THE ISLANDS OF GREECE

Upon arrival at the Athens International Airport proceed to Immigration and then Baggage Claim and continue through Customs. Once outside of Customs look for the TUT Travel Staff holding signs and ready to direct you to your transportation. Once we are all on the motorcoach, we will be whisked away to a picture-perfect brunch spot where we can unwind from our travels and get to know one another.

After brunch, we make our way through the city on an orientation drive passing in front of the city’s most iconic highlights: Greek Parliament and the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, the Temple of Zeus, the Trilogy of Athens (The University, the Library, and the Academy), the Old Olympic “Marble” Stadium, and will end at the Acropolis. The monuments on the Acropolis reflect the successive phases of the city’s history and are regarded as architectural masterpieces of the Classical period. Starting at the grand entrance or Propylaia, we will traverse the grounds where the awe-inspiring temples of Erechtheion and Parthenon lie. We will also visit the Acropolis Museum and see some of the amazing relics and well-preserved treasures that were found during the excavation of the site.

Following the tour of the Acropolis we make our way to the ship at the port of Piraeus. Once on board the Silver Whisper, you will have time to explore the ship, lounge by the pool, and acquaint yourself with the relaxing, sophisticated and genuinely elegant atmosphere. Later on, gather with your fellow TUT Adventurers at tonight’s Sail Away Welcome Dinner onboard the ship.

We set sail for Nafplion, Greece this evening.

Overnight Accommodations: The Silver Whisper (Lunch & Dinner)

This morning we’ll wake up to find the Silver Whisper docked on the eastern side of the Peloponnese region in the port of Nafplion where impressive castles, museums with invaluable treasures, historic churches, beautiful neoclassical buildings and paved cobbled paths decorated with bougainvillea bear the grandeur of bygone days of yesteryear.

Savor a good breakfast, then adventure calls on one of the ship’s captivating, sightseeing excursions. Take a step back in time to the Bronze Age or stroll the narrow streets past the towering Palamidi Fortress, Neo-Classic buildings and the Church of Agios Spyidon.

Lunch will be waiting for you when you return to the Silver Whisper. After lunch, take advantage of the onboard amenities or hop on the tender back to shore to discover more of Nafplion’s beauty and historic monuments. Perhaps most pleasant of all, though, is to sit in the main square or in one of the many waterfront cafés and soak up the atmosphere and just watch the world go by.

Rendezvous with fellow TUT Adventurers for dinner and lively conversation, tonight. Linger over dessert, then enjoy some onboard entertainment.

We set sail for Santorini, Greece this evening.

Overnight Accommodations: The Silver Whisper (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Overnight we reach a picture-perfect island rising triumphantly out of the sparkling blue sea. Known since ancient times as Thira, Santorini is one of the most famous islands in Greece. Some say that this was the original home of the lost city of Atlantis, which long ago disappeared into the ocean’s depths. Whatever remains of this mythological metropolis is now guarded by beautiful beaches, azure domes, and stately whitewashed homes.

After breakfast, set out to discover Santorini’s seaside treasures during one of the shore excursions being offered by the Silver Whisper today. From historical mansions to old homes carved into the lava rock; from pirate hideaways to wine canaves (or wine cellars) — the numerous sights worth stopping for in each of the island’s charming villages offer an awe-inspiring glimpse into the “Gem of the Aegean”.

Besides the views, what shouldn’t be missed is the picturesque village of Oia. Stroll the narrow streets lined with tiny shops offering handmade ceramic art, paintings and jewelry. Of course, if you head back to the Silver Whisper after your excursion, the chefs will have a delicious lunch prepared for you to eat before taking a nap or lounging on the Pool Deck.

Later on, enjoy an impromptu gathering with some TUT Adventurers at dinner onboard the ship, followed by a spirited finale in the Panorama Lounge. The night is yours…

We set sail for Kusadasi, Turkey this evening.

Overnight Accommodations: The Silver Whisper (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

The storied remains of Ephesus welcomes you to the Turkish Coastline and Kusadasi — one of the most spectacular cities left by the Ancient Greeks. Once considered the most important trading centers in the Mediterranean region, the Ephesus UNESCO World Heritage Site is a true archaeological gold mine, and an amazingly well-preserved site. The grand Temple of Artemis rose up majestically here and was recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World before its untimely destruction. The grand city was a fitting location for such a wonder, and with a mere 20% estimated to have been uncovered, the scale and majesty of Ephesus is hard to fully comprehend, when you walk its ancient streets.

