: Metropolitan Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast in the hotel dining room.

Morning: A guided morning walk through Plaka - the picturesque old historical neighborhood of Athens, clustered around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis, and incorporating labyrinthine streets and neoclassical architecture.

Lunch: Lunch at a restaurant in Plaka.

Afternoon: We transfer to Piraeus where we will embark the MV Aegean Odyssey. Late afternoon Road Scholar orientation to the ship in the "Observation Lounge."

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Evening: Night-time sailing to Nauplia.

Lodging: MV Aegean Odyssey

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: There is moderate to heavy walking on uneven surfaces in Nauplia, Mycenae and Epidaurus.

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Anchor off the port of Nauplia in time for breakfast. Tales of gamemnon and the time of Homer's heroes take center stage today on our visit to Mycenae, one of the greatest cities of the highly-developed Mycenaean civilization. This culture dominated the eastern Mediterranean from the 16th to 13th century BC and laid the foundation for classical Greece. From the picturesque port of Nauplia, a scenic 45-minute drive across the Argolid Plain takes us to the imposing city of warrior merchants that Homer described as "rich in gold." The citadel that stands guard over the city is built high above two rock-strewn ravines, and legend holds that it was erected with the aid of the Cyclops. Enter Mycenae on foot through the Lion Gate, Europe's oldest piece of monumental statuary: it was here that the victorious, but battle-weary Agamemnon, was greeted by his wife, Klytemnestra, on his return from the long war with Troy, only to be murdered by her lover. Inside the gates, explore the Royal Palace, view the shaft graves and relive the tragic stories at an archaeological briefing in the Treasury of Atreus, also known as the Tomb of Agamemnon.

Lunch: Road Scholar lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: An afternoon drive - 45 minutes - takes you through the evocative scenery of the Peloponnesian Peninsula to Epidaurus. In the 6th century BC, this city was sacred to the god of medicine, Asclepius. The medical facilities and healing treatments were immensely popular and the ensuing wealth was used to inaugurate a 4th-century building campaign. Today, Epidaurus is a vast UNESCO World Heritage Site with temples and hospital buildings that provide insight into the healing cults of the time. The jewel is the theater designed by the architect Polycletus. Over 14,000 seats are carved into the hillside and the acoustics are so perfect that it is said you can hear a pin drop from the highest tier. The theater was extended in Roman times, restored in the 1950s and is still in use. Nowhere else is it so easy to imagine the staging of the great ancient tragedies and comedies than in this pure masterpiece of Greek architecture.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Evening: Night-time sailing to Monemvasía. Attend a shipboard guest lecture.

Lodging: MV Aegean Odyssey

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: This excursion involves a 90-minute walk that ranges from moderate to strenuous. Guests may of course choose not to walk up to Agia Sofia.

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Pass through a gap in a rocky cliff and emerge into a Medieval scene on this morning excursion of Monemvasia a castle town that has been called the Gibraltar of Greece. Indeed, the name means "single entrance." For us, it provides an illuminating transition from the classical world to the Byzantine era. Monemvasia dates back to the 6th century, when inhabitants of Laconia settled on the site, which developed into a major citystate. In the 15th century the city suffered a hundred-year blockade by the Turks. Walk along the narrow streets, sometimes only wide enough for two, and visit the 13th-century Church of Christos Elkomenos (Christ Chained to the Cross), home to several Byzantine icons. Those who wish can climb to see another 13th-century treasure: the ethereal Agia Sofia, a rare example of a domed octagonal church with original wall paintings. The views out over the sea and lower town are a spectacular reward. Those who prefer not to climb may want to seek out a quiet cafe and a sip of Malmsey, the sweet dessert wine that originated in this atmospheric spot.

Lunch: Lunch on board or on your own at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: In the afternoon, for those who feel energetic, there is a path leading to the upper town to see the Byzantine church of Agia Sofia. Alternatively, you are free to explore on your own or relax on board ship.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Evening: Evening departure for Crete. Attend a shipboard guest lecture.

