Greek - Greek Isle Turkey Cruise
3 Full Sightseeing Days • 4 Nights
Extension Includes:
- Escorted by Professional Tour Director
- Choice of Deluxe, Superior First-Class or First Class Hotels
- Breakfast & Dinner Daily
- Comprehensive Sightseeing
- Transfers, Porterage and Entrance Fees
- USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program
Day 1 - Athens • Port of Pireus • Mykonos
Meeting, assistance and transfer to cruise ship. Mykonos is known for its beautiful beaches, chic boutiques, windmills and tiny chapels. Browse the myriad of narrow streets or simply find a table on the picturesque waterfront and bask in sun and serenity while you watch local fishermen weaving their nets. Overnight aboard the ship.
Day 2 - Kusadasi • Patmos
The ship docks at Kusadasi, Turkey - a bustling town. An optional tour to nearby Ephesus (1 Cor. 16:8) should not be missed, for here Biblical history truly comes to life. Not only was it one of the Seven Churches spoken of in Revelation (Rev. 2:1), it was also home to the Apostle Paul for at least three years during his third missionary journey (Acts 19). During the Hellenistic and Roman periods Ephesus was the most important port and cultural center of the Eastern World. Today it remains as the most impressive and best-preserved archaeological site in Asia Minor. First, view one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Roman Temple of Diana, known to the Greeks as the Temple of Artemis. Throughout this ancient city you'll find yourself face to face with innumerable monuments - witnesses of the past. Stroll down the marble road rutted by the wheels of countless chariots where Paul would have walked towards the ancient harbor. Visit the Odeon, the Forum, Arcadian Way, the Library of Celsus and the Thermal Bath of Scolastika. Before leaving, take time to enter the Grand Theater, capable of seating 24,000. It was here that Paul's ministry ended with a great riot (Acts 19:23-41). This afternoon, weather permitting, explore the desolate, mountainous isle of Patmos, located about 70 miles southeast of Ephesus. It is here on the barren, secluded island - measuring only twenty miles in circumference - that John the Apostle was exiled and from whence he was divinely inspired to write the Book of Revelation. It is said that on a clear day, from the crest of the highest hill on Patmos, John could see the coast of Asia Minor - the home of the Seven Churches. Enjoy an afternoon Greek coffee at an outdoor harbor café or, join an optional tour which ascends to the Monastery, the traditional area of John's cave. The choice is yours! Overnight aboard the ship.
Day 3 - Rhodes
Arrive at Rhodes where you have a full day to explore this wonderful city and Island of Rhodes. The most popular of the Greek islands, Rhodes is known as the "Island of Roses" and the legendary home of the sun god, Apollo. Legend holds that the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, once dominated the entrance to this harbor. Rhodes boasts a magnificent display of exotic flowers, which grow in profusion throughout the entire island. Forty-five miles long and twenty-two miles wide, it is a veritable paradise - a sun-emblazoned jewel of the Aegean Sea! Wander through the old city to see its fortifications, the Street of the Knights with medieval stone mansions, the Palace of the Grand Master and the Hospital of the Knights. Near the harbor enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere as you stroll at leisure along Socrates Street, which serves as a bazaar for the island. Or, you may take an optional 4-hour excursion to the charming coastal town of Lindos. Popular with international artists, Lindos has a fine sandy beach in a well-sheltered cove. Why not climb the Great Staircase to the Temple of Athena? A sensational view of the Aegean Sea awaits you atop this rocky promontory with a sheer drop of over 400 feet to the sea! Regardless of the adventure you choose, be sure and spend some time on one of Rhodes' beautiful, sun-drenched beaches! Reboard your ship and set sail for your next port of call. Overnight aboard the ship.
Day 4 - Heraklion - Crete • Santorini • Fira
Today, cast anchor at the port of Heraklion, Crete the largest of the Greek islands and home of the Minoan civilization. There is something for everyone within walking distance of the ship! Or, you may choose to join a journey into history with an optional excursion to the famed Palace of Knossos, center of the brilliant Minoan civilization where the legendary Minotaur once prowled the Labyrinth. These ruins which range from 3,000 - 4,000 years in age, long predated the cities of the mainland Greece. Your optional tour would not be complete without a stop at the Heraklion Archeological Museum, where it's twenty rooms boast the most important ancient artifacts found throughout the island of Crete. Late this afternoon arrive at the most scenic of all the Greek islands - Santorini. Created by a volcanic eruption over 3,000 years ago, this crescent-shaped island is believed to be the legendary lost city of Atlantis! Today's adventure will be an unforgettable experience - choose to walk or ride to the top of the island by donkey or cable car! The whitewashed village of Fira, Santorini's capital, clings to the edge of a 900-foot black cliff which is, in fact, the rim of the volcanic crater. Wander along the white cobbled-stone streets of this quaint European village as you snap photos, shop or enjoy a drink at a sidewalk cafe! Or, you may join an optional tour to visit Akrotiri, situated about 7 miles southeast of Fira. Here you will enjoy the many wonderful archeological finds of the island. Reboard the cruise ship for your farewell dinner and last night of sailing!
Day 5 - Port of Piraeus • Transfer
Arrive early this morning at the Port of Piraeus. Transfer to your Athens hotel or to the Athens International Airport for the flight to your next destination.
Please Note: A 3-Day Cruise which includes Mykonos, Rhodes, and Patmos as well as Kusadasi, Turkey - ancient Ephesus - is also available.

