> THURSDAY: Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey. After clearing customs and immigration, your representative will meet you at the airport and assist you to your private transfer. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure in Istanbul.
> FRIDAY: Istanbul - Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour
After breakfast, meet your private guide for your full day tour of Classical Istanbul. Your tour will begin at the magnificent Hagia Sophia. This marvelous Byzantine basilica was built in the sixth century and today is sometimes called the Eighth Wonder of the World. Continue to the Blue Mosque, one of the best examples of classical Turkish architecture. This 17th-century Ottoman mosque is famed for being the only in the world with six minarets. You will visit the Hippodrome, the former centre of sporting and political activities in Constantinople. During the visit you will be able to see the Obelisk from Egypt, the Serpentine Column from Delphi and the fountain of Willhelm II. End your morning at the Grand Bazaar, which in addition to its historical importance, is a bazaar that will tempt you with its rich collection of precious handmade carpets, jewelry, leather and souvenirs.
Following lunch you will proceed to the spectacular Topkapi Palace. The Palace was the imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to the 19th century. It holds a breathtaking position above the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. Your tour will include an insight into the spectacular architecture, an unparalleled collection of Chinese porcelain, Imperial costumes, holy relics, and the Imperial Treasury. Your will end with a visit to the Suleymaniye Mosque. This 16th century mosque is an example of one of the most magnificent of the imperial mosques in the city. (B, L)
> SATURDAY: Istanbul, Cruise Embarkation
Enjoy a morning at leisure or take an optional tour. Ask your Leisure Travel Consultant for their favorite Istanbul attractions and activities. In the afternoon you will be transfered to the Louis Cristal where you will spend the next 6 days exploring the wonders of the Turkish coast and the Greek Islands. Overnight on board in Istanbul. (B, D)
> SUNDAY: Istanbul
Spend your final day in Istanbul relaxing on board your cruise ship or take an optional tour. In the afternoon you will depart for Izmir. (B, L, D)
> MONDAY: Izmir
Morning at Sea. Enjoy the many shipboard activities or just relax and enjoy the scenery while sailing to your next port of call. Afternoon arrival in Izmir, from where you can take an optional excursion to the ancient sites of Ephesus or Pergamum. Depart in the evening for Patmos. (B, L, D)
> TUESDAY: Patmos, Mykonos
Morning arrival in Patmos, site of the Monastery of St. John the Divine. (Optional excursion to the Monastery is available). In the afternoon sail to Mykonos, famous for its jet-set atmosphere, whitewashed buildings, sidewalk cafes and chic shops. Explore the Labyrinth streets of Mykonos town or take an optional excursion to Delos Island, birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Late night departure for Rhodes. (B, L, D)
> WEDNESDAY: Rhodes
Morning arrival in Rhodes, famed for its historic Old Town, great shopping and ancient site of the Colossus of Rhodes. Visit the medieval castle in Rhodes Town, the temple of Athena on the majestic Acropolis of Lindos or the Valley of the Butterflies (all optional excursions). Evening sail to Crete. (B, L, D)
> THURSDAY: Crete, Santorini
Arrive in Heraklion, the capital of Crete. Take an optional excursion to the Palace at Knossos, the center of Minoan civilization. Or explore the town of Heraklion and its surrounding villages, sampling some Cretan wine along the way. In the afternoon sail on to Santorini, the volcano island, one of the most unforgettable places in the world. Walk in the narrow streets of the town of Thira and visit the beautiful village of Oia, perched on the rim of the caldera, offering panoramic views of breathtaking beauty. Or take an optional cruise around the Caldera where you will have the opportunity to walk on the volcano and swim in the hot springs. Evening departure for Athens. (B, L, D)
> FRIDAY: Athens (Piraeus), Cruise Disembarkation
Upon arrival at the port of Piraeus in Athens, you will be greeted by your private driver and transfered to your hotel. Enjoy your day at leisure. Ask your Leisure Travel Consultant for their favorite Athens restaurants, cafes and entertainment. (B)
> SATURDAY: Athens - Athens Walking Tour
After breakfast, your licensed English speaking guide will meet you at your hotel lobby. Begin your tour at the new Acropolis Museum and then visit the Acropolis itself and its timeless temples of Parthenon, Erectheion and Athena Nike. A short climb up to the Hill of Philopappus brings you to the imposing Roman period funeral monument and extensive views of Athens and Piraeus. You then descend to the hill of the Pnyx, the area used in Classical Athens as the meeting place for the democratic assembly. You enter the historical Plaka area close to the Thiseion temple, dating back to the 5th century BC, meandering past the ancient Agora with the impressively restored Stoa of Attalus, Hadrian’s Library, and the picturesque Tower of the Winds. The route back leads up over the Areopagus, or Hill of Mars, directly below the Acropolis. Here, in 54 AD, Saint Paul preached his Sermon on an unknown God, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. Finally, you pass the Roman period Odeion of Herodes Atticus, which is still used as a summer venue for open-air concerts and theatrical performances. Your tour will end at Syntagma Square where you can enjoy the changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. (B)
> SUNDAY: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Athens International Airport for your departure flight. (B)
