2024 Spring & summer
Botswana & zimbabwe wildlife safari - April 20 - May 5 (with cape town extension)
Botswana & zimbabwe wildlife safari - April 20 - May 5 (with cape town extension)
Botswana & zimbabwe wildlife safari - April 20 - May 5 (with cape town extension)
After an introduction to the continent at Victoria Falls, spend a week scanning the horizon for cheetah in Hwange National Park, tracking the elephant herds in Chobe, and gliding through the lush lagoons of the Okavango Delta. Journey from grasslands to woodlands, through waterways and byways, to experience Africa’s incredible diversity on this small group Safari Tour.
Itinerary:
April 20: Travel Day - fly overnight to Johannesburg
April 21: arrive in Johannesburg & transfer to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
April 22: Victoria Falls National Park - discover the falls from multiple angles and learn about the area's flora and fauna; visit the Rose of Charity, an organization helping to transform the lives of impoverished children, their families, and their communities through education
April 23: Free day in Victoria Falls & anti-poaching talk - the anti-poaching talk has a special focus on elephants and rhinos
April 24: transfer to Hwange National Park - enjoy an afternoon game drive and keep watch for over 100 species of mammals and 400 species of birds that make their home in the park
April 25: Hwange National Park - embark on a full-day of game drives in Hwange National Park; spot herds of buffalo, prides of lions, and a wealth of plains game; enjoy an included picnic lunch
April 26: Hwange National Park Game Drive & Transfer to Chobe National Park - get a chance to see more wildlife on an early morning game drive in Hwange National Park. Then, cross the border into Botswana and enter Chobe National Park, one of Africa's best off-the-beaten-path safari destinations
April 27: Impalila Island & Chobe National Park Game Drive - spend another day roaming along Chobe's exotic wildlife; cross the border into Namibia to walk around the village on Impalila Island and visit with the community there; embark on a late afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park, which boasts Africa's highest concentration of elephants
April 28: Chobe National Park Game Drive & Flight to Okavango Delta - follow a local guide along the varied landscapes of Chobe on an early morning game drive before flying by chartered plant to Botswana's Okavango Delta
April 29: Okavango Delta - begin your day floating along the delta's tranquil channels in your mokoro, a traditional canoe; keep your eyes peeled for giraffe, lion, leopard, jackal, impala, red lechwe, and other denizens of the delta; traverse the regions' rugged landscape on a guided bush walk
April 30: Morning Boating Excursion & Departure or Extension to Cape Town - Get one last glimpse of Africa's wild landscapes on a boating excursion. Then, take a chartered flight to Maun to connect to your overnight flight home or continue on to Cape Town, South Africa
May 1 (extension): Sightseeing tour of Cape Town; take a cable car ride up Table Mountain and soak in panoramic views of the city below; see Signal Hill and the Castle of Good Hope; catch glimpses of City Hall and the Houses of Parliament on a drive through the city; take a walking tour of the Bo-Kaap area, home to Cape Malay culture and some of the city's most vibrant architecture; visit the District Six Museum to learn about the diverse communities that were forcibly removed under apartheid; free afternoon in Cape Town, or add an excursion to Robben Island
May 2: Sightseeing tour of the Cape Peninsula & Choir Performance - drive along the Atlantic seaboard, passing the Clifton and Camp's Bay beaches; visit hotel Cape of Good Hope and the lighthouse at Cape Point to soak in beautiful views of where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet; visit Boulders Beach, a protected marine habitat for the endangered African penguin; on the way back to Cape Town, stop to enjoy a performance by the Major Voices South African Choir
May 3: Free day in Cape Town - enjoy a free day in Cape Town or add the excursion Cape Winelands Tasting & Lunch
May 4: depart for home
May 5 - arrive home
*** This tour is waitlisted***
For more information on this tour, go to grouptoursite.com/CherylOlive
amadeus Non-pickleball river cruise - august 7-17
Botswana & zimbabwe wildlife safari - April 20 - May 5 (with cape town extension)
Botswana & zimbabwe wildlife safari - April 20 - May 5 (with cape town extension)
Travel with fellow pickleball players from all over the USA, play friendly games with local European players, and experience the culture and hospitality of 4 different countries. You will be accompanied by a Pickleball Pro. European hosts include the President of the Hungarian Pickleball Federation, the Hungarian Pickleball Ambassador, and Men's Doubles Champion - who will be opening up his private estate in the Lake Balafon region where you will play against local players. There are 3 opportunities for Pickleball play at local clubs included during the cruise, plus an additional two with the extension prior to the cruise
Itinerary:
August 7: Travel Day - Fly overnight to Budapest.
