Compare Classical Greece with Iconic Aegean 4-Night Cruise by Globus vs Best of Greece and Turkey with 3-day Cruise by Eskapas
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 13 days | 15 days |
| Price From | $ 4,000 | $ 2,950 |
| Price Per Day | $ 308 | $ 197 |
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- Full-service escorted tour |
| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | No | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | Relaxing days and fascinating knights. That is the appeal of the ancient island of Rhodes, famous for its brilliant azure waters, its Acropolis-topped village of Lindos, and its fortress-lined Old Town built by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades. This exhilarating land and cruise tour of Greece, starting with our 8-day Classical Greece vacation, includes Rhodes in the island-hopping fun that sets sail from Athens and follows a captivating course to modern Mykonos, unspoiled Patmos, medieval Rhodes, Minoan Crete, and serene Santorini (weather permitting)—with a special stop on the Turkish coast to see the amazingly preserved Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus. See the iconic sights of mainland Greece—including Athens’ monumental Parthenon and the legendary town of Olympia—before you cruise into the blues on this tour of glorious Greece. |
Best of Greece and Turkey with 3-day cruise is a combination of our favorite places in Turkey and Greece in 15 days with a 3-day Ocean cruise to visit Mykonos, Patmos, Crete and Santorini. This 15-day trip starts in Athens and discovers Greek Capitals with its Acropolis and museums. Then we will take you a 3-day cruise to Mykonos-Patmos-Crete and Santorini with all inclusive on board (Meals and classical drinks) . After this dearmy trip to Agean islands we will fly to Ankara , the capital city of modern Turkey then drive to Cappadocia via Salt Lake to discover land of fairy chimneys with Göreme Valleys. We will continue to Pamukkale with its white cascades and thermal waters close Hierapolis. Heading west to Kuşadası to visit Ephesus and Temple of Artemis then North to visit Pergamon and Troy. We will also stop at Gallipoli that shaped the world at the beginning of 20th century. This great tour will be concluded to Istanbul to discover the highlights: Topkapı Palace, Bosphorus Strait, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar. We think you will be enchanted with the varied sights, tastes and culture of the region and you will appreciate the nicely paced journey that allows you to discover and enjoy both the best of Turkey and Greece. |
Day 1: ARRIVE IN
ATHENS, GREECE Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
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Day 2: ATHENS
Marvels & Myths ATHENS Guided sightseeing includes a visit to the Acropolis and a stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Free time this afternoon and evening. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOTS Explore the heart of Ancient Greece, in the historic empire where 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, never fail to amaze! See the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the venues of the first modern Olympic Games.
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Day 3: ATHENS–CORINTH–MYCENAE–EPIDAURUS–NAUPLIA
Greek History & Heroes CORINTH Cross the canal and visit ancient Corinth.MYCENAE Free time for lunch. Guided visit of the excavations and museum.EPIDAURUS Guided visit to the 2,300-year-old open-air auditorium before continuing to Nauplia. (Breakfast,Dinner) 132 mi / 212 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEM The outdoor auditorium of Epidaurus combines perfect mathematic proportion with excellent acoustics. This fascinating archaeological treasure was used for the healing of patients from all over Greece and was dedicated to Asklepios, the god of healing.
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Day 4: NAUPLIA–OLYMPIA
Ruins & Recipes Take a scenic drive through the Arkadian Mountains.OLYMPIA Join a guided visit to the archaeological site and the museum. [LF] Attend a cooking demonstration this evening to learn how to make traditional Greek tzatziki. (Breakfast,Dinner) 112 mi / 181 km
LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Dip into the delicious tradition of Greek tzatziki – a mix of yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and herbs such as dill, mint, parsley, and thyme. Learn how to make this quintessential recipe loved the world over.
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Day 5: OLYMPIA–PATRAS–DELPHI
Digs & Dances Drive by the busy seaport of Patras.DELPHI Join a guided visit to the excavations and Archaeological Museum. This evening, [LF] learn how to dance the sirtaki while sipping a glass of ouzo. (Breakfast,Dinner)149 mi / 239 km
LOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITION Dance in the steps of Zorba the Greek to learn the sirtaki. This passionate and dramatic dance goes very well with a glass of ouzo, the anice-infused drink the locals are so fond of.
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Day 6: DELPHI–METEORA AREA
Monasteries in Magical Greece Drive past Lamia and Trikala en route to Kalambaka.METEORA Guided visit of the Varlaam and St. Stephen’s Monasteries. (Breakfast,Dinner) 155 mi / 249 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT SACRED SITES Perched atop soaring huge cliffs are the monasteries of Meteora, of which six are still active. Visit the beautiful monasteries of Varlaam and St. Stephen’s to marvel at this serenely mystical landscape with breathtaking views from above. Long revered for the perfect monastic retreat from the world outside, Meteora’s spectacular array of massive sandstone cliffs create a surreal setting unlike any other.
