GREECE & TURKEY
CRUISE AND LAND TOUR
June 14-26 & June 19-July 1, 2001
Day 1, THURS., June 14:
Depart for our overnight flight to Athens, Greece
Day 2, FRI., June 15, ATHENS:
We arrive in Athens early afternoon and are transferred to our Hotel, the
Divani Palace. This air-conditioned hotel sits in the shadows of the
Acropolis and is within walking distance to the Plaka, which has countless
restaurants, boutiques and stores. After a brief orientation, we are free
to enjoy open day, giving you time to rest, unpack or get acquainted with
your new surroundings. Tonight a welcoming dinner will be ours at the
hotel.
Day 3, SAT., June 16, ATHENS:
We begin a full day of guided touring which offers the opportunity to note
the contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating place. We will start in
the center of Athens, visiting Constitution Square (Syntagma), the House
of Parliament, the memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National
Library. As we drive down Herod Atticus Street, we'll see the Evzones in
their brilliant uniforms and the Presidential Palace. En route to the
Acropolis, we'll see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games
of the modern era were held in 1896. We'll also visit the Temple of
Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch. At the Acropolis, we'll have a chance to
visit the museum with masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens. Other
sites include the Proplyae, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and
the "harmony that puts order in the mind", the Parthenon. We
will see exhibits of some of the world's finest artifacts at the
Archaeological Museum. Greek Dinner and Overnight in Athens.
Day 4, SUN., June 17, CORINTH AND
MYCENAS:
A full day lies ahead of us of exciting sightseeing in Corinth and Mycenas.
We'll leave via the coastal road along the Saronic Gulf the Corinth Canal,
which connects the Aegean Sea and the Ionian Sea. Upon arrival in Corinth,
we'll see the important sites where Paul lived for almost two years,
preaching the word of God to the Corinthians. Our next destination is
Mycenae, the Homeric City of the Atreides - once known as the city
"rich in gold" by ancient poets. While here we'll visit the
Lion's Gate, the Cyclopean Walls and the Royal Tombs. A luscious BBQ lunch
caps off our morning before we return to our hotel. This afternoon and
evening we have free time to explore on our own.
Day 5, MON., June 18, ATHENS:
This morning we are free to explore Athens on our own. We will board our
ship this evening, the Stella Solaris, for our seven day cruise.
CRUISE SCHEDULE
Day 6, TUES., June 19, ISTANBUL:
Enjoy a beautiful day at sea. We will also enjoy the amenities of the
elegant Stella Solaris as we head to Istanbul Turkey, where we will remain
docked for the night. Here at Istanbul, a special occasion to be
announced, awaits us.
Day 7, WED., June 20, ISTANBUL:
This morning, we disembark in Istanbul, a city where east meets west. A
full day guided tour of the city will be taken. Among the many sites not
to be missed are the Topkapi Palace, the Church of St. Sophia (which was
once the largest Christian church in the world), and the renown Grand
Bazaar, with over 4,000 shops. After a very exciting tour, we return to
the ship for dinner and overnight.
Day 8, THURS., June 21,
KUSADASI:
Our ship continues on its journey to Kusadasi, where we'll be taken on a
guided tour to the site of ancient Ephesus. This ancient Greek colony was
founded by the Athenians. it offers a variety of ancient Greek,
Hellenestic and Roman architecture that witness the past power and
prosperity of the city. Look around you and see history come to life, from
the chariot rutted marble road to the architectural masterpiece of the
Magnesian Gate. Our guide will show us other wonders such as the Library
of Celsus and the Great Amphitheater.
PLEASE NOTE! Passengers who have difficulty walking are advised that a strenuous uphill climb is involved to reach the Acropolis. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended. A short stop is foreseen at a ceramic workshop to see how the traditional and world famous Rhodian ceramics are made.
