12 Day Aegean Classics Eclectic Tour/Cruise" -First Class Independent Tour

Itinerary

DAY 1, Tues. USA – ATHENS: Overnight flight to Athens, Greece.   Airfare not included.

DAY 2, Wed. ATHENS: Upon arrival in Athens, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Optional: Enjoy dinner at the award winning rooftop restaurant in your hotel which offers dazzling views of the Acropolis and succulent cuisine with a French flair.  Titania 4* Hotel

DAY 3, Thurs. ATHENS: This morning you will commence your guided half day Athens city tour which will give you an overall view of Athens and its archaeological sites such as the Panathenaikon Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games took place in 1896. The highlight of the tour being a visit to the world famous ancient Acropolis and its Acropolis Museum. Spend the afternoon and evening at leisure exploring this fascinating city. Overnight in Athens.  (B)  Titania 4* Hotel

DAY 4, Fri. ATHENS: This morning take a leisurely walk through the narrow streets of the old city of Plaka filled with shops, cafes and tavernas. The Changing of the Guards in Athens: People gather in Syntagma Square to watch the official changing of the guards, the military unit whose members stand proudly in perfect stillness in front of the Hellenic Parliament. Late afternoon we continue with a wonderful drive along the Athenian Riviera. During this relaxing ride you’ll enjoy splendid views of the Saronic Gulf while passing through some of Athens’ most beautiful suburbs. Arriving at Cape Sounion you will visit the 5th century B.C. Temple of Poseidon with its magnificent panoramic view of the Aegean Sea. Early evening return to your hotel (B)  Titania 4* Hotel 

DAY 5,  Sat. ATHENS / PIRAEUS / CRUISE: Enjoy the morning at leisure. Check out of your hotel by noon. You will be transferred to the port in Piraeus to board the ship for your 7-day Eclectic Cruise. (B, D)  Inside Cabin cat. IA  Upgrades: cat. IB add $140.00 p.p.  /   Outside Cabin cat. XA add   $240.00 p.p. or   XB add $360.00 p.p.      

DAY 6, Sun. ISTANBUL: As we make our way across the Aegean Sea to Istanbul, take time to acquaint yourself with the ship’s onboard entertainment and great service that is available to you. Istanbul – a unique city with Byzantine architecture and imperial mosques make up the city's skyline. Early afternoon arrival into Istanbul. (B, L, D)

DAY 7,  Mon. ISTANBUL: Included in your cruise, the excursion – “Bosphorus Cruise and the Grand Bazaar”. With the Bosphorus Strait dividing two continents, Europe and Asia, this is one cruise that’s truly unique. You’ll set sail by private tender boat to glide over the jet blue waters of the Bosphorus so that you can take in the city and its iconic skyline from both angles. As you weave your way between traditional fishing boats and ferries, you’ll soon see the Orient and Occident emerging. Keep a lookout for the glamorous 19th century Dolmabahçe Palace and the former Ottoman palace of Çırağan, now a luxury hotel, on the European riverbank. And on the Asian side, the summer residence of the sultans, Beylerbeyi Palace, as well as the Anatolian Castle medieval fortress and magnificent Kanlica Villa all soon come into view. Then, back on dry land, you can stretch your legs with a stroll around the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar. Try haggling for souvenirs, or simply browse the myriad of goods on offer. (B, L, D) 

DAY 8, Tues. CANAKKALE: Early morning arrival into Canakkale, a city with a broad history. From the ship, you can spot the storied wooden Trojan horse. Optional excursions are available to Troy and Assos, Legendary Troy or Gallipoli (B, L, D)

DAY 9, Wed. VOLOS: Tucked in below Mt Pelion – land of the mythical centaurs. Step off your Volos cruise, and you’re greeted by a thriving university city whose energetic pace will whisk you up into its whirlwind of activity, both at the port and in the tsipouradika- traditional tavernas and set you on course to uncover some real architectural gems, both ancient and neoclassical. Optional excursion -This morning we drive through the countryside from Volos, your eyes will be drawn to the sky as these giant rocks appear out of nowhere. This full day excursion takes you to Meteora to explore the unique geology and landscape of the area with its colossal stones that reach 400 meters in height. At their feet you’ll find the sleepy village of Kastraki, but look up and the UNESCO-listed monastic complex of Meteora is a true surprise. Their spiritual energy is soul-stirring, and out of 30 historical monasteries, six are still in use and open to the public, including the monasteries of Rousani, Varlaam, Holy Trinity, St Stephen, St Nicholas Anapausas and Great Meteoron. Their exquisite frescoes are a sight to behold, and so are the panoramic views from the top.  (B, L, D)    

DAY 10, Thurs. HERAKLION: Arrive in Heraklion, the capital of Crete, where you will take your included excursion “Minoan Palace of Knossos - 1st European civilization”, the center of the Minoan civilization. (B, L, D)

DAY 11, Fri. SANTORINI / MYKONOS: This morning the ship arrives into Santorini, the volcano island and one of the most unique places in the world. The island will greet you with its striking cliffs and legendary tales. Here, you will take an included excursion “Spectacular Oia Village” perched on the caldera rim offering panoramic views of breathtaking beauty. Set sail for Mykonos, the favorite destination of jet setters from around the world. Arrive in the evening, just in time to stroll the whitewashed streets and chic shops or sip a drink on the waterfront. (B, L, D)

DAY 12, Sat. PIRAEUS / ATHENS: You will arrive at Piraeus Port early morning. Enjoy breakfast onboard prior to transferring to Athens International Airport for your flight back home bringing wonderful memories to share with your family and friends.  (B)

Package Includes:

• All transfers per itinerary

• 3 Nights First Class 4* hotel accommodations in Athens

• “Welcome to Athens Dinner” at hotel’s rooftop restaurant overlooking Acropolis

• Athens city tour including the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum

• 23 Meals included: 10 breakfast, 6 lunch, 7 dinners

• 7 day Greek Islands and Turkey Cruise including all meals and entertainment. Inside Cabin Cat. IA with two lower beds.   Cabin upgrades available

• Three Shore Excursions: Bosphorus Cruise,  Minoan Palace of Knossos and Spectacular Oia Village.

• Drink package inclusive of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks (for adults 18 and over on cruise).

• Port charges, fees and taxes  including gratuities on cruise - $359.00 per person

• Porterage of one suitcase per person.

• Hotel taxes and service charges including gratuities on cruise except a special overnight accommodations tax of 3 € per night to be paid by clients directly upon check-out to the hotels. 

• 24/7 Support from a Classic Holidays representative while on tour.

• Tour can be extended as desired.

Optional Tours available  Check with the excursions desk while onboard.