Included excursion in the morning: Athens and the Acropolis. The Acropolis in Athens sits majestically on a rocky outcrop overlooking the dense city below. The complex has had many uses, including a military base, housing for nobles, and religious center. Although it has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, today's restored and preserved ruins stir our imaginations as to the former splendor of famous buildings such as the Parthenon, Propylaea, Erechteion, and the Temple of Athena Nike.

In the afternoon, the Belle de l'Adriatique will begin to cruise to Corinth, one of the most influential cities in Greece during Roman times. Our ship will pass through the Corinth Canal. Although the canal was initially proposed in classical times, the project finally saw the light of day in the 1800s. The canal is 4 miles long (6.4 km) and 70 feet wide (24.6 m) at its base, making it impassable for most modern ships. We'll arrive in Corinth at the end of the afternoon. Our ship will remain in port overnight.

We'll spend the morning on an included excursion through the region of Argolis to visit Mycenae and Nafplio. According to Greek mythology, Perseus founded Mycenae. He used Cyclopes to build the citadel walls so that no human could move them. Mycenaean culture is the source of ancient epics and legends such as the labors of Hercules, the Trojan War, and Agamemnon's tragic life and death. Notable curiosities include the Lion Gate access way and the circular burial areas. We'll continue on to Nafplio—the first capital of modern Greece, dominated by Palamidi Fortress.

We'll begin our cruise to Itea this afternoon.

Join us for an included excursion to Delphi this morning. Delphi is a sacred site said to have been founded by Zeus. In ancient Greece, thousands upon thousands of pilgrims flocked here to hear the Oracle give her predictions. Although the Sanctuary of Apollo is arguably one of the most important historical sites in Greece, only the monumental pedestals remain today as silent witnesses to a lost grandeur. We'll visit the museum housing many of the important relics discovered in the area.

We'll begin our cruise to Patras this afternoon.

In the morning, we'll set out on an included tour of Olympia—the birthplace of the Olympic Games, first held in honor of the god Zeus in 776 BC. The impressive ruins in Olympia include the Ancient Stadium and the temples of Zeus and Hera. Time and catastrophes have taken their toll on the structures, but archaeologists have been able to reveal their splendor for us to enjoy. The temple of Zeus was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—a seated statue of the god sculpted by Phidias.

We'll begin our cruise to Igoumenitsa this afternoon. This would be a great time to hit the Sun Deck to catch some rays! Our ship will cruise through the night.

Join us for a full-day, included excursion to: The Meteora (approximately 5 hours of round-trip travel – lunch is included). Discover one of the most spectacular sites in Greece. Although the original town of Kalambaka was destroyed during World War II, the Meteora monasteries remained intact on the summit of the rocks. Hermit monks inhabited the caves in the rocks in the 9th century AD. They began to build monasteries in the 11th century, and at its peak in the 16th century, there were 24. Today, there are now six functioning monasteries still inhabited by either nuns or monks.

We'll begin to cruise to Durrës.

The morning will be spent cruising through the Bay of Kotor. Here, the sea spreads out into rippling gulfs and sparkling straits, each more beautiful than the other. The land is treated to an abundance of rainfall and a mild climate, creating the lush vegetation that adorns the hills.

In the afternoon, we'll enjoy an included tour of Kotor. The medieval city of Kotor, Montenegro, has survived the ravages of weather and wars. It's an exciting labyrinth where the past meets the present, set against gorgeous seaside scenery.

Tonight is our festive gala evening. Our ship will cruise to Dubrovnik overnight.

Dubrovnik stands boldly under limestone mountain peaks along the rocky coastline of the gorgeous sea. It is no wonder why Lord Byron described it as the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Once the center of the Republic of Ragusa, the city's medieval wall and stone streets are now famous worldwide as the main filming location for King's Landing in Game of Thrones.

This morning, join us for an included tour of Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is a precious gem that adorns the coast along the Adriatic Sea. Discover the natural beauty and rich history of this majestic city.

This afternoon, we suggest a walk along the city walls.(1) The 1.25-mile-long ramparts (2 km) completely enclose the old city and reach 82 feet high (25 m) in some areas. You're guaranteed a fantastic view from atop!

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m.