Compare Odyssey at Sea: Easter Celebration on The Greek Isles by Road Scholar vs A little bit of everything: Athens, Santorini, Heraklion & Rhodes by Eros and Psyche Travel

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrive Athens, Transfer to Port, Embark Aegean Odyssey Piraeus (Athens)

Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Transfer time from the airport to the port will take approximately 45 minutes. Walking about 1 mile including ship and port corridors and gangways.

Transfer from the airport to the Port of Piraeus. Meals aboard ship will begin with dinner; a light lunch will be available for those who arrive in time.

Embark the Aegean Odyssey. Complete boarding procedures, get your cabin, unpack, and freshen up. Then begin to explore this comfortable ship that will be our floating home. The ship’s courteous and friendly staff are scrupulous about hygiene and you will find numerous dispensers with hand-sanitizer we are encouraged to use. Along with everyone on board, we will meet at muster stations when called for the ship’s safety drill. During succeeding evenings aboard ship, there will be activities to choose from such as a guest speaker, a performance by talented musicians, and opportunities for interaction with fellow Road Scholars. Please note that lecture times and dates may vary due to time in port. Check your briefing memo for the most up to date lecture schedule. There is also a well-stocked library with daily newspapers received via satellite. Most mornings will begin with a group stretch session. On each full day of the program, we will gather for an informal “port talk” about what’s ahead. Each evening, we’ll get a briefing memo in our cabins with highlights of the next day’s activities. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. In most ports, we will have shuttle busses, or tender boats, running from/to the ship during the day for your convenience if you wish to explore independently. The extent and duration of elective walking and other free time activities depends on personal choice. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

We will gather in the Ambassador Lounge for a welcome briefing by the Cruise Director, As well as welcoming you to your floating campus, the Cruise Director will discuss some general ship policies and review any updated Covid-19 regulations. The rest of the evening will be at leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead. The ship is scheduled to remain in port overnight.

Aboard ship, enjoy your first dinner on board in either the Marco Polo restaurant or the Terrace Café. Meals feature fresh ingredients in tasty preparations including healthy choices. Both restaurants offer open-seating dining. All meals aboard ship are included as well as afternoon tea and late night snacks. Non-alcoholic beverages and select wines at dinner are included; other beverages are available for purchase upon request.

Day 3 Athens, Acropolis, Acropolis Museum At Sea

Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking up to 4 miles; up/down a winding trail with many well-worn steps to Acropolis; no handrails; uneven, rocky sometimes slippery surfaces; standing up to 2 hours. At Acropolis Museum, walking and standing for more than an hour. Popular sites may be crowded at certain periods. NOTE: The “Relaxed” activity level group will not climb to the Acropolis and will see it from the motorcoach followed by a visit to the Temple of Zeus and the museum.

Orientation: We will gather this morning with the Group Leader, who will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. We will step off the ship with our Group Leader and walk to our waiting motorcoach for a field trip to the city’s most iconic symbol, the Acropolis. From the UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription: “The Acropolis of Athens and its monuments are universal symbols of the classical spirit and civilization and form the greatest architectural and artistic complex bequeathed by Greek Antiquity to the world.” We will climb to the top of the rocky crag and stand in awe before ruins of the Parthenon and other temples. Built between 447-432 BCE, the Parthenon — named for the city’s patron goddess, Athena Parthenos — has been called “the supreme effort of genius in pursuit of beauty” and “the most perfect Doric temple ever built.” Its architectural proportions symbolize the ideals of Greek thought at the height of Greek civilization.

The long-awaited Acropolis Museum was completed in 2007. During an expert-led exploration in the dramatic Gallery of the Slopes of the Acropolis, we will ascend floors of glass that seem to float above the excavations for an extraordinary perspective of the layers of Greek history that lie below. In addition to irreplaceable masterpieces, the exceptional collection includes items from everyday life and all historic periods. A recreation of the Parthenon’s frieze was based on existing original blocks as well as copies from museums in London and Paris. We will return to the ship by motorcoach with time to freshen up and relax. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, including a lecture on topics relevant to our program. We will then gather for a port talk in the late afternoon.

At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the briefing memo placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow. The ship is scheduled to leave Piraeus on our journey to Heraklion.

In the Terrace Café — and on the Lido Deck in nice weather — or Marco Polo Restaurant, there are freshly made hot and cold dishes to choose from such as eggs, breakfast meats, cereals, fruits, breads, pastries, and a variety of healthy choices as well as milk, juice, coffee, tea, water. Meals feature fresh ingredients in tasty preparations.

At a local restaurant.

In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Day 4 Heraklion, Palace of Knossos Heraklion

Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking about 1 mile including ship and port corridors and gangways; further walking of about 2 miles; uneven terrain including steps without railings and cobblestones; standing up to 2 hours.

