Embark on a 10-day journey through the Mediterranean, starting in Athens, where you explore ancient landmarks like the Acropolis and Parthenon. Visit Naxos, the largest Cycladic island, known for its whitewashed houses, sandy beaches, and archaeological sites. In Crete, explore Chania’s medieval harbor, Agios Nikolaos’s charming waterfront, and visit the fascinating Spinalonga Island. Continue to Rhodes, with its UNESCO-listed Old Town, and Lindos’ ancient Acropolis. Discover the history of Samos and its ancient aqueducts, visit the medieval villages of Chios, and explore the island of Lesbos, home to poet Sappho. Finish in Istanbul, blending ancient and modern cultures with landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.
Highlights
Explore Athens' iconic landmarks, including the Acropolis and Parthenon
Visit Naxos, the largest Cycladic island, known for its beaches and historical sites
Discover Chania’s medieval harbor and Agios Nikolaos's charming waterfront in Crete
Explore the fascinating Spinalonga Island, a Venetian fortress turned leper colony
Wander through Rhodes' UNESCO-listed Old Town and visit Lindos’ ancient Acropolis
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Athens, Greece’s capital, blends ancient history with modern life and connects to the sea through Piraeus port. The Grand Promenade links major historic sites, including the Acropolis, where you find the famous Parthenon. You can visit the Acropolis Museum to learn more or walk up Filopappou Hill for great views of the city.
Naxos is the largest Cyclades island, with Chora as its beautiful main town, featuring whitewashed houses and cobblestone streets with a mix of Cycladic and Venetian styles. The island has long sandy beaches, rocky mountains, and green valleys with olive and citrus trees. Small villages and old chapels dot the landscape. According to Greek mythology, Zeus lived here, and Ariadne made it her home.
Included Excursions:
Naxos Town On Foot
Marvel at the majestic entrance of the unfinished Temple of Apollo, a must-see landmark connected to the main island by a narrow causeway
Ascend to the Old Town, perched on a hill, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the town and harbor from the historic Venetian fortress
Explore the rich history of Naxos at the Archaeological Museum, featuring exhibits from the Cycladic, Classical Greek, Roman, and Frankish periods, and walk on a glass walkway revealing Mycenaean wonders below
Chania, on Crete’s northwest coast, was a key hub for ancient Minoans and features a medieval harbor from the 14th century, watched over by a 16th-century lighthouse. Its old town blends Venetian and Ottoman influences with mosques, churches, and fortifications. The waterfront is lined with seafood restaurants, while the inland valleys are rich with vineyards, olive trees, and citrus groves.
Agios Nikolaos, on Crete's east coast, is a charming town with a picturesque harbour, cafes and a sandy beach. The town sits upon the ancient city ruins of Lato pros Kamara. The Archaeological Museum displays artefacts from local excavations. Close to the harbour, the freshwater Voulismeni Lake, a nearly circular pool, is reputed to have been the bathing place of the goddesses Artemis and Athena, and connects to the sea via a narrow canal.
Included Excursions:
Agios Nikolaos-Kritsa & Spinalonga
Experience the unique charm of Kritsa, where traditional agriculture, culinary practices, and local customs are preserved, offering a glimpse into the authentic Cretan way of life
Discover the rich history of Spinalonga Island, from its Venetian fortress to its time as one of Europe’s last leper colonies, with a guided tour that provides fascinating insights and stunning views
Enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Elounda, a charming village on the Gulf of Elounda, and relax with a refreshment at Poulis Restaurant, soaking in the local hospitality and breathtaking surroundings
Rhodes Town, one of Europe's best medieval walled towns, is known for the 14th century UNESCO-listed Old Town constructed by the Knights of St. John and the 100-foot Colossus statue that once stood in the harbour. Highlights include the bustling Turkish district, Grand Masters' Palace adorned with marble mosaics and Gothic Street of the Knights. Nearby Lindos offers whitewashed streets and an Acropolis with views over St. Paul's Bay.
