Intrepid Travel & Celebrity Cruises: Greece & Turkey Highlights

Kalimera! Welcome to Greece. You'll arrive into Athens the day before your adventure begins, giving you some additional time to explore Athens.

Athens gave the world drama, history, poetry, and philosophy. Once the heart of a powerful empire, it’s now a leading archaeological treasure trove. The Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, still stands proudly atop the Acropolis, visible from almost anywhere in the city.

Be sure to visit the Acropolis Museum before boarding your cruise tomorrow. Designed by a Greek and an American architect, it opened in 2009 and showcases artefacts from ancient Greece, especially the 5th century BC—considered the peak of Greek art and culture. It also features items from the Bronze, Roman, and Byzantine periods, and includes a glass walkway revealing an excavated Athenian neighbourhood below. 

Stay: 5* Hyatt Centric Athens

Your ship departs promptly at 5:00 pm, so we recommend arriving at least 2-3 hours early to smoothly navigate check-in and boarding. All ship amenities are open and ready, so kickstart your vacation with a refreshing drink or a delicious snack.

The second largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki has so much going for it—beauty, history, culture, and absolutely amazing views of the sea. One of its most famous sites is the iconic White Tower which dates from the 1500s and was built as part of the city’s fortification. Head to the top of it for sweeping views of the city, shimmering gulf, and surrounding hills. Practically an open-air museum of Byzantine art, Thessaloniki offers many opportunities to stroll among 5th century churches, archeological sites, a 13th century bathhouse, archaeological museums, and contemporary art museums.

While at sea, indulge in some well-deserved relaxation before your next adventure. Unwind by the pool, pamper yourself at the spa, savor exquisite cuisine, or discover the unique venues on board. Your next incredible destination awaits.

In exotic Istanbul, you could spend an entire day strolling through the Grand Bazaar, exploring the famous Blue Mosque, or wandering through the majestic Topkapi Palace, with its gardens, libraries and 400-roomharem.

While at sea, indulge in some well-deserved relaxation before your next adventure. Unwind by the pool, pamper yourself at the spa, savor exquisite cuisine, or discover the unique venues on board. Your next incredible destination awaits.

Once the capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor, this coastal town is now an archeologist’s dream. The UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Ephesus impress even those familiar with the world's other ancient cities. Though excavations have been underway for 150 years, only 20 percent of the city has been uncovered. This former Greek banking and trading center is rich with historic sites, including the Great Theater, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. On your Europe cruise, check out the the Celsus Library — built in 117 A.D.— made up of towering columns highlighted by the statue of the goddess of wisdom.

Here on the island of Santorini, you’ll find a classic Greek seascape—whitewashed houses accented by sea-blue roofs. This is a treasure trove for both professional and amateur archeology buffs, with sites that include tombs that date back to the 9th century and the sanctuary of Apollo. In many ways, Santorini could be considered an explosive place, being that its terraced collection of homes and windmills lie on a caldera-- a huge basin formed by an erupting volcano. The island’s volcanic past has also produced delicious grapes for excellent wines that are well worth investigating while on your Santorini cruise. Some of the best on the island can be found in Pyrgos, Megalochori, and Oia. Oia’s hilltop not only has the ancient, Minoan site of Akrotiri, but is quite possibly the best vantage point from which to witness the spectacular sunsets. And, if you have some time, take a short trip to the island of Nea Kameni for a dip in its famous hot springs. The warm dark waters are enriched with iron and manganese and considered therapeutic.

