DAY 1 – ATHENS, GREECE
Athens is the cradle of the Western democratic tradition, home to a civilization as radiant as any before or since. Feel the pulse of history as you climb to the hilltop Acropolis, home to some of the city’s most renowned ancient sites. Gaze in amazement at the massive columns of the Parthenon, Pericles’ greatest monument. Admire the little Temple of Nike and the fantastic carvings of the caryatids that support a porch of the Erechtheion. At the bottom of the hill, the Acropolis Museum includes original statues of the maidens and numerous other artifacts unearthed here. Equally outstanding is the National Archaeological Museum, one of the largest in the world. In the Agora, you can walk in the footsteps of Plato and Aristotle, carry on an imaginary dialogue with Socrates and discover where Hippocrates healed and Pericles ruled. Then for lighter fare, savor the lively tavernas and twisting lanes of the Plaka neighborhood.
DAY 2 – MILOS, GREECE
One of the most geographically distinctive and culturally rich islands in the Cyclades, Milos is a volcanic island of beautiful beaches, thermal springs and unusual rock formations. Adámantas, the island’s pretty port and nightlife hub, is sheltered inside the volcano’s former caldera. Plaka, the nearby capital, overlooks the entrance to the Gulf of Milos. This charming hilltop town is home to Plaka Castle with views of the entire island as well as an acclaimed archaeological museum, which features a replica of the island’s most famous find: the Venus of Milo. A diverse array of historic sites – Bronze Age settlements, ancient Greek ruins, Christian catacombs, abandoned windmills and pirate caves – dot this lovely island. And while you’re there, be sure to try the local culinary specialties, like watermelon pie and bonbons with white pumpkin.
DAY 3 – DAY AT SEA
With a day at sea, enjoy the unique opportunity to unplug and relax into the unhurried life on board. Enjoy a workout with a view at the gym, indulge in a relaxing spa treatment, watch the sky transform at sunset from The Observation Lounge, or find an intimate alcove in The Living Room and lose yourself in a favorite book.
DAY 4 – CORFU, GREECE
History oozes from every corner of Corfu, an island prize coveted by a succession of maritime powers since the Peloponnesian War in the 4th century BC. But who can blame them? This Ionian idyll is the greenest of all Greek islands, swathed in orange and olive groves and endless beaches bathed by a cerulean sea. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Old Town of Corfu includes the magnificent Esplanade, where you can watch a game of cricket from a sidewalk café. There are also beautiful palaces, castles and archaeological sites to explore. Empress Elizabeth of Austria built the gorgeous Achillion Palace for her summer home, while the former Greek royal family used to vacation at Mon Repos. And don’t miss the lovely beaches of Paleokastritsa, where Odysseus was washed ashore.
DAY 5 – KOTOR, MONTENEGRO
Simply arriving in Kotor is an unforgettable experience. One of the world’s most breathtaking waterways, the fjord-like Bay of Kotor follows a winding path through the forested mountains that rise on all sides of the sparkling sea. Nestled along the most inland cove are the coral-tiled roofs of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Fortified during Venetian rule, medieval ramparts surround the Old Town, where visitors will find historic landmarks such as the 12th-century Cathedral of St. Tryphon and the Maritime Museum. The physically fit should climb the 1,350 steps to clifftop St. John’s Fortress for gorgeous views of the town and the bay. A more leisurely option would be a boat tour to the unique Our Lady of the Rocks Church, situated on a tiny manmade islet, or a drive to the charming medieval town of Budva.
DAY 6 – DUBROVNIK, CROATIA
It was English poet Lord Byron who famously described the great walled city of Dubrovnik as “the pearl of the Adriatic” and George Bernard Shaw stated that “Those that seek paradise on earth should seek it in Dubrovnik.” Red tiled roofs and a backdrop of green hills contrast sharply with the spectacular blue of the Adriatic. Thick medieval walls wrap around beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains. This UNESCO World Heritage site played a central role in the TV show Game of Thrones. No matter how many times you’ve been to Dubrovnik, you can’t help being inspired by the ancient ramparts that survived sieges by countless invaders for centuries and still stand proudly today.
DAY 7 – ZADAR, CROATIA
One of Croatia’s most ancient cities, Zadar charms travelers with its unique cultural heritage, spectacular sunsets and vibrant nightlife scene. Its walled Old Town occupies a tiny peninsula ringed by a beautiful waterfront promenade. Inside the Venetian-era fortifications you’ll find a medieval labyrinth of narrow streets centered around a fascinating architectural legacy: a Roman Forum, a Byzantine-style church and a 12th century Romanesque cathedral. A pedestrian bridge links the Old Town to the mainland, but you can still journey between the 16th century sea gate and the marina via rowboat. At the end of the day, enjoy a relaxing drink in the atmospheric Old Town, or head to a waterfront restaurant to watch the sun slowly set. Zadar is said to enjoy one of the best sunsets in the world.
DAY 8 – VENICE, ITALY
One of the most enchanting cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Venice rises from a lagoon on more than a hundred tiny islands linked by the iconic network of canals. A romantic gondola ride provides the perfect introduction to the city, gliding underneath the Ponte di Rialto – the oldest and most famous of Venice’s hundreds of bridges – and past the ornate palaces lining the Grand Canal. The power and wealth of the Venetian empire are on display at Piazza San Marco, the city’s most splendid square, where stands the grand St. Mark’s Basilica and the Gothic-style Doge’s Palace. Priceless art collections vie for attention, including the Italian masters in the Gallerie dell’Accademia and the modern works of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Some of the world’s most talented glassblowers showcase their wares on the island of Murano, while the colorful shops of Burano are home to artisan lace makers.
