Description
Tour Features
Itinerary
Rates & Information
Glimpse of our Hotels
Sightseeing & Excursions
Ship Information
Optional Excursions
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| A brief but wonderful taste of Greece, packed into six delightful nights. Your Greece tour package included three nights are spent in Athens to take in some spectacular views of the monuments atop the Acropolis that have left an indelible mark on western civilization. While you are enjoying your Greece vacation you will admire the famed Parthenon, the Museum of the Acropolis, housing some of the noteworthy remains of the sacred hill and also have time to explore the Plaka district, which at night is acomes alive with Athenian ioie de vivre. In Athens a choice of especially selected hotels is available. We then follow your Greece tour package with a three-night Aegean Sea cruise that calls at islands filled with local lore, scenic landscapes and millenary history, Mykonos, an island that has long been a destination of the cosmopolitan jet-set. Patmos, where St. John the Divine received The Revelation and, optionally, you may visit the Monastery and Grotto of the Apocalypse. Don’t miss in your Greece vacation to visit Santorini, an island believed by many to be the site of the lost continent of Atlantis, today offering fascinating Cycladic architecture and memorable scenic landscapes. In Kusadasi on Turkey's mainland, Asia Minor, an optional visit is offered to the remains of nearby Ephesus, an early Greek city and later a major Roman center, where what is left of the temple of Artemis is all that is extant of a setting that in antiquity was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. |
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| Day 1 Tue Athens Arrival into Athens. Balance of the day is at leisure for you to get acquainted with Athens, the capital and largest city of Greece. Day 2 Wed Athens Half day morning city tour includes highlights of Athens and the Acropolis plus the new Acropolis Museum. Afternoon and balance of day is at leisure. (B) Day 3 Thu Athens A full day at leisure to explore this lively city on your own or take an optional tour to Delphi or Argolis, with visits to Mycenae and Epidaurus or a 1-day Saronic Isle cruise to Hydra Aegina and Poros. (B) Day 4 Fri Athens/Mykonos After breakfast, transfer to the port of Athens and embark your cruise ship. Sail to the picturesque isle of Mykonos, known for its windmills and lively harbor. An optional excursion to picturesque Hora, the island capital, is available. Sail in the evening. (B,L,D) Day 5 Sat Kusadasi/Patmos Morning arrival in Kusadasi, Turkey located nearby Ephesus, one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World”. Wander through the famous Turkish bazaar or enjoy an optional tour of Ephesus and the house of the Virgin Mary. This afternoon sail to Patmos(*), site of the Monastery of St. John the Divine and the Grotto of the Apocalypse. Optional excursions to visit these sites and the island are available. Evening departure. (B,L,D) (*) Except in June, July and August Day 6 Sun Crete/Santorini Morning call at Greece’s largest island, Crete. Here you have an optional visit of Knossos and the Palace of King Minos or enjoy a taste of Crete. Later you sail for the volcanic island of Santorini. Some of the villages are perched on the rim of the volcano and believed by many to be the site of the Lost Continent of Atlantis. View a breathtaking sunset before you sail later this evening. (B,L,D) Day 7 Mon Athens/USA (or extend your stay) Disembark in Athens this morning and say “kali antamosi” to Greece or extend your stay. (B) |
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From prices are subject to change due to possible currency fluctuations
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Shipping Information |
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| M/V Olympia | 
