| The Greek Islands |
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Ascend the mythical mountain perches of Greek gods and their temples. Follow the course of Homer’s epic quests and sail through the Mediterranean isles. In this 16-day, land-and-sea tour, you’ll venture to all of the ancient and modern wonders of Greece—from the paradise islands of Mykonos and Santorini to the legendary city of Athens, the site of the first modern and the most recent Summer Olympics.
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Athens
Day 1 Journey to Greece aboard an overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2 A Go Ahead representative greets you as you clear customs and escorts you to your hotel. Meet the other travelers in your group at tonight’s dinner. (B in flight, D)
Day 3 See the ruins of the ancient Acropolis during your guided tour of Athens. You’ll also visit the Acropolis Museum, which still houses some of the original Caryatid statues. This afternoon, opt for an excursion to nearby Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon. (B)
Crete
Day 4 From Athens, fly to the island of Crete, where Greece’s earliest known civilization thrived in 2000 B.C. Land in the historic seaport of Heraklion. (B, D)
Day 5 Today’s guided tour of Heraklion includes a visit to the ancient royal complex of Knossos, ruled over by the wealthy King Minos. (B)
Day 6 Spend a free day in Heraklion or opt for an excursion to Venetian- and Turkish-influenced Rethymnon and the harbor of Haniá. (B)
Santorini
Day 7 In Heraklion, board a day ferry for a scenic journey to the volcanic island of
Santorini, with its black-sand beaches, sprawling vineyards and cliff-lined shores. (B, D)
Day 8 Admire splendid views of Santorini as you discover the sights on your guided tour. Visit the well-preserved ruins of Akrotiri, a Minoan colony buried in volcanic ash 3,600 years ago. This evening, consider an optional dinner and wine-tasting event. (B)
Mykonos
Day 9 A ferry takes you to Mykonos, known for its picturesque windmills and the winding streets that once sheltered pirates. (B, D)
Day 10 This morning, you might opt for an excursion to nearby Delos, once a worship mecca for the cult of Apollo. Later, spend the afternoon on the Mykonos beaches. (B)
The Aegean Islands
Day 11 View Mykonos’ churches, whitewashed houses and idyllic neighborhoods, as your tour director leads today’s informal tour of the
island. Then board your Louis Cruise Lines’ ship for this evening’s departure. (B, D)
Day 12 Your first port of call is Patmos, where you’ll spend a relaxing morning. Then cruise to the Turkish seaport of Kusadasi with its bustling harbor lined with inviting cafés. Nearby find the ruins of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved cities from ancient times. (B, L, D)
Day 13 Dock in Rhodes, once the domain of the Knights of St. John. Its irresistable combination of beautiful beaches and rich history has lured travelers the world over. (B, L, D)
Day 14 Spend a free morning in the port of Heraklion. Choose to visit the hilltop Old Town or the Archaeological Museum. You’ll have free time this afternoon to relax and explore picture-perfect Santorini. (B, L, D)
Athens
Day 15 Your cruise ends this morning in
Piraeus. Return to Athens, where you may
join an optional excursion to the Temple of Apollo in Delphi. Tonight, savor the culinary traditions of ancient Greece at our optional Ancient Greek Evening. (B)
Day 16 Fly home or continue on to Istanbul for our tour extension. (B)
Extend your stay
Istanbul
Day 16 Board your flight from Athens to
Istanbul, Crossroads of East and West. After your arrival, a Go Ahead representative escorts you to your hotel. This afternoon, consider joining our optional Istanbul’s Unknown Treasures excursion. (B, D)
Day 17 See the many relics of Ottoman rule in Istanbul on today’s guided tour. Visit the Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque and Aya Sophia, then bargain for everything from Turkish rugs to spices at the world-famous Grand Bazaar. Opt this evening for our exotic Istanbul by Night event. (B)
Day 18 Join an optional Bosphorus Straits cruise, which includes lunch. (B)
Day 19 Board your flight home. (B)
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Round-trip transatlantic air transportation with a major airline, airport transfers and escorts
The services of a bilingual Go Ahead Tour Director
A licensed local city guide in Athens, Heraklion and Santorini
11 nights accommodation in comfortable and well-located hotels that include twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower
3 nights aboard a Louis Hellenic Cruises ship in comfortable twin-bedded cabins with private shower
All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling and local taxes
Buffet breakfast (B) daily; 4 three-course dinners (D) while on land
All shipboard meals and shipboard porterage
Guided sightseeing and entrance fees to select sights as described
Go Ahead travel bag and membership in our World Traveler Club, which includes credit toward your next tour |
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| Daily Departures from 1/1/2009 to 12/31/2010 |
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Destination Information
Itinerary
Items Included
Departure Dates
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