Mediterranean Romance

This 14-day trip combines the best of travel in Greece: classical Athens, classical Greece ,
a Greek Isle Cruise through the Aegean, and villa hideaway on Santorini

Weekly on Sunday in Athens : Apr - Oct

Rates per person in US$
Double Occupancy Cabins with 2 lower beds
Golden Star Cruises or Louis Cruise Lines

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL IN ATHENS- Sunday
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. Stroll, browse for curios and treasures, and perhaps dine at a cafe in the old Plaka district and take in a folklore show.

DAY 2 - CRUISE TO MYKONOS- Monday (BLD)
If you prefer to have the cruise after the classical land tour. Please click here.
A 30 - minute drive (transfer included) will take you to Piraeus, the port of Athens, to embark on your four-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. Enjoy an ouzo or a glass of retsina at a waterside cafe.

DAY 3 - KUSADASI (Turkey) and PATMOS- Tuesday (BLD)
We anchor early morning . 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. Our optional tour takes you to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the world. You'll re-board in time for an afternoon sailing. In the late afternoon, 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.

DAY 4 - RHODES- Wednesday (BLD)
Our 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.

DAY 5 - HERAKLION (CRETE), SANTORINI- Thursday (B)
We drop anchor in the port of Heraklion at 7 a.m. You can explore on your own, or take an optional excursion to the 5000-year-old Minoan Palace at Knossos and the archaeological museum. We sail at noon for Santorini, where the lost civilization of Atlantis flourished. You'll disembark for three nights or more in a private villa.

DAY 6 - SANTORINI - Friday (B)
You'll take a leisurely breakfast on your private terrace. An optional tour to the archaeological site of Akrotiri is offered. Or, you can spend the day relaxing, and take in breathtaking views of the volcano and caldera. Sample optional tours available based on Private arrangement or Local Group tour .

DAY 7 - SANTORINI/ Athens - Saturday(B)
The day is yours for relaxing or exploring on your own-- or both! You might take a boat across to the dormant volcano, and ascend through a crater-pocked moonscape to the crater. Or savor a soak in hot sulphur springs.

DAY 8 - ATHENS - Sunday (B)
Full Day at leisure, you could well be drawn back by the charm of the Plaka. Or take advantage of one of our optional tours, such as an afternoon visit to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon, with spectacular sunset view.

DAY 9 - ATHENS - Monday (B)
This morning you'll tour Athens and get to know the high points of the city, especially 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,

Day 10- Classical Greece- Epidaurus-Tuesday (BLD)
Leave by the coastal road to the Corinth Canal (short stop). Drive on and visit the Theatre of Epidauros, famous for its remarkable acoustics. Then proceed to the town of Nauplion (short photo stop), drive on to Mycenae and visit the Archaeological Site and the Tomb of Agamemnon. Then depart for Olympia through Central Peloponnese and the towns of Tripolis and Megalopolis. Overnight in Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games. (Dinner)

Day 11 Olympia- Delphi -Wednesday (BLD)
In the morning visit the Archaeological Site with the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium and the Archaeological Museum. We drive across the plains of Eliad and Achaia until the magnificent bridge which is crossing the Corinthian Bay from Rion to Antirion. Pass by the picturesque towns of Nafpactos (Lepanto) and Itea, arrive in Delphi. Overnight. (Dinner)

Day 12 - Delphi- Thursday (BLD)
In the morning visit the Archaeological Site and the Museum. Depart for Kalambaka, a small town stated at the foot of the astonishing complex of Meteora, gigantic rocks. Overnight. (Dinner)

Day 13 - Arachova, Athens - Friday (BL)
Visit Meteora, among striking scenery, perched on top of huge rocks which seem to be suspended in mid-air, stand ageless Monasteries, where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. Return to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, Thermopylae (short stop to see across the road the Leonida’s Monument). Arrive in Athens early in the evening.

DAY 14 - ATHENS - Departure - Saturday (B)
Our personnel will assure a seamless transfer to Athens Airport , where you'll board your flight.

Rate includes:

• Lonely Planet travel guide 4-day cruise to Greek Isles and Turkey .
• Sample Villas/ Apartments in Santorini:
• For Deluxe rates : Dana Villas with a view of the Caldera & the sea ( Firostefani) .
• First Class accommodation:
  Sun Rocks , in Firostefani , Astra Apartments, On The Rocks or Chromata Apartments with a view of the caldera & the sea (Imerovigli.) Grotto Villas in Firostefani . Or Rose Bay on Kamari Beach Hotel. For guests who may need a hotel with less steps : then we suggest El Greco in Fira town , it has few steps and easy access

• Hotel accommodation in Athens Breakfast daily at the hotels, with all tax and service charges included. Athens: Deluxe ( modest ) Divani Palace Hotels , or similar , First : Stanley , Electra Palace or Titania.
• All meals during the cruise .
• Airport greeting and assistance.
• Transfer to hotel in Athens, and and from hotel to the cruise in Piraeus.
• Round-trip transfers in Santorini.
• Port taxes
• Our local hospitality services
• One-way Santorini/Athens airfare

Not included:

• Shore excursions
• International airfare from/to your home country
• Gratuities Personal expenses, beverages, and meals not specifically listed .
• Trip cancellation insurance or travel insurance