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Greece

Classical Greece: Islands of the Aegean

Program No. 22869RJ
Discover the wonders of the Aegean Sea aboard an elegant small ship. Sail from one idyllic island to the next as you learn the secrets of Ancient Greece and explore scenic villages.

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At a Glance

Limestone cliffs plunge into the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, and the monuments of antiquity still grace sun-soaked coastlines. The majesty of the Greek islands is best experienced up close aboard an elegant small ship. Glide atop the shimmering waters of this magnificent archipelago, stopping on idyllic islands to learn about Ancient Greek society and explore quaint seaside villages. Survey Byzantine architecture, examine centuries-old artifacts and savor the opportunity to experience the ancient wonders of the Aegean Sea.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles per day; uneven and inclined terrain including hills, stairs without railings and cobblestone streets. Getting on/off motorcoach and climbing in/out of tender.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Examine Bronze Age architecture in Knossos, considered by many to be the oldest city in Europe.
  • Explore Byzantine architecture in a medieval, hidden walled town.
  • Discover the archaeological remains of the mighty Acropolis and learn about ancient Greek relics.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Ioanna Kopsiafti
Ioanna Kopsiafti is an art historian, professor and writer living in Athens for the past 20 years. She earned her master’s degree from St. Andrews University and her doctorate from Oxford. Ioanna currently lectures in Athens and Rome, primarily on ancient Greek and Roman art and civilization. Her publications include “Style City Athens” (Thames & Hudson 2006) and “Thinking Space, Advancing Art: Cassirer with Crowther” (Routledge 2015) on the philosophy of symbolic forms that explores language, myth, religion and art within the philosophy of culture.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Ioanna Kopsiafti
Ioanna Kopsiafti View biography
Ioanna Kopsiafti is an art historian, professor and writer living in Athens for the past 20 years. She earned her master’s degree from St. Andrews University and her doctorate from Oxford. Ioanna currently lectures in Athens and Rome, primarily on ancient Greek and Roman art and civilization. Her publications include “Style City Athens” (Thames & Hudson 2006) and “Thinking Space, Advancing Art: Cassirer with Crowther” (Routledge 2015) on the philosophy of symbolic forms that explores language, myth, religion and art within the philosophy of culture.
Profile Image of Roula Skoula
Roula Skoula View biography
Roula Skoula was born in Heraklion, Crete. She studied journalism in Athens and worked as a freelance print and radio journalist. After enrolling in the School of Professional Greek Tourist Guides, she travelled with university professors, learning history, philosophy, archaeology, and more. Roula has been a professional exploration leader since 1987. In addition to Greek, she speaks English and Italian. She continues learning to increase her vast knowledge of Greek history and culture and has worked with Road Scholar for the past 13 years.
Profile Image of Konstantina Griva
Konstantina Griva View biography
Konstantina Griva has been working as a licensed guide and group leader in Greece since 2011 and likes sharing what make Greek culture one of the most appreciated across the world. Born and raised in Athens, she received her degrees in History and Archaeology at the University of Athens and Tourist Guiding at the National Guides' School, where she teaches currently. Konstantina speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese as well as Greek. She also loves traveling abroad and exploring new places on her own.
Profile Image of Georgia Papadopoulou
Georgia Papadopoulou View biography
Georgia is a Greek licensed tourist guide in English and Turkish. She holds a Diploma in Tourist Guiding, a Certificate in Museum Education, a BA in Cultural Studies and an MEd in Adult Education with a specialization in Adult Education for Museums and Archaeological Sites. She has been guiding in Greece since 1981 and strongly believes that learning through travel can be both fun and rewarding.
Profile Image of Athina Trigkoni
Athina Trigkoni View biography
Athina Trigoni was born in Veroia, Greece, and currently lives in Thessaloniki. She has worked as a licensed travel educator for Greece since 1988 and has led groups all over the country, both on the mainland and the islands. During the past 30 years as a travel educator, she has led cultural heritage, academic, religious, and family programs. Athina enjoys her job very much because she loves sharing her knowledge about Greece as well as interacting and exchanging experiences with people.
Profile Image of Elsa Savva
Elsa Savva View biography
Elsa Savva was born in Monte Carlo, Monaco. She moved to Athens for high school, graduated from the School of Guides, and later studied art history at the Sorbonne in Paris and the Chelsea School of Art in London. She currently works as an official guide in Greece and as a group exploration manager around the world.
Profile Image of Stefania Vampoula
Stefania Vampoula View biography
Stefania Vampoula has a strong interest in history and cultural diversity. She earned an undergraduate degree in history and archaeology, as well as a master's in art history. In 2014, she became a licensed group leader in her native Greece. Since then, she has worked with English-speaking groups from around the world. Stefania is fluent in Greek and English, and has lived in Poland and Scotland. Her passions involve art, travel, and food.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Program No.