August 8: Arrive at Budapest, transfer to the hotel; Pickleball Group Welcome & Dinner
August 9: Breakfast at home; depart to Balafon Lake and have lunch at "Komoland"; afternoon exclusive pickleball play; dinner and "plink" party in Komoland; return to Budapest
August 10: Breakfast at hotel and check out; transfer to pickleball courts in Budapest; morning exclusive pickleball play; included lunch; transfer to the ship for check in; welcome cocktail and dinner
August 11: Transfer to pickleball courts in Budapest; morning exclusive pickleball play; lunch on board; optional tour to Szentendre, Visegrad Castle and Esztergom with basilica
August 12: Transfer to pickleball courts in Bratislava; morning exclusive pickleball play; optional tour: visit to the Schloss Hot Palace and Estate
August 13: transfer to pickleball courts in Vienna; morning exclusive pickleball play; optional tour to visit Schönbrunn Palace; optional tour "Sound of Vienna" classical concert
August 14: Morning optional tours: Dürnstein walking tour with visit to the Dürnstein Abbey OR Winzer Krems Vineyard and Winery; Afternoon optional tour to visit Welk Abbey
August 15: Morning optional tours: Full-day Salzburg with Salzkamergut and lunch OR Linz walking tour with Linzer Torte tasting; evening optional tour: Passau Walking Tour
August 16: Optional tours: Regensburg walking tour; Danube gorge & Weltenburg Abbey with beer tasting OR Thurn & Taxis Palace with brewery and tasting; evening: Captain's Gala Dinner and Bavarian evening with regional specialties and local music
August 17: Disembarkation after included breakfast; travel home OR extend your stay in Europe!
*** This tour is waitlisted ***
Update (2/23): The pickleball portion has been canceled for this tour.
For more information and pricing on this tour, contact Cheryl at cheryl@t2gt.com
2024 FALL
PORTUGAL, SPAIN AND L MOROCCO - OCTOBER 11-26, or 29 with Barcelona extension
PORTUGAL, SPAIN AND L MOROCCO - OCTOBER 11-26, or 29 with Barcelona extension
PORTUGAL, SPAIN AND L MOROCCO - OCTOBER 11-26, or 29 with Barcelona extension
Relive the Age of Discovery, when explorers brought treasures from around the world - which are now on display in Portuguese palaces and Spanish cathedrals. Uncover Roman ruins throughout the region, as well as the Moorish influences in exotic Andalusia. When your hands-on history lesson is complete, fast-forward to the present day to feast on tapas, drink sangria, and join the street life in Madrid.
Itinerary:
October 11: Travel Day - Fly overnight to Lisbon.
October 12: Arrive in Lisbon, and enjoy a welcome dinner.
October 13: Sightseeing tour of Lisbon - Get to know the Portuguese capital on a tour with a local guide; enjoy a free evening in Lisbon or add an excursion: Lisbon Home-Cooked Dinner.
October 14: Seville via Évore - travel through the unspoiled countryside of Portugal en route to Spain. Before crossing the border, stop in the UNESCO-listed city of Évora. Join your Tour Director to view the Roman temple and visit the Church of St. Francis, known as the "Chapel of Bones." Continue on to Seville and sit down for an included dinner.