Lodging: MV Aegean Odyssey

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: An hour and 20-minute drive takes you from Rethimnon to Knossos. Even without the tales of a blood-thirsty Minotaur, this magnificent palace complex with its flamboyant decoration, courts, audience chambers, and residential areas is an impressive and inspiring site. Constructed around 1900BC, it was the administrative and religious center of the Minoan kingdom. Here King Minos held court and - so mythology holds - his wife gave birth to a half-man, half-bull creature that lurked in the palace's labyrinth. This fearsome beast was appeased only by human sacrifices. An earthquake destroyed the original complex; it was then rebuilt on an even grander scale, only to be destroyed again by the massive volcanic eruption on Santorini around 1500BC. Though periodically excavated by Greek archaeologists in the late 19th century, credit for the full excavation and restoration is given to amateur Victorian archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans. Roundly criticized for occasional mis-steps in restoration, Sir Arthur poured his fortune into the effort and did a remarkable job for the time period. Knossos today at least allows the visitor to visualize the palace as it once was and understand its intricacies. The guided field trip will take you through this legend-rich, entrancing complex that sprawled across five acres, where everything from throne room to royal living quarters is reconstructed with meticulous care.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: Enduring centuries of occupation by various conquerors, the picturesque town of Rethimnon provides a glimpse into the soul of Crete. On this island, legendary birthplace of Zeus, the sophisticated Minoan culture flourished from 2600 to 1100BC. Centuries later, under Venetian rule, the island was used as a food source and Rethimnon became an artistic center and haven for scholars fleeing Constantinople. La Serenissima, as the Most Serene Republic of Venice was called, was uncharacteristically strict with Crete. The result was a constantly simmering rebellion. Enjoy a guided walking excursion of the picturesque town of Rethimnon, followed by free time to explore or relax in one of the seaside cafes.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Evening: Attend a shipboard guest lecture. Late evening departure for Rhodes.

Lodging: MV Aegean Odyssey

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Leave behind the port where the Colossus once stood and discover a stunning ensemble of Gothic architecture just a short drive from the port. These World Heritage monuments testify to the role of Rhodes, the largest island in the Dodecanese group, as a strategic crossroads. Many structures date to the era of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, who lived on the island from 1309 until 1522 when the Ottoman Empire finally dislodged the Knights. En route you'll visit a lookout named Mount Smith named after the British admiral Sir Sydney Smith who used this vantage point to scan the seas for French ships in the Napoleonic era. Then you enter the citadel of the Knight's through the D'Amboise Gate and head for the restored Grand Masters Palace. The first building of the 14th-century Crusaders, the Palace was modeled on the great Papal Palace of Avignon. It served as a fortress in times of war, a residence for the Grand Master of the Knights, a meeting place for senior knights, and, in later times, a summer residence of both Mussolini and Victor Emmanuel II of Italy. Stroll the cobblestone Street of the Knights and admire the honey-colored stone buildings with their giant doorways and arched windows. Step into the 15th-century Knights Hospital, now an archaeological museum that counts the Aphrodite of Rhodes in flawless Parian marble among its treasures. At the conclusion of this field trip, you can return to the ship or stay to wander this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lunch: Lunch on board or at a local restaurant on your own.

Afternoon: Free time in Rhodes. In the afternoon there is an optional trip to the Acropolis at Lindos (for a fee, bookable on board). Please see the Optional Excursion page for a full description.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Evening: Evening departure for Delos. Attend a shipboard guest lecture.

Lodging: MV Aegean Odyssey

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Discover the tiny, deserted isle of Delos, the religious center of the Cyclades, where columns lie glistening in the sun, and the Lions of Delos guard the Sacred Way. As the reputed birthplace of the god Apollo, Delos was once a principal religious and commercial center of the Eastern Mediterranean. Pilgrims, traders, politicians, and warriors alike came from all over the Mediterranean to this sanctuary. In fact, the "Cyclades," the name of this island group, means "those islands around Delos." In the 5th century BC, the Delphic Oracle decreed the island was to be purged of all the dead and that no person could either die or give birth on Delos to preserve the isle's sanctity. Some of the richest archaeological treasure troves in Greece await as you leave the Sacred Harbour on your guided walking field trip. Imagine the merchants in the Agora and the pilgrims entering the Sanctuary of Apollo. Walk along the spectacular Avenue of the Lions. Pay homage to the guardians of the Sacred Lake where Leto gave birth to the twin gods, Artemis and Apollo. And above all, savor the almost-mystical silence that pervades this haunting site of antiquity.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: Contrast the sacred sights of Delos with the more worldly charms of Mykonos, a whitewashed resort that is the very image of a Greek Isle. The huge granite rocks you see strewn across the hilly landscape are said to be the graves of the Titans. The windmills are a later refinement, dating from the 16th century, used for grinding grain for shipment when Mykonos was a major seaport between Venice and Asia. In town, the streets are a delightful maze, designed to confuse attacking pirates, although eventually the island became the headquarters of the Corsair fleet and a place where pirates recruited for their ships. Today these winding streets are lined with tempting shops, galleries and boutiques that all exact their tribute. Along the waterfront, near the area called Little Venice, the seaside cafes are ideal for evening drinks. Enjoy a guided walk with your Road Scholar Group Leader followed by free time.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Evening: Late departure for Sámos.