22869
Duration
11 days
Program Begins
Athens
Program Concludes
Athens
Activity Level
At a Glance
Limestone cliffs plunge into the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, and the monuments of antiquity still grace sun-soaked coastlines. The majesty of the Greek islands is best experienced up close aboard an elegant small ship. Glide atop the shimmering waters of this magnificent archipelago, stopping on idyllic islands to learn about Ancient Greek society and explore quaint seaside villages. Survey Byzantine architecture, examine centuries-old artifacts and savor the opportunity to experience the ancient wonders of the Aegean Sea.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Examine Bronze Age architecture in Knossos, considered by many to be the oldest city in Europe.
  • Explore Byzantine architecture in a medieval, hidden walled town.
  • Discover the archaeological remains of the mighty Acropolis and learn about ancient Greek relics.
Featured Expert
Profile Image
Ioanna Kopsiafti
Ioanna Kopsiafti is an art historian, professor and writer living in Athens for the past 20 years. She earned her master’s degree from St. Andrews University and her doctorate from Oxford. Ioanna currently lectures in Athens and Rome, primarily on ancient Greek and Roman art and civilization. Her publications include “Style City Athens” (Thames & Hudson 2006) and “Thinking Space, Advancing Art: Cassirer with Crowther” (Routledge 2015) on the philosophy of symbolic forms that explores language, myth, religion and art within the philosophy of culture.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Profile Image of Roula Skoula
Roula Skoula
Roula Skoula was born in Heraklion, Crete. She studied journalism in Athens and worked as a freelance print and radio journalist. After enrolling in the School of Professional Greek Tourist Guides, she travelled with university professors, learning history, philosophy, archaeology, and more. Roula has been a professional exploration leader since 1987. In addition to Greek, she speaks English and Italian. She continues learning to increase her vast knowledge of Greek history and culture and has worked with Road Scholar for the past 13 years.
Profile Image of Konstantina Griva
Konstantina Griva
Konstantina Griva has been working as a licensed guide and group leader in Greece since 2011 and likes sharing what make Greek culture one of the most appreciated across the world. Born and raised in Athens, she received her degrees in History and Archaeology at the University of Athens and Tourist Guiding at the National Guides' School, where she teaches currently. Konstantina speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese as well as Greek. She also loves traveling abroad and exploring new places on her own.
Profile Image of Georgia Papadopoulou
Georgia Papadopoulou
Georgia is a Greek licensed tourist guide in English and Turkish. She holds a Diploma in Tourist Guiding, a Certificate in Museum Education, a BA in Cultural Studies and an MEd in Adult Education with a specialization in Adult Education for Museums and Archaeological Sites. She has been guiding in Greece since 1981 and strongly believes that learning through travel can be both fun and rewarding.
Profile Image of Athina Trigkoni
Athina Trigkoni
Athina Trigoni was born in Veroia, Greece, and currently lives in Thessaloniki. She has worked as a licensed travel educator for Greece since 1988 and has led groups all over the country, both on the mainland and the islands. During the past 30 years as a travel educator, she has led cultural heritage, academic, religious, and family programs. Athina enjoys her job very much because she loves sharing her knowledge about Greece as well as interacting and exchanging experiences with people.
Profile Image of Elsa Savva
Elsa Savva
Elsa Savva was born in Monte Carlo, Monaco. She moved to Athens for high school, graduated from the School of Guides, and later studied art history at the Sorbonne in Paris and the Chelsea School of Art in London. She currently works as an official guide in Greece and as a group exploration manager around the world.
Profile Image of Stefania Vampoula
Stefania Vampoula
Stefania Vampoula has a strong interest in history and cultural diversity. She earned an undergraduate degree in history and archaeology, as well as a master's in art history. In 2014, she became a licensed group leader in her native Greece. Since then, she has worked with English-speaking groups from around the world. Stefania is fluent in Greek and English, and has lived in Poland and Scotland. Her passions involve art, travel, and food.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles per day; uneven and inclined terrain including hills, stairs without railings and cobblestone streets. Getting on/off motorcoach and climbing in/out of tender.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List: 21 Books
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
MEALS
25 Meals
9 Breakfasts
8 Lunches
8 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Low Salt, Low Fat
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
  • Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
  • Apr 15, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025
  • Apr 22, 2025 - May 02, 2025
  • Apr 29, 2025 - May 09, 2025
  • May 06, 2025 - May 16, 2025
  • May 13, 2025 - May 23, 2025
  • May 20, 2025 - May 30, 2025
  • May 27, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025