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Prepare yourself for days of bliss, sun, pristine Aegean waters on a ship where nothing is left undone to pamper your body and soul with facilities and activities that make you wish the cruise never ended. Your ‘home away from home', the stateroom is a marvel of comforts. All cabins are equipped with shower, WC, wash basin, air condition, telephone, TV, safety boxes and hairdryers. All SJ, SB & SG categories have fridge. When you step out of your cabin Bars, Lounges & Entertainment abound. On deck 10 you have the Mast Bar, on deck 9 the Lido Bar and the Sky Bar on deck 12. You may also try Blake's on deck 7 and if you wonder around deck 5 you have Can Can Lounge, Royale Casino, Clipper Bar, Oklahoma Lounge. Places to Eat will delight your senses at the Lido Café and the Pool Grill on deck 9 and on deck 4 the Seven Seas Restaurant. When you feel you are indulging too much we provide Services/Fitness with Gym and Sauna as well as a refreshing swim on deck 8. A Kid's Club is on deck 7 The Video Arcade and ladies Beauty Salon on 5. A number of important stops can be made on deck 4: Reception, Destination Services, Library, Duty Free & Travel Value Shop, and Internet Corner. Medical Centre is on deck 1. The technically minded will be fascinated by the Ship Specifications: Tonnage 37,584, Length 214.88 m, Breadth 28.4 m, Draught 7 m, Cruising Speed 19 knots, Passenger Decks 10, Elevators 7, Stabilizers YES, Electric Current 110v, Classification Society Det Norske Veritas Amenities When at sea, relax on one of our spacious sun decks, read your favorite book, play a game of cards in our library, take dancing lessons or enjoy a daily work out at the fitness center followed by a complete makeover in the beauty salon, full service health spa. A refreshing swim in the pool will prepare you for our Shore Excursion Program that offers a variety of interesting tour options ashore. Take in the sights and sounds of foreign lands. Clear blue skies, unspoiled scenery, fascinating archaeological sites, friendly vibrant people, delicious food, captivating music and dances will entertain your mind, body and soul. At sunset the lights come on and the atmosphere onboard changes completely! Enjoy the company of newfound friends, try your luck in the casino, enjoy the show and then hit the dance floor in the disco till early morning hours! Children's Activities. Onboard there are menus, activities and a variety of entertainment designed to suit every family member from kids to grandparents in our onboard Duty Free and Travel Value shops, you will find an extensive selection of international brands and designer products. Dining From early morning to late at night, there will hardly be a moment that you will not be tempted by something delicious and appetizing. Aromas from an outdoor fresh pasta station or a teatime buffet full of tasty sandwiches and pastries are bound to break your resolve. Our cuisine combines the exquisite variety of the Mediterranean with other popular flavors from around the world, creating a culinary harmony that suits every palate. All our food is produced onboard and we are sensitive to modern dietary concerns, using healthy preparation methods and fresh ingredients. So eat to your heart's content in our well designed restaurants with pleasing sea views! |
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Kusadasi, Turkey
Ephesus & the House of Virgin Mary (KUS - 01) Half day - Drive through the colourful town of Kusadasi to reach Mt. Koressos. Situated in a small valley, the humble chapel lies on the site of the little house where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days. Despite the many controversies, the Christian World still favours this belief and the site has been officially sanctioned by the Vatican for pilgrimage. Continue on to Ancient Ephesus accompanied by your guide walk through the Magnesian Gate which is the entrance to the ancient city of Ephesus. Your guided walking tour will take you through one of the most magnificent excavations in the world. See the Odeon (concert hall), the Fountain of Trajan, the steam-heated Baths of Scolastika, the Temple of Hadrian and the Latrians, the Library of Celsus and The Great Theatre, the largest one in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats where St. Paul preached. Walk back to the coach along the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession. While driving back to Kusadasi and just outside Ephesus, view the Basilica of St. John, which was erected over his grave in the 6th Century A.D. by Emperor Justinian. Before returning to the ship, get a cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibition of oriental carpets, jewellery or leather goods. REMARKS - Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties.
