Aegean Escapade
A Greek Cruise and a Foray into Istanbul

This 11 -day itinerary combines the highlights of Classical Greek heartland with a 3 day cruise of the enchanted isles and a four day Istanbul & Ephesus

Athens, Mykonos, Rhodes,Patmos, Kusadasi (Ephesus), Istanbul

Tour stars weekly in Athens every Tuesday,Mar to Nov

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL IN ATHENS- Tuesday - Weekly - March to November

Our Athens representative will meet you at the airport, assist you through customs and immigration, and escort you to your hotel in the bustling city center. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. You're free to stroll, browse for curios and treasures.

DAY 2 - ATHENS - Wednesday (B)

This morning you'll tour the high points of Athens, most notably the towering Acropolis and the adjacent museum. You'll visit Syntagma Square, at the very heart of the city, and see the Parliament, and guards in colorful traditional outfits. Your afternoon is free for further exploring or shopping, or you could well be drawn to return to the charm of the Plaka.

DAY 4 - ATHENS- Thursday (B)

You'll plan your own day in Athens, with the help of your complimentary guidebook. Or we can help you explore beyond the city. Maybe consider one of the optional tours : such as to Argolis takes you across the historic Corinthian Canal to Mycenae, where you'll visit the Lion Gate and the tombs of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. After a seaside lunch in Nauplion, you'll visit the theater of Epidaurus and marvel at its perfect acoustics. Our optional Delphi excursion takes you through Thebes, Levadia, and Arachova. In Delphi, you'll see renowned classical bronzes, and visit the Temple of Apollo, the Athenian Treasure, and the Castalian spring.

DAY 5 - CRUISE to MYKONOS - Friday (cBD)

Our staff will call for you at your hotel and escort you to Piraeus, the port of Athens, to embark on your three-day cruise. You'll sail into the Aegean, and by sunset, reach the jet-set isle of Mykonos. Stroll at your own pace along lanes lined with whitewashed houses, up to the Church of Paraportiani, or along the shore to the island's signature windmills . As noted, exact itinerary may vary.

DAY 6 - RHODES - Saturday (BLD)

Your cruise ship arrives early at the harbor, allowing a full day on the Island of Roses. The compact, cobbled medieval city is perfect for exploring on your own. You'll want to visit the Palace of the Knights of St. John, take a look at the wares in the boutiques, and spend some time in a seaside cafe. We also offer an optional excursion to the Acropolis of Lindos and the Valley of the Butterflies. We'll set sail again in the evening.

DAY 7 - PATMOS - KUSADASI (Turkey) , and ISTANBUL- Sunday (BL)

Your ship will call at the island of Patmos. Here you can visit the Monastery of St. John where the Book of Revelations was written. You'll reboard in time for an afternoon sailing. In the late afternoon, we anchor in Kusadasi, on the Turkish mainland, gateway to ancient Ephesus. Stroll the streets and stop in at shops filled with leather goods and bargains in gold. Ourlocal tour (Included ) takes you to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the world, after which we fly to Istanbul . Our local rep. meets your flight and escorts you to your hotel. Welcome fruit basket in your room, with our compliments.

DAY 8 - ISTANBUL- Monday (BLD)
After breakfast: visit Topkapi, the palace of the Sultans for centuries; we board a ferryboat, help ourselves to fresh Turkish coffee or tea, and cruise northward along the Bosphorus, the strait which separates Europe and Asia. Disembarking at a fishing village, we enjoy a seafood lunch at a local restaurant, then drive south to go on a shopping spree at the labyrinth of the Grand Bazaar. And the Egyptian Spice Bazaar.
In the Evening you'll join "Istanbul by Night", a dinner tour with live music and belly dancing.

DAY 9 - ISTANBUL - Tuesday (B)
We dive right into this fascinating city with visits to its top sights: Hagia Sophia, the greatest church in Christendom for a thousand years; the Blue Mosque, with its exquisite blue tiles; the Byzantine Hippodrome, scene of chariot races and gladiator combat; and the eerie Sunken Palace cistern beneath it. Then a drive through modern neighborhoods brings us to the ancient city walls and the Kariye Museum (Chora Church), filled with brilliant Byzantine mosaics.

Day 10 - Istanbul - Wednesday ( B)
Full day at leisure. Explore Istanbul as you wish.

DAY 11- Departure- Thursday (B)
We escort you to the airport for your flight home. Bon Voyage . Add 2 nights in Sorrento Italy.

Rates are per person in US $

Price includes:

• Hotel accommodation as per itinerary .
  
• Greek cruise to the Greek Islands and Turkey.
  
• Guided sightseeing in Athens, Ephesus and Istanbul as per itinerary ,including all entrance fees.
  
• Breakfast daily at hotel as well as lunches during sightseeing in Turkey and welcome dinners as indicated : BLD : preset menu : Breakfast ,lunch,dinner.
  
• All meals during cruise.
  
• Ground transportation between hotel and airport, and between hotel and pier
  
• Airport greeting and assistance.
  
• Hotel service charges and taxes .
  
• Domestic air fare within Turkey.
  
• Port taxes.
  
• Lonley Planet Travel guide books .

Not included:

• The Greek Isles Cruise shore excursions .
  
• International air fare from JFK to Athens & back from Istanbul, round trip , including tax.
  
• Trip interruption and cancellation insurance .
  
• Gratuities .
  
• Personal expenses.
  
• Beverages, and meals not specifically listed

Sample hotels in Athens :
Deluxe: Divani Palace Acropolis .
First Class : Titania

Sample hotels in Istanbul :
Deluxe : Hilton or similar
First Class : Arena or Armada boutique hotels

Compare with Greece, Palestine and Israel Tour