October 15: Sightseeing tour of Seville - Uncover the beauty of Seville, the historic Andalusian capital, on a guided sightseeing tour. Enjoy a free envying in Seville, or add an excursion: An Evening in Seville: Tapas & Wine
October 16: Granada via olive oil farm & Córdoba - Leave Seville and make your way to Granada, stopping at an olive oil farm for a tour. Enter the Mezquita. Continue on to Granada and sit down for an included dinner.
October 17: Sightseeing tour of the Alhambra & Albaicín - Take a guided tour of the UNESCO-recognized Alhambra, the Moorish sultans’ last stronghold in Spain. This afternoon, enjoy free time to wander through the narrow medieval streets of Albaicín, the city’s charming Moorish neighborhood. Optional flamenco show in the evening.
October 18: Ferry to Tangier - Transfer to Tarifa to board your ferry to Tangier, Morocco. Sit down for an included dinner this evening.
October 19: Sightseeing tour of Tangier, Chaouen & transfer to Fes - begin your day with a guided tour of Tangier, then stop in Chaoeuen, a hilltop town famous for its blue-painted buildings. Continue on to Fes and sit down for an included dinner.
October 20: Sightseeing tour of Fes - take a guided tour of festival, the spiritual and cultural center of Moroccan life. Spend a free evening in Fes or add an excursion: Moroccan Cooking Class and Dinner.
October 21: Casablanca via Rabat - As you make your way to Casablanca, stop to tour Morocco's capital city of Rabat. Continue on to Casablanca and sit down for an included dinner at a local restaurant.
October 22: Sightseeing tour of Casablanca & transfer to Marrakech - discover the highlights of seaside Casablanca, a city with a modern-day legend that was established by Old Hollywood, with a local guide. Then, travel to Marrakech and spend a free evening in the city or add the excursion: Moroccan Evening & Sunset Camel Ride.
October 23: Sighseeing tour of Marrakech - get a feel for the history of the city on this morning's guided tour. Enjoy an included dinner this evening with your group.
October 24: Flight to Madrid - fly to Madrid, Spain, this afternoon.
October 25: Sightseeing tour of Madrid - get acquainted with Spain's cosmopolitan capital city with the help of a local guide. Celebrate your trip with your group at a farewell dinner tonight.
October 26: Transfer to the airport to board your flight home, OR Free day in Madrid or add this excursion: Toledo
October 27: Train ride to Barcelona - Take the high-speed train to Barcelona and spend free time in the city or add an excursion: Park Güell & La Pedrera.
October 28: Sightseeing tour of Barcelona - Discover why the Catalan capital is touted for its unparalleled architectural landmarks, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.
October 29: Departure: Transfer to the airport to board your flight home.
*** 1 spot remaining on this tour ***
For more information on this tour, go to grouptoursite.com/CherylOlive
egypt & nile river cruise - october 29 - november 13 (with jordan extension)
PORTUGAL, SPAIN AND L MOROCCO - OCTOBER 11-26, or 29 with Barcelona extension
PORTUGAL, SPAIN AND L MOROCCO - OCTOBER 11-26, or 29 with Barcelona extension
Descend into a world of ancient wonders to discover the lands behind the legends. Walk past towering stone icons, through avenues of sphinxes, and into royal valleys amid the desert sands. Then, cruise down the Nile and anchor at remote islands and beside the Theban Hills. End your adventure in Cairo, where historic mosques mingle with today’s modern bustle.
Itinerary:
October 31: fly overnight to Cairo
November 1: Arrival in Cairo & transfer to Giza
November 2: Sightseeing tour of Cairo - spend the day exploring Cairo on a sightseeing tour led by your Egyptologist. Visit the citadel that was built in the 12th century by mighty Sarah el-Din and originally used as a fortress before it became the residence of the Sultans until 1850. Stop at Mohammed Ali Mosque, also known as the Alabaster Mosque. Gather with your group for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
November 3: Sightseeing tour of Giza & the Grand Egyptian Museum. Set off on a guided tour of Giza. Uncover the Pyramids of Giza, the only Wonder of the Ancient World to have survived the modern era. Visit the enigmatic Great Sphinx, the largest monolith statue in the world. Enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant. Enter the Grand Egyptian Museum, the world's largest museum, and explore the vast collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts alongside your Egyptologist.Spend a free afternoon in Giza or add an excursion: Cairo Home-Hosted Dinner.