Kusadasi, Turkey
Ancient Ephesus (KUS - 02) Half day - Drive through the colourful town of Kusadasi and along the coast to reach Ephesus, famous in antiquity for its Temple of Diana - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - and later the home of St. John. During the years of the Roman Empire, the Greek port of Ephesus became the greatest city in Asia Minor. Upon arrival at Ephesus follow your guide to enter the ancient site through the Magnesian Gate. Discover innumerable monuments including the Forum, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the Thermal Baths of Scolastika and the Great Theatre built in the Greek Era and reconstructed in the Roman period, which is still noted for its remarkable acoustics. View the symbols all around and marvel at the fact that one is still able to read the inscriptions in the ancient Greek language. Walk back to your coach along the Arcadian Way, where once Mark Anthony and Cleopatra rode in procession. As you drive back to Kusadasi, on a hill above Selcuk, just outside Ephesus, view the Basilica of St. John, which was erected over his grave in the 6th Century A.D. by Emperor Justinian. Before returning to the ship, get a cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibitionof oriental carpets, jewellery or leather goods. REMARKS - Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties.
Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos Walking Tour (MYK - 01) Half day - Mykonos is world famous. It is the most cosmopolitan of the Greek Islands and attracts many visitors from all over the globe, including large numbers of artists and intellectuals. Your coach will take you to "Hora" the island's capital where you will enjoy a walking tour in the narrow cobbled streets of the town, passing by chic boutiques, elegant nightclubs and white-washed houses until reaching Alefkandra. Alefkandra is a charming corner of Hora, known also as the "Venice" of Mykonos. The houses are built on the sea, with wooden balconies that evoke Venice. These were built from the mid. 18th Century onward and were homes of wealthy merchants and captains. At Louis Theoxenia Hotel, you will enjoy the atmosphere while drinking your refreshment accompanied by Greek 'meze'. You will return then to Mykonos Town (Hora) from where you will take the ship's shuttle service back to the port to meet your ship. REMARKS - During the low season the refreshment will take place in a local tavern.
Patmos, Greece
St. John's Monastery & Grotto of the Apocalypse (PAT - 01) Half day - Depart from the port of Scala and enjoy a short drive to the village of Chora, where the Monastery of St. John is built within the walls of a strong fortification. As you walk uphill towards the entrance of the monastery marvel at this magnificent structure, which was built 900 years ago. View the courtyard, the monks' dining room and the old bakery before you visit the main church noted for its outstanding frescoes and interior decoration. Next, visit the small museum where priceless ecclesiastical treasures, books, manuscripts, mosaics, icons, splendid medieval textiles, vestments and jewellery are housed. Return to your motor coach and continue to the nearby Grotto of the Apocalypse. Walk down the steps to the Grotto of the Apocalypse. Here you will see the niches in the wall that mark the pillow and ledge used as a desk by the author of the Book of the Revelation and the crack in the rock made by the voice of God honouring the Holy Trinity. Afterwards, drive back to the port of Scala and enjoy some free time in this quaint and picturesque town. REMARKS - Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties.
Patmos, Greece
Scenic Island Tour (PAT - 02) Half day - An interesting scenic island tour has been designed for those passengers who prefer to discover the beauties of Patmos from the comfort of an air-conditioned motor coach. Start the tour from the port of Scala and drive to the central part of the island "Chora" which is the location of the Majestic Byzantine Monastery of St. John the Divine, built in 1088. Your sightseeing will first bring you to the Grotto of the Apocalypse, and then to the windmills of Chora, once upon a time the landmark of all Aegean Islands, from where you will enjoy a beautiful view and have the chance to take photos. Afterwards, continue around the island to see its landscape of outstanding natural beauty comprising of rocky hills, dozens of tongues of land reaching out into the sea, tranquil beaches and many picturesque inlets. Before arriving at the port, a stop of 10 minutes is made at the square at Kambos in the north part of island. The tour ends at the port of Scala to enjoy free time in the quaint and picturesque little town. A refreshment or a coffee will be offered at Arion Cafe, the oldest and most beautiful cafe of the town.
