Day 1 - Piraeus

Piraeus, Greece: It's no wonder that all roads lead to the fascinating and maddening metropolis of Athens. Lifting your eyes 200 feet above the city to the Parthenon, its honey-coloured marble columns rise from a massive limestone base, showcasing architectural perfection unsurpassed in 2,500 years. Today, this shrine of classical form dominates a 21st-century boomtown. To experience Athens—Athína in Greek—fully is to understand the essence of Greece: ancient monuments in a sea of cement, beauty amidst chaos, and tradition juxtaposed with modernity. Locals rely on humour and flexibility to navigate the chaos, and so should you, relishing immense rewards. The major landmarks of the ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods are near the modern city centre, from the Acropolis to various key sites. Along the way, enjoy shops, cafes, and tavernas. Everywhere in the city, you can catch a glimpse of "the glory that was Greece" with the Acropolis looming above. But only by climbing that rocky precipice can you feel the impact of the ancient settlement. Explore Filopappou, craggy hills, the ancient Agora, and Kerameikos, the first cemetery, forming the core of ancient and Roman Athens. Unification of Archaeological Sites promenade allows uninterrupted site exploration. The National Archaeological Museum exhibits vast Greek civilization artifacts, while smaller museums, like the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art and the Byzantine and Christian Museum, illuminate specific histories. Though Athens seems huge, it's a collection of neighbourhoods with unique characters. Ottoman influences linger in Monastiraki, and in Plaka, on the northern slope of the Acropolis, enjoy tranquil streets lined with renovated mansions. Anafiotika, a section of Plaka, offers narrow lanes threading past tiny churches and colourful houses. Street mazes reveal city's past: stairways lined with festive tavernas, wine-filled cellars, and gardens enclosed within high walls. While old quarters like Thission, Gazi, and Psirri gentrify, they retain much charm, just like Athinas' vibrant produce and meat market. Around Syntagma Square, the tourist hub, and Omonia Square, the commercial heart, are distinctly European, featuring chic shops and bistros at Kolonaki's foot. Each suburb boasts unique character: Kifissia, Glyfada, Voula, and Vouliagmeni flaunt sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife. South of the city's fringes is Piraeus, a bustling port city with waterfront tavernas and views over the Saronic Gulf.

Day 2 - Naxos

Naxos, Greece: Naxos stands as the largest of the Cyclades islands, renowned for its stunning mountainous landscapes, lush valleys, and seaside charm. On Naxos, you can explore ancient ruins, bustling local markets, and enjoy a variety of traditional dishes while soaking in the island's vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere. Wander through the old town's labyrinthian alleys, lined with whitewashed houses, where history is breathed through every stone.

Day 3 - Khania

Khania, Greece: The second-largest city in Crete and capital of the Homonym Prefecture, Chania is located in Minoan Kidonia at the end of the Homonym Gulf between the Akrotiri and Onicha peninsulas. Chania City is split into the Old Town, featuring several interconnected districts around the Venetian Harbour, and New Town, a larger and modern city adjacent to it. The Old Town, home to Venetian buildings and Turkish elements, creates a unique architectural landscape, and is considered the most picturesque urban district in Crete.

Day 4 - Agios Nikólaos

Agios Nikólaos, Kríti, Greece: Agios Nikólaos, a small yet vibrant town nestled around the scenic Mirabello Bay, is known for its picturesque blend of seaside beauty and contemporary charm. Offering an inviting atmosphere, the town is famous for its terraced layout overlooking the Gulf of Mirabello, bustling cafes, and lively waterfront. Nearby beaches provide a perfect place for relaxation while the town's rich history invites exploration of its archaeological treasures.

Day 5 - Rhodes

Rhodes, Greece: Early travellers described Rhodes as a town comprised of two distinct parts: a castle or high town known as Collachium and a lower city. Today, Rhodes town—sometimes referred to as Ródos town—continues to be a city of two parts: the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the modern New Town, expanding from the ancient encircling walls of Old Town. Within the Old Town, narrow streets, mostly closed to cars, are lined with Orthodox and Catholic churches, Turkish houses, and restored medieval buildings, creating a harmonious blend.

Day 6 - Samos

Samos, Greece: Samos is an island steeped in rich history and is famously known as the birthplace of Pythagoras. It offers lush greenery, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters paired with a wealth of archaeological sites to explore. Ancient ruins such as the Heraion of Samos stand alongside picturesque villages, providing a blend of historical intrigue and serene island life for visitors.

Day 7 - Chíos

Chíos, Greece: Chíos captivates travellers with its unique mosaic landscape, rich history, and tradition. Known for its medieval villages and the distinctive mastic trees grown only on the island, it offers a glimpse of bygone eras with fortified settlements and Byzantine monasteries. Its picturesque beaches provide a serene retreat, making Chíos an ideal blend of culture and relaxation.

Day 8 - Mytilene

Mytilene, Lesbos, Greece: The city of Mytilene, located on the island of Lesbos, serves as a cultural and administrative hub. Noted for its ancient castles, vibrant harbour, and the unique beauty of its architecture, Mytilene offers a harmonious blend of modern Greek lifestyle and historical sights. It boasts a rich philosophical and literary history, inviting visitors to explore its museums, galleries, and scenic waterfront.

Day 9 - Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey: The only city in the world that can lay claim to straddling two continents, Istanbul—once known as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine and later the Ottoman Empire—has for centuries thrived as a bustling metropolis with a foot in both Europe and Asia. Embracing its enviable position, Istanbul combines chaos with inventiveness, continually evolving as a cosmopolitan crossroads. It's a meeting point of East and West and highlights the juxtaposition of old and new. Historic palaces lie alongside rising office towers, and old-world charm meets modernity as visitors explore its vibrant streets, discovering age-old bazaars, vibrant nightlife, and phenomenal architectural marvels. Istanbul's uniquely immersive culture guarantees a warm welcome, making it a must-experience destination for travellers.