Athens Escape plus 7-night Eclectic Aegean Cruise - 2021
Tour Operator: Cosmos
Physical rating: Comfortable pace
Prices From:
Tour Overview
Escape to the blue waters of the Mediterranean to explore Greece and Turkey by land and by sea. Begin and end in legendary Athens—site of Greek mythology, the first Olympians, and epic literature and includes guided sightseeing with an expert Local Guide.Embark on a fantastic 7-night Aegean cruise to Istanbul, Turkey. Stroll through Istanbul’s Spice Market, and explore the former city of Constantinople—walking in the footsteps of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire. Cruise to Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece and wander around its small, colorful streets, and historical buildings. Hear the legend of Jason and the Argonauts in the Greek coastal city of Volos. Head to Santorini (weather permitting), “The Black Pearl of the Aegean,” for an included excursion to the cliff-top Oia. Return to Athens to visit the Acropolis, see the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, and more during the off season with fewer crowds and lower prices!
Places You'll See
Itinerary
Day 1 Athens, Greece
Location: Athens, Greece
Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink with your Tour Director.
Day 2 Athens–Pireaus (Embarkation)
Location: Athens–Pireaus (Embarkation)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today head to the port city of Pireaus, where your cruise ship awaits to whisk you into the crystal-blue waters of the Aegean Sea.
Day 3 Cruising: Istanbul, Turkey
Location: Cruising: Istanbul, Turkey
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This afternoon, arrive in Istanbul founded as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago.
Day 4 Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Another full day to experience this mesmerising gateway between the Orient and the Occident. A private tender boat will take you on your included cruise on the Bosphorus strait that divides Europe and Asia. Then back to dry land to stroll around the Grand Bazaar. Join a shore excursion to complete your visit in Istanbul. Your ship departs in the early evening.
Day 5 Cruising: Canakkale
Location: Cruising: Canakkale
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enter the Dardanelles Strait and dock at Canakkale in northwestern Turkey. Choose from exciting optional excursions to learn about this strategic area which boasts Troy and Gallipoli, where wars have been waged throughout the centuries.
Day 6 Cruising: Volos, Greece
Location: Cruising: Volos, Greece
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Back in Greece, explore lively Volos, the enchanting area where mythology’s centaur Chiron taught heroes such as Jason, leader of the Argonauts. You might enjoy visiting the archaeological museum, home to superb collections from the Neolithic, Hellenistic, and Byzantine eras.
Day 7 Cruising: Heraklion, Crete
Location: Cruising: Heraklion, Crete
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, discover Crete, the largest of the Greek islands. With an expert guide, visit Knossos, center of the 3000-BC Minoan civilization. Stroll through the frescoed palace ruins with its ties to mythology’s King Minos and the terrifying half-man/half-bull Minotaur imprisoned in the labyrinth.
Day 8 Cruising: Santorini, Greece–Mykonos
Location: Cruising: Santorini, Greece–Mykonos
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit two ports today. First, weather permitting, is Santorini, the “Black Pearl of the Aegean.” Don’t miss the included excursion to clifftop Oia, dramatically perched on the sheer side of the island’s caldera. With its brilliant whitewashed buildings, striking blue-domed roofs, and breathtaking views, this is Greece at its iconic best. Later, dock at Mykonos, where you’re greeted by the charming collection of windmills. Time to wander the narrow, shop-lined streets or to relax at a shaded taverna before returning to your ship.
Day 9 Piraeus (Disembarkation)–Athens
Location: Piraeus (Disembarkation)–Athens
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast on board, disembark for a final day in Athens. Sightseeing with a Local Guide features a visit to the world-famous Acropolis, perched high on a rocky outcrop overlooking the city. Here, see the Parthenon, the Erechtheum with its Porch of Maidens, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Enjoy a panoramic view that includes glimpses of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Theater of Dionysus, and the Agora where Socrates taught. Later, a city orientation tour features the Old Parliament House and a photo stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Built in the 2nd century AD, it is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble, and was host to the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympics in 1896. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight is your chance to join an optional dinner outing to try the local fare.
Day 10 Athens
Location: Athens
Meals: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Meals
9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