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Day 7: METEORA AREA–THERMOPYLAE–ATHENS
Grecian Battles & Beauty THERMOPYLAE Stop at the battle site.ATHENS Free time late afternoon and evening. (Breakfast) 236 mi / 380 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDARY LIVES The story of the Battle of Thermopylae is hard to beat for drama. You may recognize this tale of the heroic, yet doomed Spartans of 480 BC fighting against the Persian army, which is dramatized in the film “300.” Their brave battle endures as a valiant symbol of bravery and sacrifice for a patriotic cause.
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Day 8: ATHENS (EMBARKATION)–MYKONOS
Beyond the Shore ATHENS Embark on your Greek Islands cruise. MYKONOS Free time to explore this evening. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE Your dreams of the Greek Islands come true with free time in Mykonos. This Aegean paradise of pristine waters and beaches, mixed with a lively nightlife scene is only made brighter by the iconic 16th-century windmills that dot the hillside above.
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Day 9: CRUISING: KUSADASI, TURKEY–PATMOS, GREECE
Turkish Treasures KUSADASI Visit the excavations of Ephesus.PATMOS Afternoon call. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Pull into port in Turkey to explore the fascinating Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus - one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world – with the historic ruins of the Library of Celsus, the Basilica of St. John, and the Temple of Artemis.
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Day 10: CRUISING: RHODES
Blue Heaven RHODES Enjoy a full day in port. Join a guided sightseeing of the Acropolis of Lindos. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SIGHTS Rhodes is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, in addition to its gorgeous beaches, you’ll see the fascinating archaeological ruins of the legendary Lindos Acropolis – standing over 100 meters above the sea.
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Day 11: CRUISING: HERAKLION, CRETE–SANTORINI
Sun, Sea & Sand HERAKLION Enjoy free time to explore. SANTORINI Afternoon call (weather permitting). (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS The largest island in Greece, Crete captures all the wonder you have imagined a Greek island to be – a brilliant landscape of ancient ruins, lively sidewalks, and stunning beaches.
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Day 12: ATHENS (DISEMBARKATION)
Amazing Athens ATHENS Disembark From your ship for a free day in Athens. (Breakfast)
ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE There are countless ways to enjoy free time in the birthplace of democracy, arts, science, and the philosophy of western civilization! Explore the urban landscapes and lively restaurants in this historic capital and enjoy the sunny slopes of this iconic city. Stroll in the shadow of the Acropolis in the village atmosphere of Plaka. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets to browse jewelry stores and ceramics shops, then linger in a sidewalk café or taverna to celebrate your Greek adventure.
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Day 13: ATHENS
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
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Day 1 Athens Arrival
Arrival at the airport and meet & greet with our English-speaking assistant to help you to transfer to city center Hotel CENTRAL 3*** or similar. Rest of the day is free at leisure
- Overnight: Athens Meals: Not Available
Day 2Athens
After breakfast we will meet you at your hotel or close by, in order to start the morning Half Day Athens Sightseeing Tour. This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Our expert guides will take you to see the Panathenaic Stadium, home to the first Olympic Games of the modern era, where we will make a short stop. As we continue our trip, we will pass by the Prime Minister’s residence (ex Royal Palace), guarded by the Evzones in their colorful uniform, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, the Parliament and memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy of Athens, the University, the National Library and the Constitution Square (Syntagma). One cannot take a tour of Athens without visiting the Acropolis, one of the world’s most prominent sites and a symbol for democracy in the Western world!
It is there that you will explore architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Pericles. From the Propylaea, to the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and of course the Parthenon, a place where ‘there is harmony between material and spirit’, and the monument that ‘restores order in the mind’, as ancient Greeks used to say. Your last stop will be the modern Acropolis Museum, with nearly 4,000 exhibits of Hellenism housed inside.
- Departure approximately at 08:45 – Return approximately at 13:30
- Afternoon is free at leisure in Athens. Overnight: Athens Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Athens – Mykonos
After breakfast freetime until your transfer to Lavrion Port. We leave at 01:00 pm the historic and classical capital of Greece and set sail for our first destination, the beautiful island of Mykonos, also known as the Island of the Winds. Take an evening stroll through the atmospheric Old Town with its immaculate whitewashed houses, winding alleys, lovely little churches and delightful restaurants at the water’s edge. You will undoubtedly recognise the picture postcard white windmills sitting side by side, overlooking the sea.
- Overnight: Celestyal Oceanic Cruise Meals: Full board on board
Day 4 Mykonos – Kuşadası – Patmos
We arrive in the colorful Turkish beach town of Kusadasi in the morning. This is the coastal gateway to the Hellenistic ruins of Ephesus, famed for one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. A complimentary excursion is included to this iconic site, one of the undoubted highlights of our journey. Patmos, one of northernmost islands in the Dodecanese and one of all the smallest has a charm all its own. It is famous for being the supposed location of the vision to John the Baptist in the Book of Revelations and where it was written. Most scholars say this was probably someone else, but why spoil such a good story?
