You’ll be met by our representative and then escorted to your hotel, centrally located near Constitution Square and the famous Plaka (Old Town). Athens, the birthplace of western civilization, once hailed as the Paris of the Mediterranean, is now a bustling modern city, a colorful tapestry of eastern and western influences, full of outdoor cafes, pedestrian streets, parks and gardens, street bazaars, dilapidated mansions and ancient ruins. Overnight in Athens.
Transfer to Piraeus port in the afternoon to board your cruise ship, Celestyal Crystal. Enjoy the shipboard facilities as the ship sails in the evening. (B, D)
Dinner
Approaching the port, you will be captivated by a city that radiates culture and sophistication bathed in golden Greek sunshine.
Palm- lined avenues house glamorous shops and gourmet restaurants, and historic cobblestone streets present traditional tavernas and ouzeria’s to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Beautiful churches appear from every corner, seasonal markets sell colorful local produce and shaded spots on Aristotelous Square are where you can sit back with a homemade ice cream and watch the world go by.
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Depart Mykonos this morning and set sail for the mesmerizing island of Milos. Dramatically emerging from the Aegean Sea before you, you’ll be spellbound by Milos’ volcanic landscape, juxtaposed with quaint white stone fishing villages. Spend the day relaxing on one of the many beaches, swimming in serene sea caves, and discovering the colorful boathouses that magically emerge from the sea. Return to the ship and sail overnight to Santorini. (B, L, D)
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Arrive this morning to the striking island of Santorini, which is a volcanic crater immersed in the sea. The island is famous for its breathtaking and rugged landscapes, whitewashed houses, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques which cling to steep cliffs, accessible by foot, cable car or mule. Enjoy an included excursion. Half day of sightseeing which will begin with a scenic drive where you will have the unique opportunity to admire the panoramic view of the Aegean Sea and the neighboring islands. Built on the Caldera rim, Oia Village is an excellent example of Cycladic architecture. Explore the village walking along the cobble-stone streets and the white washed houses with blue shutters where one gets the impression that they are a beautiful travel poster. Your coach will bring you back to the port of Athinios, where you will embark your tender boat to return to the ship. (B, L, D)
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Spend today exploring Santorini independently. Return to the ship late this evening and sail overnight to Heraklion. (B, L, D)
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Arrive in Heraklion early this morning. Crete is the largest and the most rugged of the Greek islands. It is also the home of the great Minoan Civilization and the mythological home of Zeus. Your included excursion to Palace of Knossos will start after your breakfast on the ship. The palace at Knossos was an intricate collection of over 1,000 interlocking rooms, including the Hall of the Royal Guard, the Hall of the Double Axes, the King’s Chamber with the alabaster throne, the Queen’s Apartment, as well as beautiful courtyards and shrines. The palace was used as a religious and administrative center, as well as for workshops for artisans and food processing. The ruins have largely been excavated and much of them colorfully painted and restored, decorated with frescoes and shields. Back in Heraklion the open-air market is a must-see, where a boisterous crowd buys and sells everything from goats and sheep to huge cauldrons of fresh yogurt. Other points of interest here include the Archaeological Museum, one of the finest in Greece, housing exquisite findings from Knossos and other Minoan ruins, numerous Venetian fortresses, fountains and loggias scattered throughout the city and the Historical Museum of Crete, with its Byzantine and folklore collections. Return to your ship this evening to sail overnight to Kusadasi. (B, L, D)
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Arrive in Kusadasi, Turkey this morning. You start the day with your included excursion to Ancient Ephesus. Just ten kilometers from the port is the ancient city of Ephesus, where you will find immortal relics of the Hellenistic, Roman and Early Christian era. At the archaeological site you will be given a guided tour among the Agora, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the marble-paved main Street of Kouretes, the Baths of Scholastica, Trajan’s Fountain, the Public Latrines, the Residences of the Patricians, the Prytaneum, and the Temple of Hadrian. The Great Theatre, built in the 4th century B.C. could accommodate 24,000 spectators and is famous even today for its acoustics. The finds from the excavations, which have yet brought to light only 13% of ancient Ephesus, reside in the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus, in the city of Seljuk. During the excursion you will have the opportunity to ramble, bargain for jewelry, cosmetics or leather products at small shops. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)
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Disembark from your ship in Piraeus and transfer to your hotel in Athens. Enjoy a full day to explore Athens at your leisure. Your hotel is ideally located in the heart of the city, within short distance of many major attractions, as well as the best shopping and dining. Overnight in Athens. (B)
Bid farewell to Athens as you’re escorted to the airport to board your return flight. Your journey comes to an end when you arrive home. Have a pleasant flight. (B)
