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Aegean Isles & Turkey from $809


11 Days (2 nts. Athens & 8 Day Cruise)

An 11-day, 9 nights land and cruise package. You will start off with two nights in Athens and beginning with a half-day city tour that includes the House of Parliament, Constitution Square, the Acropolis, the Parthenon and the renowned Acropolis Museum. Not included, but worth doing on your own, is an evening in the fun-loving district of Plaka. The trip continues with a transfer to Piraeus to board m/v Louis Cristal and set sail for Istanbul, your first port-of-call. Optional shore excursions will reveal its Byzantine and Ottoman past, two civilizations that for centuries molded  the culture of a large stretch of diverse lands. Admire the stunning Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and also the Grand Bazar. Your cruise ship will then start for a series of stops around the Aegean and Cretan Seas. You will first arrive in Izmir, still on Turkish soil and gateway to legendary Ephesus. Then out to the beautiful island of Patmos, where St. John received inspiration for his Book of Revelations, followed by the islands of Mykonos, Rhodes (view impressive medieval structures), Crete (optional visit to Minoan Knossos Palace) and Santorini, endowed with spectacular landscapes and typical Cycladic architecture. Everywhere outstanding natural settings and history spanning centuries of diverse cultures all the way to the lost continent of Atlantis, believed to have existed where Santorini is today.

Special Inclusions:  

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Tour Features
Optional contracted transatlantic air transportation available from all US gateways 2-night accommodations at selected hotel in Athens
8-day/7-night cruise to the Greek Islands and Turkey, inside cabin with 2 lower beds and private facilities (Category IB) Onboard the M/V CRISTAL including: - Captain's Welcome Cocktail Reception & Farewell Dinner - Full entertainment program & midnight snack buffet daily Buffet breakfast daily in Athens - PLUS breakfast, lunch and dinner daily during cruise
All transfers per itinerary, except airport transfers at arrival and departure city Half day city tour of Athens, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum
Assistance at the hotel in Athens by local representative Travel bag, one per person
Document holder and luggage tags Hotel taxes and service charges

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Itinerary


Day 1 Tue Depart USA
Overnight flight to Athens. Meals and refreshments served on board.

Day 2 Wed Athens
Arrive at Athens Airport where you will be met by our Central Holidays representative and escorted to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure.

Day 3 Thu Athens
Half day morning city tour includes highlights of Athens and the Acropolis plus the new Acropolis Museum. Afternoon and balance of day at leisure. (B)

Day 4 Fri Athens/Cruise
Morning at leisure. This afternoon you will be transferred to the port of Piraeus for embarkation on your cruise ship. Enjoy the many shipboard activities or just relax and enjoy the scenery while sailing to your first port of call. (B,D)

Day 5 Sat Cruise/Istanbul
Sail across the Aegean to the Sea of Marmara. As we get closer to Istanbul, a majestic view awaits. First colonized almost 4,000 years ago, Byzantium and later Constantinople, were the seats of the Byzantine Empire for nearly 1000 years. Your cruise ship will over night in Istanbul. Optional "Istanbul by Night" tour or relax on board. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Sun Istanbul
Today explore this fascinating city. Take an optional city tour to visit the magnificent Basilica of St. Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace or discover the secret treasures of Istanbul or even take a cruise on the scenic Bosphorus. Late afternoon departure for Izmir. (B,L,D)

Day 7 Mon Izmir
Morning at sea. Early afternoon arrival at Izmir, on Turkey mainland. An optional excursion is offered to visit Ephesus one of the "Seven Wonders of the Ancient World". Other optional shore excursions include the house of the Virgin Mary, or a tour the city of Izmir itself and Pergamum, a major center of the Hellenistic civilization. Resume sailing in the early evening. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Tue Patmos/Mykonos
Morning arrival in Patmos, site of the Monastery of St. John the Divine. An optional excursion to visit the Monastery is available as well as a tour of this scenic island. Afternoon arrival in Mykonos, famous for its jet-set atmosphere, white-washed buildings, sidewalk cafes and chic shops. Optionally you may visit picturesque Hora, the island capital, or take a cruise to Delos, once a Sacred Island and legendary birthplace of the Sun God Apollo. Late evening sailing for Rhodes. (B,L,D)

Day 9 Wed Rhodes
Spend the day on Rhodes, the Island of Roses, famed for its Medieval Old Town, great shopping and the ancient site of the Colossus of Rhodes. Here optional visits to the Temple of Athena on the majestic Acropolis of Lindos or the Old Town and Philerimos are available. From July to September you may also visit the Valley of Butterflies and Kamiros. (B,L,D)

Day 10 Thu Crete/Santorini
Morning arrival at Heraklion, Crete. Optional visit to the Palace of Knossos, legendary home of the Minotaur. Also available is another optional excursions to explore the mythical countryside. Shortly before noon sail to Santorini, known as the "most beautiful island". The village is perched on the rim of an ancient volcano and believed by many to be the site of the Lost Continent of Atlantis. This evening sail to Piraeus. (B,L,D)

Day 11 Fri Cruise/Piraeus/USA (or extend your stay)
Early morning arrival into the port of Piraeus. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Athens Airport for your flight to the USA, arriving the same day. (B)

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Rates


US Departures for 2012

Rates (except cruise portion) indicated on the website are subject to currency fluctuations.  For an accurate rate, please call our Reservations Department at 1-800-935-5000.

