Overview
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You’ll visit historic and cultural sites in Egypt, Israel, Cyprus Greece, and Turkey, while sailing on the glimmering Mediterranean Sea. Answer the riddle of the Sphinx and see the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the 7 Wonders of the ancient world. In Cairo, peruse the treasures of King Tutankhamun. When docking at Ashdod (Israel) and Limassol (Cyprus), a selection of optional excursions are offered. In Rhodes, explore the Old Town with its ramparts and palaces, then head to Lindos to see the fabulous temple of Athena. Dock in Kusadasi to discover the amazing excavations of Ephesus that go back approximately 3,000 years.
Return to Athens to visit the Acropolis, see the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, and more. Join us to take advantage of fewer crowds and lower prices on this spectacular Greek vacation and Mediterranean cruise.
Highlights
Welcome drink; guided sightseeing, visit the Acropolis
CORINTHCross the canal
MYCENAEGuided visit of the excavations and museum
OLYMPIA[LF] learn how to make the traditional Greek tzatziki appetizer; guided visit of the archaeological site and the museum
DELPHI[LF] 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 Alexandria (Egypt) (technical call), Port Said, Ashdod (Israel), Limassol (Cyprus), Rhodes (Greece), Kusadasi (Turkey)
Included shore excursions Alexandria: Cairo, Rhodes: medieval town, Kusadasi: ancient Ephesus
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.
2020 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
Today, cross the spectacular Corinth Canal, a project imagined in ancient Greece but only completed in 1893. Then, visit MYCENAE, the city described in Homer’s epics. Explore the excavations, including the Beehive Tombs (Treasury of Atreus); the 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 for a LF COOKING DEMONSTRATION and learn how to make traditional Greek tzatziki.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
OLYMPIA–DELPHI
Day3
Sightseeing with a Local Guide provides insights and fascinating history about the original Olympic Games. Stroll among the awe-inspiring remains of the Gymnasium and the Temples of Hera and Zeus, and visit the MUSEUM with Praxiteles’ magnificent Hermes statue. Then, a scenic drive transports you to mystical Delphi for a fun evening featuring a glass of authentic ouzo and a festive LF DANCE LESSON to learn the sirtaki, made famous in the movie Zorba the Greek.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
DELPHI–ATHENS.
Day4
The morning is devoted to Delphi, the god Apollo’s mountainside sanctuary. Ancient Greeks once flocked here to seek advice from the world’s greatest oracle. Tour the EXCAVATIONS, and visit the ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM to admire the Charioteer, an extraordinary 5th-century-BC bronze statue. Later, return to Athens, where an optional dinner is available at a local restaurant.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
ATHENS–PIRAEUS (EMBARKATION).
Day5
Today head to the port city of Piraeus, where your cruise ship awaits to whisk you into the crystal-blue waters of the Aegean Sea.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
CRUISING: AT SEA
Day6
Time to relax and enjoy the ship’s facilities as you cruise towards Egypt.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
CRUISING: ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT-PORT SAID
Day7
A technical stop in Alexandria allows you to disembark for your included full day excursion. A guided tour takes you to see the PYRAMIDS OF GIZA including the Great Pyramid, the most colossal pyramid ever built and get close to the enigmatic SPHINX. Next, on to Cairo, capital of Egypt, set on the river Nile. Visit the NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM, home to over 120,000 artifacts including the treasures of Tutankhamun. Later return to the ship now docked at Port Said, the entrance to the Suez Canal.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
CRUISING: ASHDOD, ISRAEL
Day8
Arrive today in Ashdod, Israel’s largest port! A selection of optional excursions are available today to make the most out of your stay amongst which is a trip to Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
CRUISING: LIMASSOL, CYPRUS
Day9
North today to Cyprus, with time to explore Limassol’s historical center on your own. You could investigate the thousand-year-old castle, medieval baths, catacombs, and fascinating Folk Art Museum, or you might prefer to just relax with a Cypriot beer at one of the many tavernas and mingle with the locals.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
CRUISING: RHODES, GREECE
Day10
The entire day is dedicated to the fabulous island of RHODES. First, explore the OLD TOWN with its ramparts and palaces built by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades. Then, head to the archaeological site at LINDOS to see the fabulous Temple of Athena. Be sure to bring your camera because the view of Lindos village sprawling down the hillside under the acropolis is one of the most iconic scenes in Greece!
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
CRUISING: KUSADASI, TURKEY
Day11
Dock on the southwestern coast of Turkey for a true highlight: the incomparable excavations of EPHESUS. At its zenith in the 1st century BC, it was one of the largest cities in the world, renowned as a trade center and for its colossal Temple of Artemis, Library of Celsus, and medical school. Led by an expert guide, wander among the reconstructed ruins, including the impressive 25,000-seat Great Theater, where the apostle Paul preached. The lavish monuments, frescoed houses, public baths and toilets, streets marked by chariot wheels, and ancient graffiti offer a true understanding of what life was like for the people who called Ephesus home.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
PIRAEUS (DISEMBARKATION)–ATHENS
Day12
After breakfast on board, disembark for a final day in Athens. Guided sightseeing introduces you to the world-famous ACROPOLIS. From its rocky hilltop setting, see the fabled Parthenon, Erechtheum with its Porch of Maidens, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Take in the incomparable views of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Theater of Dionysus, and the Agora where Socrates taught. Later, a city orientation showcases the Parliament House and 2nd-century Panathenaic Stadium, the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble! The rest of the day is free to catch up on last-minute shopping or to explore more on your own. Tonight, you could join an optional dinner at a local restaurant.
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.
- The ship scheduled to depart for the cruise portion of your vacation is the Celestyal Crystal, operated by Celestyal Cruises.
Extend your stay
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