- Overnight: Celestyal Oceanic Cruise Meals: Full board on board
Day 5Crete - Santorini
Welcome to Crete, Greece’s largest island, a place of mystery, myths and legends. There’s the chance to take in the bustling city of Heraklion and some of Crete’s extraordinary archaeology and history. You can also learn more of the art and creativity of the Minoans. We have included a complimentary visit to the Palace of Knossos, once the home of Europe’s oldest civilisation and the setting for the legend of Greek hero Theseus and the Minotaur. Our odyssey continues as we spend an evening in Santorini, whose stunning face is instantly recognisable across the world. We’re sure she will take your breath away, with her soaring landscapes, clusters of whitewashed houses in the capital Fira, and of course the iconic blue-domed church at Oia. Don’t forget to try one of the many restaurants jostling for position at the edge of the caldera.
- Overnight: Celestyal Oceanic Cruise Meals: Full board on board
Day 6 Athens – Ankara
Breakfast and we return to the Greek capital after a whirlwind few days of adventure and discovery. Transfer to Athens International Airport for a flight to Turkey’s capital city Ankara. Upon arrival meet and greet and transfer to your city Holiday Inn Çukurambar or similar 5*****.
- Overnight: Ankara Meals: Breakfast – Dinner
Day 7Ankara - Cappadocia
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Anatolian Civilizations Museum where you will see the Neolithic & Paleolithic ruins from Urartu, Hatti, Hittite, Phrygia civilizations, then proceed to Mausoleum of Ataturk, the founder of Turkish Republic. In the afternoon drive to Cappadocia. En-route visit the Underground city that is one of the biggest underground cities in the region, constructed by the first Christians to protect themselves from the attacks …We continue to proceed to the Dervish House to attend Whirling Dervishes Ceremony which represents the mystical journey of spiritual ascent of man using love, the search for the truth and get to the “Perfection”.
Possibility to upgrade your hotel to a Cave Hotel
- Overnight at Hotel Dinler 4**** or similar. Overnight: Cappadocia Meals: Breakfast – Dinner
Day 8 Cappadocia
Breakfast. Full day visit at Cappadocia . Visit Göreme Open Air Museum – a UNESCO Heritage site, a fantastic region with its cave churches located on the valley. Then proceed to Uchisar Village and then the spectacular fairy chimneys. Visit Derbent Valley with and explore the natural rock formations and get a chance to attend the workshops of carpets and onyx-stones.
Optional : Fly Over Cappadocia with Hot Air Balloons
In the early morning departure from your hotel. a chance to live this unique experience, an overlooking to Cappadocia from the sky, see the beauty of the region the rock formations, fairy chimneys, natural formations, lunar landscapes.
- Overnight: Cappadocia Meals: Breakfast – Dinner
Day 9 Cappadocia Pamukkale
After the breakfast at the hotel, drive to Pamukkale. En route visit Sultanhan Caravansarai that was built during Seljuk Empire and used long years as a stopover for the travelers and merchants. Continue to Pamukkale. Visit Cotton Steps – a UNESCO heritage site that has been believed to have healing thermal water.
- Dinner and overnight at the Thermal Hotel Ademipira or similar 5*****.
Day 10 Pamukkale - Ephesus - Izmir
Breakfast. Drive to Selcuk – Ephesus. Visit the Ephesus Ruins – the city that was dedicated to Artemis I the Odeon, Temple of Hadrian, the House of Love, the Library of Celsus, the Agora .Then proceed for Virgin Mary House – has been believed it is the final resting place of the mother of Jesus . Then stop at Leather Production Store. Proceed for Izmir . Overnight at Hotel Blanca or similar 4****
- Overnight: İzmir Meals: Breakfast – Dinner
Day 11İzmir – Pergamon – Troy – Canakkale
Breakfast. Drive to Pergamon (Bergama) region and visit the ruins of Asclepion which is the first hospital of Asia Minor in human history. Then continue to Troy , visit the famous city that evokes the poetic name of Homer’s Iliad. Continue to Canakkale. Hotel Akol 4**** or similar.
Day 12 Çanakkale - Gallipoli - Istanbul
Breakfast. We will cross Dardanelles Strait by car ferry and continue to Gallipoli Peninsula. We will visit one of the most emotionally touching places in Turkey, the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli, including Brighton Beach, Beach Cemetery, ANZAC Cove, Ariburnu Cemetery, ANZAC Commemorative Site, Respect to Mehmetcik Statue, Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Johnston’s Jolly, Turkish and Allied trenches and tunnels, 57. Regiment Turkish Memorial,The Nek,Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial.
- Overnight:İstanbul Meals: Breakfast
Day 13Istanbul
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit of Topkapi Palace (harem section entrance fee is not included) the house of the ottoman sultans. Lunch at local restaurant. After lunch visit Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), Hippodrome and the famous Hagia Sophia . Free time at Grand Bazaar.
- Overnight: Istanbul Meals: Breakfast – Lunch
Day 14 Istanbul
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive from your hotel to Spice Market for shopping. Free time. Then meet and proceed to take 1,5 hrs Bosphorus Cruise excursion along the Bosphorus, that is dividing the 2 continents Asia & Europe. During the excursion you will enjoy the beauty of Istanbul, with its forest, Palaces and wooden old houses built on both continents.
Free day at leisure afternoon
- Overnight: Istanbul Meals: Breakfast
Day 15 Istanbul Departure
After breakfast free-time at leisure until your departure time. Transfer to the airport and end of our services.
- Overnight: Not Available Meals: Breakfast
