Glories of Greece & Constantinople

This 10 -day itinerary combines the highlights of Classical Greece
with a CRUISE the enchanted isles of Rhodes& Mykonos and a foray into Turkey:
Kusadasi & Istanbul . Departures every , Tuesday , Mar to Nov

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL IN ATHENS Tue

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. You're free to 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 - ATHENS (cB) Wed

This morning you'll tour the high points of Athens, most notably 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, or you could well be drawn to return to the charm of the Plaka. Or take advantage of one of our optional tours, for an afternoon visit to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon, with spectacular sunset view; or the Sound and Light show at the base of the Acropolis.

DAY 3 - ATHENS (cB) Thu

You'll plan your own day in Athens, with the help of your complimentary guidebook. Or we can help you explore beyond the city. Our optional tour to Argolis takes you across the historic Corinthian Canal to Mycenae, where you'll visit the Lion Gate and the tombs of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. After a seaside lunch in Nauplion, you'll visit the theater of Epidaurus and marvel at its perfect acoustics. Our optional Delphi excursion takes you through Thebes, Levadia, and Arachova. In Delphi, you'll see renowned classical bronzes, and visit the Temple of Apollo, the Athenian Treasure, and the Castalian spring.

DAY 4 - CRUISE to MYKONOS (cBD) Fri

Our staff will call for you at your hotel and escort you to Piraeus, the port of Athens, to embark on your three-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 before we set sail at night. As noted, exact itinerary may vary.

DAY 5 - RHODES (BLD) Sat

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. We'll set sail again in the evening.

DAY 6 - KUSADASI (Turkey) Sun

We anchor early in Kusadasi, on the Turkish mainland, gateway to ancient Ephesus. Our local rep will call on you as you disembark from the ship , Escort you in a quick tour of Kusadasi .Stroll the streets and stop in at shops filled with leather goods and bargains in gold. Our tour takes you to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the world. Overnight at a hotel in Kusadasi.

DAY 7 - ISTANBUL (BD) Mon

Constantinople! Stamboul! Istanbul! Today you fly to the fabulous city where East and West have clashed, met, and blended over the centuries. Where to start? Transfer to your hotel. Evening welcome dinner & folklore show.

DAY 8 - ISTANBUL (BL) Tue

Your tour will include Aya Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, cruise on the bustling and strategic Bosphorus straits. As well as the legendary covered Bazaar or the Grand Bazaar alone has over 5000 stands, kiosks, and shops, filled with carpets, leatherwork, and treasures and trinkets from all points eastward. Lunch included at a local restaurant.

DAY 9 - ISTANBUL (B) Wed

Istanbul is all yours, any way you like it. Grab your Lonely Planet guidebook and stroll along the restored 19th-century thoroughfare of Istiklal Caddesi, once known as the Grand Rue, DE Péra. Search for spices and folk remedies in the Egyptian Bazaar. Admire the medieval mosaics in the city's many Byzantine churches. Shop in the chic boutiques around Taksim Square. Climb the Galata Tower, built by the Genoese six centuries ago, for a panoramic view of Old Istanbul.

DAY 10 - RETURN HOME (B) Thu

Our Istanbul -based personnel will take you to the airport and smooth your departure back to the USA .

This tour departs : Every Tuesday, March through November

Rates are per person/Double Occupancy/ Cabins with 2 lower beds Cabins

Rate includes:

• Lonely Planet travel guide to Greece.
• 3 nights in Athens 3-day cruise to the Greek Islands and Turkey.
• Athens ,Istanbul, Kusadasi & Ephesus city tours, including English speaking guide and all entrance fees.
• Breakfast daily at hotel .
• All meals during cruise.
• Ground transportation between hotel and airport, and between hotel and pier Airport greeting and assistance.
• Hotel service charges and taxes .
• Port taxes.
• Air fare Kusadasi/Istanbul

* The cruise itinerary may vary, depending on the ship

Not included:

• International airfare from/to USA . Please inquire about attractive fares from the United States and London available through Travel in Style.
• Trip interruption and cancellation insurance (please see our insurance brochure).
• Gratuities Personal expenses, beverages, and meals not specifically listed

Louis Cruise Lines Greek Isles , North Africa And The Mediterranean Caribbean Dream on board the Pacific Brisas Del Mediterraneo Mediterranean Cruise From Barcelona on the "Oceanic" CRUCERO “ RONDÓ VENECIANO”. Cruise from Barcelona, Athens or Venice

 

Look forward to warm, even hot weather with some cooler breezes at night.
Especially for shore excursions, we recommend loose, comfortable cottons or other lightweight clothing.

Some of the tours involve long bus rides and/or considerable walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Please bear in mind that shore excursion coaches are air conditioned and you may wish to bring a light sweater.

On tours that include visits to places of worship, shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted.

Compare with the Triangle of Ancient Lands : Egypt Greece Israel