Cruising the Greek Islands – with Darryl Phillips, Professor of Classics, Connecticut College
Silver Nova, August 2026
Dates
August 9 to 16, 2026
Itinerary
Athens to Athens
Including
$480pp Shorex Credit
Prices from
From $5,700pp
Embark on an unforgettable voyage with Darryl Phillips, Professor of Classics at Connecticut College, through the cradle of Greek and Roman civilization. Sail from the iconic Acropolis of Athens to the magnificent center of Greek civilization of the island of Delos, the medieval lanes of Rhodes, and the sun-kissed shores of the Aegean. Along the way, delve into ancient history with a renowned scholar as your guide, all while indulging in the ultra-luxury amenities of Silversea’s Silver Nova.
Your Journey of Discovery with a renowned professor
This program is a collaboration between Expeditioner Travel and Professor Darryl Phillips of Connecticut College. This is an exclusive, small hosted group with fewer than 40 participants.
Over seven nights, you’ll travel in the company of an expert who brings the ancient world to life through engaging talks and guided excursions.
Professor Phillips –Professor of Classics (Ph.D., Duke University) and an award-winning teacher – specializes in Ancient Greek and Roman history.
Delve into the Homeric age of heroes at Mycenae, and stroll the medieval streets of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Rhodes Town.
Marvel at the sheer number and variety of temples and shrines on tiny Delos, another UNESCO World Heritage site.
This journey isn’t just a cruise – it’s a moving classroom under the Mediterranean sun, inviting you to learn, reflect, and be inspired by our shared cultural heritage.
This cruise is ideal for travelers who:
love history and archaeology
enjoy learning while traveling
prefer small luxury ships and cultural experiences
want to explore Ancient Greece beyond typical sightseeing
Itinerary at a Glance: Athens Round-Trip Voyage
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Arrive in the ancient capital. Stroll among Athens’ epoch-defining wonders – perhaps visiting the Parthenon or the Agora on your own – before we set sail in the evening. Watch the sun set over the Acropolis as our ship departs, kicking off our voyage in epic fashion.
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Awake to the charming Venetian-era town of Nafplion on the Peloponnesian coast. Wander its colorful streets and seaside promenade, or join an excursion to nearby Mycenae to explore the Bronze Age citadel excavated by Heinrich Schleimann as he searched for traces of King Agamemnon who had led the Greeks in the Trojan War.
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Discover the laid-back beauty of Milos, a volcanic island of surreal rock formations and crystal-clear bays. You might relax on one of Milos’s unique beaches or explore the catacombs and ancient ruins. This lesser-visited gem offers a taste of authentic Cycladic life.
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Arrive in Crete’s bustling port, gateway to the Minoan mysteries of Knossos. Here you can explore the ruins of the Palace of Knossos – once the center of Bronze Age Crete and the legendary Labyrinth of King Minos that held the Minotaur. Back in Heraklion, enjoy the lively cafes or the excellent Archaeological Museum.
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Step into medieval history on the island of Rhodes. The ship docks near Rhodes’ Old Town, a UNESCO site enclosed by fortified walls and dominated by the Palace of the Grand Masters of the Knights of Rhodes. Stroll the Street of the Knights or venture to the hilltop acropolis of Lindos or Kameirus to explore ancient Greek sites and to take in unequaled panoramic views.
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Cross over to the Turkish coast for a day rich in antiquity. Kusadasi is our gateway to Ephesus, one of the greatest archaeological treasures on Earth. Walk the marble streets of this ancient Greco-Roman city, stand before the soaring Library of Celsus and the vast theater, and envision the days when Ephesus was home to the Temple of Artemis – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
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Our final port is the chic island of Mykonos, famous for its whitewashed lanes and iconic windmills. Beyond the boutiques and cafes lies a short boat ride to Delos, the sacred island legendary as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. You may opt to visit Delos’s open-air ruins and lion statues on a guided excursion, or simply enjoy Mykonos’s cosmopolitan charms. In the evening, reminisce with newfound friends during a festive farewell as Silver Nova charts an overnight course back to Athens.
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Disembark in Athens after breakfast. Though the cruise concludes, the memories and insights gleaned from this voyage will beckon you to continue exploring the world’s ancient marvels.
Watch Professor Phillip’s intro to the cruise and his fun facts about a hidden Athens monument. You can see more videos on the Expeditioner YouTube and Instagram channels.
The Ship
Your floating home for the week is Silver Nova, Silversea’s newest flagship and one of the most spacious, intimate ships in luxury cruising. With a maximum of just 728 guests and 544 crew, Silver Nova offers an uncrowded, personalized voyage.
