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Classical Odyssey from $1625


15 Days (2 nts. Athens, 1 nts. Olympia, 1 nt. Delphi, 1 nt. Kalambaka, 1 nt. Athens & 8 Day Cruise)

A truly delightful blend of an Athens 2-night stay combined with a tour to the most significant Classical sites around Greece, that culminates with an unforgettable 8-day cruise to the Greek Islands and Turkey. In Athens you will admire the Parthenon, atop the Acropolis and your classical tour of Greece will stop at Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games, then Delphi, site of the "oracle" often consulted for guidance by the powerful of the ancient world, Another high point are the Meteora Monasteries, clinging to high rock formations as if  "suspended in the air" or "in the heavens above". Your cruise will  include all the "must" see ports-of-call starting with magnificent Istanbul, the city that literally bridges the continents of Europe and Asia, then Izmir, still in Turkey, to visit Ephesus where the Temple Artemis was once one of the Wonders of the Ancient World. From here you set sail for the islands... Patmos, viiisiting mementoes relating to the divinely inspired life of St. John, then the isle of Mykonos, continuing to Rhodes to view monuments and landmark of its rich history, Crete, replete with major remains of the Minoan civilization and the last port of call Santorini, an island endowed with spectacular landscapes and resonances of the lost continent of Atlantis. Everywhere optional shore excursions will reveal magnificent natural settings, historic sites and welcoming inhabitants.

Special Inclusions:  

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Tour Features
Optional contracted transatlantic air transportation available from all US gateways 3-night accommodations at a selected hotel in Athens
4-day/3-night escorted tour to Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi and Meteora in First Class hotels 8-day/7-night cruise to the Greek Islands & 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
9 included meals consisting of: - 6 buffet breakfasts - 3 dinners at hotels - PLUS breakfast, lunch and dinner daily during cruise Touring by air-conditioned motorcoach (Days 4-7)
Professional tour director during Classical Tour (Days 4-7) Sightseeing as indicated including local guides and all entrance fees
Half day city tour of Athens, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Assistance at the hotel in Athens by local representative
All transfers per itinerary, except airport transfers at arrival and departure city Travel bag, one per person
Document holder and luggage tags Hotel taxes and service charges

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Itinerary


Day 1 Fri Depart USA
Evening depareture to Athens. Meals and refreshments served on board.

Day 2 Sat Arrive Athens
Arrive at Athens Airport where you'll be met by a Central Holidays representative and escorted to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure.

Day 3 Sun 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 Mon Mycenae/Epidaurus/Olympia or Patras
This morning depart for Olympia. Travel by the coastal highway to the Corinth Canal. Cross to the Peloponnese and continue to Mycenae to see the Lion's Gate and the Tomb of Agamemnon. Proceed to Epidaurus and its famous Theatre. Drive to Olympia or Patras and your hotel for included dinner and overnight. (B,D)

Day 5 Tue Olympia or Patras/Delphi
Morning visit of Olympia, site of the first Olympic Games. Visit the Sanctuary of the Olympian Zeus and the Museum. Drive through the plains of Elia and Achaia to Itea and arrive in Delphi for overnight. Dinner at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 6 Wed Delphi/Kalambaka
Morning visit to the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios and the Museum with its famed bronze sculpture, the "Charioteer of Delphi". Afternoon departure for Kalambaka passing through the picturesque towns of central Greece. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Kalambaka. (B,D)

Day 7 Thu Kalambaka/Meteora/Athens
Morning visit of Meteora. Amid striking scenery, perched atop soaring stone formations, seemingly suspended in mid-air, are ageless monasteries. As you ponder how these centuries old structures were built, pause to view the priceless exquisite specimens of Byzantine art that they protect. Return to Athens via Trikala, Lamia and Thermopylae (see Leonidas' monument) and the spa of Kammena Vourla. Overnight in Athens. (B)

Day 8 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,L,D)

Day 9 Sat At Sea/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, was the seat of the Byzantine Empire for nearly 1000 years. Your cruise ship will overnight in Istanbul. Optional "Istanbul by Night" tour or relax on board. (B,L,D)

Day 10 Sun Istanbul
Today explore this fascinating city. Take an optional city tour to visit the magnificent Basilica of St. Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the 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 11 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 12 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 13 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 14 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 excursion 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 15 Fri Cruise/Piraeus/USA
Early morning arrival into the port of Piraeus. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the 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. 23, 2012 Land & Cruise from
$1,625 $1,655 $1,752
 
Mar. 30, 2012 Land & Cruise from
$1,651 $1,675 $1,773
 
Apr 6, 13, 20, 2012 Land & Cruise from
$1,664 $1,685 $1,783
 
Apr. 27, 2012 Land & Cruise from
$1,664 $1,695 $1,793
 
May 4, 11, 18, 25, 2012 Land & Cruise from
$1,999 $2,050 $2,148
 
Jun 1, 8, 15, 22, 2012 Land & Cruise from
$1,999 $2,050 $2,148
 
Jun. 29, 2012 Land & Cruise from
$1,972 $2,030 $2,117
 
Jul 6, 13, 10, 27, 2012 Land & Cruise from
$1,959 $2,020 $2,117
 
Aug 3, 10, 17, 24, 2012 Land & Cruise from
$1,959 $2,020 $2,148
 

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 Surchrage $ 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).