Day 9, FRI., June 22, PATMOS AND
MYKONOS:
We continue our cruise to the island of Patmos. Considered a holy island
for the Christian religion, it was here in Patmos where John the Divine,
while in exile, wrote the Apocalyptic Revelations which constitute the
last book of the New Testament. An excursion will take us to the monastery
of St. John which still keeps its character of a medieval fortress. Inside
the walls you will admire the Byzantine wealth of the Christian Orthodox
religion while from its ramparts you will see the most panoramic, stunning
view of the luminous sea. We meet our ship and sail towards the lovely
island of Mykonos. The island combines luxury and simplicity in a very
unique way. The narrow streets are lined with fashionable boutiques and
cafes. By contrast, tiny chapels and old windmills dot the island.
PLEASE NOTE! Bare shoulders and shorts are not permitted in the monastery. Also, you must watch your step when visiting the Grotto of the Apocalypse. Passengers who have difficulty walking are advised that a strenuous uphill climb is involved to reach the monastery.
Day 10, SAT., June 23, RHODES:
Rhodes is one of the largest and most cosmopolitan of the Greek isles. The
island of "roses" is the legendary home of the sun god, Apollo.
The old town, which is the largest inhabited medieval town in Europe and
its mighty fortifications (built by the crusaders of St. John) are the
finest surviving example of defensive architecture and is of great
interest to all visitors. A scenic drive along the picturesque coast takes
us on a combined tour of Rhodos and Lindos. At Lindos, the entire city is
guarded by medieval walls which were constructed by the Knights of St.
John in the 14th century. Within the walls, the ancient Acropolis stands
400 feet above the sea. From here we'll enjoy a breathtaking view of the
Aegean Sea and St. Paul's Bay, where the apostle cast harbor during his
historic voyage to Ephesus. Our next stop is Rhodos, via another scenic
route through the new part of the city. We continue on to Mount Smith
where we'll see the ruins of ancient Rhodes, the Temple of Apollo and
Diagoras Stadium. Afterwards our motor coach will take us to Port
d'Amboise, where we will be given a walking tour through the medieval city
of Rhodos. Today we will enjoy lunch on the island and return to the ship
for dinner.
Day 11, SUN., June 24, CRETE AND
SANTORINI:
Heraklion, the capital of Crete and its principal commercial port, is just
three miles away from the fantastic ruins of the Palace of Knossos.
Knossos is the largest and most suggestive Minoan sites ever discovered on
Crete. The Palace was not only the residence of the ruling house but also
an administrative and religious center for the entire region.
Architecture, frescoes and a perfect plumbing system surprise even modern
visitors with the high standard of Minoan civilization of 4,000 years ago.
We move on to the unique island of Santorini, which is believed to be the
lost continent of Atlantis. Off the entrance of the bay of Santorini is
the only active volcano in the Eastern Mediterranean. One can reach the
volcano by either donkey or cable car. We'll also visit the excavations of
Akrotiri before returning to our ship for dinner.
PLEASE NOTE! Bare shoulders, shorts, and shoes are not permitted in the Mosques. Due to some walking at certain sites, comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended. The order of sites may change if needed to avoid overcrowding.
Day 12, MON., June 25: FREE TIME
We return to Piraeus and Athens for a free day to explore sites not seen
in the first tour. Plans for this day are flexible and provide freedom for
individuals to choose desired places to visit.
Day 13, TUES., June 26: HOME
Transfer to airport for flight home.
Special Group Rates June 14 Departure - Price Per Person:
|
Inside Cabin |
Outside Cabin |
Port Taxes |
|
| From NYC, BOS, PHL |
Double - $2459 Single - add $760 |
Double - $2634 Single - add $830 |
$175.00 |
|
From CHI, DFW, |
Add $105.00 |
From LAX, SAN, |
Add $175 |
| From
ATL, WAS, BWI |
Add $75.00 |
Many Other Cities. |
|
|
June 19 Departure - Add $180 to Prices Above |
|||
Price Includes: Air fare, 4 star lodging, cruise, all land sightseeing, all meals on board, breakfast and dinner daily, admissions, deluxe motor coach transportation.
Not Included: Port tours, US airport transfers, air taxes, gratuities to guides and drivers.
