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Cruise Itinerary

Date	Port	Arrive	Depart
10 Aug 2026	Athens (Piraeus) Greece		Hotel
11 Aug 2026	Athens (Piraeus) Greece		Hotel
12 Aug 2026	Athens (Piraeus) Greece	Embark
13 Aug 2026	Itea, Greece	Corinth Canal and Delphi
14 Aug 2026	Katakolon, Greece
15 Aug 2026	Kalamata, Greece
16 Aug 2026	Souda Bay, Greece	Chania
17 Aug 2026	Aghios Nikolaos, Greece
18 Aug 2026	Rhodes, Greece
19 Aug 2026	Santorini, Greece
20 Aug 2026	Mykonos, Greece
21 Aug 2026	Athens (Piraeus) Greece	Disembark

9 Night small ship cruise sailing from Athens return aboard Douglas Mawson. 2 night hotel stay pre-cruise in Athens.

Day 1 Athens, Greece
Welcome to Athens. On arrival at Athens airport, make your way to the Arrivals Hall, to meet our representative, followed by a transfer to our group hotel. At the hotel, visit our hospitality desk in the lobby to meet our team who will provide you with useful information regarding pre-embarkation procedures and about your time in Athens. You will also receive cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and your cabin number on the ship. This evening offers time to relax in preparation for tomorrow.

Accommodation: Athens Hotel

Day 2 Athens
After breakfast, enjoy a morning ‘Your Choice’ experience. Rejoin the coach to return to our hotel or take a stroll to the city’s popular Plaka precinct, nearby. A series of streets and laneways filled with restaurants, cafes and shops, it is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat or shop for gifts to take home (lunch own expense). This evening, we celebrate the start to our journey in true Greek style, with a Welcome Event.

With a history stretching back 3,500 years, Athens is a city rich with stories. Known as the ‘cradle of civilization’ and celebrated as the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and theatre, Athens seamlessly blends its storied past with its lively present. This bustling metropolis, home to three million residents, is dotted with ancient landmarks like temples, iconic columns, and former city centres. Athens' influence in antiquity reached far beyond its borders, ushering in a Golden Age of political debate, education, and philosophy, and hosting figures such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. The democratic principles developed here laid the foundation for modern governance systems around the world.

However, Athens is more than just an ancient relic. Having weathered numerous invasions, it has evolved into a city with rich architectural styles, culinary traditions, and cultural practices. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins or savouring modern Greek cuisine, Athens offers a fascinating journey through history, inviting travellers from all corners of the globe to experience its enduring charm.

Day 3 Embark Athens (Port: Piraeus)
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Athens. Revisit your favourite sites, explore the city’s markets and shops, or discover hidden treasures on an independent exploration. Athens’ extensive metro network makes it easy to navigate the city, while the warm Greek hospitality ensures you are never far from helpful advice on how to make the most of your time.

Mid-afternoon, we transfer from our hotel to the port of Piraeus to board the Douglas Mawson and sail towards the famed Corinth Canal. This evening, we enjoy a ‘Welcome Aboard’ dinner where we meet our crew and onboard team.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner onboard

Day 4 Cruising the Corinth Canal and Delphi (Port: Itea)
We wake this morning at the entrance to one of the world’s engineering wonders, the Corinth Canal. This narrow waterway connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea, cutting through the Isthmus of Corinth and saving vessels a significant 700-kilometre journey around the Peloponnese peninsula. Stretching 6.4 kilometres and only 21 metres wide at its base, the Corinth Canal is one of the narrowest lock-free canals in the world. Its towering limestone walls, reaching heights of up to 78 metres, create a dramatic passage for vessels, which almost touch its sides as they sail its path.

The concept of cutting a canal through the isthmus dates to ancient times, with plans proposed by Periander of Corinth in the 7th century BCE. Construction finally began under Roman Emperor Nero, only to halt upon his death. It was not until 1893 the canal was finally completed. Its construction was a monumental effort, involving the excavation of millions of cubic metres of earth and rock, all dug at sea level. It stands as a remarkable achievement in engineering and continues to be a key route for maritime traffic, enhancing Greece’s role as a central hub in the Mediterranean.

Exiting the canal, we sail the Gulf of Corinth to Itea where our afternoon offers a glimpse into the life of the early Greeks, with a visit to the former city of Delphi. Our local guides tell tales of pilgrimage, sacrifice and early faiths as we take a literal step into the world of ancient Greece.

Revered throughout antiquity as a sacred site where pilgrims could glimpse the future, the Oracle of Delphi cast cryptic prophecies for over a millennium. Dubbed the ‘navel of the world’ for its pivotal position in the Greek realm, Delphi drew pilgrims from all sectors of society, shaping critical decisions, from civic politics to personal destinies. Perched dramatically on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, the Oracle was esteemed as a direct conduit to the divine realm of Apollo – the sun god. Revered for his beauty and creative prowess, Apollo symbolised order and harmony. As a result, Delphi became integral to Greek identity, reflecting its religious, cultural, and political life. It was a unifying site where people from various city-states gathered, fostering a sense of shared Hellenic heritage.

