Skip to Main Content
Road Scholar logo
Greece/Turkey

The Greek Isles & Ephesus — A Small Ship Voyage

Program No. 25368RJ
Sail through history and culture on this Floating Campus voyage, exploring Athens, the Greek Isles and Ephesus while uncovering ancient wonders and hidden local gems.
Watch VideoWishlistShare
Start
  •  
  • Map of a small ship voyage through Greece and Turkey, showing the route from Athens to Ephesus via the Greek Isles.
  • The Variety Voyager ship sails on the turquoise water near a green island in Greece/Turkey.
  •  
  • The ancient stone ruins of the Library of Celsus in Ephesus, Turkey, stand under a clear blue sky with hills in the background.
  • Looking up at the ornate facade of the ancient Library of Celsus in Ephesus, Turkey, against a bright blue sky.
  • A group of four travelers smiles for a photo overlooking the white buildings of Santorini, Greece.
  • A whitewashed bell tower with bright blue details stands against the blue sea and sky in Santorini, Greece.
  •  
  • A group of travelers on a tour in Greece sit in ornate wooden pews, looking up with interest inside a historic building in Ermoupoli.
  • Colorful buildings and church domes pack a sunny hillside in Ermoupoli on the Greek island of Syros.
Small ShipAdventures Afloat Study CruiseHistoryNewFloating Campus
Length
11 days
Rating
New
Activity Level
Starts at
6,999
Special Offer
Flights start at
FREE
Program
At a Glance
Duration
11 days
Program Begins
Athens
Program Concludes
Athens
Meals
25 ( 9B, 8L, 8D )
Activity Level
Uncover the wonders of ancient Greece and Turkey on this exclusive Road Scholar Floating Campus voyage. Beginning in Athens, climb the iconic Acropolis with an expert, standing where ancient philosophers once walked. Then, set sail to explore the hidden treasures of the Greek Islands. On Naxos, savor Kitron, a rare liqueur made from the island’s citron trees. On Milos, explore a Roman amphitheater with sweeping Aegean views. Experience Ephesus, the jewel of Greek-Roman cities and walk the same streets as Cleopatra and Mark Antony. From Santorini’s volcanic landscapes to the healing grounds of the Asclepieion on Kos, uncover local traditions and ancient wonders that bring Greece’s storied past to life. Throughout your voyage, enjoy access to onboard instructors and get to know other Road Scholars who love learning as much as you do!
Best of all, you'll...
  • Enjoy exclusive access to experts who will be with you throughout your journey and learn from them as you take in onboard lectures and educational activities.
  • Ascend the legendary Acropolis with a local expert and uncover the stories behind its iconic ruins as you explore this enduring symbol of Athens and Western civilization.
  • Discover the grandeur of Ephesus, where towering columns, ancient mosaics and one of the largest Roman theaters in the world tell stories of a once-thriving city at the heart of trade and culture.
  • Venture to lesser-traveled islands like Naxos and Milos to experience authentic Greek island life, from timeless traditions to local flavors.
View Full Itinerary
Featured Expert
All Experts
Profile Image
Vicky Papantoniou
Vicky Papantoniou was born in Athens, Greece. She studied History and Archaeology at the National University of Athens and earned a master’s degree. In Florence, Italy, she studied Italian Religious Art of the Renaissance, and was licensed as a lecturer and guide. She also received a degree in Academic Theology at the University of Athens. Vicky has worked with Road Scholar for 15 years. She is an artist and has pained Byzantine Icons since she was a teenager. She speaks Greek, English, Italian, and French.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Vicky Papantoniou was born in Athens, Greece. She studied History and Archaeology at the National University of Athens and earned a master’s degree. In Florence, Italy, she studied Italian Religious Art of the Renaissance, and was licensed as a lecturer and guide. She also received a degree in Academic Theology at the University of Athens. Vicky has worked with Road Scholar for 15 years. She is an artist and has pained Byzantine Icons since she was a teenager. She speaks Greek, English, Italian, and French.
Ioanna Christoforaki, born and raised on the island of Rhodes, has lived in Athens for the past 20 years. She studied history and archaeology at the University of Athens and holds a Master’s degree and a Doctorate from the University of Oxford. She has worked at the Greek Ministry of Culture, the Hellenic Open University, and the Academy of Athens. Her research interests focus on the visual and material culture of the Mediterranean during the Middle Ages and cultural interchanges among its people.
Anastasia Rigatou is a licensed group leader in Greece. She leads groups in Greek and English. Her passion for history and mythology led her to pursue a B.A. in archaeology and history of art, and an M.A. in human communications and culture. As a leader and a passionate traveler, she is enthusiastic about introducing people to Greek history, culture, and life. When she is not working, Anastasia enjoys traveling, reading books, and spending as much time as she can with her friends and family.
Tommy Hatwell—born in Plymouth, England—has lived, worked, and photographed all over the globe. In 2017, he completed his B.A. with honors in commercial photography and soon after was nominated for the prestigious Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize at the National Portrait Gallery in London, also opening his first solo exhibition. He shares his passion and knowledge of photography by traveling around the world, offering workshops, and visiting universities.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to three miles per day over various types of terrain; walking up stairs unassisted, getting in and out of motor coaches. Please note: the ship does not have an elevator and is not suitable for wheelchair or electric scooter use.
Floating Campus®
On our Road Scholar Floating Campuses, we’ll have the entire ship to ourselves and enjoy field trips onshore in smaller groups. Onboard experts will be on hand throughout the voyage and will offer instruction during exclusive lectures, Q&A sessions and discussions.
Suggested Books and Resources
View Full List
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
Helpful Links
Trip Protection
Start Enrolling
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

An illustration of a hand using a pen to check off the final item on a clipboard checklist
Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

An illustration of an elderly man sitting at a computer with a pair of binoculars beside him
Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

An illustration of an elderly woman holding a piggy bank, with the Eiffel Tower in the background
Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

An illustration of a hand holding a globe with a small bird flying around it
  • Peace of Mind

    We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

    An illustration of a hand using a pen to check off the final item on a clipboard checklist
  • Assurance Plan

    Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

    An illustration of an elderly man sitting at a computer with a pair of binoculars beside him
  • Want to Protect Your Investment?

    Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

    An illustration of an elderly woman holding a piggy bank, with the Eiffel Tower in the background
  • Sustainable Travel

    We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

    An illustration of a hand holding a globe with a small bird flying around it