Day 1, Sunday USA - Athens
Depart the USA today on an overnight flight to Athens.
Day 2, Mon. Athens
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to the hotel. Remainder of day at leisure.
Day 3, Tue. Athens
Enjoy the morning sightseeing tour of the capital's classical sights which includes the fascinating Acropolis with its majestic Parthenon rising above the city and the Acropolis Museum. Drive past the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Royal Palace, Panathenian Stadium and the Temple of the Olympian Zeus. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 4, Wed. Athens - Delphi
Home to the Sanctuary of Apollo, Delphi is perhaps the most famous site in Classical Greece. On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, learn about the oracle and tour the excavations. Also visit the museum to admire the bronze Charioteer. (B, L)
Day 5, Thu. Athens - Argolis
Today's tour drives over the bridge crossing the spectacular Corinth Canal. Continue to Mycenae where 19th-century excavations described by Homer can be seen. Visit the Beehive Tomb and the Lion's Gate - Europe's oldest known monument. Drive to Epidaurus via the port town of Nauplion and visit the 2,300 year old amphitheatre, known for its perfect acoustics. (B, L)
Day 6, Fri. Athens - Piraeus
Cruise: Mykonos
Transfer to the harbour this morning and embark on the cruise ship. First port of call is the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos. The choices are many; stroll through the maze-like town, explore the windmills, shop in one of the chic boutiques. (B, L, D)
Day 7, Sat. Cruise: Rhodes
A full day on the island of roses - Rhodes. One of the sunniest of the Greek Islands, Rhodes is both medieval and modern and lies at the crossroad between three continents. The picturesque village of Lindos sits above the Bay of St. Paul. (B, L, D) |
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Day 8, Sun. Cruise:
Patmos - Kusadasi
This morning's port of call is the sacred island of Patmos where St. John lived and wrote the Book of Revelations. The monastery sits high on a hill and houses many priceless icons and manuscripts. This afternoon, the port of call is Kusadasi, gateway to the ancient Greek city of Ephessos, founded by the Athenians. It is one of the most complete excavations of any ancient city. Disembark and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi. (B, L, D)
Day 9, Mon. Kusadasi - Aphrodisias - Pamukkale - Izmir
Todays' drive along the old caravan route will reach Aphrodisias. Visit the stadium, which held up to 30,000 spectators, and the museum. The tour continues on to the "cotton castle" - Pamukkale to see the white lime cascades formed by its hot springs. Overnight in Izmir. (B, L, D)
Day 10, Tue. Pergamum - Troy - Canakkale
Depart this morning for the city of Pergamum and visit the Acropolis of Pergamum, an ancient center of learning and the arts. Also visit the Asclepion, a shrine to the Greek god of medicine. Continue on to Troy, legendary city of the beautiful Helen and the Wooden Horse. Overnight in Canakkale. (B, L, D)
Day 11, Wed. Istanbul
This morning ferry across the Dardanelles and visit Anzac Bay and the World War I battlefields on the Gallipoli Peninsula, then drive along the European shore of the Sea of Marmara to Istanbul. (B, L)
Day 12, Thu. Istanbul
Today's tour of the city on the Bosphorus includes Topkapi Palace, St. Sophia, the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque. After lunch visit the Mosque of Suleyman and the Grand Bazaar. (B, L)
Day 13, Fri. Istanbul
Morning cruise on the Bosphorus, the winding strait that separates Europe and Asia. After lunch drive over the Intercontinental Bosphorus bridge to Camlica Hill on the Asian side. Tour continues on to Beylerbeyi Palace afterwhich there will be free time for shopping. (B, L)
Day 14, Sat. Istanbul - USA
Transfer to the airport this morning for the departure flight. |