Our journey leads us to the very site of the Oracle, alongside the opulent Treasury of the Athenians – a testament to offerings made. We pause at the ancient theatre, host to the prestigious Pythian Games, and the Castalian Spring, where pilgrims purified themselves before seeking counsel.

Today, Delphi stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its influence enduring through the annals of literature, history, and art. It remains a profound emblem of ancient wisdom and cultural legacy, cherished by Greece as a bridge to its storied past.

Returning to the ship we sail to Greece’s classic, the Peloponnese Peninsular.

Day 5 Katakolon (Port: Katakolon)
Today, our ‘Your Choice’ experiences are truly Olympic in scope, offering you two classic Greek treats. A brief ten-minute walk from our berth, finds a variety of shops and restaurants to explore. Just a short distance away, the popular pebbled Plakes Beach awaits, and the sandy stretch of Agios Andreas Beach is a mere five-minute taxi ride.

Steeped in maritime history, the picturesque port town of Katakolon remains the gateway to the ancient site of Olympia, and our port for today. One of the most important sanctuaries in ancient Greece, Olympia was dedicated to Zeus, the king of the gods. Every four years, athletes from across the Greek world gathered here to compete in various sports, honouring Zeus and fostering unity among the city states. The busy port town of Katakolon itself is a hub of activity, with its quaint streets lined with shops and cafes, while the Katakolon Lighthouse and the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology offer insights into the region’s rich history.

Day 6 Kalamata (Port: Kalamata)
Celebrated for its famous olives, Kalamata is the capital of the Messenia region. Having withstood various civilisations, including the Byzantines, Franks, Venetians, and Ottomans, it invites us to explore a slice of the Peloponnese Peninsula. Today its acts as our gateway to a coastline of Medieval castles and a chance to savour the local olives. The renowned black Kalamata olives are a must-try, and visiting a local producer to sample these olives and pick up a bottle of extra virgin olive oil is a must. Many local producers are still small-scale and family-run, offering an authentic experience.

Alternatively, you can explore Kalamata’s vibrant central market. Its Saturday, with hundreds of vendors and producers setting up stalls to offer a wide range of fruits and vegetables, including Kalamata olives. You’ll also find a variety of local delicacies, such as sfela cheese (a semi-hard cheese made from sheep or cow milk), pasteli, honey, lalagia (fried dough), and Poliani apples.

This vibrant harbour city is dominated by a rocky outcrop, which, although formerly a Greek Argos, now hosts the Frankish-built 13th-century Castle of Isabeau. The castle offers dramatic panoramic views across the Messenian Gulf. At its base, the Palia Poli, or Old City, provides an eclectic open-air venue for theatre, music, and dance shows. The city’s charm lies in its blend of historical allure and contemporary vibe. It continues to thrive as a centre of agriculture, with its famed almond-shaped olives exported worldwide, and locally produced olive oil coveted as a symbol of Greek culinary expertise.

Day 7 Chania, Crete (Port: Souda)
Crete, the largest of the Greek islands hosts our journey for the next two days. This land of myths, history, and natural wonders is steeped in ancient mythology. In fact, Crete is believed to be the birthplace of Zeus, king of the gods. Its labyrinthine ruins resonate with tales of the Minotaur and King Minos. The Minoans, Europe’s oldest civilisation, have left behind the formidable Palace of Knossos, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Crete’s landscape is equally captivating, with rugged mountains, fertile plains, and idyllic beaches kissed by azure waters. Charming villages dot the countryside, where time seems to stand still amidst whitewashed buildings adorned with vibrant bougainvillea. Whether exploring ancient ruins, enjoying the island’s rugged landscapes or simply soaking in the island’s laid-back atmosphere, Crete offers a captivating experience for all who visit.

Our first stop is Souda, the bustling port of Chania, known for its eclectic Old Town and scenic surrounding plains. This area provides a range of interesting experiences to explore.

Day 8 Agios Nikolaos, Crete (Port: Agios Nikolaos)
Our second stop on Crete is the renowned city of Agios Nikolaos, a seaside town rich in historical charm. The town’s centerpiece, Voulismeni Lake, is steeped in mythology, with ancient legends claiming that the goddesses Athena and Artemis bathed in its serene waters. Surrounded by dramatic red rock formations, the lake connects to the sea via a narrow canal, creating a mythical atmosphere.

Exploring the town’s shops you can find unique traditional Cretian art artifacts, replicas from local archaeological museums, Cretian jewellery, and intricate embroidery. Additionally, local products and delicacies offer a taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage. The town is surrounded by stunning beaches, easily accessible from the downtown area. A popular beach is just a short distance away, offering visitors a perfect spot to relax and soak in the seaside vibe.

Day 9 Rhodes (Port: Rhodes)
Popular with culture enthusiasts and beach aficionados alike, Rhodes is the largest and most historically significant of Greece’s Dodecanese islands. Known for its medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rhodes boasts ancient ruins and cobblestone laneways that transport us back to the days of medieval Europe, with two fascinating ‘Your Choice’ experiences on offer this morning, leaving the afternoon free to explore independently before we sail late-afternoon.

