Best of Turkey and Greece with 3-Night Cruise (Small Group)

About this boat trip in İstanbul

• Live guideEnglish, Spanish
• Duration12 days
• CancellationCancellation Policy Packages with Flights / Cruise
• Activity levelModerate

• Food on board

Timeline: how the party goes

1. Istanbul Arrival

    Arrival to Istanbul . Meet with English speaking assistant at the airport . Transfer to the hotel for check in . Overnight: Istanbul Meals: N/A 

2. Istanbul

   Breakfast at the hotel . Drive from your hotel to Spice Market for shopping . Free time. Then meet and proceed to take 1,5 hrs Bosphorus Cruise excursion along the bosphorus , that is dividing the 2 continents Asia & Europe . During the excursion you will enjoy the beauty of Istanbul , with its forest , Palaces and wooden old houses built on both continents . Lunch at local restaurant . After lunch visit Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque) , Hippodrome and the famous Hagia Sophia . Free time at Grand Bazaar . 

   Overnight: Istanbul Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

3. Istanbul - Ankara

   Breakfast at the hotel . Departure from the hotel to visit Topkapi Palace ( harem section entrance free is not included ) the house of the ottoman sultans . Departure from the hotel to Ankara – the capital of Turkey . Arrival to Ankara in early evening . Overnight: Ankara Meals: Breakfast - Dinner 

4. Ankara - Cappadocia

   Breakfast at the hotel . Visit Anatolian Civilizations Museum where you will see the Neolithic & Paleolithic ruins from Urartu , Hatti, Hittite, Phrygia civilizations, then proceed to Mausoleum of Ataturk , the founder of Turkish Republic. In the afternoon drive to Cappadocia . En route visit the Underground city that is one of the biggest underground city in the region, constructed by the first Christians to protect themselves from the attacks ...We continue to proceed to the Derwish House to attend Whirling Dervishes Ceremony which represents the mystical journey of spiritual ascent of man using love, the search for the truth and get to the "Perfection".

   Overnight: Ankara Meals: Breakfast - Dinner

5. Cappadocia

   Breakfast . Full day visit at Cappadocia . Visit Göreme Open Air Museum - a UNESCO Heritage site , a fantastic region with it’s cave churches located on the valley. Then proceed to Uchisar Village and then the spectacular fairy chimneys. Visit Derbent Valley with and explore the natural rock formations and get a chance to attend the workshops of carpets and onyx-stones . 

   Overnight: Cappadocia Meals : Breakfast and Dinner

   Optional Tour | HOT AIR BALLOON TOUR

   In the early morning departure from your hotel . a chance to live this unique experience, an overlooking to Cappadocia from the sky , see the beauty of the region the rock formations, fairy chimneys, natural formations, lunar landscapes ..

6. Cappadocia - Pamukkale

   After the breakfast at the hotel , drive to Pamukkale. En route visit Sultanhan Caravansarai that was built during Seljuk Empire and used long years as a stop over for the travellers and merchants.Continue to Pamukkale . Visit Cotton Steps – a UNESCO heritage site that has been believed to have healing thermal water. 

   Overnight: Pamukkale Meals: Breakfast - Dinner

7. Pamukkale - Ephesus - İzmir

   Breakfast . Drive to Selcuk – Ephesus . Visit the Ephesus Ruins – the city that was dedicated to Artemis I the Odeon, Temple of Hadrian, the House of Love, the Library of Celsus, the Agora .Then proceed for Virgin Mary House - has been believed it is the final resting place of the mother of Jesus . Then stop at Leather Production Store . Proceed for Izmir

   Overnight: İzmir Meals: Breakfast - Dinner

8. Izmir - Kusadasi - Patmos

   Your cruise begins today! After transferring to the Port of Kusadasi in the morning and completing embarkation formalities, we set sail from the vibrant Turkish coastline. As we depart at 13:00, enjoy a delicious lunch on board and take in the views of this bustling port city from the comfort of your ship.

   This afternoon, we arrive at the serene and spiritual island of Patmos, known as the "Jerusalem of the Aegean." Take a tender ashore to Skala, the main harbour, and feel the peaceful atmosphere that has drawn pilgrims for centuries. A short journey up the hill leads you to the magnificent, fortress-like Monastery of St. John, which dominates the island's skyline. Nearby, you can visit the sacred Cave of the Apocalypse, where St. John is said to have received the visions that became the Book of Revelation. Wander through the charming streets of Hora, with its aristocratic mansions and breathtaking views, before descending to the waterfront for a delightful dinner at a traditional Greek taverna.