  • Jun 03, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025
  • Sep 02, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
  • Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025
  • Sep 16, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
  • Sep 23, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
  • Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
  • Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
  • Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
2 nights
Location: Athens
The Divani Palace Acropolis is located in one of the city's most historic neighborhoods steps away from the Acropolis and the old town of Plaka.
7 nights
Location: Athens
This sleek contemporary Mega Yacht has ample deck space with room for 49 guests. The state of the art stern allows easy access for a dip in the sea.
2 nights
Location: Athens
The Divani Palace Acropolis is located in one of the city's most historic neighborhoods steps away from the Acropolis and the old town of Plaka.
7 nights
Location: Athens
This sleek contemporary Mega Yacht has ample deck space with room for 49 guests. The state of the art stern allows easy access for a dip in the sea.
2 nights
Location: Athens
The Divani Palace Acropolis is located in one of the city's most historic neighborhoods steps away from the Acropolis and the old town of Plaka.
7 nights
Location: Athens
This sleek contemporary Mega Yacht has ample deck space with room for 49 guests. The state of the art stern allows easy access for a dip in the sea.
2 nights
Location: Athens
The Divani Palace Acropolis is located in one of the city's most historic neighborhoods steps away from the Acropolis and the old town of Plaka.
7 nights
Location: Athens
This sleek contemporary Mega Yacht has ample deck space with room for 49 guests. The state of the art stern allows easy access for a dip in the sea.
2 nights
Location: Athens
The Divani Palace Acropolis is located in one of the city's most historic neighborhoods steps away from the Acropolis and the old town of Plaka.
7 nights
Location: Athens
This sleek contemporary Mega Yacht has ample deck space with room for 49 guests. The state of the art stern allows easy access for a dip in the sea.
2 nights
Location: Athens
The Divani Palace Acropolis is located in one of the city's most historic neighborhoods steps away from the Acropolis and the old town of Plaka.
7 nights
Location: Athens
This sleek contemporary Mega Yacht has ample deck space with room for 49 guests. The state of the art stern allows easy access for a dip in the sea.
2 nights
Location: Athens
The Divani Palace Acropolis is located in one of the city's most historic neighborhoods steps away from the Acropolis and the old town of Plaka.
7 nights
Location: Athens
This sleek contemporary Mega Yacht has ample deck space with room for 49 guests. The state of the art stern allows easy access for a dip in the sea.
2 nights
Location: Athens
The Divani Palace Acropolis is located in one of the city's most historic neighborhoods steps away from the Acropolis and the old town of Plaka.
7 nights
Location: Athens
This sleek contemporary Mega Yacht has ample deck space with room for 49 guests. The state of the art stern allows easy access for a dip in the sea.
2 nights
Location: Athens
The Divani Palace Acropolis is located in one of the city's most historic neighborhoods steps away from the Acropolis and the old town of Plaka.
7 nights
Location: Athens
This sleek contemporary Mega Yacht has ample deck space with room for 49 guests. The state of the art stern allows easy access for a dip in the sea.
2 nights
Location: Athens
The Divani Palace Acropolis is located in one of the city's most historic neighborhoods steps away from the Acropolis and the old town of Plaka.
7 nights
Location: Athens
This sleek contemporary Mega Yacht has ample deck space with room for 49 guests. The state of the art stern allows easy access for a dip in the sea.
2 nights
Location: Athens
The Divani Palace Acropolis is located in one of the city's most historic neighborhoods steps away from the Acropolis and the old town of Plaka.
7 nights
Location: Athens
This sleek contemporary Mega Yacht has ample deck space with room for 49 guests. The state of the art stern allows easy access for a dip in the sea.
2 nights
Location: Athens
The Divani Palace Acropolis is located in one of the city's most historic neighborhoods steps away from the Acropolis and the old town of Plaka.
7 nights
Location: Athens
This sleek contemporary Mega Yacht has ample deck space with room for 49 guests. The state of the art stern allows easy access for a dip in the sea.
2 nights
Location: Athens
The Divani Palace Acropolis is located in one of the city's most historic neighborhoods steps away from the Acropolis and the old town of Plaka.
7 nights
Location: Athens
This sleek contemporary Mega Yacht has ample deck space with room for 49 guests. The state of the art stern allows easy access for a dip in the sea.
2 nights
Location: Athens
The Divani Palace Acropolis is located in one of the city's most historic neighborhoods steps away from the Acropolis and the old town of Plaka.
7 nights
Location: Athens
This sleek contemporary Mega Yacht has ample deck space with room for 49 guests. The state of the art stern allows easy access for a dip in the sea.
2 nights
Location: Athens
The Divani Palace Acropolis is located in one of the city's most historic neighborhoods steps away from the Acropolis and the old town of Plaka.
7 nights
Location: Athens
This sleek contemporary Mega Yacht has ample deck space with room for 49 guests. The state of the art stern allows easy access for a dip in the sea.





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