Itinerary

1. THU I ATHENS

   Arrival into Athens. Balance of the day is at leisure to get acquainted with Athens, the capital and largest city of Greece.

2. FRI I ATHENS

   Half day morning city tour includes highlights of Athens and the Acropolis plus the new Acropolis Museum. Afternoon and balance of day is at leisure. (B)

3. SAT I ATHENS

   This afternoon, transfer to Piraeus and embark on your cruise ship. (B,D)

4. SUN I ISTANBUL

   This morning, get to know your ship as you cruise from Piraeus towards Istanbul, Turkey. Split between two continents, Europe and Asia, Istanbul is truly unique with its lavish Byzantine architecture and imperial mosques with sky-high minarets that make up the city’s skyline. (B,L,D)

5. MON I ISTANBUL

   Today, you’ll set sail by private tender boat to glide over the jet blue waters of the Bosphorus. As you weave your way between traditional fishing boats and ferries, you’ll soon see the Orient and Occident emerging. Keep a lookout for the glamorous 19th century Dolmabahçe Palace and the former Ottoman palace of Çırağan, now a luxury hotel, on the European riverbank. On the Asian side, the summer residence of the sultans, Beylerbeyi Palace, as well as the Anatolian Castle medieval fortress and magnificent Kanlica Villa all soon come into view. Back on dry land, you can stretch your legs with a stroll around the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar. Here, try haggling for souvenirs, or simply browse the myriad of goods on offer. (B,L,D)

6. TUE I ÇANAKKALE

   Cruising in through the Dardanelle strait, Çanakkale may sit at the narrowest part, but its history is one to broaden the mind. From the cruise ship, you can spot the wooden Trojan horse on the vast yacht-lined waterfront promenade. Time to relax or to take one of the optional excursions. (B,L,D)

7. WED I VOLOS

   Welcome back to Greece! Tucked in below Mt. Pelion, land of the mythical centaurus, Volos embraces the Pagasetic Gulf to one side and the dramatic, mountainous Pelion Peninsula to the other. Time to relax or to take one of the optional excursions. (B,L,D)

8. THU I CRETE

   Sailing into Heraklion port, the intimidating walls of Koules Fortress emerge from the sea to guard the ancient treasures found within the city. As you venture into the incredible open-air museum of the Palace of Knossos, the bus tour will take you along the proud Venetian heritage of Heraklion - the Koules Fortress (the stronghold overlooking the Heraklion harbor), the Venetian Loggia (the 17th century administrative and social center), the harmonious Morozini fountain and the 10th century Church of St. Titus. As you explore the Palace of Knossos, considered Europe’s oldest city, you are entering and experiencing the incredible world of the legendary Minoan civilization. (B,L,D)

9. FRI I SANTORINI I MYKONOS

   Cruising towards Santorini is like being swept away on a current to somewhere truly magical. Your tour to Santorini’s jewel, the village of Oia, is a trip into the picture-perfect world of an island where romance and beauty reign supreme. Drive by the picturesque villages of Firostefani, Imerovigli, the “balcony to the Aegean”, and Megalochori surrounded by its famous vineyards. Continue with a panoramic drive by Santorini’s caldera which offers breathtaking views. Admire from afar the village of Fira, the capital of the island, as well as Thirassia, Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni -- three of the five islands which form the cluster that surround Santorini. Arrive in Oia and walk through a beautiful labyrinth of shops, cafes, art galleries and hotels, harmoniously built in the unmistakable Cycladic style. Enjoy free time in one of the world’s best known and loved living postcards -- taking photos of the awe-inspiring scenery, shopping for fine jewelry or art, or simply relaxing and breathing in the beauty of Santorini. This afternoon, cruise towards Mykonos. (B,L,D)

10. SAT I MYKONOS I ATHENS

    Disembark in Athens this morning and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure to explore this lively city on your own. (B)

11. SUN I ATHENS TO USA (OR EXTEND YOUR STAY)

    Transfer to the airport for your flight home and say “kali antamosi” to Greece or extend your stay. (B)