Greece
Classical Greece: Islands of the Aegean
Program No. 22869RJ
Discover the wonders of the Aegean Sea aboard an elegant small ship. Sail from one idyllic island to the next as you learn the secrets of Ancient Greece and explore scenic villages.
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11 days
10 nights
25 meals
9B 8L 8D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
6
Santorini, Free Time (Tender Port)
Santorini
7
Crete, Palace of Knossos
Rethymno
8
Island of Kythira, Free Time
Kythira
9
Monemvasia, Nafplion
Nafplion
11
Program Concludes
In Flight
At a Glance
Limestone cliffs plunge into the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, and the monuments of antiquity still grace sun-soaked coastlines. The majesty of the Greek islands is best experienced up close aboard an elegant small ship. Glide atop the shimmering waters of this magnificent archipelago, stopping on idyllic islands to learn about Ancient Greek society and explore quaint seaside villages. Survey Byzantine architecture, examine centuries-old artifacts and savor the opportunity to experience the ancient wonders of the Aegean Sea.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to three miles per day; uneven and inclined terrain including hills, stairs without railings and cobblestone streets. Getting on/off motorcoach and climbing in/out of tender.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Examine Bronze Age architecture in Knossos, considered by many to be the oldest city in Europe.
- Explore Byzantine architecture in a medieval, hidden walled town.
- Discover the archaeological remains of the mighty Acropolis and learn about ancient Greek relics.
Suggested Reading List
(22 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Classical Greece: Islands of the Aegean
Program Number: 22869
The Bull of Minos
Tells the story of the great archeological discoveries in Crete and Greece and the extraordinary men who toiled in their dusty ruins and of the magic and mystery of life in a world of gods and warriors.
The Greek Islands
Durrell's personal reminiscence and commentary on the sights, myths, and archeological characteristics of the islands, from his many years there.
Corelli's Mandolin
This lyrical novel captures the humanity, quirks and loves of village life in the Greek islands. A satire of war, this charming and richly-colored novel is set on Cephalonia during the Italian occupation in the 1940s.
Introducing the Ancient Greeks, From Bronze Age Seafarers to Navigators of the Western Mind
Classicist Edith Hall visits 10 Greek communities at different moments during the 20 centuries of ancient Greek history, brilliantly assembling a unified vision of the Greek spirit.
Ancient Greece: Art, Architecture, and History
This lively illustrated guide covers the architecture, painting and sculpture of Ancient Greece from the third millennium to the end of the Hellenistic period. With 282 color and 28 black-and-white illustrations.
The Greeks, An Illustrated History
This accessible photographic history of ancient Greece pays special attention to Greek innovations: great literature and architecture, war tactics, democracy, the Olympics, Socrates and much more. Cline laces the gripping story of the Greek empire with archaeological discoveries.
Modern Greece, What Everyone Needs to Know
A primer on Greek history from the 19th century on, with an in-depth look at the government debt crisis of 2010 and a consideration for the far-reaching implications of the country’s current economic instability.
Frommer's Athens and the Greek Islands
A comprehensive, practical guide to the region with excellent recommendations for hotels, restaurants and excursions. With two-color maps throughout.
Travels With Epicurus
Daniel Klein's witty meditation on the ancients, life in the Greek Islands, his favorite philosophers -- and growing old gracefully -- is also a delightful romp through the Aegean, primarily set on Hydra.
The King Must Die
The first in Mary Renault's trilogy of well-researched page-turners features the tale of Theseus, slayer of the Minotaur and the king of Athens. Known for her exhaustive research, Renault is an acknowledged master of historical fiction.
Greek, A Language Map
This durable, foldout card gives easy phonetic pronunciation for several hundred of the most commonly needed words and phrases.
Greek Mythology, A Traveler's Guide
This informative, literary traveler's guide introduces Greek mythology geographically through 22 chapters dedicated to specific destinations, from Mount Olympus and Delos to Athens and Mycenae, illustrated with beautiful color drawings.
Greece, Land of Light
Brukoff's dramatic color photographs are paired with incisive commentary by award-winning author Nicholas Gage for this striking portrait of the people, land and history of Greece and the islands.
Greece, A Traveler's Literary Companion
In this terrific anthology, 24 modern Greek writers offer a flavor of their nation, its culture and people, beautiful landscapes and rich history.
The World of the Ancient Greeks
Featuring hundreds of illustrations and invitingly short chapters on topics from the first Greeks to the Heroic Age and classical Athens. With modern color photographs of great Greek cities from Athens and Delphi to Knossos, Ephesus, Pergamum and Priene.
The Greek Myths, Complete Edition
A new edition of Graves' classic collection with a cover by comic book artist Ross MacDonald. This expert retelling by Graves, a poet, memoirist and the author of I, Claudius (ITL429), still remains the seminal modern translation of the mythologies of Ancient Greece.
The Penguin Historical Atlas of Ancient Greece
This pictorial survey of Greek antiquity, recording its culture and expansion, features dozens of full-color maps.
The Complete World of Greek Mythology
With hundreds of color illustrations, site plans, genealogies and maps, this handsome, encyclopedic reference illuminates the world of the Greek gods.
The Parthenon
A lively tale of the construction, significance and uses of the 2,500-year-old architectural marvel.
Sailing the Wine-Dark Sea, Why the Greeks Matter
Cahill brings to life ancient Greek society and civilization through the lives and words of politicians, playwrights, a poet, a philosopher and an artist in this eloquent and absorbing tribute.
The Search for Ancient Greece
Lavishly illustrated, this pocket encyclopedia covers the archaeology and meaning of ancient Greece -- quite an accomplishment for such a slim book.
The Colossus of Maroussi
Miller captures the spirit and warmth of the resilient Greek people in this inspired tale of a wartime journey from Athens to Crete, Corfu and Delphi with his friend Lawrence Durrell.