Included Excursions:
Acropolis of Lindos
Enjoy the scenic drive along the east coast passing by quaint villages, orange and lemon groves, vineyards, and gnarled old olive trees
Admire the 4th-century B.C. Doric Temple of Athena Lindia and a double-winged portico
Look at the breathtaking panoramas from atop the Acropolis, including St. Paul's Bay
Pythagorion, a scenic port village on Samos Island, is named after the ancient philosopher Pythagoras. Its charming fishing harbor is surrounded by red-roofed houses, narrow alleys, and welcoming tavernas. Built over the ancient city of Samos, a UNESCO World Heritage site, it features notable landmarks like the 6th-century BC Temple of Hera and the impressive 1,036-meter Eupalinos Tunnel, an ancient aqueduct.
Included Excursions:
Archaeology and Temples
Discover fascinating exhibits from the Archaic Period, including the impressive 4.80-meter tall kouros statue, showcasing the rich history and artistry of ancient Greece
Step back in time to the most noteworthy archaeological site on Samos, where myth holds that the goddess Hera was born, and marvel at the remains of the magnificent temple described by Herodotus
Enjoy free time to explore the charming seafront shops and cafés of Pythagoreio, soaking in the local culture and scenic beauty before returning to your ship
Chios, an Aegean island and the birthplace of Greek poet Homer, is famous for its mastic production and medieval villages. Built during Genoese rule in the 12th century, these fortress-like villages include Olympi, Pirgi—known for its geometric house designs—and Mesta, with its fortified alleys and Taxiarches Church. The island is also home to mastic tree groves, where the unique resin is harvested.
Included Excursions:
Chios Highlights
Visit Pyrgi Village one of the most beautiful villages on the island of Chios, known as the "painted village" thanks to the unique facade of the stone houses
Continue the island discovery to the Mesta, the best-preserved medieval village of Chios
Mitilini, the capital of Lesbos, Greece’s third-largest island, is known for its medieval alleys and rich Ancient Greek heritage. The island was home to the poet Sappho, honored in her birthplace, Skala Eressos, for her devotion to Aphrodite. Messa features a 4th-century BC temple dedicated to Zeus, Dionysus, and Hera. The Lesvos Island UNESCO Global Geopark preserves an ancient fossilized forest, and the island is also renowned for its ouzo distilleries.
Included Excursions:
Mytilene at a Glance
Visit the Church of the Virgin Mary in Agiasos
Discover the history of the Monastery of Taxiarches
Enjoy the panoramic views of the island
Day 10: Istanbul | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Istanbul connects Europe and Asia, influenced by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. This rich history is reflected in its architecture, food, music, and arts. Key landmarks include the Hagia Sophia, once a church and mosque, the Blue Mosque with its six minarets, Topkapi Palace, the former home of Ottoman sultans, and the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest markets.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$6,480
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Oceanview D4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
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Oceanview M4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
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Balcony D5
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
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Balcony M5
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
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Balcony D6
Located on decks 6, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
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Junior Suite
SH Diana’s Junior Suites features a Super King Size bed, separate living room area with homely flame-effect fireplace, private kitchen, luxurious en-suite bathroom and a 7 sq. m private balcony.
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Suite
Our Suites features a superking bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
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Premium Suite
SH Diana’s Premium Suites feature a Super King Size bed, separate living room with homely flame-effect fireplace, luxurious en-suite bathroom, spacious walk-in wardrobe and a 12 sq. m private balcony.
Initial deposit is 20% (30% for Suite bookings), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
9 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
9 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Wifi
Self-service laundry
Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
Onboard gratuities & port taxes
Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.
Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
24-hour room service
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
We recommend every traveler to take out a travel cancellation insurance, travel interruption insurance and a travel health insurance policy with an assumption of the return transport costs of repatriation
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
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