Day 1: (Wednesday)
Your overnight flight transports you across the Atlantic to Istanbul, Turkey.
Day 2: Istanbul (Thursday)
Afternoon arrival. Meet and assist. On your way to the hotel, enjoy a brief orientation tour. Spend the rest of the day exploring this majestic city.
Istanbul Skyline Day 3: Istanbul (Friday)
Istanbul's blend of East and West has resulted in the most magnificent architecture in the world. Your full day tour with lunch takes you to these masterpieces - the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, St. Sophia Church, Topkapi Palace and the Underground Cistern. Last stop is the Grand Bazaar where you can find your own treasures.
Day 4: Istanbul (Saturday)
Morning at leisure to do as you please. A suggested visit is to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the center of the world's Orthodox Christians. See the beautiful St. George Cathedral housing historic icons. A momentous meeting took place in November of 2006 between His Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of the Orthodox Christians and Pope Benedict XVI. See where this historic event occured! Afternoon transfer to the pier to board your cruise vessel. Overnight on board ship.
Day 5: Istanbul (Sunday)
Day at leisure. A possible visit is to Dolmabahce Palace, the residence of the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. Set sail at 6:00 p.m.
Day 6: Mykonos (Monday)
Arrive in Mykonos, Greece at 3:00 p.m. Wander through the narrow street lined with white washed homes and shops. Enjoy a drink by the sea. Don't forget to visit Little Venice! Set sail at midnight.
Day 7: Patmos / Kusadasi (Tuesday)
Arrive in Patmos, Greece at 7:00 a.m. An optional excursion takes you to the Grotto ad Monastery of St. John. Sail at 10:30 a.m. Arrive at Kusadasi, Turkey at 2:30 p.m. Visit Ephesus, the most well preserved Greco-Roman city of antiquity on the optional shore excursion. Feel history come to life! Sail at 8:30 p.m..
Day 8: Rhodes (Wednesday)
The beauty of Rhodes beckons you as the ship enters the port at 7:00 a.m. Stroll through the old town of the Knights of St. John and the Medieval Castle. The optional tour is to the Acropolis of Lindos. Sail at 6:00 p.m.
Day 9: Heraklion / Santorini (Thursday)
Arrive in Heraklion, Crete at 7:00 a.m. The optional shore excursion is to the Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Museum. In Greek mythology, the Palace was known for the famous Labyrinth and home of Minatour monster. Sail at 12 noon. Arrive Santorini 5:00 p.m. Ascend by donkey or Cable car to the town or Fira to see the legendary island. Experience the stunning Santorini sunset! Sail at 9:00 p.m.
Day 10: Piraeus / Athens (Friday)
Arrival 6:00 a.m. in Piraeus. Our staff will transfer you to your hotel.
Day 11: Athens (Saturday)
After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Athens, including the Acropolis. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 12: Athens / Home (Sunday)
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
