Acropolis , Athens , Greece
THE MEDITERRANEAN
Monastery of St . John , Patmos Island , Greece The Arab Quarter , Jerusalem , Israel
ITINERARY
DAY 1 • Depart U . S . Depart on your overnight flight to Athens , Greece .
DAY 2 • Athens , Greece Arrive in Athens and meet your fellow travelers , including those who took our Athens & the Peloponnese : From Homer to the First Olympics pre-trip extension .
Meals : D | Titania Hotel or similar
DAY 3 • Athens • Embark ship Enjoy a walking tour of Athens , including the Acropolis Hill and its ancient monuments , located atop a rocky outcropping . The crown jewel of the Acropolis is one of the most iconic symbols of the ancient western world : the Parthenon . We ’ ll also wander the Plaka district , Athens ’ oldest neighborhood . Later , embark the 89-passenger M / V Clio , your home for the next seven nights .
Meals : B , L , D | M / V Clio
DAY 4 • Santorini • Akrotiri archaeological site Drop anchor in Santorini and take a funicular ( cable car ) to Fira Town and visit the ancient Minoan city of Akrotiri . This settlement was once one of the most important cities in the Aegean , serving as a central trade port for the ancient Minoan civilization . Archaeological evidence indicates that Akrotiri serviced merchants and traders from all across the Mediterranean , as far as Egypt and Syria . Like Pompeii , Akrotiri fell victim to a volcanic eruption in the 17th century BC , which coated the city in a thick layer of ash , preserving it in a remarkable condition .
We ’ ll also explore the village of Oia . Then , enjoy a Captain ’ s Welcome Dinner before setting sail to Patmos .
Meals : B , D | M / V Clio
DAY 5 • Patmos Explore the Greek island of Patmos , where St . John the Evangelist is said to have dictated the Book of Revelation . Visit the eleventh-century Monastery of St . John , built by the monk Christodolous on the ruins of the Temple of Diana . Fortified over the next two centuries to protect it against marauding pirates , this imposing monastery is visible virtually everywhere on the island and has remained in continuous operation for more than 900 years . You ’ ll also explore the Holy Cave of the Apocalypse , where he lived and worked . If you see cracks in the walls of the cave , consider that they are said to have appeared when the apostle heard the voice of the Lord .
The afternoon is yours to explore Patmos . Meals : B , L , D | M / V Clio
DAY 6 • Symi While docked in the heart of Symi , enjoy a guided walking tour and scenic drive of the village of Yialos . We ’ ll also visit to a sponge maker workshop where we ’ ll learn about the island ’ s sponge-diving tradition , and how it has impacted Symi ’ s people . Our tour will also include a brief stop at the Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis , a famous site of pilgrimage for the Greeks . You ’ ll then have time for independent discovery in Symi .
Meals : B , L , D | M / V Clio
DAY 7 • Rhodes Explore Rhodes , the largest of the Dodecanese Islands . With an important strategic location for Mediterranean Sea routes , an inviting climate , and natural beauty , it was considered a plum prize for would-be rulers . The Persians , Macedonians , Romans , Byzantines , Saracens , Venetians , and Ottomans all claimed it over the centuries , though ( as happened with the Italians and Germans ) the island outlasted their control , becoming part of Greece in 1948 . Set off on a walking tour of Rhodes ’ Old Town , which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO . Along the way , learn about the island ’ s history and witness palaces belonging to the mysterious Knights of Malta .
Meals : B , L , D | M / V Clio
ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHT
Explore picturesque Symi on Day 6 , for a close look at the island ’ s whitewashed Venetian mansions , and an introduction to its spongediving legacy .
Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www . oattravel . com / cth 63