"NEW" 16 Day Aegean Classics plus Turkey - Oct. 6, 2023

Day 1: Fri. Oct. 6 -USA / ATHENS: Overnight flight to Athens. Airfare not included.

Day 2: Sat. Oct 7 - ATHENS: Transfer from the airport to the Port of Piraeus. We leave afternoon the historic and classical capital of Greece and set sail on our overnight voyage to one of the most iconic and evocative places in the world, stunning Istanbul. Your first night will give you the opportunity to relax, indulge in our All-Inclusive hospitality and anticipate the adventures ahead on your very own Aegean Odyssey of discovery. (L, D)

Day 3: Sun. Oct 8 – THESSALONIKI: The thick Byzantine walls guarding Thessaloniki give way to an inviting mix of architectural landscapes with winding cobbled streets. Approaching the port, you will be captivated by a city that radiates culture and sophistication bathed in golden Greek sunshine. Palm-lined avenues house glamorous shops and gourmet restaurants, and historic cobblestone streets present traditional tavernas and ouzeria’s to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Beautiful churches appear from every corner, seasonal markets sell colorful local produce and shaded spots on Aristoteles Square are where you can sit back with a homemade ice cream and watch the world go by. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Mon. Oct 9 - KUSADASI: Early afternoon arrival gives us plenty of time to explore the colorful beach town that is the coastal gateway to the Hellenistic ruins of Ephesus, famed for one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. A complimentary excursion is included and is not to be missed. (B, L, D) 

Day 5: Tues. Oct 10 - CRETE (HERAKLION): From one evocative island to another, Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean, a place of myths and legends. There will also be the opportunity to visit the capital Heraklion and absorb some of its extraordinary history. (B, L, D)

Day6: Wed. Oct 11 - SANTORINI: Santorini is instantly recognizable, and we are sure she will take your breath away, with her soaring landscapes, clusters of whitewashed houses in the capital Fira, incredible sunsets and of course the iconic, blue-domed church at Oia. And do not forget to try one of the many restaurants jostling for position at the edge of the caldera. In the evening you can explore at leisure or simply relax on deck sipping cocktails or a glass of fine wine. (B, L, D)

Day 7:  Thur. Oct 12 - MYKONOS: The Island of the Winds awaits. We have a full day for sightseeing or just strolling through the atmospheric Old Town with its immaculate whitewashed houses, winding alleys, lovely little churches, and delightful restaurants. You will undoubtedly recognize the picture postcard white windmills sitting side by side, overlooking the sea. You may want to see the ancient temples on neighboring Delos. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Fri. Oct 13 - MILOS: You may be asleep when we depart Mykonos, but we will be in Milos, the Island of Colors, at breakfast time. You will have time to explore the capital Plaka, 2,000-year-old catacombs or simply soak up the sun on the flat rocks of stunning Sarakiniko Beach. The real beauty of this gorgeous island is to be found in its stunning landscapes, wind and sea sculptured rock formations, soft sandy beaches, secluded coves, and crystal-clear aquamarine waters. The island’s most famous export is the Venus de Milo. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Sat. Oct. 14 – ATHENS: Today is a leisure day in Athens. The cradle of western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. St Paul himself is likely to have arrived by ship at the port of Athens and he preached at Mars Hill (Aeropagus) near the heart of the city, the Acropolis. The Ancient Agora in the Plaka district was one of the many meeting places of the Apostle. In the late afternoon we sail north to Thessaloniki. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Sun. Oct 15 – THESSALONIKI: Full of history, culture, and beauty, this is Greece’s vibrant second city. St. Paul arrived here to preach in 49 AD on his Second Missionary. His First Letter to the Thessalonians was addressed to a church in the city the following year.In the day of wonder, we see the Citadel and Vlatadon Monastery where St. Paul visited. Then we drive to Veria (Berroia in the Bible) where he preached to the noble Jews. Saint Paul is the patron saint of Veria (B, L, D)