Piraeus, Greece
Athens City Tour and Acropolis (PIR - 01) - Half day This tour is an introduction to the splendour of the Golden Age of Athens and the modern 21st Century city. The port of Piraeus itself is one of the finest examples of city planning in antiquity. On arrival in Athens you visit the Acropolis on which stands the Parthenon, the symbol of classical architecture. The entrance to the top of the hill is through the Propylea, the 'gates' through which the Panathinea processions used to enter. Built totally of white marble covers an area of 50 m across the whole western face of the Acropolis. Next to them is the temple of Athena Niki also known as the 'Wingless Victory'. The Parthenon is the main temple, built in honour of Goddess Athena. Her statue decorated the centre of the temple and it was made of ivory and gold. Next to the Parthenon is the smaller Temple of Erechthion with lovely sculptured young maidens supporting the roof of the porch. From the top of the Acropolis you can admire the ancient theatre of Herodes Atticus with its remarkable acoustics. Performances are still held here each summer being the highlight of cultural events in the Eastern Mediterranean. Leaving the Acropolis the tour takes you by the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by the "evzones" dressed in their traditional costume, the Parliament and the Panathinaikon Stadium where the first Olympics of modern times were held in 1896.The entire stadium is built of pure white marble. Your drive continues by the Library - the Academy - the University, three buildings representing 19th Century architecture blended with the classical influence. The tour then passes by Omonia Square, the commercial centre of the city and Syntagma Square, which is the business, and cultural centre. There will be time during the tour for you to browse and do a little shopping at the stores located at the base of the Acropolis. REMARKS - Physically challenged passengers may join the tour but will have to remain at the base of the Acropolis as the visit to the Acropolis involves approximately 80 steep steps. Passengers may not be allowed to enter the site with big bags/rucksacks.
Piraeus, Greece
Athens & the Picturesque Plaka (PIR - 03) Half day - Leaving the port of Piraeus, one of the finest examples of city planning in antiquity, the coach takes the coastal road leading to the city that hosted the 2004 Olympic Games. On arriving in Athens, you start the city sightseeing driving past the Temple of Zeus, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by the "evzones" dressed in their traditional costume, the Parliament and the Panathinaikon Stadium where the first Olympics of modern times were held in 1896. The whole stadium is built of pure white marble. The drive continues by the Library - the Academy - the University, three buildings representing 19th Century architecture blended with the classical influence. The tour then passes by Omonia Square, the commercial centre of the city and Syntagma Square, which is the business and cultural centre. Your Athens' city sightseeing ends at a leading cafe at the foot of the Acropolis, from where you can view all the majestic monuments of the amazing Acropolis while enjoying your refreshment. The tour continues to the old part of the city called Plaka where you can explore its mainly pedestrian streets with picturesque houses, shops and numerous cafes. After the free time in Plaka you will board your coach for the return journey to Piraeus port. REMARKS - The Acropolis will only be viewed from a distance. The Plaka area will be explored on foot. A refreshment or a coffee will be offered at a cafe located at the base of the Acropolis.
Santorini, Greece
Excursion to Oia Village (SAN - 01) Half day - Driving along the road you will have the unique opportunity to admire the panoramic view of the Aegean Sea and the neighbouring islands. A unique sight is the various layers of lava that can be seen on the face of the rock, each layer being another phase of the activity of the volcano. 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 excursion will end in Fira where your guide will show you the way to the cable car and you will make your own way back to the ship.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini Sailing & Volcano (SAN - 02) Half day - Enjoy a cruise (on motorboat) around the active crater of Nea Kameni islet. Sail along the strange formations of its volcanic shores, where black lava rocks and white pumice are combined beautifully with the red colour of lava. Take a walk to the top of the volcanic island where sulphur is spewed into the air by one of the craters. Enjoy this surreal landscape as your guide narrates the creation and history of the volcano and the last eruption leading to the destruction of the island of Santorini. The tidal wave created by the eruption was of such an immense magnitude, it destroyed the thriving city of Knossos on the island of Crete. As your caique enters the narrows of the two lava islets, Palea and Nea Kameni, the colour of the water changes from dark blue to sulphur green. In the distance, admire the breathtaking sight of Fira town with its white washed houses clinging precariously on the rim of the Caldera. Take time to swim in the warm waters heated by Hot Springs on the sea floor. Your excursion will end in Fira where your guide will show you the way to the cable car and you will make your own way back to the ship. REMARKS - The tour will be available from April to September and is subject to weather conditions. Please note the water at the hot springs is reddish brown in colour and may stain light coloured swimsuits.