Rhodes, the friendliest city in the Mediterranean, is situated at the island’s northernmost point. This sunny retreat is also home to many historic sites, such as the ruins of the Temple of Venus and the medieval Street of Knights. Rhodes, pronounced ro-dos, is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands. The varied landscape with beaches, wooded areas, and ancient ruins also make this one of the most alluring of the Greek archipelago. A cruise to Rhodes wouldn’t be complete without exploring the picturesque Old Town with its winding streets and Byzantine legacy. Enter the gateways of Rhodes and step back to a time when the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem built a Christendom stronghold. Or, tour the restored Palace of the Grand Masters and the Hospital of the Knights. You can spend the day amid the chronicles of Greek history. Immerse yourself in the whitewashed romance of the archaeological site, Lindos and climb to the ruins of its ancient Acropolis for sweeping views of the village and the blue seas beyond. The island’s vibrant shops, great restaurants, and glittering clubs buzz with a happy, modern energy in contrast to the grace of its ancient history.

Mykonos is known for its whitewashed villages sprinkled with blue and jade green. It's also famous for its sophisticated nightlife. The most popular island in the Cyclades is bustling with activity, awash in beautiful alleyways, and home to alluring sandy beaches.

Your cruise may have ended, but the adventure continues. Take advantage of the fantastic activities in the area with one extra night to explore the world's foremost archaeological playground before your tour begins tomorrow. 

Stay: 4* Melia Athens

Your tour begins with a welcome meeting at 10.30 am the following morning in Athens followed by a transfer to Loutraki – a seaside resort on the Gulf of Corinth. After, travel to Korintos where you’ll explore the ancient Acrocorinth and Corinth ruins on a guided walk. Learn about the area’s historical and religious significance as you wander through temples, admire statues and hear mythical stories. Next visit a family-owned olive mill. Enjoy an olive oil tasting, learn about virgin olive oil (considered liquid gold in Greece) and sit down to a traditional Greek lunch made with fresh local ingredients. This afternoon, return to Loutraki. Tonight, maybe get to know your fellow travellers over dinner.

Today is a free day to explore at your own pace. Maybe take a daytrip to Aegina or board a boat and cross the Corinth Canal. If you’d rather stay in town, maybe visit the Holy Monastery of Saint Patapios, discover the ancient Temple of Isthmia (Temple of Poseidon) or simply relax in a thermal spa.

This morning, travel to Epidaurus – a Greek sanctuary on the Peloponnese Peninsula. When you arrive, set out on a guided tour of the ancient archaeological site. Known for its well-preserved 4th-century BCE Theatre of Epidaurus and the Sanctuary of Asclepius, you’ll see the ruins up close and personal. Then, continue to Nafplio for a guided walking tour. According to mythology, the town was founded by Nafplios – the son of the god Poseidon. After your walking tour, enjoy some free time before visiting a local ouzo distillery. Learn how one of Greece’s most famous drinks is made, and sample it for yourself, before continuing to Loutra. Along the way, cross the Korinthian Canal, which links the Gulf of Corinth in the Ionian Sea with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea.

Today you can choose your own adventure! Maybe visit Vouliagmeni Lake, go kayaking or join a wine tasting tour. This afternoon, maybe see Lighthouse Melagavi or wander through the Archaeological Museum of Isthmia. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your local leader will have the best recommendations.

After breakfast, travel to Athens – the capital of Greece and once the heart of the powerful civilisation and empire of Ancient Greece. When you arrive, set off on a guided tour of the Acropolis, the city’s elevated and fortified settlement. Wander through the ancient ruins and learn how the town's greatest religious festivals, earliest cults and many decisive events in the city’s history are connected to this sacred site. Then, join your local leader for an orientation walk around Athens. Discover the city’s ancient temples and pass by 5th-century BC landmarks, including the hilltop citadel crowned by the colonnaded Parthenon. In the afternoon, take a short transfer to Athens Riviera, where golden beaches, luxury marinas, and chic seaside resorts meet the timeless charm of ancient history - just minutes from the heart of Athens. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace – maybe find a local cafe for lunch or bask in the sun. Tonight, maybe head out to dinner with your fellow travellers – a perfect way to celebrate the last night of your Greek trip.

After your tour ends, enjoy one final night to explore Athens and to see any of the sights that you might have missed. If you wish to extend your stay, speak to your travel expert who can assist with additional accommodation, tours and more.