Day 1, USA - Santorini
Departure from the USA on an overnight flight to Santorini connecting in Athens.
Days 2, 3, 4 & 5 - Santorini
Four days on the island considered to be the lost continent of Atlantis. It was destroyed around 1500 B.C. by a volcanic eruption leaving a crescent shaped rim of cliffs around a harbour formed in the volcanic caldera. Santorini is among the most romantic of the Greek islands enjoying the most magnificent sunset. (B)
Days 6, 7, 8 & 9 - Crete
Depart for the largest of the Greek Islands, Crete, home to the Palace of Knossos one the seven wonders of the ancient world.Endless beaches, archeological sites, museums and the warmth of the proud Cretan hospitality are second to none. (B)
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Days 10, 11, 12 & 13 - Rhodes
Arrival on the "island of roses" - Rhodes with 230 miles of coastline it gives the impression that Rhodes has emerged from a fairy tale. It is home to the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the world. In Lindos, the contrast between the brilliant white houses and winding lanes of the more recent village built around two crescent beaches and the ancient acropolis towering above it from its austere pinnacle make for one of the most stunning view in all of Greece. (B)
Day 14, Rhodes - Athens - USA
Transfer to the airport for the departure flight to Athens and connect to the return flight home
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Day 1, Fri. USA-Athens
Departure from the USA on an overnight flight to Athens.
Day 2, Sat. Athens
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 3: Sun. Athens
Morning sightseeing features the Parthenon's crowning beauty atop the Acropolis, the Erechtheum with its Porch of Maidens, the beautifully preserved Theseum, the Temple of Zeus and the Theatre of Dionysus. Remainder of day at leisure. (B)
Day 4, Mon. Athens - Piraeus - Cruise: Mykonos
This morning transfer to Piraeus harbour to embark on the cruise ship. Today's port of call is the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos. Stroll around the colorful harbour, shop in some of the chic boutiques or visit one of the many whitewashed chapels. (B, L, D)
Day 5, Tue. Cruise: Kusadasi & Patmos
The first port of call today is Kusadasi, Turkey, gateway to the ancient Greek colony of Ephessos founded by the Athenians, said to be the largest and best preserved ancient city in the world. This afternoon sail to the sacred island of Patmos where St. John lived and wrote the book of Revelations. The monastery of St. John, built on one of the island's highest points, contains priceless icons and manuscripts. (B, L, D) |
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Day 6, Wed. Cruise: Rhodes
Call at Rhodes today - "the island of roses". Rhodes is both medieval and modern and enjoys 230 miles of coastline. The whitewashed village of Lindos overlooks the Bay of St. Paul and is home to the impressive Temple of Athena. (B, L, D) Day 7, Thu. Cruise: Heraklion & Santorini
This morning's call will be at Heraklion, the capital of Crete and home to the Palace of Knossos and the seat of ancient Minoan culture. This afternoon's call is at Santorini, the fabled lost continent of Atlantis. Upon disembarkation transfer to the hotel. (B, L)
Days 8 & 9, Fri. & Sat. Santorini
Two full days at leisure on this magnificent island. Visit the red or black sand beach, one of the many wineries, and the site at Akrotiri which has yielded the remains of a Minoan city destroyed by an eruption of the volcano. Save time to visit the beautiful old-world village of Oia. Stay late and enjoy a sunset that is beyond imagination. (B)
Day 10, Sun. Santorini - Athens - USA
Pick up from hotel and transfer to the airport for the flight to Athens. Connect in Athens for the homebound flight. |