   Trip Note: Depart Kusadasi at 01:00 pm (docked). Arrive in Patmos at 04:30 pm (tender) and depart at 09:30 pm.
   Please Note: All shore excursions are optional and can be pre-booked.
   Overnight: Cruise Ship | Meals: Full board on board

9. Heraklion (Crete) - Santorini

   Today is a day of two very different Greek highlights, beginning with the morning light greeting us as we dock in Heraklion, the bustling capital of Crete. Though our time here is brief, it is perfectly placed to discover the wonders of the Minoan civilisation. A short journey from the port takes you to the legendary Palace of Knossos, the mythical home of King Minos and the Labyrinth. Walk through the ruins of this ancient palace, dating back nearly 4,000 years, and marvel at the reconstructed frescoes that bring its history to life. Alternatively, explore the excellent Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which houses the original artefacts from the palace excavations.

   After re-boarding for a leisurely lunch, we set course for the crown jewel of the Cyclades: Santorini. As your ship sails into the flooded volcanic caldera, you are greeted by a view that has captivated travellers for centuries – the spectacular white and blue villages of Fira and Oia clinging precariously to the edge of the cliffs. Take a tender to the old port and ascend to Fira, the island's capital, via the dramatic cable car ride, watching the ship become smaller and smaller below you. The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours. Perhaps wander the cliffside paths lined with boutique shops and cafes, or take a local bus to the picturesque village of Oia, famed for its breathtaking sunsets. Find a spot with a view and witness the sky explode in colour as the sun dips below the Aegean Sea – a truly magical experience. Be sure to allow time to descend via cable car for your last tender back to the ship.

   Trip Note: Arrive in Heraklion at 07:00 am (docked) and depart at 12:00 pm. Arrive in Santorini at 04:30 pm (tender) and depart at 09:30 pm.
   Please Note: All shore excursions are optional and can be pre-booked .
   Overnight: Cruise Ship | Meals: Full board on board

10. Athens - Mykonos

    We arrive in the historic port of Piraeus, gateway to Athens, in the early morning. For those joining the cruise today, this is your embarkation point. For continuing guests, the morning offers a wonderful opportunity. You may choose to disembark and explore the cradle of Western civilization. A short transfer takes you to the heart of Athens, where the magnificent Acropolis stands watch over the city. Marvel at the Parthenon, gaze upon the Erechtheion with its famous Caryatids, and visit the state-of-the-art Acropolis Museum, before returning to the ship for a 13:00 departure.

    As we set sail once more, relax and enjoy lunch on board as we head for the beautiful island of Mykonos, also known as the Island of the Winds. We arrive in the late afternoon, perfect for experiencing the island as it comes alive for the evening. Take an evening stroll through the atmospheric Old Town (Chora) with its immaculate whitewashed houses, winding alleys, lovely little churches, and delightful restaurants at the water's edge in the famous neighborhood of Little Venice. You will undoubtedly recognize the picture postcard white windmills sitting side by side, overlooking the sea – a perfect spot for that holiday photograph as the sun sets over the Aegean.

    Trip Note: Arrive in Athens at 06:00 am (docked) and depart at 01:00 pm. Arrive in Mykonos at 06:00 pm (tender) and depart at 11:00 pm.
    Please Note: All shore excursions are optional and can be pre-booked .
    Overnight: Cruise Ship | Meals: Full board on board

11. Kusadasi (Disembarkation) - Izmir flight to Istanbul

    We arrive back in the Turkish port of Kusadasi in the early morning. After one last breakfast on board, surrounded by the memories of four unforgettable destinations – the serenity of Patmos, the ancient ruins of Crete, the volcanic majesty of Santorini, the classical wonders of Athens, and the windmills of Mykonos – it is time to disembark your Celestyal cruise ship. As you step back onto dry land, one of our vehicle will wait for you to transfer you to Izmir airport for a domestic flight. Upon arrival in Istanbul, meet with our assistant and transfer to your hotel. 

    Trip Note: Arrive in Kusadasi at 07:00 am (docked). Overnight. Istanbul Hotel 4* Meals: Breakfast

12. Istanbul Departure

    Breakfast and transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule. End of our services. 

    
    

    Overnight: Not available Meals: Breakfast

    
    

    Thank you for traveling with us. 

What’s included

Good to know before you go

• Important Notes for Cruise

Where the boat leaves in İstanbul

Frequently asked questions