Athens, Delphi and 4 Night Greek Island Cruise

Itinerary

DAY 1 – FRIDAY: ARRIVAL IN ATHENS

Upon arrival in Athens, you will be met by our assistant and transferred to your hotel.

DAY 2 – SATURDAY: ATHENS PRIVATE GUIDED  SIGHTSEEING TOUR

The striking contrast between breathtaking monuments of a glorious past and modern elegant structures is what you will enjoy during your tour of Athens. Visit the Acropolis,the crowning beauty and glory of Ancient Athens, with its many monuments atop its rocky base, including the awesome Parthenon, the Propylea, the temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion, with its Porch of Maidens. Short stop for photos of the Panathinaikon Stadium(site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896), drive at the Tomb of the unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament House on Constitution Square. See views of government buildings and elegant structures of the 19th century. Drive along Panepistimiou Avenue and view the Catholic Cathedral, the Academy, University, National Library

DAY 3 – SUNDAY: DELPHI FULL DAY PRIVATE TOUR

Drive through LEVADIA and ARACHOVA (famous for its bright multi colored carpets) arrive in DELPHI.
At the foot of Mount Parnassos, within the angle formed by the twin rocks of the Phaedriades, lies the Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, which had the most famous oracle of ancient Greece. Delphi was regarded as the centre of the world. According to mythology, it is here that the two eagles sent out by Zeus from the ends of the universe to find the navel of the world met. The sanctuary of Delphi, set within a most spectacular landscape, was for many centuries the cultural and religious centre and symbol of unity for the Hellenic world and seat of the Pythian Games, the second most important games in Greece after the Olympics, which were held every four years.
Between the sixth and fourth centuries BC, the Delphic oracle, which was regarded as the most trustworthy, was at its peak. It was delivered by the Pythia, the priestess, and interpreted by the priests of Apollo. Cities, rulers and ordinary individuals alike consulted the oracle, expressing their gratitude with great gifts and spreading its fame around the world. The oracle was thought to have existed since the dawn of time. Indeed, it was believed to have successfully predicted events related to the cataclysm of Deukalion, the Argonaut’s expedition and the Trojan War.
Visit of the archaeological site and the Museum where one can see among other archeological treasures, the unique bronze statue of the Charioteer dedicated to Apollo by Polyzalos, the tyrant of Gela, in 478 B.C. when he won the chariot-race at the Pythian Games. This incomparable statue is a representative example of the ”severe” Attic style, certainly the work of a major artist.

DAY 4 – MONDAY: ATHENS / CRUISE / MYKONOS

Morning transfer to Lavrio port to embark the cruise ship for your 4 night cruise to the Greek islands & Turkey.
Cruise to Mykonos and enjoy the evening on this lively island.
On board, a range of activities are available to you:; sip a cocktail by the pool, try your luck in the casino, work-out in the fitness center or just relax and soak up the glorious Mediterranean sun. You will be wined and dined with an array of enticing international and Greek cuisine.
At 18:00 the ship will dock in Mykonos; an island that needs little introduction! A summer holiday meeting point for jet setters worldwide, this glittering, glamorous island has everything you expect: fantastic beaches with crystal clear water, whitewashed sugar-cube houses with blue wooden shutters, narrow streets to stroll around, and last, but not least an incredible nightlife!
The evening is yours to enjoy this beautiful iconic Cycladic Island.

DAY 5 – TUESDAY: MORNING IN KUSADASI (TURKEY)/ EVENING IN PATMOS ISLAND (GREECE)

Early morning breakfast will be served on board as the ship docks at the Port of Kusadasi. This is a very full day with lots of things to see and do.
Excursions in Kusadasi (Turkey) is:  Ancient Ephesus through the Ages – Hellenistic/Roman  (Half Day: Up to 4 ½ hours)
KUS-02: Ancient Ephesus through the Ages -Hellenistic /Roman
Our Ancient Ephesus bus tour is a journey through the golden ages which shaped a pivotal center of commerce and spirituality. Built 3,000 years ago, Ephesus shaped the history of Greek, Turkish and Christian civilizations from its privileged location, chosen (according to legend) by the oracle of Delphi. A site of pilgrimage, due to its proximity to the Temple of Artemis (one of the 7 Wonders of the World) and the presence of major Christian figures (the apostles Paul and John and the Virgin Mary) within the city walls, Ephesus is currently one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. The splendour of its golden age is visible throughout its streets and exceptionally well-preserved ruins. As we explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site you will have the opportunity to breathe in the centuries of cultural effervescence, visible in the Ephesus Agora, Odeon, the Houses of the Patricians, the beautiful Temple of Hadrian and the astonishing Library of Celsus. You will also have the opportunity to bargain and shop local merchandise such as carpets, leather goods, souvenirs etc.
During the excursion you will have the opportunity to do some shopping such as carpets, jewelry, leather and other souvenirs.
Depart for Patmos island 13:00pm and arrive late afternoon in Patmos and spend the evening at leisure in Patmos (explore the Monastery of St John and the Grotto of
Revelations. Depart Patmos around 21:30pm and sail to Rhodes.

DAY 6 – WEDNESDAY: FULL DAY IN RHODES

Enjoy a full day on the island of Rhodes (Greece), the largest island of the Dodecanese archipelago. Explore the island`s medieval Old Town, preserved in and around the walls of a Venetian castle, built by the 14th-century Knights of St. John. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Citadel of Rhodes is located at the far northern end of the island and is considered one of the best preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean.
***** Excursion in Rhodes (Greece) is :  Acropolis of Lindos  Rhodes
RHO-01: Rhodes  – Medieval tour – Acropolis of Lindos and the Citadel of the Knights   (Half Day: Up to 4 ½ hours)
Centuries of culture and layer upon layer of extraordinary civilizations await to be discovered during our bus tour through impressive Lindos and within the awe-inspiring structure of the Acropolis of Lindos. We will follow the footsteps of heroes as we walk along the Knight’s Street in the heart of historical Rhodes. The seven lodges of the Order, still bearing their original coats of arms, are displayed along the cobblestone street where Rhodes’ history was written for over two centuries. Sitting at the top of Knights Street, the Grand Master’s Palace is well worth its name. You will be awed by the fort’s imposing Gothic architecture and strength displayed throughout its court structures, as you get a glimpse into the fascinating era of the Knights. We will end our tour of historical Rhodes with free time so that you may fortify your memories of Rhodes at your own pace.

DAY 7 – THURSDAY: MORNING IN CRETE / AFTERNOON IN SANTORINI

Arrive early this morning in Heraklion (Crete, Greece), one of the four prefectures that constitute the island of Crete. Enjoy a half day at leisure to explore the island on your own. At noon, cruise to Santorini, and enjoy an evening on Santorini Island. Known for its breathtaking caldera, Santorini is also famous for its sandy beaches, colorful sunsets, and whitewashed buildings along the sea-cliffs.

DAY 8 – FRIDAY: LAVRIO/ ATHENS

Early morning return to Piraeus port. After breakfast on board, disembarkation and transfer to your selected hotel. Balance of the day at leisure.

DAY 9 – SATURDAY: ATHENS / AIRPORT

According to your departure flight, you will be transferred to the airport.