> WEDNESDAY: Athens
Arrival in Greece, the land of the mythical Gods and ancient civilization. At Athens International Airport you will be welcomed by your private driver and taken to your hotel. Enjoy your afternoon and evening exploring the vibrant culture and nightlife of Modern Athens. Ask your Leisure Travel Consultant for their favorite Athens restaurants, cafes and entertainment.
> THURSDAY: Athens - Half Day Athens Walking Tour
After breakfast, your licensed English speaking guide will meet you at your hotel lobby. Begin your tour at the new Acropolis Museum and then visit the Acropolis itself and its timeless temples of Parthenon, Erectheion and Athena Nike. A short climb up to the Hill of Philopappus brings you to the imposing Roman period funeral monument and extensive views of Athens and Piraeus. You then descend to the hill of the Pnyx, the area used in Classical Athens as the meeting place for the democratic assembly. You enter the historical Plaka area close to the Thiseion temple, dating back to the 5th century BC, meandering past the ancient Agora with the impressively restored Stoa of Attalus, Hadrian’s Library, and the picturesque Tower of the Winds. The route back leads up over the Areopagus, or Hill of Mars, directly below the Acropolis. Here, in 54 AD, Saint Paul preached his Sermon on an unknown God, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. Finally, you pass the Roman period Odeion of Herodes Atticus, which is still used as a summer venue for open-air concerts and theatrical performances. Your tour will end at Syntagma Square where you can enjoy the changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. (B)
> FRIDAY: Athens (Piraeus), Cruise Embarkation
Spend a relaxing morning in Athens. After lunch you will be transferred to Piraeus port and embark on your 7-day cruise of the Greek Islands and Turkey. Enjoy the many shipboard activities or just relax and enjoy the scenery while sailing to your first port of call. (B, D)
> SATURDAY: Istanbul
Morning at sea. Relax by the pool or enjoy one of the shipboard activities. In the afternoon arrive in Istanbul, the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Go out and experience the city’s vibrant nightlife or enjoy an optional excursion complete with belly dancing and live musical performances. Overnight onboard in Istanbul (B, L, D)
> SUNDAY: Istanbul
Spend your day exploring the city on your own or take an optional tour. Either way Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Suleyman’s Mosque, and Topkapki Palace are sites not to be missed! In the afternoon you will depart for Izmir. (B, L, D)
> MONDAY: Izmir
Morning at Sea. Enjoy the many shipboard activities or just relax and enjoy the scenery while sailing to your next port of call. Afternoon arrival in Izmir, from where you can take an optional excursion to the ancient sites of Ephesus or Pergamum. Depart in the evening for Patmos. (B, L, D)
> TUESDAY: Patmos, Mykonos
Morning arrival in Patmos, site of the Monastery of St. John the Divine. (Optional excursion to the Monastery is available). In the afternoon sail to Mykonos, famous for its jet-set atmosphere, whitewashed buildings, sidewalk cafes and chic shops. Explore the Labyrinth streets of Mykonos town or take an optional excursion to Delos Island, birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Late night departure for Rhodes. (B, L, D)
> WEDNESDAY: Rhodes
Morning arrival in Rhodes, famed for its historic Old Town, great shopping and ancient site of the Colossus of Rhodes. Visit the medieval castle in Rhodes Town, the temple of Athena on the majestic Acropolis of Lindos or the Valley of the Butterflies (all optional excursions). Evening sail to Crete. (B, L, D)
> THURSDAY: Crete, Santorini
Arrive in Heraklion, the capital of Crete. Take an optional excursion to the Palace at Knossos, the center of Minoan civilization. Or explore the town of Heraklion and its surrounding villages, sampling some Cretan wine along the way. In the afternoon sail on to Santorini, the volcano island, one of the most unforgettable places in the world. Walk in the narrow streets of the town of Thira and visit the beautiful village of Oia, perched on the rim of the caldera, offering panoramic views of breathtaking beauty. Or take an optional cruise around the Caldera where you will have the opportunity to walk on the volcano and swim in the hot springs. Evening departure for Athens. (B, L, D)
> FRIDAY: Athens (Piraeus), Cruise Disembarkation
Upon arrival at the port of Piraeus in Athens, you will be greeted by your private driver and transfered to your hotel. Enjoy your day at leisure, soaking up the sites of the city or enjoy one last night on the town. Ask your Leisure Travel Consultant for their recommendations for an amazing final day in Greece. (B)
> SATURDAY: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Athens International Airport to meet your flight home. (B)
