Enjoy the best of Greece and a taste of Turkey on this relaxing vacation. Stay two nights in Athens, where a visit to the Acropolis is included during your guided sightseeing. Then board your cruise ship and set sail on the deep-blue waters of the Aegean Sea for a 3-night cruise. Highlights along the way include visits to the Greek islands of Mykonos, Kusadasi in Turkey, Crete, and Santorini (weather permitting).
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Athens, Greece. Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Globus Host and traveling companions for a welcome drink.
Day #2 Athens. Sightseeing with a Local Guide features a visit to the Parthenon’s crowning beauty atop the ACROPOLIS, the Erechtheum with its Porch of Maidens, the beautifully preserved Theseum, Roman temple of Zeus, theater of Dionysus, and the Agora where Socrates taught. Vistas of the government buildings and elegant homes in the modern city provide a striking contrast to the remains of the glorious past. The rest of the day is at leisure. How about a Greek dinner tonight? Your local host knows where to find local fare and entertainment reminiscent of Zorba the Greek. (B)
Day #3 Athens–Piraeus (Embarkation)–Mykonos. Head for Piraeus, where you will sail into the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea at 11 am. Later, dock at the mountainous island of Mykonos with its characteristic windmills and dazzling white houses. Time to wander at whim through narrow paved streets before returning on board. (B,L,D)
Day #4 Cruising: Kusadasi, Turkey. Discover the Turkish port of Kusadasi. An optional excursion is available to the fascinating Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus. (B,L,D)NOTE:Departures March 13-May 29 & September 4-October 30 include a call at the island of Patmos.
Day #5 Cruising: Heraklion–Santorini. First port of call today is Heraklion on Crete. A few miles away is Knossos, the center of the 3000 BC Minoan civilization, and an optional excursion can be booked. Afternoon call (weather permitting) at Santorini, the “Black Pearl of the Aegean.” The optional shore excursion here takes you up to the cliff-top village of Thera for one of the world’s most breathtaking panoramas. (B,L,D)
Day #6 Piraeus, Greece (Disembarkation)–Athens. After breakfast on board, disembark at Piraeus and return to Athens. Tonight is your chance to enjoy an optional dinner in a romantic restaurant. (B)
Day #7 Athens. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)