November 4: Flight to Luxor & cruise embarkation. Fly to Luxor where you'll board your cruise ship this afternoon and enjoy an included lunch before seeing the painstakingly excavated Temple of Karnak and Luxor, once connected by an avenue of sphinxes. Enter Karnak Temple for a walking tour through the complex to see the Precinct of Amun Re, walls of hieroglyphics, and the Temple of Khonsu. Take an early evening walking tour through Luxor Temple, located on the banks of the Nile River. View obelisks, statues, and the Abu Haggag Mosque. Sit down for an included dinner aboard the ship this evening.
November 5: Sightseeing of the Nile's West Bank. Enjoy a free morning aboard the ship or add an excursion: Nile River Hot Air Balloon Ride. Spend the rest of the day touring the Nile's West Bank with your Egyptologist as your guide. Explore the Valley of the Kings, a series of tombs hidden in the Theban Hills. Enter King Tut's tomb, famous for the ancient Egyptian treasures found inside the complex tomb. This afternoon, enjoy an included lunch before sailing toward Edfu. Then, sit down for an included dinner this evening.
November 6: Sightseeing tour of Temple of Kom Ombo. Spend a free morning while docked in Edfu or add an excursion: Edfu & the Temple of Horus. Later, continue your exploration of the wonders of Egypt. Dock in Kom Ombo to visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, built during the Greco-Roman period and noted for its twin dieties, Sobek and Horus. Later today, arrive in the busy market city of Aswan and sit down for an included dinner aboard the ship.
November 7: Felucca sailboat ride. Enjoy a free morning on board the ship or add an excursion: Abu Simbel. Later, enjoy an included lunch before climbing aboard a felucca, a traditional sailboat, to ride past Elephantine Island. See the dark granite rods that resemble a herd of elephants bathing in the river. Take in panoramic views of the water from the Mausoleum of Aga Khan.
November 8: Disembarkation & Sightseeing Tour of Aswan. Disembark your cruise in Aswan and set off on a sightseeing tour of the city led by your Egyptologist. Board a boat and visit the temples at Philae, located on an island in the Nile River. Enjoy a walking tour of the island and visit sites like the Temple of Isis, which features scenes of Isis' life carved along the walls. Walk through the local market and enjoy free time to peruse the various shop stalls. Spend a free afternoon in Aswan or add an excursion: Nubian Village Visit. Sit down for an included dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
November 9: Flight to Cairo. Fly to Cairo this morning and spend free time exploring the city at your leisure. After sitting down for an included dinner, enjoy a free evening in Cairo.
November 10: Sightseeing tour of Cairo. Spend today in the oldest part of Cairo as you explore the labyrinth like alleys, ancient churches, and ornate mosques as you learn more about Egypt's history. Enter the Hanging Church, one of the oldest churches dating back to the 3rd Century. Step inside the Ben Ezra Synagogue and view its ornate Turkish style interior that is a place of pilgrimage forNorth African Jews. Then, transfer to the Gayer-Anderson Museum, once a classic Islamic home which now showcases Egyptian art, carpets, and other unique and rare collectables. Celebrate your trip with your fellow travelers during tonight's farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
November 11: Fly to Amman, Jordan, this morning and transfer to Petra. Then, sit down for an included dinner.
November 12: Head to the city of Petra, which was carved into the red rocks of Mount For, and embark on a guided tour. Learn about Petra's unique architecture, one of the reasons it was named to the list of modern world wonders. Walk through the UNESCO World Heritage Site to the famous Al-Khazneh Temple. See the intricately carved pillars and columns that make up the Palace Tomb. Stroll through the winding gorge known as the Siq. Spend a free evening in Petra or add an excursion: Levantine Cooking Class & Dinner.
