AIA Tours: cruise

UNESCO Treasures of ANCIENT GREECE

Tour Dates: September 17-26, 2026 (10 days)

Tour Leader(s): Jack Davis , Shari Stocker ,

We are pleased to invite you to join an extraordinary journey around Greece’s legendary Peloponnese peninsula, in the company of esteemed archaeologists and AIA lecturers Jack Davis and Shari Stocker.

This exclusive program begins with an overnight stay in Athens and continues with a seven-night cruise aboard the elegant Emerald Azzurra, a 50-cabin yacht perfectly suited for accessing Greece’s hidden coastal treasures. Together with a team of onboard experts, Jack and Shari will share their deep knowledge through engaging lectures and informal discussions, offering unparalleled insight into the ancient sites and cultures that shaped Western civilization.

Highlights include:

  • Private access in Athens: Enjoy a special visit to either the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art or the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture.
  • 7 nights aboard the luxurious Emerald Azzurra: Cruise in comfort on a sleek, 50-cabin yacht designed to reach lesser-known ports and complete a rare full circumnavigation of the Peloponnese.
  • Five UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Explore Mycenae, Epidaurus, Mystras, Olympia, and Delphi, each revealing a distinct era of Greece’s remarkable past.
  • Exclusive visit to Nestor’s Palace at Pylos: Experience behind-the-scenes access arranged through our expert hosts.
  • Charming coastal towns: Discover Nafplion, Gythio, and Pylos—vibrant harbors with deep historical roots.
  • Scenic finale: Transit the dramatic Corinth Canal before returning to Athens.
  • Optional extensions:
    • Experience the treasures of Athens on a two-night, pre-tour extension, accompanied by our study leaders who will enrich your visit with their expertise. Explore ancient landmarks from the bustling Agora and lively Plaka
    • Remain in your cabin for an additional four-night, post-tour cruise through the Aegean Sea, exploring the region’s most iconic ancient sites with expert local guides. This extension must be booked with the main program to ensure the same cabin. NOTE: There are only a few cabins available for this optional extension.

Space is limited on this remarkable voyage. To reserve your preferred suite or stateroom, please contact AIA Tours at (800) 748-6262 or aia@studytours.org.

Tour Prices per person

Prices staring at $10,990 double occupancy, $15,990 single occupancy.

For pricing details download the detailed brochure.

To reserve your space using the online form, click here.
For reservations or questions, please email us at aia@studytours.org (and include your full name) or call us toll-free at (800) 748-6262 (toll: 603-756-2884).

Delphi, Greece

Theater at Epidaurs

Corinth Canal

Itinerary


THURSDAY & FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 & 18: Home ≈ Athens, Greece

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19: Athens ≈ Piraeus ≈ EMBARKATION

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20: NAFPLION ≈ MYCENAE ≈ EPIDAURUS

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21: GYTHIO ≈ MYSTRAS ≈ SPARTA ≈ DIROS CAVES

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22: KALAMATA ≈ MESSENE

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23: PYLOS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24: KATAKOLON ≈ OLYMPIA

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25: ITEA (DELPHI) ≈ CORINTH CANAL

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26: Athens ≈ Home

OPTIONAL PRE-TRIP EXTENSION
TUESDAY–FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15–18
ATHENS, GREECE

OPTIONAL POST-TRIP EXTENSION

LIMITED AVAILABILITY Remain in your cabin for an additional four-night cruise through the Aegean Sea, exploring the region’s most iconic ancient sites with expert local guides. This extension must be booked with the main program to ensure the same cabin throughout. A separate deposit of $1,000 per person is required. Inquire for more information by calling AIA Tours at (800) 748-6262 or (603) 756-2884, or by emailing aia@studytours.org.

 

View Detailed Itinerary

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26:Athens, Greece ≈ CAPE SOUNION

Begin your day by leaving your bags on the Emerald Azzurra, where you will return later in the day. Enjoy a morning lecture before traveling to Cape Sounion to visit the stunning Temple of Poseidon, set high above the Aegean Sea. Pause for lunch with beautiful coastal views, then return to the ship in Piraeus, with time to relax before joining your fellow travelers for the Captain’s welcome reception and dinner on board. EMERALD AZZURRA (B,L,R,D)

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27: Delos ≈ Mykonos

Begin the day with a guided visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delos, the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Then cruise to nearby Mykonos, where lunch will be served on board, followed by an afternoon at leisure to swim, relax, or explore onshore. EMERALD AZZURRA (B,L,D)

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28: Kusadasi, TÜRKIYE

Begin the day with an early morning exploration of the legendary city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient sites in the world. Continue with a visit to the Ephesus Museum, where remarkable treasures from the ruins are beautifully displayed. Around midday, enjoy a farm-to-table Turkish lunch at the Nakkas Weaving Center. Stop by the Temple of Artemis before returning to Kuşadasi. Spend some free time in the charming seaside town, then reboard the ship for a late afternoon lecture followed by dinner at sea. EMERALD AZZURRA (B,L,D)

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29: HERAKLION, CRETE, GREECE ≈ KNOSSOS

This morning, visit the labyrinth-like ruins of Knossos, legendary palace of King Minos. In the afternoon, cruise to Piraeus. Gather on board this evening for the Captain’s farewell reception and dinner. EMERALD AZZURRA (B,L,R,D)

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30: Athens ≈ Home

Disembark in Athens this morning and transfer to Athens International Airport for flights home. (B)

Extension details and pricing are available upon request.


For reservations or questions, please email us at aia@studytours.org (and include your full name) or call us toll-free at (800) 748-6262 (toll: 603-756-2884). To reserve your space using the online form, click here.

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