Greek Islands

Day 1 London - Verona - Lake Garda Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your journey to London Gatwick Airport and a direct, scheduled British Airways flight to Verona. On arrival we transfer to Lake Garda and the Palace Hotel Desenzano (4T), for three nights. A light supper is included on arrival. Day 2 Sirmione During the Stone Age a small village emerged on the banks of Lake Garda. Rich Romans also appreciated the beauty, the natural springs and defensive qualities of this spot, and created the town which can still, in part, be seen in Sirmione today. Spend time exploring the Grotto of Catullus, a huge three-storey Roman villa still impressive in ruins; and the magnificent Scaligera Fortress, one of the best preserved fortifications in Italy. Return to our hotel for an afternoon at leisure, and maybe a stroll along the picturesque shore. Dinner is included this evening. Day 3 Lake Garda Enjoy a free day on the banks of Lake Garda. Coach transfers from your hotel to nearby Desenzano are included for your convenience. Day 4 Lake Garda - Venice We make our way to Venice, where we embark Azamara PursuitSM (5T) in preparation for an early evening departure. Get your camera ready for the views as we leave this beautiful city. Day 5 At sea Day 6 Kotor, Montenegro Kotor’s beautiful bay has been visited by many a seafarer, be it traders, pirates or soldiers of numerous empires. Behind the town rise the steep slopes of two mountains, while Venetian ramparts enclose the rest of the town, protecting it from the sea. First ruled by the Illyrians over two millennia ago, the town is the oldest in Montenegro, and its rich history has left churches of varying styles, a Roman temple and several palaces of prominent families. The town has many legends, including one that states it was built on the advice of a fairy, and another that links it to the Argonauts. Day 7 Corfu, Greece The old quarters of Corfu Town, packed with winding lanes of majestic architecture, are protected by UNESCO, while the island’s tourist developments are restricted to the coast to protect the rural beauty of one of the greenest Greek islands. There is plenty for you to see today. Millions of silvery olive trees grace the hillsides, the scent of lemon blossoms perfumes the air, and picturesque views of sapphire bays set against verdant hills capture your attention. Or a leisurely stroll can help you discover the old Venetian fortresses, Byzantine treasures and legacies of British rule including the Regency Royal Palace. Day 8 Katakolon (Olympia) The Greek seaside town of Katakolon is the gateway to the ruins of Olympia. The ancient games began in this purpose-built sanctuary in 776 BC, continuing for over 1,000 years until they were outlawed as a pagan festival when Rome officially adopted Christianity. The ruined temples and training structures are just some of the valuable objects found here, fuelling the imagination with ideas of what it was like to compete in the prestigious ancient games, held to honour Zeus. Day 9 Gythion Much of this ancient Greek town was destroyed by an earthquake in the 4th century, but there is no escaping the past. Walk across the causeway from Gythion to explore the island of Cranae, allegedly where Paris of Troy and Helen of Sparta spent their first night together. Or visit Mystras, built as an amphitheatre before the Byzantines, the Turks and the Venetians added to the beautiful landscape which now lies in ruins. Alternatively you may like to take a boat to Diros Caves, one of the earliest inhabited places in all of Greece, or head to the beaches along Lakonikos Bay, where endangered loggerhead sea turtles come to breed. Day 10 Monemvasia Monemvasia is a castle town suspended in history; separated from the mainland by an earthquake in AD 375. Here, you’ll find perfectly preserved ancient monuments and religious sites, as well as a priceless archaeological collection housed in an old mosque opposite the beautiful Elkomenos Christos Cathedral. If you’re after spectacular views, a demanding walk along a cobbled path that zig-zags toward Ano Poli will be worth the effort. Ship to shore tender service. Day 11 Santorini Santorini is a perfect picture of pastel houses and whitewashed villages with bright blue roofs, creeping over dramatic cliffs up to 300 metres high. The capital, Fira, is a pedestrian haven with narrow, meandering cobblestone lanes, reachable only by cable car, donkey or a flight of 600 steps. If you’re after natural splendour, a trip to the dramatic, uninhabited islands, of Palaia and Nea Kameni, full of jagged black lava and hot springs, may be available. Ship to shore tender service. Day 12 Patmos High above the traditional white houses of the village of Hora looms the massive dark fortress constructed in the late 11th century to honour St John the Divine. It is said that he had his apocalyptic vision which led to creating the Book of Revelation while exiled here. The monastery of St John - a warren of interconnecting courtyards, galleries, and roof terraces - holds a treasury with an impressive array of art, and a library of historic texts. Ship to shore tender service. Day 13 Mykonos The many charms of Mykonos include iconic windmills, fabulous beaches, and an irresistible traditional town with a maze of twisting streets and alleys originally designed to confuse marauding pirates. From here, you may also have the opportunity to visit sacred temples and relics on the uninhabited island of Delos, birthplace of Apollo, god of sunlight, music and beauty, and his twin sister Artemis, goddess of wilderness and wild animals. Day 14 Piraeus - Athens - London We disembark and board a coach to visit one of the wonders of Classical Greece, the Acropolis Museum and the Acropolis itself. The citadel overlooks the modern-day city of Athens and is home to the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike amongst other great structures. There will be time to purchase lunch in the Plaka area, just below the Acropolis, before transferring to the airport for a direct, scheduled British Airways flight to London Heathrow Airport. On arrival you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.