Overview
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Embark on your exciting Aegean cruise from Piraeus to Istanbul, Turkey. Stroll through Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, and explore the former city of Constantinople—walking in the footsteps of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire. Hear the legend of Jason and the Argonauts in the Greek coastal city of Volos, then cruise to Crete—the largest of the Greek Islands. Here, visit Knossos, center of the 3,000-BC Minoan civilization. Stroll amid the whitewashed buildings and blue rooftops above the sea. Head to Santorini (weather permitting), “The Black Pearl of the Aegean,” for an included excursion to the cliff-top Oia before sailing to Mykonos to relax amid windmills, shops, and tavernas. Return to Athens to visit the Acropolis, see the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, and more during the off season with fewer crowds and lower prices!
Highlights
Welcome drink; guided sightseeing, visit the Acropolis
CORINTH
Cross the canal
MYCENAEGuided visit of the excavations and museum
OLYMPIALF learn how to make the traditional Greek tzatziki appetizer; guided visit of the archaeological site and the museum
DELPHILF learn to dance the sirtaki and have a glass of Ouzo; guided visit of the excavations, visit the Archaeological Museum
CRUISINGSeven night cruise with ports of call at Istanbul (Turkey), Canakkale, Volos (Greece), Heraklion (Crete), Santorini (weather permitting), Mykonos
INLCUDED SHORE EXCURSIONS
Istanbul: Bosphorus cruise, Santorini: clifftop village Oia (weather permitting), Heraklion: Minoan Palace of Knossos
CRUISE DETAILS:
- Rotation of ports of call may vary for congestion reasons at certain ports with or without prior notice.
- Outside cabin (category XA) - All cabins with two lower beds and private shower and toilet.
- Full entertainment program on board.
- Included drink package: selection of non-alcoholic & alcoholic drinks.
- Globus Host service throughout the cruise.
- Please ask your Travel Consultant for cruise ship details. The ship scheduled to depart for the cruise portion of your vacation is the Celestyal Crystal, operated by Celestyal Cruises.
2021 Tour itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Total meals included:
- 12 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 9 dinners
ATHENS, GREECE
Day1
Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink with your Tour Director.
ATHENS–CORINTH CANAL–MYCENAE–OLYMPIA
Day2
Cross the spectacular Corinth Canal. Your highlight today is MYCENAE, where 19th-century excavations reveal impressions of the splendors so vividly described by Homer. Admire the Beehive Tombs, known as the Treasury of Atreus; Lion Gate, Europe’s oldest known monument; the remains of Agamemnon’s Royal Palace; and the impressive fortifications of the Citadel. Also visit the museum. Later, arrive in Olympia. Tonight, enjoy LF a COOKING DEMONSTRATION and learn how to make the traditional Greek tzatziki appetizer.
Today’s Distance: 174 mi / 280 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
OLYMPIA–DELPHI
Day3
Sightseeing with a Local Guide will give you insights into the town where the athletes of antiquity competed in honor of the King of Deities. Learn about the history of those original Olympic Games as you walk among the impressive remains of the Gymnasium and the Temples of Hera and Zeus. Also visit the MUSEUM that displays Praxiteles’ magnificent statue of Hermes. In the afternoon a pleasant drive will take you to mystic Delphi. A highlight this evening is LF a DANCE LESSON, where you’ll learn how to dance the sirtaki, made famous in the movie Zorba the Greek, accompanied by a glass of the traditional Ouzo.
Today’s Distance: 137 mi / 220 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
DELPHI-ATHENS
Day4
The morning is devoted to a fascinating tour of the ancient sanctuary of the god Apollo in its dramatic setting on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Hear about the Oracle and tour the EXCAVATIONS. Visit the ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM to admire the Charioteer, an extraordinary 5th-century-BC bronze statue. Leave fascinating Delphi behind you and head back to Athens. Tonight, enjoy an optional dinner at a local restaurant.
