Wonders of Ancient Greece & the Adriatic - Cruise & Land Journey: 16 days Athens to Venice

Welcome to Athens, the capital of Greece, where the ancient and the contemporary exist side by side in a way found almost nowhere else on earth. You will spend two nights here, with time to settle in and begin absorbing all that surrounds you.

This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow guests for a welcome dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Acropolis – an introduction to Athens that sets the tone for the days ahead.

This morning your Tour Director leads you on a private guided tour of Athens, beginning at the Acropolis, described by UNESCO as "the most striking and complete ancient Greek monumental complex still existing in our times". The Parthenon, built between 447 and 432 BC under the leadership of the statesman Perikles and the sculptor Pheidias, remains the supreme expression of classical Greek architecture. Your tour continues to the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, and the Panathenaic Stadium – known as the Kallimarmaro – built entirely of marble and the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. A visit to the Acropolis Museum and the Ancient Agora completes a morning of extraordinary depth.

The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. The winding streets of Plaka, Athens' oldest neighbourhood, draw you through traditional cafés, shops, and hidden corners that have defined this city for generations.

After breakfast, you depart Athens and journey north toward Meteora, one of the most extraordinary landscapes in Greece. The monasteries began to take shape in the 14th century, when monks sought refuge atop the region's towering sandstone pillars, and the complex is today recognised as a World Heritage Site and one of the most important centres of Eastern Orthodox monasticism in the world. Upon arrival in Kalambaka, your hotel awaits.

As the day draws to a close, a gentle walk around the monasteries offers a quiet encounter with a landscape that feels genuinely unlike anywhere else on earth. The evening settles gently into dinner at a local restaurant, where the flavours of the region bring a warm and fitting close to a day of remarkable discovery.

Two of the six surviving monasteries of Meteora are your first destination this morning. each perched atop its own sandstone column and home to historic chapels and Byzantine frescoes that have endured for centuries. 

Scenic Enrich
Before departing the region, a visit to a family-owned honey business offers a hands-on encounter with one of Greece's oldest agricultural traditions. Dressed in protective gear, you participate in a beekeeping activity that brings you closer to both the landscape and the rhythms of rural Greek life. 

The afternoon brings you to the charming seaside town of Galaxidi, where a picturesque harbour and unhurried streets will be your home for the next two nights.

This morning you journey to Delphi, considered by the ancient Greeks to be the centre of the world and home to the most celebrated oracle of antiquity. A World Heritage Site, the sanctuary was first inhabited as early as the 15th century BC, with the cult of Apollo established here in the 8th century BC. Your guided tour traces the sacred way through the sanctuary's treasuries and temples before you step inside the Delphi Archaeological Museum, home to the celebrated Charioteer of Delphi. 

Scenic Enrich
A hands-on pie-making workshop with a local chef offers a genuine window into the traditions of Greek home cooking. Guided by expert hands, you roll, fill, and fold alongside your fellow guests before sitting down together to enjoy the fruits of your efforts – a convivial, warmly personal experience that reveals the heart of Greek hospitality. 

As the afternoon unfolds, unwind on the golden shores of Itea, letting the gentle sea breeze and sparkling waters refresh your body and soul. 

From the tranquil charm of Galaxidi, your journey continues toward the bustling port city of Piraeus, where an extraordinary new chapter awaits as you prepare to step aboard your next-generation Scenic Discovery Yacht, Scenic Ikon.

This afternoon, be welcomed on board Scenic Ikon by the Captain and crew. A sense of refined anticipation fills the air as you meet your personal butler and are escorted to your elegantly appointed suite. A chilled glass of Champagne awaits, marking the beginning of your time at sea in true ultra-luxury.

Discover the rich tapestry of history as you wander through Nafplion’s charming streets adorned with neoclassical architecture, Venetian fortresses and Turkish mosques. Explore the winding alleys of the Old Town, where traditional tavernas and quaint cafes beckon you to indulge in local delicacies. Climb the steps to Palamidi Fortress for breathtaking views of the town and sea below or relax on the shores of Arvanitia Beach. See the World Heritage-listed Epidaurus Theatre and archaeological site of Mycenae, dating back to the second century BC. 

