Wed. Athens - Arrive in Athens Int’l Airport E.Venizelou. Meeting and transfer to your 4*Hotel HERODION, located next to the Akropolis, in a quite area. Afternoon at leisure.
In the evening a welcome dinner with music in a traditional Greek tavern in Plaka – just beneath the cliff of Akropolis. Overnight..
Thu. Athens - After breakfast we start the 4 hrs Athens sightseeing tour by private coach, visiting the Akropolis area with the Propylea, Temple of Apteros Nike, the Erechtion and the Parthenon, the brand-new Akropolis museum, the Stadium, plus an orientation drive through central Athens. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight.
Fri. Mykonos - In the morning at 09:00 am transfer to Piraeus Cruise terminal to embark the cruise vessel for the passage to Mykonos.
Arrive in Mykonos at 6 pm. Transfer to our hotel Rhenia Bungalows, situated near the beach at Tourlos. Overnight.
Sat. Mykonos - Explore Mykonos Allthough barren and full of windmills, Mykonos is one of the most cosmopolitan of the Greek islands, attracting world renowned socialites, intellectuals and artists. From its harbor, full of small fishing boats bobbing side-by-side with luxurious yachts, one can walk through narrow white-washed alleys, see dazzling white cubed-shaped houses with brightly painted wooden doors and windows, plus a myriad of tiny blue-domed churches. Famous for its zany nightlife, Mykonos has also much to offer those searching for the cultural history of the island. The church of PARAPORTIANI is considered to be an architectural masterpiece. The archaeological museum exhibits some very interesting finds, most of which were excavated from the "necropolis" or dead city on the little islet of RINEIA.
Sat. Mykonos, Delos Mykonos - Optional morning trip to the sacred island of Delos by local boat. to Delos - the sacred island of Apollo. Delos, the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. On a guided tour, you’ll visit the archaeological ruins of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, unearthed here in the 19th century. Delos is a true open-air museum with many ancient monuments and buildings that are remarkably intact. Except from the guards and the guides the island is not inhabited. Return to Mykonos at 13:00.
Sun. Mykonos, Kusadasi - Morning free in Mykonos for swimming, sightseeing, shopping In the afternoon at 7:00 pm re-embark the ship and continue the cruise to Kusadasi in Turkey.
Mon. Kusadasi, Patmos - Arrive Kusadasii 07.00 Dep at 12.00 for Patmos. Visi\Drive through the colourful town of Kusadasi and along the coast to reach Ephesus, famous in antiquity for its Temple of Diana - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - and later the home of St. John. During the years of the Roman Empire, the Greek port of Ephesus became the greatest city in Asia Minor. Upon arrival at Ephesus follow your guide to enter the ancient site through the Magnesian Gate. Discover innumerable monuments including the Forum, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the Thermal Baths of Scolastika and the Great Theatre built in the Greek era and reconstructed in the Roman period, which is still noted for its remarkable acoustics. View the symbols all around and marvel at the fact that one is still able to read the inscriptions in the ancient Greek language. Walk back to your coach along the Arcadian Way, where once Mark Anthony and Cleopatra rode in procession. As you drive back to Kusadasi, on a hill above Selcuk, just outside Ephesus, view the Basilica of St. John, which was erected over his grave in the 6th century A.D. by Emperor Justinian. Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time in Kusadasi or get a cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibition of oriental carpets and jewellery.
Patmos - This island is known as the site of the apocalyptic revelations of St. John the Divine, written here during his exile from the Roman Empire. The cave where he lived is near the site of the Monastery of the Apocalypse. The Monastery of St. John, built on one of the island’s highest points, houses priceless icons and manuscripts in its Treasury.
Tue. Patmos, Rhodes - Continue to Rhodes. Full day in RhodesDrive along the picturesque south-eastern coastline, dotted with white-washed villages, to Lindos, one of the most important of the three great cities of ancient times. See how this entire city is guarded by medieval walls which were constructed by the knights of St. John in the 13th century. Within them stands the ancient Acropolis of Lindos, on the brink of a precipice 400 feet above the sea. From the Acropolis, marvel at the breathtaking views covering the great expanse of the Aegean Sea and St. Paul’s bay, where the apostle cast anchor during his historic voyage to Ephesus. Proceed on foot uphill, to the great staircase leading from the Hellenistic Portico to the Acropolis and Temple of Athena. Should you wish to make your way up by mule, a fee must be paid to the local muleteer. After the guided tour of the Acropolis, enjoy some free time on your own in Lindos village before meeting up with your motorcoach. Return to Rhodes city and enjoy a panoramic drive through the new part of the city before continuing to Mount Smith to see the ruins of ancient Rhodes, the Temple of Apollo and Diagoras Stadium. Afterwards your motorcoach will drop you off at Porte d’Amboise, the start of the walking tour through the medieval city of Rhodes. Follow your guide through the northern part where once lived the knights and their attendants. View the Palace of the Knights, continue your walk down Chevaliers Road to the Marine Gate and return back to the ship. A short visit to a ceramic factory is included.
Wed. Rhodes, Crete - Arrive in Crete/ Agios Nikolaos in the morning. Disembark. Departure at 9:00am by coach and guide to visit the Archaeological Museum &Knossos Minoan Palace. Also visit the picturesque village of Archanes. Visit to the Minoan site of Vathypetro. Overnight in Heraklion. Crete is the largest and the most rugged of the Greek islands. It is also the home of the great Minoan Civilization and the mythological home of Zeus. After a short drive through the town of Heraklion the tour will arrive at the Knossos excavations. Here, Sir Arthur Evan’s archaeological discoveries revealed a civilization dating back to 4000 B.C., when a great empire flourished on the island of Crete. Based on the wealth of artefacts that were found, Evans theorized that this was the site of the ancient Minoan Kingdom. These findings will be viewed in detail, as your guide will lead you on a journey of discovery to learn of the sophisticated culture that flourished thousands of years ago on this island.The Palace, decorated with frescoes and shields houses the Hall of the Royal Guard, the Hall of the Double Axes, the King’s Chamber with the alabaster throne, the Queen’s Apartment, beautiful courtyards and shrines. Having visited this remarkable site your coaches will take you to the heart of Heraklion where you will be given some free time to explore its beauties combining the facilities of a modern city with the unique Greek islands’ ambience. You will then re board your motor coach for the return journey to the Venetian lion-guarder port of Heraklion to rejoin your ship. REMARKS Walking in the archaeological site of Knossos will be on uneven gravel surfaces.
Thu. Crete, Haraklion - 9.00am Excursion by coach and guide to Phaestos - Gortys . Drive to nearby Zaro Lake for hiking around the lake and continue for lunch to Matala. Overnight in Heraklion.
Thu. Crete - Day at leisure in Crete. Optional day cruise to Santorini. Overnight Crete.
Fri. Crete-Piraeus-Athens - Morning free., In the afternoon return by lst class overnight ferry to Piraues - Day at leisure in Crete. Optional day cruise to Santorini. Overnight Crete.
Sat. Athens-Delphi - Early morning arrival in Piraeus and drive to Delphi by private coach and guide. Return to Athens at 7:00 pm Overnight.
Sat. Athens-USA - After breakfast transfer to Athens Int’l Airport Venizelos for your home bound flight.
