Day 1 (NOV 17): Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Depart @ 5:00pm

Piraeus is the gateway to the ancient city of Athens, known as the “Cradle of Western Civilization” because of its immense impact on cultural and political achievements throughout the world. Due mainly to tourism and the 2004 Olympics, Greece has redeveloped many sites in Athens. A historian’s delight, Athens is home to such magnificent wonders as: the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the atmospheric winding streets of the Plaka, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Temple of Athena Nike, and the Archaeological Museum with the world’s finest collection of ancient artifacts.

Day 2 (NOV 18): Cruising the Adriatic Sea

Day 3 (NOV 19): Split, Croatia

Split is the largest Croatian city on the Adriatic coast. Split achieved fame when the Roman emperor Diocletian, noted for his persecution of early Christians, had his retirement palace built here. The spectacular stone edifice and its grounds and cellars are a major highlight of any city tour. Other points of interest include the Cathedral of St. Duje, built on the remains of an ancient shrine purported to be the oldest in the world; and the Mestrovic Gallery, where the impressive works of Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic are available for viewing in this home and atelier.

Day 4 (NOV 20): Cruising the Ionian Sea

Day 5 (NOV 21): Heraklion (Crete), Greece

The capital city of Greece’s largest island, Heraklion beguiles with a pair of Crete’s must-see sights: the state-of-the-art Heraklion Archaeological Museum, home to treasures of Minoan civilization and finds covering over 5,500 years of Crete’s history; and the Palace of Knossos, a center of Minoan power that dates back to 2000 BC and revered as the location of the mythic Minotaur’s Labyrinth. Take in spectacular harbor views from Iraklion’s 13th-century fortress and revitalized waterfront, where ‘fish taverns’ serve authentic Cretan dishes like sweet or salty kaltsounia washed down with raki, Crete’s local spirit.

Day 6 (NOV 22): Mykonos, Greece

Steeped in Greek mythological history, Mykonos was named after Apollo’s grandson, Mykons, and was the location of the grand battle between Zeus and the Gigantes. Today, this island is one of Greece’s most adored destinations due to its picture- postcard setting and growing nightlife. Mykonos is a superb example of Cycladic architecture, and by law even new buildings have to be built in the same style of whitewashed, organic, cube-like buildings. Be sure to plan a day trip to take in picturesque Little Venice, the unique Paraportiani church, and the archeological dig at Delos.

Day 7 (NOV 23): Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey

Europe’s classical metropolis, Ephesus, was one of the largest cities in all of the Roman Empire, boasting one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. Explore the ruins of its massive Theater, the Temple of Hadrian and the magnificent Celsus Library.

Day 8 (NOV 24): Mytlini (Lesbos), Greece

Officially named Lesbos, more often called Mytilini after its principal city, the island is the third largest in Greece, famed for its olive oil. Its undulating hills are said to support 11 million olive trees, which glisten silver in the sunlight, while the higher peaks are swathed in deep pine forests. It was the birthplace of leading figures in the intellectual world, such as Sappho, the world’s greatest lyrical poetess; Pittacus, one of the Seven Sages of antiquity; the poet Alcaeus and many, many others.

Day 9 (NOV 25): Cruising the Aegean Sea

Days 10-11 (NOV 26-27): Istanbul, Turkey

Once serving as the capital of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires, Istanbul today offers impressive architecture, historic sites, dining, shopping, nightlife and exotic atmosphere. Spend time in the Old City to explore renowned places, like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.