Today’s Distance: 118 mi / 190 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
ATHENS–PIREAUS (EMBARKATION)
Day5
Today head to the port city of Pireaus, where your cruise ship awaits to whisk you into the crystal-blue waters of the Aegean Sea.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
CRUISING: ISTANBUL, TURKEY
Day6
This afternoon, arrive in Istanbul founded as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
ISTANBUL
Day7
Another full day to experience this mesmerising gateway between the Orient and the Occident. A private tender boat will take you on your included CRUISE on the Bosphorus strait that divides Europe and Asia. Then back to dry land to stroll around the GRAND BAZAAR. Join a shore excursion to complete your visit in Istanbul. Your ship departs in the early evening.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
CRUISING: CANAKKALE
Day8
Enter the Dardanelles Strait and dock at Canakkale in northwestern Turkey. Choose from exciting optional excursions to learn about this strategic area which boasts Troy and Gallipoli, where wars have been waged throughout the centuries.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
CRUISING: VOLOS, GREECE
Day9
Back in Greece, explore lively Volos, the enchanting area where mythology’s centaur Chiron taught heroes such as Jason, leader of the Argonauts. You might enjoy visiting the archaeological museum, home to superb collections from the Neolithic, Hellenistic, and Byzantine eras.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
CRUISING: HERAKLION, CRETE
Day10
Today, discover Crete, the largest of the Greek islands. With an expert guide, visit KNOSSOS, center of the 3000-BC Minoan civilization. Stroll through the frescoed palace ruins with its ties to mythology’s King Minos and the terrifying half-man/half-bull Minotaur imprisoned in the labyrinth.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
CRUISING: SANTORINI, GREECE–MYKONOS
Day11
Visit two ports today. First, weather permitting, is SANTORINI, the “Black Pearl of the Aegean.” Don’t miss the included excursion to clifftop Oia, dramatically perched on the sheer side of the island’s caldera. With its brilliant whitewashed buildings, striking blue-domed roofs, and breathtaking views, this is Greece at its iconic best. Later, dock at Mykonos, where you’re greeted by the charming collection of windmills. Time to wander the narrow, shop-lined streets or to relax at a shaded taverna before returning to your ship.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
PIRAEUS (DISEMBARKATION)–ATHENS
Day12
After breakfast on board, disembark for a final day in Athens. Sightseeing with a Local Guide features a visit to the world-famous ACROPOLIS, perched high on a rocky outcrop overlooking the city. Here, see the Parthenon, the Erechtheum with its Porch of Maidens, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Enjoy a panoramic view that includes glimpses of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Theater of Dionysus, and the Agora where Socrates taught. Later, a city orientation tour features the Old Parliament House and a photo stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Built in the 2nd century AD, it is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble, and was host to the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympics in 1896. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight is your chance to join an optional dinner outing to try the local fare.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
ATHENS
Day13
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Things to note
- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Zafolia
First-Class
Attractive 7-story Hotel situated near museums, 1 km from Larisis train station & 35 km from El. Venizelos Airport.
Location
87-89 Alexandras Avenue, Athens, Greece
Hotel Facilities
- Pool
- Fitness Room
- Luggage Storage
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
- Elevator
- Gift Shop
- Spa Services
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Parking/Valet
- Free WiFi
- Currency Exchange
- Business Center
Room Facilities
- In-Room Safe
- Smoking Rooms
- Cable/Satellite
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Mini-bar
- Coffee Maker
- Wake-Up Calls
- Desk
- Internet Access
- Air Conditioning
- Television
- Hair Dryer
- Room Service
- Alarm Clock
- Phone
Europa
First-Class
Hotels Europa is built on the top of Drouvas Hill in Ancient Olympia (UNESCO World Heritage Site), at the foot of which is sited the Sacred Alti with brilliant monuments and the stadium of the Ancient Olympic Games.
Location
Archaia Olympia - Drouva, Olympia, Greece
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Pool
- Parking/Valet
- Bar/Lounge
- Luggage Storage
- Currency Exchange
- Elevator
- Restaurant On-Site
- Gift Shop
- Laundry Available
- Business Center
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Phone
- In-Room Safe
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Smoking Rooms
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Mini-bar
- Alarm Clock
- Hair Dryer
- Internet Access
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Room Service
- Desk
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
Amalia Delphi
First-Class
At the foot of Mount Parnassus overlooking olive groves and the Ionian Sea, and just minutes away from the archaeological site and museum, the temple of Apollo, and Castalia spring. The modern guest rooms are air-conditioned and have Wi-Fi and minifridges. Other amenities include an outdoor pool and an inviting lounge bar with a fireplace, where guests can relax and take in the breath taking Delphian scenery.
Location
1 Apollonos Street, Delphi, Greece
Hotel Facilities
- Elevator
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
- Business Center
- Laundry Available
- Currency Exchange
- Restaurant On-Site
- Concierge desk
- Gift Shop
- Pool
- Luggage Storage
- Parking/Valet
Room Facilities
- Room Service
- Air Conditioning
- Hair Dryer
- In-Room Safe
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Phone
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Desk
- Internet Access