After a rejuvenating night on board, enjoy a leisurely morning discovering the yacht’s amenities before arriving at your next destination. You may want to book a spa treatment#, take a class in the Pilates studio or just relax in a poolside cabana and watch the ocean slip buy. 

After lunch, arrive in Nydri, a lively seaside village best known for its stunning views, charming harbour and easy access to nearby waterfalls. This bustling island port offers the perfect mix of relaxation and exploration. 

The ruggedly beautiful island of Corfu is dotted with whitewashed houses and olive groves, creating an enchanting Mediterranean allure. The World Heritage-listed Old Town boasts a rich history and stunning Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Wander the vibrant Spianada, Greece’s largest square, and immerse yourself in Corfu’s timeless charm and cultural treasures.

A true gem of the Adriatic, Monopoli charms with its whitewashed buildings, vibrant fishing port and maze of narrow streets. Wander the historic old town, explore magnificent churches, or unwind by the sea with a gelato in hand. This coastal town captures the heart of Puglia in every detail. 

Today, arrive in Kotor, a fortified city nestled between towering mountains and the shimmering Adriatic. This World Heritage-listed town is brimming with Venetian palaces, cobblestone lanes and café-hemmed squares. Guarded by medieval walls, Kotor is a place of ancient stories and modern culture.

As your next-generation Discovery Yacht departs, enjoy the breathtaking sail away through the Bay of Kotor, Europe’s southernmost fjord-like bay, with its rugged mountain backdrop and charming, red-roofed villages lining the shores.

In the evening, you’ll sail on to Dubrovnik, where your ship will stay overnight, giving you ample time to soak in the city's medieval charm and vibrant evening atmosphere. 

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik is a compelling historic city along Croatia's Dalmatian Coast. Its walled Old Town is one of the finest examples of medieval citadel architecture in Europe. With its storied history and breathtaking views of iconic terracotta rooftops and the alluring Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik offers the perfect blend of cultural exploration and serene seaside strolls.      

Korcula, Croatia, is the Adriatic’s sixth-largest island and has been dubbed the ‘Emerald Isle’ for its lush, green landscape. It is renowned for its medieval Old Town, often called ‘Little Dubrovnik’. Famed as Marco Polo’s birthplace, it boasts Gothic-Renaissance architecture and quaint squares, whilst vineyards grace nearby Cara and Smokvica, yielding the prized Croatian wine, Pošip. 

Šibenik, a Dalmatian treasure, was founded in the ninth century and is one of the oldest Croatian cities on the Adriatic. It’s famous for the World Heritage-listed Cathedral of St. James, a Renaissance masterpiece as well as medieval fortresses like St. Michael’s and the winding cobblestone alleys of its car-free Old Town. It also neighbours Krka National Park, home to a series of seven stunning waterfalls. 

Piran, a lesser-known coastal gem on Slovenia’s Adriatic shore, enchants with its medieval charm. Clustered on the Piran peninsula, its red-tiled, white-washed buildings reflect a vibrant Venetian heritage, shaped by the Venetian empire from the late 13th to late 18th century. Elegant gothic-style architecture and narrow cobblestone streets invite exploration. 

Your Signature Yacht Cruise concludes this morning in Venice, where you’ll disembark after breakfast, taking with you unforgettable memories of your journey through the Mediterranean. Founded in the fifth century and known as the ‘City of Canals’, Venice captivates visitors with its romantic waterways and Byzantine artistry. 

Please book your flight to depart out of Venice after 12:00 PM.

#Spa treatments and services at additional cost. Daily activities may be subject to change; please consult your Daily Wonder for updates. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.
^Experiences on board our helicopters and submersible are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather conditions.

Submersible not operational in Europe.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.