About the Journey

Discover the highlights of the ancient world on this Greek adventure featuring three nights in Athens followed by a four-night Aegean cruise aboard the luxurious Emerald Azzurra.

Begin with the world-renowned classical sites of Athens, including the iconic Acropolis and a day trip to Delphi. Then embark the 50-cabin Emerald Azzurra, whose sleek design grants access to smaller, archaeologically rich ports.

Explore the sacred island of Delos, mythological birthplace of Apollo, before continuing to Mykonos with an opportunity to swim in its azure waters. In Türkiye, wander the remarkably preserved ruins of Ephesus, home to the Library of Celsus and ancient terrace houses, then enjoy the coastal charm of Kusadasi. On Crete, discover the legendary palace of Knossos and savor a tasting of local wines before returning to Athens.

For those wishing to continue the adventure, a post-program extension to the Peloponnese Peninsula will be offered.

Please note: Princeton travelers will be joined by those from the Archaeological Institute of America, Harvard, and Princeton Theological Seminary.

Accommodation

Hotel Grande Bretagne Athens, Greece
Hotel Grande Bretagne, located in Syntagma Square in the heart of Athens, is one of the city’s finest and most sought-after five-star hotels. Since 1874, this multi-awarded landmark has offered breathtaking views of the fabled Acropolis, Syntagma Square, and Lycabettus Hill, and has hosted royalty, heads of state, musicians, and Hollywood stars. The 320 guest rooms blend old-world elegance with modern facilities. Amenities include an outdoor pool, spa with indoor pool, and a variety of restaurants and bars.

Emerald Azzurra
Discover why the editors of Cruise Critic picked Emerald Azzurra as their “Best New Luxury Ship” in 2022. Reaching an impressive 360 feet in length with only 50 cabins, the new Emerald Azzurra offers spacious, sleek surroundings and a collection of modern amenities including the  infinity-style pool and onboard Wellness Center.

Itinerary

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, R = Reception

• September 22 | Depart U.S.
  Depart on overnight flights to Athens, Greece.
  Meals aloft
   
• September 23 | Athens, Greece
  Upon arrival to Athens, transfer to the Grand Bretagne, a 5-star deluxe hotel in the refined Kolonaki district, just steps from Syntagma Square. Gather with fellow travelers for a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel.
  Grande Bretagne (R, D)
   
• September 24 | Athens
  Set out to explore Plaka, Athens’ oldest neighborhood, and the Ancient Agora, once the bustling heart of civic life in classical Athens. Enjoy an authentic lunch at a local restaurant, then visit the Museum of Cycladic Art, a remarkable repository of ancient Aegean treasures. Enjoy dinner on your own this evening, with many excellent restaurants just steps from the hotel.
  Grande Bretagne (B, L)
   
• September 25 | Athens
  Venture to the iconic archaeological site of Delphi for a full-day excursion. Explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Temple of Athena Pronaia, and the site’s theater, then tour the nearby museum, home to the renowned bronze Charioteer and other masterpieces. The evening is free for individual pursuits and dinner at leisure. 
  Grande Bretagne (B, L)
   
• September 26 | Athens
  This morning marvel at the Parthenon and other storied landmarks of classical Athens at the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and highlight of the tour. Visit the outstanding Acropolis Museum, then enjoy an authentic Greek lunch. Continue to Piraeus to embark the Emerald Azzurra and raise a glass at the Captain’s welcome reception and dinner.
  Emerald Azzurra (B, L, R, D)
   
• September 27 | Delos / Mykonos
  Set out on a guided exploration of the UNESCO-designated island of Delos, mythological birthplace of Apollo. Then cruise over lunch to Mykonos for an unhurried guided tour with time to swim in the azure waters or wander the beautiful cobblestone streets, and options to visit the Ano Mera Monastery or learn about the ancient art of mosaic.
  Emerald Azzurra (B, L, D)
   
• September 28 | Kusadasi, Türkiye
  Spend the morning exploring Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Europe’s most complete classical metropolis. Walk the marble-paved streets of this ancient Roman city, passing temples, baths, and homes, and visit the impressive Library of Celsus and the Great Theater. After lunch, choose to visit the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, or enjoy free time to explore the lively coastal town of Kusadasi. Return to the ship for a relaxing afternoon at sea.
  Emerald Azzurra (B, L, D)
   
• September 29 | Heraklion, Crete
  Spend the morning exploring the UNESCO-designated ruins of Knossos, the center of the Bronze Age Minoan civilization and legendary home of the labyrinth and the Minotaur. Then visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which houses a superb collection of Minoan art. Enjoy a tasting of Cretan wines before sailing back to Piraeus and celebrating the journey with a farewell reception and dinner on board.
  Emerald Azzurra (B, L, R, D)
   
• September 30 | Athens / Return to the U.S.
  Disembark the Emerald Azzurra for flights home or continue on the post-program extension to the Peloponnese Peninsula.
  (B)

Please note: Itinerary is subject to change.

Pricing

View Emerald Azzurra deck layouts.

• Category D, Oceanview Stateroom, Emerald Deck, 183-205 sq ft, 1 window, flexible bedding (2 twins or queen): $7,990 per person sharing; $11,985 single occupancy
   
• Category B, Balcony Suite, Observation Deck, 260 sq ft, 45 sq ft private balcony, flexible bedding (2 twins or queen): $9,990 per person sharing; $14,995 single occupancy
   
• Category A, Balcony Suite, Panorama Deck, 260 sq ft, 45 sq ft private balcony, flexible bedding (2 twins or queen): $10,990 per person sharing
   
• Category S, Deluxe Balcony Suite, Pool Deck, 305 sq ft, oversized 100 sq ft private balcony, flexible bedding (2 twins or queen): $11,990 per person sharing
   
• Category T, Terrace Suite, Panorama Deck, 260 sq ft, 410 sq ft private terrace, flexible bedding (2 twins or queen): $13,990 per person sharing
   
• Category Y, Yacht Suite, Observation Deck, 345 sq ft, 375 sq ft private terrace, flexible bedding (2 twins or queen): $14,990 per person sharing
   
• Category SA, Owner’s Suite, Pool Deck, 580 sq ft, 600 sq ft private terrace, flexible bedding (2 twins or queen): $17,990 per person sharing

Inclusions

Included in the program cost are: All accommodations, meals, and excursions as specified in the itinerary • Group transfers for all participants on group arrival and departure dates • Comprehensive program of briefings, lectures, and presentations • Baggage handling • Gratuities to porters, waitstaff, guides and drivers • Gratuities to shipboard personnel • Baggage handling • Port charges • Entrance fees • Welcome and farewell wine receptions • House wine, beer, and soft drinks with all group lunches and dinners and on board Emerald Azzurra • Filtered water on motorcoaches • Professional tour manager throughout the program

Not included: U.S. domestic and international airfare • Passport/visa expenses • Medical expenses and immunizations • Private airport transfers or airport transfers outside of group arrival and departure dates • Travel and trip cancellation insurance • Excursions that deviate from the scheduled tour options • Airline baggage charges • Meals not specified in the itinerary; dishes and beverages not part of the included meals; liquor or soft drinks except as noted • Laundry or dry cleaning • Telephone, fax, Internet, and email charges • Room service • Other items of a personal nature

Reservations

Please view the tour terms and conditions, then register online or contact the Princeton Journeys team at journeys@princeton.edu / 609.258.8686 with questions.