We will board a motorcoach for a field trip to Knossos, legendary seat of King Minos. Inhabited since the Neolithic era, it became the political, religious, and trade center of Minoan civilization, reaching a population estimated at around 100,000 at its height. The builders also achieved an extraordinarily high level of architectural sophistication seen in the ruins of the palace that covers more than 230,000 square feet. We will also have an onsite presentation from our Group Leader, or a local expert, on the palace and the legends associated with it, from Daedalus and Icarus to the Labyrinth, Theseus, and the minotaur. We will explore the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, one of the most important in Greece with the largest and most magnificent collect ion of Minoan art, covering a period of some 5,000 years. Exhibits feature artifacts from excavat ions in all parts of Crete. They provide an indispensable record of artistic, economic, and social life in antiquity.

Next, we’ll go on a walking field trip with our Group Leader through the historical center of Heraklion. Highlights will include the old herb market, the Morozini fountain, the Loggia, the church of St. Titus, and the Church of St. Mark. We’ll walk along the pedestrian road that leads straight to the old Venetian Harbor with the impressive fortress of Koules that once protected its entrance. Back aboard ship, we will with gather with our Group Leader for a port talk at the end of the afternoon.

Enjoy an evening walk with your Group Leader or enjoy some time at leisure on board the ship. The ship is scheduled to remain in port overnight.

In the Terrace Café, on the Lido Deck in nice weather, or in the Marco Polo Restaurant.

Late lunch at a local restaurant in Arolithos.

In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant, or choose to dine on your own on shore.

Day 5 Heraklion At Sea

Walking about 1 mile including ship and port corridors and gangways; further walking of about 2 miles; uneven terrain including steps without railings and cobblestones; standing up to 2 hours.

This morning is reserved for free time to explore Heraklion at your leisure or enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship. The ship is scheduled to leave Heraklion on our journey to Marmaris, Turkey.

Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, including a lecture on topics relevant to our program. Later in the afternoon we will gather for a port talk.

At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

In the Terrace Café, on the Lido Deck in nice weather, or in the Marco Polo Restaurant.

In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Day 6 Marmaris, Dalyan River Cruise, Kaunos, Turtle Rescue Center At Sea

Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking about 1 mile including ship and port corridors and gangways; further walking of about 3 miles; very steep and uneven terrain, including steps without railings and cobblestones; standing up to 2 hours. Extent and duration of elective walking and other free time activities depends on personal choice. NOTE: The “Relaxed” activity level group will not be visiting the ruins at Kaunos.

We will transfer to a local small boat to put-put through the reeds and the maze of the Dalyan River delta. We will see the impressive Lycian rock tombs carved out of the hillside, built for the local kings and dignitaries. Then explore the ancient ruins of Kaunos with a local expert. The ruins of this once busy port city were discovered by English archaeologist, R. Hoskyn, in 1842. Take in the scenery of the area while wandering the ancient theater, Roman baths, and acropolis.

After lunch we will board our motorcoach and head to Iztuzu Beach, home of the highly endangered loggerhead sea turtle. While here, we will take a tour of the Dekamer Sea Turtle Rescue Center. Learn about the efforts of June Haimoff to stop development along the stretch of beach these turtles use as a breeding ground, as well as ongoing conservation efforts to save these beautiful creatures. In the late afternoon we will gather for a port talk.

At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the briefing memo placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow. The ship is scheduled to leave Marmaris on our journey to Rhodes.

In the Terrace Café, on the Lido Deck in nice weather, or the Marco Polo Restaurant.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Day 7 Rhodes, Old Town, Grand Master's Palace, Street of Knights At Sea

Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking about 3 miles from motorcoach parking area including an unpaved winding trail with steps, no handrails; uneven, rough footpath; standing up to 2 hours exposed to sun, no shade; At the Grand Masters Palace and Archaeological Museum there will be 2 flights of steps and no handrails. Extent and duration of elective walking and other free time activities depends on personal choice.

We will board our motorcoach and enjoy a panoramic drive from port to explore the Old City of Rhodes with your Group Leader. One of the rare survivors of the medieval world in Europe, it stands unscathed in all its vibrant beauty. We will see where the Order of the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem — the Hospitallers — left an indelible mark. We will visit the Palace of the Grand Master, one of the greatest monuments erected in the Middle Ages. It was the administrative center, the residence of the leader of the Knights of St. John of Rhodes, and the seat of the established ruling class. Moving on, we’ll visit the Street of the Knights, one of the highlights of the medieval town, where seven imposing inns were constructed in the early 16th century, representing the seven countries from which the Knights of the Order of St John originated. We will end our visit at the old Hospital of the Knights, a unique Gothic masterpiece, now used as the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes to admire its façade and learn about the architecture. We’ll walk back to the ship after our field trip.

