Athens with 4-Night Iconic Aegean Cruise - 8 Days

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Just as the Greek mathematician Archimedes supposedly shouted this exclamation after his great discovery, so will you as you float through the ancient ruins of Athens and then set sail for a 4-night Aegean Sea cruise to the historic coast of Turkey and the sunny Greek Isles. In between poolside chilling, you’ll discover the hottest sights of the Greek Islands—the towering windmills of Mykonos, the fortress-lined Old Town of Rhodes, Crete’s Bronze Age settlement of Knossos, and Santorini’s serene whitewashed and blue-roofed villages. Get ready for ruins and resorts, baklava and beaches, and ouzo and oodles of fun on this relaxing land and cruise tour of gorgeous Greece. 

• Visit the Acropolis, the astonishing ancient architectural masterpiece built during the Golden Age of Athens
• Tour the Acropolis Museum, a striking modern building where many of the original statues from the Acropolis are now displayed
• Explore the archaeological site of Ancient Ephesus and the colorful town of Kusadasi
• Tour the traditional settlement of Lindos and the medieval city of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Depart for Greece
Board your flight to Athens, Greece

Arrive Athens
Arrive in Athens, the classical capital of Greece; transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to discover the ancient wonders of this city known as the "Cradle of Western Civilization" and the birthplace of democracy.
 

Athens - Athens City Tour
The exploration of Athens begins with a panoramic drive through the city center. View the Panathenian Stadium and the ruins of the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch, built to celebrate the arrival of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Continue on to visit the Acropolis, the ancient architectural masterpiece built during the Golden Age of Athens and the new Acropolis Museum, a striking modern building built at the base of the monument where many of the original statues from the Acropolis are now displayed. The rest of the day is at leisure. Be sure to walk to Constitution Square, where you might catch a glimpse of the colorfully-costumed Evzone guards, outfitted in the traditional Greek style. Tonight, perhaps walk through the lively Plaka area, the oldest section of Athens, a neighborhood of charming restaurants, shops and sidewalk cafes. (B)

Cruise Embarkation, Arrive Mykonos
Morning arrival at the pier for embarkation. Set sail at 11:30 AM, and sit back as you take in the spectacular scenery of the beautiful turquoise waters of the Aegean. Arrive at 6 PM in the ultra-popular and chic jet-set island of Mykonos with its whitewashed houses, iconic windmills and sophisticated town with trendy cafes and boutiques. Find a table at a harborside taverna and gaze at the bustle of Cycladic island life and the gorgeous views. Perhaps visit one of the island's popular bars before returning to the ship departing at 11 PM for Kusadasi, Turkey. (B, L, D)

Arrive in Kusadasi (Ephesus), Evening in Patmos
Today, arrive at 7:30 AM in Kusadasi, Turkey. This splendid city is renowned for its significant historical and religious sites, including ancient Ephesus, one of the most exquisite cities in antiquity. Tour the magnificent archaeological site of Ephesus, home to the Library of Celsus and Fountain of Trajan. Enjoy free time in Kusadasi before returning to the ship in time for lunch and departure at 1 PM. At 5 PM, arrive in Patmos. This small island is steeped with an intense spiritual character, which inspired St. John the Divine to write the Book of Apocalypse. A large monastery in his name dominates the landscape above Chora, the island's capital, surrounded by strong fortress-like walls. Follow the picturesque narrow lanes in the port of Skála and discover cafés, shops and bakeries selling traditional honey and nut pastries. Time to linger until sailing at 9:30 PM to Crete. (B, L, D)

Full Day in Rhodes
At 7 AM, arrive in Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands. Crete's remarkable history is highlighted by the ruins of the great Palace of Knossos, the ceremonial and political center of the ancient Minoan civilization, and the residence of the mythical King Minos. Explore the palace ruins, including the Throne Room, the fresco of the "Prince of the Lilies", and the Queen's Megaron in the east. At 12 PM, enjoy a leisurely lunch on board as the ship sets sail. At 4:30 PM, cruise into Santorini's caldera as you marvel at the sapphire blue water, snow-white architecture, and multicolored cliffs that characterize this enchanting getaway. The streets of bustling Fira, the island's capital city, are a vision of pristine whitewashed buildings. Relax at a cliff-side café or wander the narrow footpaths before the ship sails towards Athens at 9:30 PM. (B, L, D)

Arrive in Crete, Evening in Santorini
Disembark at 7 AM and transfer to the airport in Athens for your departure flight back home. (B)

Depart Greece
Arrive at the pier at 7 AM, disembark your cruise and transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B)

• 6 nights accommodations
  • 2 nights Athens
  • 4 nights Celestyal Discovery Cruise Ship
• Cruise gratuities & porterage
• 14 meals: 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
• Unlimited drink package on board the cruise
• Sightseeing per itinerary in a modern air-conditioned motor coach
• Entrance fees per itinerary