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Explore this magical, mythical land where much of our cultural heritage was born. This vibrant country of sun-drenched islands, whitewashed villages, rugged mountains, peaceful olive groves, bustling tavernas, and friendly people continues to enchant, to exhilarate, to inspire. Discover the classical sites of mainland Greece, and cruise Greece’s stunning Cycladic islands.
Day 1 and 2 New York/Athens, Greece
Depart for Athens, site of the Summer 2004 Olympics. Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel. Meet your traveling companions at tonight’s welcome reception and dinner in the hotel’s rooftop dining room overlooking the city.
St. George Lycabettus Hotel
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Day 3 Athens
Explore the Acropolis temples, including the masterpiece of Periclean Athens, the Parthenon. Visit the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympics of the modern era were held in 1896. Join a local archaeologist on a guided tour of the agora, the marketplace of ancient Athens.
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Day 4 Athens
This morning, visit the National Archaeological Museum, the most important archaeological museum in Greece. This afternoon, enjoy time at your leisure to stroll through the plaka, Athens’ oldest and most picturesque neighborhood. Board the S.V. Pantheon and depart for the crown jewel of the Cycladic island chain, Santoríni.
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Day 5 Santoríni
Only a crescent of this island survived one of the world’s most destructive volcanic explosions. Ride a donkey or a cable car up to Phira, then continue to the excavation site of Akrotiri. Like Pompeii, this prosperous Bronze Age settlement was buried beneath a thick layer of volcanic pumice and ash. Afterward, enjoy time to explore Phira on your own. This evening, we lay anchor at Folégandros and explore this charming island.
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Day 6 Náxos
The mountainous isle of Náxos was dubbed the most beautiful by both Herodotus and Byron. Visit Apíranthos village, whose streets are paved in marble; and explore the narrow alleys of 13th-century Kastro, a fortified Venetian district overlooking the modern harbor. Later, join a friend of Eleni’s in her Venetian home with its stunning antique collection.
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Day 7 Delos/Míkonos
The Cycladic islands take their name from the Greek word kyklos, meaning "ring" or "circle." This string of islands forms a circle around the sacred isle of Delos—birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Today, this uninhabited island is strewn with archaeological remains. Spend the remainder of the afternoon on the nearby resort island of Míkonos. Enjoy dinner on your own in one of Míkonos' lively restaurants.
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Day 8 Tínos/Síros
Tens of thousands of pilgrims come to Tínos to pray before the miracle-working icon of the Virgin Mary. Tínos is also known for its marble carving; traditional villages; and hundreds of picturesque dovecotes, masterpieces of folk art. Following a tour of the island, enjoy a gourmet lunch of Tiniote specialties at a family taverna in the village of Pyrgos. This afternoon, visit Síros, a rocky island in the center of the Cyclades. The city is built like an amphitheater, crowned by the Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches.
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Day 9 Aegina/Piraeus
Aegina preserves the neoclassical charm of a 19th-century town. Drive around the island to see life in small villages, meet children at a primary school, and visit one of Greece’s best-preserved temples. Stop at Eleni’s home for a delicious lunch of Greek specialties. Sail to Piraeus and bid farewell to this ancient land at tonight’s festive dinner.
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Day 10 Athens/New York
Disembark and transfer to the airport for the return flight to New York.
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The Pantheon is a two-masted motorized sailing vessel was launched in 2004 and accommodates 50 guests in 25 outside cabins. Cabins are equipped with a private bathroom, television/VCR, mini-bar, radio, telephone, and individual climate control. Public areas include a lounge, two bars, and teakwood decks. The dining room accommodates all guests in a single seating. The ship is furnished with two Zodiacs and snorkeling gear.
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