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Unwind in a lavish ocean-view suite – each with a private veranda (in almost all categories) and dedicated butler service for every guest. Your suite is a sanctuary of comfort, featuring plush bedding, a marble bathroom, and a seating area. Step onto your teak veranda with a morning coffee or sunset cocktail, and relish the ever-changing panoramas of the Aegean.
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Silversea is famed for its nearly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, and on Silver Nova every detail is attended to with care. From the moment you embark, your butler and the attentive staff will know your name, your dining preferences, and how you take your tea or martini. This anticipatory service ensures you can completely relax and focus on discovery – leave the logistics to us.
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Savor gourmet cuisine at sea with a variety of dining venues to suit every mood. Delight in elegant multi-course meals at La Dame or Atlantide, enjoy casual al fresco lunches at The Grill, or explore international flavors through Silversea’s S.A.L.T. program (Sea and Land Taste). All meals, whether in fine restaurants or via 24-hour in-suite dining, are included and of the highest quality. Premium wines, Champagnes, spirits, specialty coffees, and non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary throughout the ship, so you can toast to your adventures without a care.
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Silver Nova’s innovative design offers myriad ways to enrich your time at sea. Attend engaging talks and discussions led by Professor Phillips in the ship’s beautiful theatre or lounges. Bask by the pool or visit the Otium Spa for a soothing treatment. Evenings bring live entertainment, from classical music to local cultural performances, as well as low-key pleasures like stargazing on deck or conversing in the elegant Observation Lounge. With nine different bars and lounges and an array of activities, you’ll find settings both social and intimate to suit your style. Despite the wealth of options, Silver Nova maintains a blissfully relaxed atmosphere – no crowds, no lines, just carefree indulgence.
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Launched in 2023, Silver Nova is also Silversea’s most environmentally conscious ship. Her state-of-the-art hybrid technology and asymmetrical design minimize impact and maximize views. You can feel good about exploring the world aboard a vessel designed for a greener future, all while enjoying the pinnacle of luxury cruising.
Meet the Team
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Professor of ClassicsDarryl is a historian of ancient Greece and Rome. His research and teaching interests encompass history, law, religion, art and architecture, and topography.
Phillips teaches a range of courses on Greek and Roman history and language, including "Roman Political Culture" and the Connecticut College Courses "Ancient Greece" and “The Roman World.”
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Group Leader
Marc is a travel advisor who has visited over 100 countries and knows cruise planning well. He is very familiar with Silversea and has lots of experience planning trips in Greece, having traveled extensively and stayed at many luxury hotels there. He will travel with you and take care of all the details.
What do our clients say?
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"I appreciate Marc's knowledge about our common travel interests."
Zlatan M., Zurich
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"Marc organised one of the most seamless trips we've taken."
William Y., London
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"What truly stood out was his ability to identify less obvious gems that offered exceptional experiences."
Jeff A., New York
Other Information
Our Group rate starts from $5,700 per person. Plus get $480 shore excursion credits and $300 shipboard credit.
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Your cruise fare encompasses all-suite accommodation aboard Silver Nova, all meals and beverages on board (including fine wines, spirits, and Champagne), gratuities for the ship’s crew, port charges and taxes, and a robust enrichment program exclusively for our group. Professor Phillips’s group talks and onboard events are included. You are invited to join several shore excursions tailored for our guests (such as guided tours of Ephesus, and Mycenae). Your fare will include a $480 shore excursion credit per person.
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Booking with this Expeditioner Travel program grants you extra perks: a welcome aboard cocktail reception with Professor Phillips and fellow travelers, an Expeditioner Travel program manager on site to assist throughout the trip, priority access to select shore excursions, and an exclusive shipboard credit (see above). You’ll travel in the company of like-minded adventurers, fostering a sense of camaraderie and lively discussion both on shore and on the ship.
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International airfare to and from Athens is not included, allowing you the flexibility to use miles or extend your travels; however, we are happy to assist with air bookings or pre/post-cruise arrangements (see below more details of our specially curated pre-cruise package). Travel insurance is highly recommended and can be arranged separately. Personal expenses (e.g., spa treatments, boutique purchases) or optional excursions are not included.
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Flexible cancellation policies are in place as per Silversea’s terms (and we’ll guide you through insurance options for additional protection). Early booking is strongly encouraged, as this program is expected to sell out quickly given its unique nature and limited capacity.
Ready to Join Us?
Ready to turn your travel dreams into reality? Request a quote now.
Simply call us on 646-443-6556 or reach out through our contact form and our travel specialists will get back to you.