Classical Greece and Turkey with 3-Day Cruise (Small Group)

About this boat trip in Istanbul

• Live guideEnglish, Spanish
• Duration11 days
• CancellationCancellation Policy Packages with Flights / Cruise
• Activity levelEasy

• Food on board

Timeline: how the party goes

1. Athens Arrival

   Arrival at the airport and meet & greet with our assistant to help you to transfer to city center hotel.  Rest of the day is free at leisure

   Overnight: Athens Hotel 3*  Meals: Not Available

2. Athens

   After breakfast we will meet you at your hotel or close by, in order to start the morning Half Day Athens Sightseeing Tour. This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Our expert guides will take you to see the Panathenaic Stadium, home to the first Olympic Games of the modern era, where we will make a short stop. As we continue our trip, we will pass by the Prime Minister’s residence (ex Royal Palace), guarded by the Evzones in their colorful uniform, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, the Parliament and memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy of Athens, the University, the National Library and the Constitution Square (Syntagma). One cannot take a tour of Athens without visiting the Acropolis, one of the world’s most prominent sites and a symbol for democracy in the Western world!

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   It is there that you will explore architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Pericles. From the Propylaea, to the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and of course the Parthenon, a place where ‘there is harmony between material and spirit’, and the monument that ‘restores order in the mind’, as ancient Greeks used to say. Your last stop will be the modern Acropolis Museum, with nearly 4,000 exhibits of Hellenism housed inside. Return approximately at 13:30

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   Afternoon is free at leisure in Athens.  Overnight: Athens Hotel 3* Meals: Breakfast

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3. Athens - Mykonos

   After breakfast, transfer to the Port of Lavrion to embark on your cruise. We leave the historic and classical capital of Greece and set sail for our first destination, the beautiful island of Mykonos, also known as the Island of the Winds. As the ship approaches the island in the late afternoon, you'll be greeted by the dazzling white buildings and iconic rocky coastline. 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 neighbourhood of Little Venice. You will undoubtedly recognize the picture postcard white windmills sitting side by side, overlooking the sea – a perfect spot for that first holiday photograph as the sun begins to set over the Aegean.

   Trip Note: Arrive in Mykonos at 06:00 pm (tender) and depart at 11:00 pm. All shore excursions are optional Overnight: Cruise Ship | Meals: Full board on board

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4. Kusadasi - Patmos

   Wake up this morning as your ship docks in the vibrant Turkish port of Kusadasi. This is your gateway to the ancient world. From here, you have the opportunity to journey inland to explore the magnificent ruins of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean, where you can walk the same marble streets as Mark Antony and Cleopatra and marvel at the magnificent facade of the Library of Celsus. After a morning of discovery, return to the ship for a relaxing lunch as we set sail once more.

   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 final taste of authentic island life.

   Trip Note: Arrive in Kusadasi at 07:00 am (docked) and depart at 01:00 pm. 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

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5. 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 civilization. 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.

   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 travelers 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 color as the sun dips below the Aegean Sea – a truly magical end to your final full day of exploration. 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

6. Athens - Istanbul – Ankara

   Breakfast and we return to the Greek capital (06:00 am) after a whirlwind few days of adventure and discovery. Transfer to Athens International Airport for a flight to Turkey’s capital city Ankara. Flight no: Time:   Upon arrival meet and greet and transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

   Overnight: Ankara Hotel 4* Meals: Breakfast - Dinner

7. 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 cities in the region, constructed by the first Christians to protect themselves from the attacks.

   Overnight Cappadocia Hotel 4* Meals: Breakfast – Dinner

8. Cappadocia

   Breakfast. Full day visit at Cappadocia . Visit Göreme Open Air Museum – a UNESCO Heritage site, a fantastic region with its 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 Hotel 4* Meals: Breakfast – 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.

9. Cappadocia – Istanbul

   After breakfast, transfer to Cappadocia airport for a domestic flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel and free day at leisure. 

   Overnight: Istanbul Hotel 4* Meals: Breakfast 

10. Istanbul

    Breakfast at the hotel and visit of Spice Market . Then 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. 

    Overnight: Istanbul Hotel 4* Meals: Breakfast – Lunch

11. Istanbul Departure

    After breakfast free-time at leisure until your departure time. Transfer to the airport and end of our services.

    Overnight: Not Available Meals: Breakfast

What’s included

Good to know before you go

• Important Notes for Cruise

Where the boat leaves in Istanbul

Frequently asked questions