Santorini, Greece
The Essence of Santorini (SAN - 06) Full day - You will board you coach and head towards the view point of Prophetes Ilias, from here you will be able to take marvellous pictures of all the different aspects of this unique island. Afterward you will be taken to the magical town of Oia, protagonist of the post cards of this unforgettable location. Your panoramic drive will allow you to have breathtaking views of the lava rocks of the islets of Nea Kameni and the Caldera below you. You will have free time to enjoy the landscape of Oia and the colourful shops and cafes with terrace overlooking the Aegean Sea. Your journey will continue to one of the most exclusive wineries of Santorini, where you will have the possibility to taste different kinds of wines. Finally your tour will bring you to see the Church of Panagia Episkopi. Located in the village of Episkopi Gonia, it is a beautiful Byzantine Church, built in the late 11th Century, and considered the best example of traditional ecclesiastical architecture of the island. Your journey will end at the village of Kamari, placed on the coast of the island. Free time will be allocated, you will have the chance to stroll around the beach that extends to the feet of the Mesa Vouno mountain that rises up to a height of approx. 400m. Once an agricultural and fishing village, modern Kamari boasts a thriving tourist industry, offering a wide choice of restaurants, cafes and bars, plus several water sport activities. Your excursion will end in Fira where your guide will show you the way to the cable car and you will make your own way back to the ship.
Santorini, Greece
Sailing, Volcano & Oia Village (SAN - 07) Full day - Enjoy a cruise around the active crater of Nea Kameni islet. Sail along the strange formations of its volcanic shores, where black lava rocks and white pumice are combined beautifully with the red colour of lava. Take a walk to the top of the volcanic island where sulphur is spewed into the air by one of the craters. Enjoy this surreal landscape as your guide narrates the creation and history of the volcano and the last eruption leading to the destruction of the island of Santorini. The tidal wave created by the eruption was of such an immense magnitude, it destroyed the thriving city of Knossos on the island of Crete. As your caique enters the narrows of the two lava islets, Palea and Nea Kameni, the colour of the water changes from dark blue to sulphur green. In the distance, admire the breathtaking sight of Thira Town with its white washed houses clinging precariously on the rim of the Caldera. Take time to swim in the warm waters heated by Hot Springs on the sea floor. After enjoying your walk up to the volcano crater, you will depart the pier at Athinios port for the scenic drive by coach to the northern tip of the island, and visit Oia. This quaint little village was once the home of wealthy seafarers. Still evident are their old, two-story mansions painted in a spectrum of pleasing pastel colours. During a walking tour through Oia's narrow cobbled streets, you will come across many tiny shops offering a varied and unusual collection of handmade works of ceramic art, paintings and semi-precious jewelry. Coffee shops perched on the edge of the cliffs offer spectacular views of Fira and the volcano. Free time for lunch on your own. Following your visit to Oia, your tour will conclude near the Metropolis Church in Fira, the capital of Santorini, and perched on the volcano's caldera. Upon arrival there, you will have the option to descend to the port via cable car, or staying in town for sightseeing, shopping or browsing before returning to the ship independently. If you love sightseeing and shopping, then do not miss this opportunity to explore the charming villages and shops of Santorini. REMARKS - The tour will be available from April to September and is subject to weather conditions. Please note the water at the hot springs is reddish brown in colour and may stain light coloured swimsuits.
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