Lodging: MV Aegean Odyssey

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Explore Samos, birthplace of the great mathematician, Pythagoras, the fabled storyteller, Aesop, and the famous philosopher, Epicurus. Our included sightseeing reveals the island's natural beauty, antiquity, and worldly pleasures. A short drive from the pier, the Archaeological Museum of Samos in Vathy contains artifacts from the excavations at the island's most famous remains, the Heraion temple of the Samian Hera, which is also visited on this excursion. Because of the far-flung origins of the pilgrims who visited the shrine, the collection of small votive offerings is one of the richest in Greece - among them are a bronze statuette of an Urartian god, Assyrian figurines, and an ivory miniature of Perseus and Medusa. The largest free-standing sculpture (Kouros) to have survived from ancient Greece is the star exhibit: a 16-foot tall marble figure dating from 580BC and dedicated to the god Apollo. A visit to the Heraion temple, reputed birthplace of the goddess Hera, is next. Today, only a single column of the original 155 remains intact. Legend holds that Jason and his Argonauts built the original structure which was destroyed in 670BC, later rebuilt, and then destroyed again by the forces of King Cyrus of Persia. Earthquakes leveled both a third and fourth attempt. Return to the ship through the verdant countryside with its vineyard-covered slopes.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: The ship leaves for the cruise to Kusadasi, Turkey at midday. Upon arrival in Kusadasi, we will set out to explore the ancient city of Ephesus. The cosmopolitan city of Ephesus was, in its heyday, on a par with Athens and Rome. Once home to over 250,000 people, this site affords ancient snapshots of daily lives of the Greeks, and their conquerors, the Romans. We will also visit Museum of Ephesus in Selcuk to see the artifacts excavated at the site.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Evening: Overnight in Kusadasi. Attend a shipboard guest lecture.

Lodging: MV Aegean Odyssey

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: The excursion to Aphrodisias involves moderate to heavy walking for one or more hours over uneven terrain, with multiple uphill segments.

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: We explore Aphrodisias. Two and a half times the size of Pompeii, Aphrodisias is named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Lying as it does immediately below one of the finest marble quarries in the ancient world, the city was a center for Greek and Hellenistic sculpture for close on seven centuries. Quite apart from its surviving monuments - including a magnificent theatre, a vast stadium, and the remains of the great Temple to the goddess - the ongoing excavations on the site reveal more superb sculpture each year than any other classical site in the Mediterranean. Moreover, thanks to its remoteness in the hills surrounding the valley of the Meander, it is relatively free of tourists and utterly unspoiled.

Lunch: Road Scholar lunch in Aphrodisias.

Afternoon: Continue to explore Aphrodisias.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Evening: Attend a shipboard guest lecture.

Lodging: MV Aegean Odyssey

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: A chance to relax on deck and enjoy the shipboard guest lectures as the ship makes its way to Istanbul.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: Enjoy the Observation Deck if the weather is nice, or dive into a good book from the ship's library. Attend a talk led by your Road Scholar Group Leader.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Lodging: MV Aegean Odyssey

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: The excursion to Istanbul involves significant walking.

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul - in this city we will find some of the greatest buildings and works of art in the world. Our first morning's excursion will take in the Byzantine 6th-century cathedral of Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace.

Lunch: Road Scholar lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: In the afternoon our excursion includes the Church of St. Saviour in Chora, the Spice Bazaar - where spices have been traded since the 16th century, and the Grand Bazaar with its 4,000 shops and countless alleys and streets.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Evening: Overnight in Istanbul.

Lodging: MV Aegean Odyssey

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: This morning we will visit the stunning Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque) before enjoying a boat trip along the Bosphorus to explore the stunning palaces, mansions, and fortresses dotted along the Asian and European shores of this marvelous strait.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: At sea. The ship departs at lunchtime and cruises the Sea of Marmara and the Dardenelles. Attend a shipboard guest lecture.

Dinner: Road Scholar farewell cocktail party. Dinner on board.

Lodging: MV Aegean Odyssey

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: The MV Aegean Odyssey will sail past Mount Athos (weather permitting). The so-called "Holy Mountain" is really a long peninsula, which rises at its southern tip to a 6,000 ft peak. Dotted along its length are some twenty ruling monasteries, some dating from the 10th and 11th centuries. Women are strictly forbidden to set foot on the Mountain, together with - at least in theory - all female animals. Fortunately, most of the monasteries are on or near the coast and will be seen clearly from our ship. Attend a talk by your Road Scholar Group Leader.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: In the afternoon, we arrive at Skiathos, where you can spend the rest of the day relaxing in the picturesque little town. The westernmost island in the Sporades, Skiathos is famous for its splendid beaches. The shade cast by the tree-covered hills is said to have inspired the Pelasgians to give the island its name. Dionysus, the god of wine, was worshipped here. Herodotus wrote that the residents used beacons to notify the Greeks of the approaching Persian fleet in 480BC. Following the Peloponnesian Wars, the island endured successive waves of conquerors. Today, cosmopolitan Skiathos draws visitors from all over Europe. There are the superb beaches, the walled town of Kastro, and a lively town where you can sample the local olives, honey, and almond sweets.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Evening: Early evening departure for Piraeus, the port of Athens.

Lodging: MV Aegean Odyssey

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Disembark for Athens Airport (ATH) and the flight home.

Meals Included: Breakfast