Wonders of Ancient Greece & the Aegean Riviera - Cruise & Land Journey: 18 days Athens to Athens (Piraeus)

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.

Depart for Nafplio, one of Greece’s most romantic coastal towns. The journey takes you through scenic landscapes of rolling hills and shimmering waters, offering glimpses of the Greek countryside at its most picturesque.

You will have the afternoon to explore Nafplio at your own pace, wandering through its narrow cobblestone streets, discovering charming cafés, boutique shops, and neoclassical architecture, or simply relaxing by the sparkling harbor and soaking in the town’s enchanting atmosphere.

As evening falls, enjoy a festive dinner at a traditional taverna, where authentic Greek cuisine is paired with lively folk dancing – a perfect introduction to the warmth and spirit of Nafplio.

This morning your journey takes you through the storied landscape of the Argolis Peninsula, a region where mythology and history are woven into every hillside and ancient stone visible from the road. Your destination is the legendary citadel of Mycenae, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece.

At Mycenae, walk through the imposing Lion Gate, visit the Treasury of Atreus, and explore the Acropolis, where the stories of kings and heroes come vividly to life. The afternoon brings a quieter pleasure – a visit to a local vineyard where a carefully curated wine tasting showcases the character and heritage of the region's varietals.

Leaving Nafplio behind, the morning drive to Epidaurus passes through a landscape that rewards those who simply pause and look – gentle hills and glimpses of the Saronic Gulf unfolding beyond the window. At Epidaurus, the remarkably preserved ancient theatre commands quiet awe – its acoustics so extraordinary that even a whisper from the stage carries clearly to the highest seats, a testament to the ingenuity of the ancient world.

From Epidaurus, your journey continues to Piraeus Port, where the next remarkable chapter of your experience awaits as you prepare to embark the next-generation Scenic Discovery Yacht, Scenic Ikon.

Chania, the capital of Crete until the 1970s, boasts a rich history dating back more than 5,000 years, with influences from civilisations such as Minoan, Venetian and Ottoman. Its charming maze-like Old Town is known for its picturesque harbour, narrow cobblestone streets, and well-preserved Venetian and Turkish architecture. Spend the day exploring historic landmarks like the 16th-century lighthouse, the dusky pink Mosque of Kioutsouk Hasan and the Byzantine walls. 

Paros is one of the most charming Greek Islands, sitting in the heart of the Aegean Sea. Its verdant green landscape captivates with vineyards and orchards laden with citrus fruits and pomegranates. Wander the winding streets of the capital Parikia, lined with quintessential Cycladic architecture – quaint whitewashed houses are adorned with bright blue doors and window boxes overflow with blooming bougainvillea. 

The island of Amorgos, Greece, captivates with Katapola, an historic port known for its Cycladic architecture. Founded in ancient times, it boasts whitewashed villages and the iconic Panagia Hozoviotissa monastery, perched dramatically above the Aegean.  

In the late afternoon, set sail to the nearby island of Nikouria. This uninhabited outcrop is renowned for its serene, rugged landscapes and deserted beaches facing calm, clear water. 

Best known for its medieval architecture and rich history, the Greek island of Rhodes sits close to the coast of Turkey. Its well-preserved medieval Old Town is a designated World Heritage-listed site, resplendent with cobblestone streets, ancient walls and the impressive Kastello - Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights. Rhodes also boasts a fascinating hybrid of Greek, Ottoman and Italian influences, that you can experience through its diverse architecture, cuisine, and culture.    

Today, explore Marmaris, a vibrant Turkish coastal town where natural beauty meets lively culture. Surrounded by pine-covered mountains and sparkling turquoise waters, Marmaris offers a bustling marina, colourful bazaars, and a charming old town filled with history and warmth. Whether you’re strolling along the waterfront or sampling delicious local cuisine, Marmaris will be an unforgettable experience. 

Start your day with an early session in the gym or some guided stretching in the Pilates studio. After breakfast, explore Bodrum, a glamourous Turkish city with twin bays and the medieval Bodrum Castle. This fourth century fortress was built partly with stones taken from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Wander through the castle’s winding streets and dive into the vibrant atmosphere of the bazaar, where colourful stalls tout treasures from rugs to spices. 

After departing from Bodrum, you’ll sail on to Kos for an overnight stay. This beautiful Greek Island is ringed by golden sandy beaches and renowned for its rich history.   

A stunning Greek Island popular for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters and rich history, Kos is home to enthralling ancient ruins. These include the famous Asklepion, a traditional healing centre dedicated to the Greek god of medicine, Asklepios, and the Castle of the Knights, a medieval fortress that offers stunning views of the surrounding area.   

Wander lively bazaars and savour Turkish cuisine in the popular seaside resort town of Kusadasi. The port also serves as the gateway to the World Heritage-listed ancient city of Ephesus, renowned for its breathtaking Greco-Roman ruins dating back as far as the 10th century BC. Marvel at Ephesus’ grand Library of Celsus and the majestic ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the original Seven Wonders of the World, echoes of antiquity’s splendour. 

This morning your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Ikon, will arrive at the island of Mykonos, Greece, a cosmopolitan Cycladic gem known for its iconic windmills and distinctive architecture. Founded as a port in the 11th century BC, it boasts pristine beaches, whitewashed buildings and vibrant bougainvillea climbing along winding streets. Discover picturesque churches, savour authentic Greek cuisine in lively waterfront cafés, and be immersed in the island’s rich history and spirited charm.     

Your Signature Yacht Cruise concludes this morning in Piraeus, where you’ll disembark and be transferred to Athens airport. Nestled in the heart of Greece, Athens captivates with its vibrant streets and ancient ruins. Rising above, the Acropolis showcases the Erechtheion’s graceful columns, blending historic grandeur with the city’s lively modern spirit. 

After one final delicious breakfast on board your next-generation Discovery Yacht, bid farewell to the crew and your fellow guests, taking with you stories for life. 

Please book your flight to depart out of Athens 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.