Greece and 7-Day cruise in Turkey and the Greek islands
Duration: 10 Days
Program only valid for private groups of 20 or more people
2023 ARRIVAL DAY TO ATHENS | |
|---|---|
MAY | 19 |
JUNE | 9, 30 |
JULY | 21 |
SEPTEMBER | 1, 22 |
OCTOBER | 13 |
STOPS: Athens, Corinth, Rhodos, Bodrum, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini, Crete, Athens.
Day 1: ATHENS - ARRIVAL
Arrival in Athens, the birthplace of Western Civilization and a vibrant city! After check-in, free time to explore the city! By day, the Attica light will lead you to streets filled with pulsating life and colors, a different story in every shop. You will be amazed by the culinary delights of the city and the unique cafes, each with a personality of its own. By night, you can stroll through the numerous restaurants and tavernas available. Check in and overnight at the hotel in Athens.
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Day 2: ATHENS
Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Athens! We climb up to the marble-capped Acropolis, the sacred rock of Athens and citadel of the city in antiquity. We become time travelers by visiting the famous Parthenon and the Erechtheion. Then, we go to the nearby Mars' Hill (Areopagus) to read Acts 17:22 where Paul gave his famous speech to the Athenian philosophers (Acts 17:18-34) and spoke about “an unknown god”. We view the ancient Agora of Athens from the Acropolis before visiting the Acropolis museum, which was built to house every artifact found on the Acropolis, from the Greek Bronze Age to the Roman and Byzantine period. Our tour continues with the highlights of modern Athens: we pass by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Parliament House, the Academy, the University of Athens, the National Library, we view the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Hadrian’s Arch. Return to the hotel in the afternoon. Rest of the day is free for you to explore the city of Athens. Overnight at hotel.
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DAY 3: CORINTH
We depart at 8:00 a.m. for our excursion out of Athens, which takes us by the Saronic Gulf, where in 480 BC, the course of history was changed! The small Grecian fleet managed to defeat the enormously powerful armada of the Persians. From here, we arrive at ancient Corinth (Acts 18:1-18) via the historic Corinthian Canal. It was to this megalopolis where the Apostle Paul came and worked, established a thriving church, subsequently sending two of his epistles, now part of the New Testament. Here, we see all of the sites associated with his ministry: the Agora, the Temple of Apollo, the Roman Odeon, the Bema and Gallio’s Seat. The small archaeological museum here is an absolute must! At 7:00 pm sail for 7-day cruise. Dinner and overnight on board.
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DAY 4: RHODES – GREECE
At 8:00 am, we arrive in Rhodes.
Rhodes still delivers beauty and allure on a giant scale. The island instantly greets you with serene white-sand beaches and wide-open blue skies. See the site in the harbor where the now-destroyed wonder of the ancient world once stood. Then, head to the Old Town, surrounded by medieval walls and seven ancient gates. Don't miss the Palace of the Grandmaster, with its mosaic floors dating from Hellenic, Roman and early Christian times. Shop for a colorful menagerie of seashells by the shoreline — and don't forget to spend some time relaxing beside the translucent blue waves with your Greece cruise. At 6:00 pm sail for Bodrum, Turkey. All meals and overnight on board.
Rhodes still delivers beauty and allure on a giant scale. The island instantly greets you with serene white-sand beaches and wide-open blue skies. See the site in the harbor where the now-destroyed wonder of the ancient world once stood. Then, head to the Old Town, surrounded by medieval walls and seven ancient gates. Don't miss the Palace of the Grandmaster, with its mosaic floors dating from Hellenic, Roman and early Christian times. Shop for a colorful menagerie of seashells by the shoreline — and don't forget to spend some time relaxing beside the translucent blue waves with your Greece cruise. At 6:00 pm sail for Bodrum, Turkey. All meals and overnight on board.
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DAY 5: BODRUM, TURKEY
At 8:00 am, we arrive in Bodrum. Bodrum defines what makes the Aegean coast of Turkey so amazing. The ruins of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, are said to have provided some of the building materials for Bodrum Castle. Hidden within the medieval fortress is an underwater Archaeology Museum featuring exhibits on shipwrecks and Turkish nautical history. When you are not relaxing on the beautiful beaches, take a walk down Cumhuriyet Street, aka Bodrum Bar Street, to enjoy the many shops, clubs, and street food vendors. At 6:00 pm sail for Mykonos, Greece. All meals and overnight on board.
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DAY 6: MYKONOS – GREECE
Arrive at 7:00 am in Mykonos, enjoy your morning walking and exploring the pebbled streets of the cosmopolitan Chora, and have a coffee in “Little Venice”. There will be ample time to discover the pretty alleyways of Mykonos town and the gorgeous beaches. At 09:30 pm departure for Paros, Greece. All meals and overnight on board.
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DAY 7: PAROS – GREECE
Arrive at 7:00 am in Paros. Considered one of Greece's best-kept secrets, Paros is situated in the heart of the Cyclades. The Greek Isle's iconic white marble was once mined here, which you can marvel at whilst strolling through the island's picturesque towns. Most any Greek Isle daydream you've had can be found in Paros. Wineries, pristine beaches, turquoise waters, delicious local cuisine and historic sites dot the island. Take to the water for some surfing, kayaking, windsurfing and more whilst enjoying a different view of its incredible coastline. At 06:00 pm departure to Crete, Greece. All meals and overnight on board.
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DAY 8: HERAKLION - CRETE
At 07:00 am arrival in Heraklion, Crete where you can enjoy an optional excursion to visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos, first European civilization and home of the legendary Minotaur (half bull and half man). Lunch on board. At 06:00 pm set sail for Santorini. All meals and overnight on board.
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DAY 9: SANTORINI – GREECE
At 08:00 am, our cruise-ship drops anchor in Santorini. Join the optional guided excursion to visit to the beautiful and picturesque village of Oia, where you can see the famous blue domed churches, or take the cable car up to the town of Fira, perched high on the rim of the ancient volcano. Free time for taking photos, browsing, shopping and enjoying the breathtaking view of the caldera. At 09:30 pm, sail for Athens, Greece. All meals and overnight on board.
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DAY 10: ATHENS, GREECE
Arrive at Piraeus port at 7:00 am. After breakfast on board, transfer to Athens International Airport for departure flight home.
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