Free time on board. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, including a lecture on topics relevant to our program. At the end of the afternoon, we with gather for a port talk. The ship is scheduled to leave Rhodes on our journey to Mykonos.

At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the briefing memo placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow.

In the Terrace Café, on the Lido Deck in nice weather, or in the Marco Polo Restaurant.

In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Day 8 Mykonos, Greek Easter Friday, Old Town At Sea

Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking about 3 miles from motorcoach parking area including an unpaved winding trail with steps, no handrails; uneven, rough footpath; standing up to 2 hours exposed to sun, no shade. Extent and duration of elective walking and other free time activities depends on personal choice.

With our Group Leader, we’ll take a tender boat or shuttle bus into the old town. Explore Mykonos on foot. As we walk, we will see the three main highlights of Mykonos: the Church of Panagia Paraportiani, one of the most photographed churches in Greece; the iconic windmills that can be seen from almost every angle in the village; and “Little Venice” where the buildings are built perched over the water's edge. At the end of the field trip, the Group Leader will accompany those who wish to return to the ship.

Free time. Take advantage of a special Easter Walk with your Group Leader or simply observe the holiday celebrations independently. Or, enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, including a lecture on topics relevant to our program.

At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the briefing memo placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow. The ship will sail to Monemvasia this evening.

In the Terrace Café, on the Lido Deck in nice weather, or in the Marco Polo Restaurant.

In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant, or you may choose to stay on shore and dine on your own.

In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant, or you may choose to stay on shore and dine on your own.

Day 9 Greek Easter Saturday, Monemvasia At Sea

Getting on/off tender boats. Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking about 1 mile including ship and port corridors and gangways; further walking of about 2 miles; uneven terrain including unavoidable steps without railings and cobblestones; standing up to 2 hours.

We will board tender boats to go ashore, and board a shuttle to take us to the gates of Monemvasia. Set out on a walking field trip with our Group Leader to explore the fortified town of Monemvasia, where beautifully preserved Venetian and Ottoman architecture is complemented by the beauty of the surrounding environment. Once connected to the mainland, an earthquake in the 4th century left Monmevasia as an island plateau rising 300 feet out of the Aegean. We will learn about the island’s strategic location and its possession by various empires.

Free time. Take advantage of a special Easter Walk with your Group Leader or simply observe the holiday celebrations independently. Or, enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, including a lecture on topics relevant to our program. Returning to the ship, enjoy some time at leisure. The ship is scheduled to leave Monemvasia on our journey to Piraeus.

At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the briefing memo placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow.

In the Terrace Café, on the Lido Deck in nice weather, or in the Marco Polo Restaurant.

In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant, or you may choose to stay on shore and dine on your own.

In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Day 10 Greek Easter Sunday, Athens Piraeus (Athens)

Getting on/off tender boats. Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking about 1 mile including ship and port corridors and gangways; further walking of about 2 miles; uneven terrain including unavoidable steps without railings and cobblestones; standing up to 2 hours.

Today, take the special and unique opportunity to experience Greek Easter. Along with your Group Leader, witness festivities and learn how locals celebrate the holiday.

This afternoon continue your exploration of the day’s festivities and take time to spend your last afternoon repacking and spending time with your fellow Road Scholars.

At leisure. Prepare for disembarkation and departure in the morning. The ship is scheduled to remain in port overnight.

In the Terrace Café, on the Lido Deck in nice weather, or in the Marco Polo Restaurant.

Take part in a special Easter barbecue aboard the ship, or you may choose to stay on shore and dine on your own.

In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during your final dinner on board.

Day 11 Piraeus, Athens, Disembarkation, Program Concludes Piraeus (Athens)

Disembarkation may begin as early as 2:00 a.m. depending on local schedules. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

We will complete disembarkation procedures. This concludes our program. If you are enrolled in back-to-back Odyssey at Sea programs, you’ll find details of your bonus field trip in the Information Packet of the first program in a document at the end of the packet. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

In the Terrace Café, on the Lido Deck in nice weather, or in the Marco Polo Restaurant.

Day 1-3: Athens

Once you get to Athens airport, you’ll be welcomed by your private driver who will take you to your accommodation for a quick fresh-up. For your first evening, have a fascinating tour and let your knowledgeable, local guide take you on a stroll across Athens’ vibrant streets. Wonder at the city’s most historic landmarks while listening to stories of the past. By the end of your tour, find yourself among friendly locals, savoring a Greek ‘mezedes’ dinner and drinking traditional Greek liquors or wine.

