Travellers gather in Toronto for our flight to Athens.

On arrival in Athens, your local guide welcomes you and transfers you to the city centre. A panoramic bus tour introduces the golden age of Athens, passing landmarks such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Panathenaic Stadium, Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, Constitution Square, and the House of Parliament. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant with stunning views of the Acropolis, a perfect chance to meet your fellow travellers and toast the start of your Greek adventure.

Royal Olympic Hotel (3 nights)

Visit the mighty Acropolis, towering over the city, and Mars Hill, where St. Paul addressed the Elders of Athens to share the message of Christianity. In the afternoon, embark on your first hike to the remains of the Philopappos Monument on Philopappou Hill, passing the Dora Stratou Theater along the way. Later, enjoy a traditional Greek dinner at a local restaurant in the charming Plaka.

Sometimes the best-kept secrets are hidden in plain sight. Mount Hymettus forms the natural eastern boundary of Athens, where the dense city grid gives way to a tree-covered slope dotted with monasteries. Explore the tranquil Kaisariani Forest, a protected nature reserve often unknown even to long-time Athens residents. Wander its many paths, visit a 12th-century Greek Orthodox monastery, and discover the ruins of an early Christian basilica. Though the forest is dense, its slender trees reveal a young woodland, replanted after much of the original slopes were lost during World War II.

Depart Athens and drive to Agia Marina, where a ferry carries you to Evia, Greece’s second largest island. Arriving at Nea Styra, set out on a hike through the Styra region, famed for its mysterious Dragon Houses, stone structures dating back to the 5th century BC. You will also visit the ancient Styra Acropolis, built between 900 and 500 BC. Continue south to the seaside town of Karystos, your base for the next two nights, and settle into your hotel before dinner together. 

Marmari Bay Hotel (2 nights)

Today’s hike begins in the square of the village of Agios Dimitrios, a small community framed by oak and chestnut groves. This path, once used by shepherds, descends into the limestone gorge, where the running waters of the Porphyra River create small waterfalls and natural pools. Known as an important habitat for birds of prey in Evia, the gorge is home to peregrine falcons, golden eagles, and other rare species. The trail concludes at a pristine beach, a fitting reward after a day surrounded by the sights and sounds of this remarkable landscape.

Leave the island of Evia and cross from Nea Styra back to Agia Marina on the mainland, continuing to the bustling port of Piraeus. In the afternoon, embark on the Celestyal Journey, your floating home for the next leg of the trip. Settle in and relax on board as the ship sails east toward the Turkish port of Kusadasi.

Celestyal Journey (7 nights)

From the Turkish port of Kusadasi, travel inland to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical sites in the world. Walk along the Sacred Way to admire the restored façade of the Celsus Library and step into the grand theatre, where St. Paul once preached to the Ephesians. This afternoon, you will have free time in Kusadasi, perhaps to wander the Harbourfront, shop at the bazaar, or relax in a café overlooking the sea.

Our morning hike leads to Lindos, where the path along St. Paul’s Bay offers sweeping views of the Aegean. Return to Rhodes Harbour, once guarded by the mighty Colossus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The afternoon is yours to explore the medieval Old Town, from the mosaic floors of the Grand Master’s Palace and the Gothic Governor’s Palace to the many shops tucked within its winding streets.

Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, was once the centre of the ancient Minoan civilization dating back to 1700 BC. Travel inland to Mount Giouchta, where you can choose between a more challenging hike or a gentler trail, both leading to the summit and its monastery with three small chapels. Afterwards, continue to the little wine town of Archanes for lunch and a wine tasting.

Santorini’s inner harbour, shaped by a volcanic eruption in 1500 BC, is now crowned by dazzling white houses perched on cliffs over 1,000 feet high. Beyond the heights, gentle slopes of fertile soil descend toward the sea, where volcanic ash has enriched the soil and shaped the island’s distinctive wine production. Hike along the caldera from Fira to Oia, taking in views of the rim and the iconic white-and-blue architecture. Pause for lunch and free time in Oia or Fira before descending by cable car to the old port of Fira and returning to the ship by tender.

Winding lanes, tiny fishing boats bobbing in the harbour, white-washed houses, and iconic windmills have long attracted artists and dreamers here. Take a walking tour through the narrow streets of Mykonos Town to Little Venice and the Windmills, which once ground grain for the island’s residents and now stand as symbols of Mykonos’ heritage. After lunch, trek along the coastline from Paradise Beach to Paraga, Pinky, and Platis Yialos beaches, with time for a swim along the way. Later, free time allows you to explore at your own pace.

Milos, the smallest island on our journey, is a true Cycladic fairyland. The island’s Chora, or main town, sits perched above the Aegean and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Hike toward the hilltop village of Agios Konstantinos, known for its charming whitewashed houses and small chapels, passing sculpted mountain valleys and secluded beaches ideal for a swim. Pause at tavern terraces to relax and soak in the Greek way of life one last time, from sharing simple, fresh meals to enjoying lively conversation, warm hospitality, and unhurried moments.

All too soon, our Greek Odyssey comes to an end as we arrive at Piraeus port. After leaving the ship, transfer to Athens airport for your return flight to Canada.