The island’s rich history is highlighted by two notable periods. After the Fourth Crusade, the Knights Hospitallers, fleeing Cyprus, were granted the island by Pope Clement V. They ruled for two centuries, constructing the impressive Palace of the Grand Master and fortifying the island. Their rule ended with the arrival of Suleiman the Magnificent, who, despite his conquest, allowed the Knights to leave with all the wealth they could carry. Whether exploring ancient sites or enjoying its sunny beaches, visitors to Rhodes will find a destination on where the past and present weave a fascinating tale.

Day 10 Santorini (Tender Port: Santorini)
As we arrive at Santorini, it is easy to see why this iconic island is a favourite among travellers. The sheer cliffs soaring above the Aegean Sea are awe-inspiring as we cross the immense crater of a submerged volcano that leads to its shores. Shaped by a cataclysmic eruption 3,600 years ago, Santorini is famed for its striking sunsets and unique caldera views. Named Thira in ancient times, Santorini has always attracted the curious. Its ancient ruins, including the Minoan site of Akrotiri, offer a rich cultural heritage reflected in local cuisine, wine production, vibrant festivals, and artisanal crafts. Whether wandering through the charming streets of Oia or enjoying the unique black sand beaches, Santorini offers a deeply enriching experience that melds history and natural beauty into the ideal Grecian Island.

Day 11 Mykonos (Tender Port: Mykonos)
This morning, we arrive at one of Greece’s most renowned islands. The island of Mykonos, with its iconic whitewashed buildings and charming cobblestone lanes, has been a crossroads of cultures for centuries. Renowned for their hospitality, the people of Mykonos excel at making visitors feel at home amid the island’s historical treasures and picturesque landscapes. From ancient ruins to traditional windmills, Mykonos offers a captivating glimpse into a storied past. The local cuisine, festivals and vibrant arts scene reflect a deep cultural heritage, making Mykonos a unique and enriching destination. While recent years have boosted its reputation for vibrant nightlife, bustling beaches, and world-famous beach clubs, there is much more to discover beyond the surface of this famed island. Delve deeper, and you will find a community that embraces tradition, a fact that truly shines when you engage with the locals. Take the time to chat with them, and you will find that the true wealth of Mykonos lies in its people.

Spending time at one of Mykonos’s famous beaches is a popular way to enjoy your day. If this is your preference, we recommend taking a taxi from the port to your chosen beach. Many of Mykonos’ beaches are lined with restaurants, clubs, and hotels, which provide rows of recliners on the section of the beach adjacent to their property. These establishments often offer food and beverages to their beachfront clients and charge a fee for using their facilities. Therefore, be prepared to pay when visiting many of Mykonos’ beaches.

Day 12 Disembark Athens (Port: Piraeus)
After breakfast, disembark the ship and bid farewell to your fellow passengers before being transferred to Athens airport for your onward journey.

We strongly recommend scheduling your departure for after 1:00 pm today to ensure you have sufficient time to catch your flight.

Adventure has a new name. Setting sail in 2025, our new state-of-the-art ship, the Douglas Mawson, is the last in a line of purpose-built vessels that have redefined small ship expedition cruising.

Named after the legendary Australian geologist and explorer, our new small ship embodies Mawson’s pioneering spirit and is designed for global discovery. Featuring the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW® and purpose-built with enhanced sustainability features, it takes a maximum of 130 adventurers on board our Expeditions. All in smooth, quiet comfort. It boasts our most extensive range of staterooms yet, including a range of single staterooms.

The Douglas Mawson features a host of amenities to help you connect with like-minded travellers and elevate your time onboard our floating base camp for adventure. After a long day of exploring, head to the back deck to swim in the heated outdoor swimming pool, find a sun bed to read on, or soak in one of two Jacuzzis. Work up a sweat in the gym before unwinding in the sauna, resolve to learn something new in the Citizen Science Centre, then enjoy a delicious meal with new and old friends in one of two restaurants. Or, with multiple observation areas throughout the ship, simply relax in comfort while you keep watch for wildlife or incredible landscapes unfold before you.

While enjoying the luxurious amenities onboard, you can rest assured that our aim to get you off the ship to explore the natural environment as much as possible through our unique activities program remains unchanged.

At Aurora Expeditions wilderness is a passion they share with others by taking small groups of like-minded people to some of the most isolated places on our planet. From the polar regions of Antarctica and High Arctic to the wilds of Costa Rica, Scotland, Patagonia and more, Aurora Expeditions aims to create special expedition-style cruises that foster an understanding and appreciation of our natural world.

The Australian-owned adventure company was initially established in the early 1990¹s by adventures Greg Mortimer and Margaret Werner when they began sharing their love of remote places by organising ship-based trips for keen friends and fellow travellers. Their style to push the boundaries¹ has remained unchanged and they are proud of the fact that their spirit of adventure and exploration is as strong as ever. Their adventure activities are proof of this; with many of their voyages offering polar scuba diving, sea kayaking, camping and mountain climbing.

Deeply committed to education and preservation of the environment, Aurora Expeditions were the founding member of both the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO). All their voyages have expert expedition staff who will help to unlock the wonders of these special places.