Day 11: Mon. Oct. 16 – KAVALA: St. Paul came to this northern city and nearby ancient Neapolis on his first journey to Europe. At ancient Philippi he baptized the first Greek and European Christian convert, Lydia. A church and open-air baptistery stand on the very site. He gave his first sermon, and we visit the archaeological site here including the prison where Paul and St. Silas were held. St Paul’s Monument is also on our itinerary. (B, L, D)

Day 12: Tues. Oct 17 – ISTANBUL: The Greeks, Romans, Venetians, and the Ottomans have all held sway over this city straddling Europe and Asia across the mighty Bosphorus. You will see the stunning Sultan Ahmet (Blue) Mosque, Hippodrome, church Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, Galata Bridge and of course the incomparable Grand Bazaar. This only touches the surface of the place once known as Byzantium and Constantinople. St. Paul travelled through the nearby city of Troas many times. (B, L, D) 

Day 13: Wed. Oct. 18 – DIKILI: The port city of Dikili in Turkey is our stopping off point for ancient Pergamon. Once one of the most powerful Greek cities. Here was the northernmost of the seven churches of Asia Minor as cited in the New Testament Book of Revelation. After a visit to the Acropolis, we will visit the remains of Asklepion, a healing temple and the forerunner of what we would know as a hospital. (B, L, D)

Day 14: Thurs. Oct. 19 – KUSADASI: A complimentary excursion is included to Ephesus and Miletus. Kusadasi is the gateway to Ephesus, once the second largest city of the Roman and of course the home of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It is believed that Paul wrote his Letter to the Ephesians here and preached at the Great Theatre of Ephesus, carved into the side of Mt.Pion. It is still renowned for its wonderful acoustics. Our day also features the ancient city of Miletus where Paul stayed on his way back to Jerusalem. (B, L, D)

Day 15: Fri. Oct. 20 – PATMOS: Patmos is one of the northernmost islands in the Dodecanese and one of the smallest., most charming and most spiritual. It has an atmosphere of sacred grandeur. Patmos is most famous for being the location of the vision to St. John in the Book of Revelations and where it was written. When St. John was banished by Rome to Patmos near the end of his life, he was the last remaining of the 12 Disciples. We visit St. John’s Monastery and the Holy Grotto of the Apocalypse, both of which have drawn pilgrims for centuries. (B, L, D)  

Day 16: Sat. Oct. 21 – ATHENS / USA: We arrive back in the Port of Piraeus, Athens at 9am. After early breakfast you will be transferred to Athens International Airport for your early afternoon flight home. (B) 

Package Includes:

§  15 Days Stateroom accommodations on the ship. Cat IC – inside cabin

§  Airport – Ship roundtrip transfers. Note transfers
are included only when Classic Holidays issues international tickets

§  45 Meals included:  15, Breakfast 15 Lunches 15 Dinners 

§  Complimentary house wine, beer, soft drinks, teas, coffees, cocktails, and brand spirits while onboard

§  6 Sightseeing shore excursions Included – Veria Thessaloniki, Ancient Ephesus & Miletus, Ancient Pergamon, Neapolis Philippi, Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, Palaces & Grand Bazaar,     Minoan Palace of Knossos. Other shore excursions available for purchase on ship. 

§  English speaking guides throughout

§  Onboard entertainment and activities daily

§  Port charges, fees and taxes  including gratuities on cruise - $459.00 per person

§  Porterage of one suitcase per person. 

§  Classic Holidays Escort throughout

Extend your stay with a Pre or Post accommodations. Please call us directly at 1.800.385.3650.

TRANSFERS: Airport transfers are included per itinerary only when airfare is purchased from Classic Holidays. Taxi service or private ground transfers are available for those purchasing their airfare elsewhere at additional cost.

Price Excludes: Airfare & airport taxes (except those which are specified), passports & visas, laundry, telephone calls, drinks, food not indicated in the itinerary, expenses of a personal nature, excess luggage and transfer of the same, optional excursions & excursions during the cruise not included in the itinerary, gratuities of any kind, Personal expenses, Customary tips to your drivers, guides and escorts