Jewels of the Aegean: Discover the History of the Greek Islands

After arriving at the hotel, check-in and take some time to unpack and relax. Attend an orientation meeting. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. Indicated times are approximate. Program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible.

At a local restaurant, get to know your fellow participants with a welcome meal.

Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

At the hotel.

We will begin our exploration of Athens with a visit to the Byzantine museum, with its beautiful gardens located in the heart of the city centre. We will have the chance to explore the rich collection of religious artifacts dated from the Early Christian period all the way to post-Byzantine era and understand their significance to the entire Greek world. We will then reboard our coach for a short drive to visit the Kaisariani Monastery, with its beautiful frescoes.

At a local restaurant.

We will return to the hotel, you will have free time to relax or explore Athens on your own.

On your own.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

Check out of the hotel and transfer our luggage to the motorcoach before departing for our excursion. We will enjoy a scenic drive along the Athens Riviera on our way to Cape Sounion, the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula. Upon arrival we will visit the Temple of Poseidon, who according to Greek mythology was the "master of the seas" and brother of Zeus. Learn about the significance and value of Poseidon to Athenians and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Aegean sea before making our way to Lavrion Port to embark our vessel.

At a local restaurant.

We will transfer to Lavrion Port to embark our ship in the late afternoon for the cruise portion of our program. Once aboard, we will have a welcome drink to meet the ship's crew and staff, followed by a safety orientation before we depart. Please note that your departure is part of our Adventures Afloat programs. All routes and excursions are subject to change – weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary. Sea conditions affect the progress of the ship, making it run late and sometimes miss ports because it is not safe to dock. Because of this, the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. The operators reserve the right to change the content of excursions without prior notice.

Aboard ship. The menu celebrates the flavors of the Greek islands and the Aegean Sea, while also embracing select international dishes designed to complement a diverse palate. Fresh seafood, premium meats, seasonal ingredients, and thoughtful presentation come together to create a dining experience defined by balance and quality. One complimentary beverage is offered with each meal, including a glass of house wine, a beer, or a soft drink. Unlimited water, tea, filter coffee and snacks are available throughout the day. Premium beverages are available at an additional charge.

At leisure. The ship is scheduled to leave Athens on our journey to Santorini.

Aboard ship.

Disembark by tender and board the motorcoach for a pleasant drive through the countryside passing the village of Pyrgos to the famous archaeological site of Akrotiri. If Santorini is known as the Greek Pompeii it is because of ancient Akrotiri. Excavations uncovered an ancient town frozen in time by ash from an eruption some 3.600 years ago. Remains of sophisticated buildings with great frescoes and other constructions are evidence of an elaborate lifestyle. Continue by motorcoach to the northern coast taking in amazing views to reach Oia, the most picturesque village of Santorini with its magical views over the Caldera. A short drive will bring us back to Fira where we will have a short guided walk and a visit of Fira museum.

At a local restaurant.

Free time to explore Santorini on your own.

Aboard ship.

At leisure. The ship is scheduled to leave Santorini on our journey to Crete.

Aboard ship.

After arriving at Crete’s lively port of Rethymno, we will set out via motorcoach for an exploration east to the ancient Minoan capital of Knossos, considered to be the oldest city in Europe. Knossos is the home to many well-known legends including King Minos, Theseus and the Minotaur, and Daedalus and Icarus. As we explore on foot, we will view elaborate architecture and elegant wall frescoes that are reminiscent of the days when Knossos was among the strongest cities in the Mediterranean.

At a local restaurant in Knossos.

We will continue to explore Knossos, one of the UNESCO’s Minoan Palatial Centers. Late in the afternoon, we will return to Rethymno and embark our ship.

Aboard ship.

At leisure. The ship is scheduled to leave Crete on our journey to Karpathos.

Aboard ship.

Boarding our motorcoach from Diafani port, we will drive into the mountainous area of Northern Karpathos where we will reach Olympos village. It is one of the most famous villages of the Aegean Sea often described as a living Greek folklore museum. The village itself, built on the slopes of a mountain was isolated from the Southern part of the island and not accessible by asphalt road until the last few years. It is for this reason that its residents preserved their ancient traditions, old customs and their local dialect; traditions which originated from the ancient Doric people.

Aboard ship.

This afternoon will be spent onboard at leisure as we sail to Kos.

Aboard ship.

At leisure.

Aboard ship.

Kos was the birthplace of Hippocrates, regarded as the father of modern medicine. We will board a motorcoach for an expert-led field trip to the Asclepeion, a shrine dedicated to the god of healing and a renowned infirmary in antiquity. Among the ruins, we can discern part of the Doric temple of Asclepius, the altar, and the Stoa that housed the famous Hippocrates Medical School. Returning to town, we will visit the recently renovated Kos Archaeological Museum that holds a splendid collection representing the ancient past. One of the most fascinating items is a mosaic from the house of Asclepius featuring an image of Hippocrates. We'll then stroll around the town and be able to view the Tree of Hippocrates (Platanus Orientalis). Though the tree we see today is only about 500 years old, it is thought to be a descendant of the original tree from Hippocrates’ time — 2,400 years ago.

Aboard ship or independently in Kos.

Free time aboard the ship or in Kos.

Aboard ship.

At leisure. The ship is scheduled to leave Kos on our journey to Patmos.

Aboard ship.

Depart the picturesque harbor of Skala for a short drive to the Grotto of the Apocalypse and the imposing Monastery of St. John, built 900 years ago. Its thick, high walls are crowned all around with battlements and eight chapels. Visit the Treasury museum in the Monastery with its jeweled chalices, crowns, vestments and old manuscripts dating back to 1073. We will then continue for an exploration in Chora. Chora is of unique charm not only because of the dominating Castle and Monastery but for the Byzantine residences said to be the strongest ones built in the Aegean. Enjoy some time at leisure before returning to our ship.

Aboard ship.

Free time to explore Patmos on your own.

Aboard ship.

At leisure. The ship is scheduled to leave Patmos on our journey to Delos.

Aboard ship.

After disembarking by tender this morning, we will explore the island of Delos, antiquity’s most sacred island and the birth place of Apollo and Artemis. We will set out by foot with our Group Leader and visit the island’s main archaeological sites. This is a walking Field Trip as the island is uninhabited, there are no vehicles on the island.

Aboard ship.

The ship is scheduled to depart Delos at 12:00 p.m., arriving in Tinos at 1:00 p.m. Upon arrival in Tinos, we will board our motorcoach and drive to Pyrgos, the biggest village of the island. Known as a premier art centre, we will be visiting the renowned Marble Museum to learn more about this craft from mining to artwork. We will then have some free time to wander around the narrow streets and admire the architecture or enjoy a coffee in the picturesque coffee shops, before making our way back to the ship.

Aboard ship.

At leisure. The ship is scheduled to leave Tinos on our journey to Athens.

Aboard ship.

Disembarkation at Lavrion Port will follow after breakfast, timing based upon cabin location and flight schedule. All participants must be off the ship by 9 AM. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!