On day 2, set on a private tour led by an experienced archaeologist, licensed guide, and explore the ruins of ancient Athens. Visit the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum while discovering the mythology behind the colossal buildings and monuments the Greeks built to honor their gods. Have the rest of the day to yourselves. Roam the lively streets of Athens, mingle with the locals, and at night, have drinks with a romantic view of Athens at one of the city’s many rooftop bars.

The following day, spend a relaxing morning in the Greek capital. In the evening, go beyond Athens to the spectacular Cape Sounio. Overlooking the cerulean blues of the Saronic Gulf, take in the beauty of Poseidon’s magnificent temple and get enchanted by the gorgeous sunset. On your way back to the city center, enjoy your ride along the Athenian Riviera and opt for a dinner meal at a seaside restaurant to properly round up your stay in Athens.

Day 4-7: Santorini

On the 4th day of your trip, you’ll be taken to Athens International airport to catch your flight to the next destination, Santorini. As soon as you touch the ground, you’ll be welcomed by your driver who will take you to your hotel where you can rest for the remainder of the day

The next day, experience the magical island of Santorini with a private tour in the comfort of a luxurious vehicle. Accompanied by your local guide, see the top attractions of the island, such as the world-famous ‘caldera’, the Akrotiri Excavations, and the postcard-perfect village of Oia. Alternatively, you can set on a trip around the unique landscape of Santorini and visit 3 different local wineries along with other travelers. Explore the viticulture of Santorini on-site with the help of your expert guide and get to taste 12 different kinds of local wines. End your trip at a fantastic spot at the edge of Caldera and take in the breathtaking sunset of Santorini.

Day 6 is free for you to get to know the island on your own. Relax at the beach or marvel at the views from one of Santorini’s scenic walking routes. At dusk, have dinner whilst taking in the golden sunset or experience the vigorous nightlife of the island in Fira, at one of the many bars and clubs.

On the 7th day, luxuriate in a semi-private sailing trip that will give you the chance to swim and dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea. Cruise along the caldera cliffs, stop at the volcanic hot springs, the Red and White beaches, and savor a Greek meal served on board. Whether you choose the morning trip to lap up the Greek sun or the late afternoon one to catch a spectacular sunset, this will be a trip to remember!

Day 8-11: Heraklion, Crete

Let us drive you to Santorini port so you can board the ferry to Heraklion, the capital of Crete – the largest island in Greece. Once you arrive, you’ll get transferred to your accommodation to relax and get acquainted with your surroundings.

On day 9, a tour that combines the wonders of ancient history with modern-day culinary discoveries awaits you! Start your Cretan adventure with a guided tour around the marvelous Knossos Palace; the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and the ruins of Europe’s oldest city. Continue with a delicious food tour around Heraklion and get introduced to the famous Cretan cuisine while visiting off-the-beaten-path eateries to try traditional local delicacies.

The 10th day of your trip will be free for you to decide how to spend your time with your significant other. Explore the vibrant city and the old Venetian harbor, visit the city’s museums or go on a trip to Spinalonga, the island of the lepers in Crete that lies at the natural harbor of Elounda.

On the eleventh day of your trip, discover the wealth of the Cretan land with a hands-on cooking class in the beautiful Heraklion countryside. After a tour around the traditional village, you’ll learn how to prepare the most distinctive Cretan dishes with the help of your expert Cretan cook. Your experience wouldn’t be complete without a traditional Cretan meal of the goodies you’ll make, with a picture-perfect view of the Cretan landscape.

Day 12-15: Rhodes

The time to reach the final destination of your trip has come. On day 12 you’ll be driven to the airport of Heraklion to catch a flight to the stunning island of Rhodes. Once you get there, your private driver will take you to the hotel where you’ll have the rest of the day free to yourselves.

The following day, embark on a private half-day tour to Lindos found at the foot of an abrupt rock. Together with your licensed guide, explore this small, historic village with its white houses and cobbled streets. Climb up to the Acropolis of Lindos, and admire the Temple of Athena Lindia that dates back to around 300 BC, and the Propylaea of the Sanctuary; enjoy fantastic views and take lots of pictures of the enticing St Paul’s Bay below that has the shape of a heart.

Have the next day at your disposal to do with it as you please. Optionally, you can have a guided tour of the medieval city of Rhodes, an impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Jewish Quarter. Walk and see from up close the impressive monuments and landmarks that make the island so unique, while listening to fascinating stories and gaining insight into the regions’ heritage and culture.

For your penultimate day on the island, you’ll enjoy a wine and honey tasting tour at two traditional villages of Rhodes followed by a visit to Monolithos castle, just in time to enjoy the glorious sunset while toasting to your happiness – the most romantic way to end the trip of your dreams!

Day 16: Athens

On day 16, it’s time for this magical honeymoon trip to reach an end. Catch your flight back to Athens and leave our country, having made the best memories with your better half you could possibly ask for.