November 13: Today, further explore the history and culture of Jordan on guided tours before continuing on to Amman, the capital city. Visit Madaba to tour the City of Mosaics and visit St. George's Church. Stop at Mount Nebo, Moses' burial site, and Wadi Mujib. Sit down for an included dinner this evening.
November 14: Spend your last day in Jordan getting to know the city of Amman and relaxing in the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea. Take a guided tour of the Jordanian capital, entering the Citadel and Roman Theater. Travel to the Dead Sea for time to float in the salty water and share a farewell lunch with fellow travelers. Later, return to Amman and board your late-night flight home.
November 15: Arrive home after your overnight flight.
**12 spots remaining on this tour ***
For more information on this tour, go to grouptoursite.com/CherylOlive
2025 Spring
Switzerland by train: Lucerne to Zurich - May 7-18
Whether it’s the mountainous landscapes or lakeside vineyards, impressive views are around every corner in Switzerland. You’ll soak in the scenery aboard trains that will take you from the city to the countryside and back again. See the iconic Matterhorn from Zermatt, pass snow-capped peaks while riding the famed Bernina Express, and cap off your tour in Zurich where you’ll wind your way through the city’s charming streets.
Itinerary:
May 7: Travel Day: Board the overnight flight to Zurich
May 8: Arrival in Zurich & transfer to Lucerne Region. Welcome to Switzerland! Transfer to your hotel in the Lucerne region. Then, gather with your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.
May 9: Sightseeing tour of Lucerne - A local guide introduces you to the charming lakeside city of Lucerne. Explore Lucerne's Old Town; view the sandstone lion statue commemorating the Swiss Guards; stroll over Chapel Bridge, a 17th-century covered footbridge, for views of Lake Lucerne and the Alps. Then enjoy a free afternoon in Lucerne or add an excursion to Mount Pilatus.
May 10: Train to Interlaken - Take your seat aboard the GoldenPass Railway and pass spectacular Alpine scenery. Peer out the panoramic window to spot Mount Pilatus, Lake Lucerne, Lake Sarnen, Lake Lungern, and more en route to Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland region. Upon arrival in Interlaken, set out on a short walk with your Tour Director through the quaint streets worn by time while taking in views of the surrounding alpine vistas. Later, sit down to an included dinner this evening.
May 11: Free day in Interlaken or add the excursion Jungfraujoch: The Top of Europe
Day 6: Sightseeing tour of Bern & Lavaux Vineyards - Set out for the Lake Geneva Region today, stopping to visit the Swiss capital of Bern and Lavaux Vineyards on the way. Continue on to the shores of Lake Geneva that’s known for its cultural events and festivals.
May 12: Chillon Castle & Train to Zermatt - Visit Chillon Castle on the shores of Lake Geneva this morning. Then, pass through the scenic foothills of the Alps to Visp, where you’ll board a train to the car-free mountain town of Zermatt. Upon arrival, follow your Tour Director on a short orientation tour and take in views of the iconic Matterhorn.
May 13: Free day in Zermatt or add an excursion on the Gornergrat Railway and Matterhorn Museum
May 14: Glacier Express train ride - Board the Glacier Express, a famed train with cars specially designed for scenic viewing. You'll make your way through a picturesque portion of the Alps including the Albula Line, Rhine Gorge, and Oberalp Pass. Enjoy an included lunch during the ride before arriving in St. Moritz, a prestigious Swiss resort town and hub of wintertime sports.
May 15: Benina Express train ride - Board the Bernina Express and enjoy a scenic ride on the highest railway across the Alps. You'll wind through bridges and tunnels along the stunning, UNESCO-recognized landscapes en route to Tirano, Italy. Enjoy free time in Tirano before traveling back to St. Moritz.