Fortify the day with a bounty of morning specialties in one of the breakfast restaurants before unearthing the artifacts of Kusadasi on one of the ship’s shore excursions. Pass through the countryside dotted with orchards of fig trees and rural Turkish villages to admire the Temple of Diana, the Greek Theatre, and the Archaeological Museum. When you return to the pier from your shore excursion you are free to stay and explore the center of town for a bite to eat (a traditional Turkish kebab), and some shopping in the Bazaar (a semi-open marketplace with hundreds of little shops selling Turkish rugs, jewelry, clothing, ceramics and pashminas).

This evening you may choose to have dinner on your own overlooking the cruise ship pier in Kusadasi’s harbor or meet up with fellow TUT adventurers for dinner in one of the ship’s restaurants.

We set sail for Patmos, Greece this evening.

Overnight Accommodations: The Silver Whisper (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

As you wake to the morning light, curiosity motivates you to get up out of bed and step on to your balcony to gaze upon our new port-of-call. Immediately you can sense that there is something divine about Patmos. Christians embark on pilgrimages here from all-across the world, seeking out the small hillside cave, said to be the location where St. John penned the Book of Revelations, in AD 95. Whether you’re religious or not, you’ll soon agree that this is a place of sanctuary fringed by crystal-clear waters and blissful beaches.

When you are ready, come to the Silver Whisper’s main dining room for an eye-opening breakfast before indulging your senses in this majestic citadel city. Explore the historic city center steeped in Greek Orthodox tradition, then stop at the Windmills of Chora for sweeping panoramic views. Hillside grottos, pebbled coves and picturesque inlets lead you to the Cave of the Apocalypse and the beautiful monastery built nearby. Simply admire the decorative chapel relics, vaulted chambers and stunning frescoes that tell stories amid the striking iconography.

The day spent on this “Sacred Island” can only be matched by the exquisite cuisine made by the Silver Whisper’s renowned chefs. Friendly banter carries you and your fellow TUT Adventurers through course after delicious course. After your last bite of dessert, you might like to visit the lounge for a nightcap, or just head to your stateroom and settle into your comfy bed.

We set sail for Crete, Greece this evening.

Overnight Accommodations: The Silver Whisper (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Pastel-colored houses jostled attractively around the pretty harbor of Aghios Nikolaos greet us when we wake. Linger over a cup of coffee and breakfast in the Main Dining Room, then enjoy a blissful day on the isle of Crete by joining one of the Silver Whisper’s inclusive shore excursions.

Explore the scenic countryside and mountains, including sweeping views of gorges and quaint valleys on your way to Kera’s Monastery and the Lassithi Plateau — each known for their distinct historic significance of Heraklion, Crete’s capital city. Take a drive to a local olive farm where you can experience how olive oil is made and learn what qualities connoisseurs look for in an award-winning olive oil while sampling a variety made from Koroneiki olives.

There is no guilt if you decide that the Mediterranean shores of Crete are beckoning you to lazily while away the afternoon on Kitroplatia Beach. Or if you want to effortlessly explore the fashionable boutiques and cozy cafes that spill out onto the lively waterfront on your own. Take a walk around the marina to see if someone arrived in a dazzling yacht, then stop at a traditional Cretan taverna for lunch or head back to the Silver Whisper to eat.

Wherever your endeavors take you, the Silver Whisper will be ready to welcome you back on board with another delightful dinner. Complete the night by applauding one of the theatrical productions in the show lounge or be entertained by tonight’s talented musician in the bar.

We set sail for Syros, Greece this evening.

Overnight Accommodations: The Silver Whisper (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Watch the sunrise over Syros from the pool deck or sleep in and linger in your stateroom for a bit before breakfast.

When the time is right, head to the sparkling marbled central square, overlooked by the Town Hall and surrounded by a celebrated collection of neoclassical buildings facing up across narrow streets dotted with fancy old Venetian mansions and elegant domed churches that showcase the island’s historical and cultural richness; including the Church of the Assumption, which treasures an original El Greco wonder inside. Further up, you’ll find the small monastery-sprinkled medieval village of Ano Syros, which offers a glorious view of the port and white dwellings of Ermoupoli below. If you’d rather hit the sands, Syros is also surrounded by plenty of blissful beaches. Finikas beach is nearby on a long, luxurious stretch, complete with sunbeds and umbrellas. Perfect for basking in the sun.

Tonight, join your fellow TUT Adventurers as we celebrate our time together in the Greek Isles with a farewell dinner, followed by the ship’s evening entertainment.

We set sail for Athens, Greece this evening.

Overnight Accommodations: The Silver Whisper (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

We arrive back to the port of Piraeus this morning. Last-minute preparations for the journey home include one last delicious breakfast.

You will have received personalized details, regarding step-by-step disembarkation procedures. TUT Travel Staff will be in the cruise terminal to make sure your departure is as smooth as possible and to guide you to the group transportation to the airport. Return home with many fond memories of our AEGEAN ADVENTURE!