JOURNEY THROUGH THE HEART OF CLASSICAL GREECE AND THE AEGEAN WORLD on this marvelous exploration of Athens, several Greek islands, and the vast Greco-Roman site of Ephesus, Türkiye. Begin with three nights in Athens, staying near lively Syntagma Square. Explore with expert local guides Athens’ iconic ancient landmark, the Parthenon, plus the exceptional Acropolis Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art. Also take a full-day excursion to the stunning sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi, once considered the spiritual center of the ancient world.

Highlights include:

-Visit four UNESCO World Heritage Sites with expert local guides: Athens’ Acropolis, the island of Delos, Ephesus in Türkiye, and Crete’s Minoan Palace at Knossos.
-Delight in the antiquities and iconic sites in Athens such as climbing the Acropolis and visiting the Acropolis Museum while accompanied by expert guides.
-Cruise with AIA study leaders for four nights aboard the luxurious Emerald Azzurra, a privately chartered mega-yacht built, appointed, and staffed at the highest levels of comfort and service.
-Swim in azure waters surrounding the beautiful island of Mykonos and explore its beautiful cobblestone streets.
-Venture to Türkiye to walk the ancient streets of Ephesus, where the Greco-Roman world comes alive at one of the most complete classical cities in the Mediterranean.
-Wander the impressive ruins at Knossos in Crete, a spectacular Bronze Age site known as Europe’s oldest city.

OPTIONAL POST-TOUR EXTENSION: 9/30 to 10/3, 2026
Peloponnese Discovery Continue your journey with three nights in Greece’s Peloponnese, a region where layers of history unfold amid striking landscapes. Explore the ruins of Corinth, stand before the legendary citadel of Mycenae, and marvel
at the ancient theater of Epidaurus, celebrated for its remarkable acoustics. Balance these encounters with time to unwind in the seaside beauty of Nafplion. Conclude your travels in Athens with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum, home to one of the world’s most important collections of ancient art.