May 16: Transfer to Zurich & sightseeing tour - Travel to Zurich and set off on a sightseeing tour to get to know Switzerland’s largest city with your Tour Director. Celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner this evening.
May 17: Depart for home or continue on to Lugano on an optional extension.
May 18 (with extension): Train to Lugano & sightseeing tour - Board the EuroCity train and pass through the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the longest tunnel in the world, en route to Southern Switzerland's Italian-speaking region of Ticino. Then, arrive in lakeside Lugano. Explore the city near the Italian border on a scenic walking tour.
May 19 (with extension): Free Day in Lugano, or add an excursion to Lake Maggiore & Grotto Lunch
May 20 (with extension): Depart for home.
*** 1 spot left on this tour ***
For more information on this tour, go to grouptoursite.com/CherylOlive
2025 FALL
footsteps of st paul in greece: thessaloniki to athens - August 19-september 2, 2025
In the first century A.D., Paul the Apostle journeyed through modern-day Greece on a mission to bring Christianity to the country’s people. On this sweeping tour through the Mediterranean country, you’ll retrace his historic route. Highlights include Thessaloniki’s Vlatadon Monastery, where he preached the divine word, and the Areopagus in Athens, where he delivered one of his most famous sermons.
Itinerary:
August 19: Travel Day: Board the overnight flight to Thessaloniki
August 20: Arrival in Thessaloniki. Welcome to Greece! Get to know your Tour Director and fellow group members at tonight’s welcome dinner.
August 21: Sightseeing Tour of Thessaloniki. Visit the places Paul the Apostle lived and preached, along with other historic sites in the city, on a guided tour of Thessaloniki.
- View the Arch of Galerius, a monument commissioned by Roman Emperor Galerius in the fourth century as part of an imperial complex
- Marvel at protective walls constructed around the city during the early third century
- Follow the seaside promenade to the White Tower of Thessaloniki, a symbol of the city that has served as a defensive fort, a prison, and a WWI communication center and now houses a museum
- Enter the Vlatadon Monastery, where Paul the Apostle preached the divine word to the Thessalonians
- Head to the Brotherhood of Men of Thessaloniki Park, a pilgrimage site where Paul the Apostle is said to have stopped for a drink from a spring that’s now known as Apostle Paul’s Holy water
Spend a free afternoon in the city or add an excursion (Thessaloniki Wine Tasting & Lunch).
August 22: Free Day in Thessaloniki. Enjoy a free day in Thessaloniki or add an excursion: A Day in Kavala & Philippi
August 23: Meteora REgion va Veria & Vergina. Transfer o the ancient cities of Veria and Vergina this morning.
- Start in Veria, where you’ll pay a visit to Saint Paul’s Tribune, where he preached Christianity at least twice during his lifetime
- See its impressive murals up close, and learn why it’s considered a universal monument of religious and cultural heritage
- View the remnants of the Jewish Quarter on the terraced foothills of Mount Vernon
- Visit the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai and explore the remains of the royal palace at the archaeological museum of Vergina
Continue to the Meteora region and sit down for an included dinner.
August 24: Sightseeing tour of the Meteora Region & transfer to Delphi. Today, take a guided walking tour of the Meteora monasteries.
- Enter two monasteries, such as the Monastery of Roussanou, the Monastery of Agios Stefanos, or the Monastery of Varlaam
- Hike up to the monasteries to admire views from 1,000-foot-high pinnacle rocks
- Meet with local nuns for a chat about the traditions and faith of the Eastern Orthodox Church
- Learn more about this branch of Christianity, the nuns’ lives, and the work they take part in at the monasteries
This afternoon, transfer through scenic mountain terrain to Delphi. Enjoy a free evening or add an excursion: Arachova Village & Greek Dinner.
August 25: Sightseeing tour of Delphi & transfer to Nafplio. Journey to the slopes of Mount Parnassus and visit the Archaeological Site of Delphi. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Delphi was believed by ancient Greeks to be the Navel of the Earth and a spiritual focal point for all Greeks.