Once we have received the deposit on your booking, the land price is guaranteed from any future fluctuations in the rate of exchange


Hotel Category
Dates: City: Type:
★★
★★★
★★★★
★★★★★
Rates for 2012 * * from
 
Mar. 27, 2012 Land & Cruise from
$809 $830 $895
 
Apr 3, 10, 17, 24, 2012 Land & Cruise from
$836 $850 $915
 
May. 1, 2012 Land & Cruise from
$836 $870 $935
 
May 8, 15, 22, 29, 2012 Land & Cruise from
$1,170 $1,205 $1,270
 
Jun 5, 12, 19, 26, 2012 Land & Cruise from
$1,170 $1,205 $1,270
 
Jul 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 2012 Land & Cruise from
$1,144 $1,185 $1,250
 
Aug 7, 14, 21, 28, 2012 Land & Cruise from
$1,144 $1,185 $1,250
 
Sep 4, 11, 18, 25, 2012 Land & Cruise from
$1,170 $1,205 $1,270
 
Oct 2, 9, 16, 2012 Land & Cruise from
$1,170 $1,205 $1,270
 

Show rates for further dates? Yes No

 
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Associated Hotels


 
Hotel Class
City
★★
★★★
★★★★
★★★★★
Athens  
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Special Airfares are available for this selected packages.

Cabin Upgrade: Supplements (in double) Per Person
Outside 2 Lower Beds Cat XA $ 77.00 to $ 105.00 p.p
Superior Cabin Cat XB $ 105.00 to $ 134.00 p.p
Deluxe Cabin Cat XC $ 345.00 to $ 393.00 p.p

FREE CRUISE for children under 16 years of age if sharing cabin with two adults.

Plus per person Fuel Surcharge $ 36.00 and Port Taxes $ 262.00.

Price is per person based on double occupancy and may vary according to hotel selection.  Rates for Single/Triple/Children and additional nights in Athens are available. A SELECTION OF OTHER HOTELS IS AVAILABLE.

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Ship Information


M/V Cristal

On board our classic cruise ships you will be pampered by our crew. All staterooms are equipped with shower, WC, wash basin, air conditioning with individual thermostat control, safety boxes, telephone with direct dial , radio and TV. Facilities. 3 Lounges & Disco, 1 Restaurant, 2 Dining Rooms, Bar, Terrace Bar, Pool Bar, Casino, 2 Conference Rooms which can be connected, Internet Corner, Duty Free & Travel Value Shops, Photo Gallery, Shorex Office, Reception-Cruise Office, Beauty Salon, Wellness Center, Swimming Pool, Whirlpool Bath, Telephone, Fax, Satellite Telephone, Doctor on Board. Technical Data: Gross Tonnage: 25.611 - Length: 531.5 feet - Breadth: 83.99 feet Draught: 20.01 feet - Cruising Speed: 18 knots - Passenger Decks: 9 - Elevators: 4 Stabilizers: Yes - Electric Current: 110-220V AC - Classificaton Society: DNV

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 make over in the beauty salon or our 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 Activites. Onboard there are menus, activities and a variety of entertainment designed to suit every family member from kids to grandparents In our nboard 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 flavours 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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Optional Excursions


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Sightseeing Tours


Athens by night Call for Price This Tour is Available from:Athens
Athens by night with dinner
Departure time: Between 7:25pm and 8:10pm
Schedule: From April to October: Daily. From November to March: on Thursdays and Saturdays only.
Duration: 4 hours
Highlights: Scenic drive followed by dinner in the Plaka district, including a show at a typical Greek taverna.

Full day Argolis Call for Price This Tour is Available from:Athens
Full day Argolis with lunch
Departure time: Between 7:35am and 8:10am
Schedule: From April to October: on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays only. From November to March: on Tuesdays and Saturdays only.
Duration: 8 hours

Highlights: Lion's Gate, the tomb of Agamemnon, the Palace, Epidaurus and its theater.

Full-day cruise Hydra-Poros-Aegina Call for Price This Tour is Available from:Athens
Full day cruise Hydra-Poros-Aegina with lunch
Departure time: Between 7:20am and 7:40am
Schedule: Daily
Duration: 8 hours

Highlights: Tome at leisure on the Island of Hydra. Visit of Poros on the Island of Aegina.

Full-day Delphi Call for Price This Tour is Available from:Athens
Full day Delphi with lunch
Departure time: Between 7:35am and 8:10am
Schedule: From April to October: Daily. From November to March: on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays only.
Duration: 8 hours

Highlights: Drive through Levadia and Arachova to Delphi, the ancient sanctuary of Apollo. Visit the museum and Temple of Apollo.

Half-day ancient Corinth Call for Price This Tour is Available from:Athens
Half day ancient Corinth
Departure time: Between 7:35am and 7:40am
Schedule: From April to October only: on Mondays and Fridays only.
Duration: 4 hours

Highlights:See the Ancient town of Corinth where St. Paul lived and preached for two years. The remains of the city include the Agora, the Apollo s Temple and the ancient port where St. Paul disembarked.

Half-day Cape Sounion Call for Price This Tour is Available from:Athens
Half day Cape Sounion
Departure time: Between 2:10pm and 2:45pm
Schedule: From April to October: Daily. From November to March: on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays only.
Duration: 4 hours

Highlights: Scenic drive along the coastal road followed by a visit of Cape Sounion, dominated by the Temple of Poseidon

Half-day tour of Athens Call for Price This Tour is Available from:Athens
Half day Tour of Athens
Departure time: Between 7:35am and 8:10am
Schedule: Daily
Duration: 4 hours

Highlights: Roman Temple of Olympian Seuz, the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechteion, Acropolis Museum (museum will reopen sometime in 2009 - no offical date is available).