Visit Mycenae, one of Greece's most significant archaeological sites and home to the fabled Lion's Gate, a World Heritage Site. Embrace the laid-back atmosphere of the Greek island kingdoms to experience divine tranquility. St. John's Monastery on Patmos, a significant pilgrimage destination and World Heritage Site, is a biblical revelation. Explore Ephesus, home to some of the greatest ancient remains in the world, including the Temple of Artemis. In the post-cruise program in Istanbul, learn more about the intriguing Bosporus metropolis. A well-known lecturer joins the excursion and enlightens the group with fascinating discussions and tales about the locale.
Highlights
Visit the World Heritage Site of Mycenae
Immerse yourself in the relaxed lifestyle of the Greek islands
Explore one of the largest ancient ruins worldwide – Ephesus with its Temple of Artemis
Discover the fascinating metropolis on the Bosporus in the post-cruise program
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
"A ship will come...", declared the singer Melina Mercouri to the port of Piraeus. Later, as Greek Minister for Culture, she made Athens the first European Capital of Culture in 1985. The city is considered the birthplace of Europe, of philosophy, and of democracy, and is the embodiment of the Olympic ideal. World-famous and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, its landmark is the magnificent Parthenon temple, lying high up on the Acropolis in all its glory. At the foot of the Acropolis hill is the Plaka, the oldest quarter of Athens, and the world's most modern archaeological museum, the new Acropolis Museum, has been here since 2009.
Exclusive, noble, traditional: Far away from mass tourism, a small, relaxed island with beautiful patrician houses basks in the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. Wealthy Athenians like to spend their vacation days on Spetses, and this is evident on the well-kept Saraonic Island. Lush flower gardens adorn the historic shipping villas, chic cafes line the old harbor, and horse-drawn carriages roll by with aristrocratic elegance on the car-free streets. On Spetses, its worth taking a look down: Here, colorful pebble mosaics adorn the streets, and many visitors get a kick out of finding the prettiest one.
The old town of Nafplion has a picturesque peninsula setting, and three Venetian fortresses guard the pretty town. In ancient times, the excavation site of Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was one of the most important towns in Greece. Its legendary king, Agamemnon, has a large role in Homer's Iliad. The palace grounds were surrounded by a cyclopean stone wall. Now you can only gain entrance through the famous Lion Gate. In Epidaurus, also protected by UNESCO, the impressive 14,000-seat theater is one of the most important buildings in this archaeological site.
Although the capital of the Cyclades is situated on the tranquil and traditional island of Syros, outside of the town, this seems to be the most remote island of them all. Ermoupoli, one of the most beautiful island towns in Greece, was built majestically on two hills. Its architecture is exceptional, and the numerous monumental neo-classical buildings give the impression of a large, elegant town. Passing over the hill, the spaciousness and vastness transform into a maze of lanes and give a medieval impression.
Not far from Aegean's sizeable marina is the famous ancient port of Ephesus. One of the Seven Wonders of the World stood here, St. Paul preached a new doctrine, and Heraclitus reordered his thoughts and understanding of the world—everything flows, panta rhei. Once, it was one of the oldest and most important Greek cities in Asia Minor and a center for trade between Mesopotamia and the Middle East. Today is one of the best preserved ruins of the ancient world. Only the memory remains of the legendary Temple of Artemis; the magnificent Library of Celsus has become world-famous; and the theater at the end of the marble road is still extremely lively to this day.
The idyllic little island of Patmos houses one of the most important monasteries of the Greek Orthodox Church. The monastery of St. John is a World Heritage Site, protected by UNESCO. It was built in honor of the Apostle John, who is said to have lived in a cave on the island. It is also said that he wrote down his Revelation of the Apocalypse there. The whole island is considered holy ground and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Greek Orthodox world.
Spend the day sunbathing, enjoying the fresh wind breeze, and relaxing into the day!
Day 8: Istanbul/Turkey | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Istanbul, formerly Constantinople, is situated on a peninsula surrounded on three sides by the Sea of Marmara, the shimmering Bosphorus, and the Golden Horn. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Hagia Sophia mosque forms the pinnacle of this Byzantine display of splendor. The ostentatious Topkapi Palace was the seat of government for the Ottoman sultans in the 15th century. The Sultan Ahmet mosque with its six minarets, also called the Blue Mosque because of its 20,000 wonderful blue faience tiles, dates from the 17th century. Istanbul, a lively city divided between east and west by the sea, is the most easterly city in Europe and the most westerly city in Asia.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$6,3552-3 travelers
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Category F
Two portholes, chair, table, TV with DVD player, mini-bar, dressing table, closet, safe, individually adjustable A/C.
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Category E
Two portholes, sofa, table, TV with DVD player, mini-bar, dressing table, closet, safe, individually adjustable A/C.
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Category D
Two portholes, two chairs, table, TV with DVD player, mini-bar, dressing table, closet, safe, individually adjustable A/C.
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Category C
Panorama windows, two chairs, table, TV with DVD player, mini-bar, dressing table, closet, safe, individually adjustable A/C.
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Category B
Panorama window, sofa, table, chair, decorative fireplace, console with TV/DVD and mini-bar, dressing table, walk-in closet, safe, individually adjustable A/C.
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Category A
Panorama window, sofa, table, chair, desk, decorative fireplace, TV and DVD player, mini-bar, dressing table, four closets, safe, individually adjustable A/C.
Notes
Rates are based on double occupancy. A limited number of cabins can be booked for individual use for an additional charge.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or AmEx. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
7 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors that are available for purchase.
Crew gratuities
Complimentary Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests (connectivity permitting)
Gratuities
Port Fees
Welcome and Farewell Cocktails
Welcome champagne in the suite/stateroom
Daily fresh fruit basket in suite/stateroom
All coffee, tea specialties and soft drinks
Bottled water on the excursions
Fine wines from renowned winemakers
Open bar (except premium brands)
Beach barbecues in select destinations
Marina platform with use of water sports equipment such as snorkel gear, stand-up paddleboards, and towable tube (weather permitting)
Laundry service in suites
Curated moments
All meals including nightly 4-course menu and a 5-course gala dinner
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Wifi
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 183 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 183 reviews on
23 hours ago
Prompt, professional and friendly service!
Jimmie
1 day ago
Easiest trip to plan ever. We received quick answers and Mary was very knowledgeable about different areas of the world that we had questions about.
We have book 2 trips, FABULOUS trip to Antartica which we have already taken and just booked for a future trip to Africa.
Michelle
1 day ago
Planning service is personal. people actually listening to you and using that information constructively to help you plan a great trip. They have extensive travel knowledge and experience in the area they cover. The planning is detailed and comprehensive in meeting your needs. It makes a difference!
Allison Wynn
1 day ago
The pre-planning and execution of the plan was excellent. They were even able to help get glasses returned when a member or our party left them in a hotel.
Roger
2 days ago
What made our Costa Rica experience great was the wonderful places we stayed and transportation to get to our different areas to visit was excellent! The white water rafting and the snorkeling & dolphin watching were really fun!