- Embark on a guided tour featuring the Temple of Apollo, where, according to legend, the god Apollo once spoke in prophecy to mortals through the voice of the oracle and high priestess Pythia
- Take time to explore the ancient treasures at the Delphi Museum, including the life-size bronze statue named the Charioteer of Delphi
Please note: This excursion involves some walking on uneven terrain and hills.
Make your way to the seaside town of Nafplio and explore the charming locale with your Tour Director.
- Stroll through Syntagma Square
- Soak in the beautiful views of the port and the hilltop Palamidi Fortress
This evening, sit down to an included dinner with your group.
August 26: Free day in Nafplio. Spend a free day in Nafplio or add an excursion: Ancient Ruins of Epidaurus & Mycenae.
August 27: Athens via Ancient Corinth. Travel to the Greek capital, Athens, making a stop to explore Ancient Corinth on a guided tour.
- See the Agora, where Paul’s trial by Gallio took place, and the Bema, where Paul was brought before the tribunal, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles
- Snap a photo of the impressive Corinth Canal, which separates the Peloponnese peninsula from mainland Greece
Then, continue to Athens.
August 28: Sightseeing tour of Athens. Set out with your local guide to discover highlights of this bustling, ancient capital, home to the world’s first democracy.
- Make stops at the Olympic Stadium, Syntagma Square, and the Arch of Hadrian
- View the sixth-century Temple of Zeus
- See the classically inspired Old Royal Palace, home of the Hellenic Parliament, and drive through the Plaka district
- Set off on a walking tour around the ancient Acropolis, site of the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, and Erechtheion
- Drive to Areopagus Hill just northwest of the Acropolis
- Choose to climb to the top of the hill where Paul the Apostle gave his sermon in 51 A.D. and take in sweeping views of the city
Later, celebrate your trip during a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.
August 29: Cruise embarkation & Mykonos. Board your ship, get settled in your stateroom, and enjoy an included lunch as you sail to Mykonos for a day on the iconic island.
- Disembark on Mykonos and join your Tour Director for a walk through the island’s charming Old Town
- See the island’s iconic windmills, Little Venice neighborhood, and Church of Panagia Paraportiani
- Enjoy free time to explore the labyrinthine alleys
- Return to the ship this evening and sit down for an included dinner
August 30: Kusadasi & Patmos. Spend the day visiting Kusadasi, Turkey, and Patmos, Greece.
- Disembark in Kusadasi and set off on a guided sightseeing tour of Ephesus, one of the Mediterranean’s best-preserved ancient cities
- Learn about Ephesus’ first Christian congregation, which was established by Saint John and expanded by Saint Paul
- Discover many of the city’s UNESCO-listed sites, such as the Library of Celsus, the Odeon Theater, and the House of the Virgin Mary
- Return to the ship and enjoy an included lunch as you sail on to Patmos, Greece
- Spend free time on the island, where it’s said St. John penned the Book of Revelations of the New Testament while in exile
- Visit the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and enter the Cave of the Apocalypse, where Saint John had visions later documented in the Book of Revelations
- Return to the ship this evening and sit down for an included dinner
August 31: Heraklion & Santorini. Continue sailing along the Aegean Sea and visit two ports of call today.
- Disembark on Crete for free time or book an excursion to visit the ruins of Knossos, where, according to myth, King Minos imprisoned the Minotaur in a labyrinth
- Head back to the ship and enjoy an included lunch before continuing on to Santorini
- Enjoy free time to visit the iconic hilltop villages of Thira and Oia
- Return to the ship and sit down for an included dinner this evening
September 1: Disembarkation in Athens. Disembark your cruise in Athens. Then, spend a free afternoon in the city or add an excursion: Greek Tavern Evening.
September 2: Depart for home.
*** 11 spots left on this tour ***
For more information on this tour, go to grouptoursite.com/CherylOlive