Compare Aegean Escape by Great Value Vacations
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| Trip |
4 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 2,783 |
| Price Per Day | $ 348 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small ship cruise |
| Lodging Level | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | |
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
| Description |
Your Aegean adventure awaits! Start and end your adventure in Athens, where ancient ruins, bustling squares, and picturesque alleyways await. Then, embark on a 4-night cruise, making stops in some of Greece's most breathtaking islands, including Crete, Rhodes, Patmos, and of course, Greece's most romantic island: Santorini. You'll also enjoy a tour of of Kusadasi, Turkey, home to the country's most famous ancient city: Ephesus. Along the way, indulge in locally-produced cheeses and olive oil, devour freshly-baked pita, and wash it all down with Retsina - Greek white wine stored in pine barrels instead of traditional oak! |
Day 1 Welcome to Athens!
Arrival at Athens International Airport and be transferred to your hotel. Wind down at your accommodation and then begin discovering the gems of the ancient city! For your first day you may want to get a taste of the past with a visit to Plaka, the oldest district of Athens. This historic highlight is located under the Acropolis and is the only district where visitors may see the Greek capital as it was 100 years ago!
Day 2 Athens
After breakfast, discover the secrets of ancient Athens on your sightseeing tour! Spend the rest of your day at leisure. In the evening, head back to Syntagma Square; the square comes alive with lights, energy, and a slew of locals and tourists enjoying the Greek way of life.
Day 3 Athens - Cruise (Port: Mykonos)
Today, the sea beckons! Embark on your 4-night cruise to the Greek Islands and Turkey. Discover the Hora, the capital of the island with its beautiful narrow cobbled streets, chic boutiques, elegant nightclubs and cafes. Grab a drink in "Little Venice," a charming corner of Mykonos town where you can enjoy the view provided by the iconic windmills. Cruise Ship departs from Mykonos to next port of call, Kusadasi and Patmos, at 11:00pm
Day 4 Cruise (Ports: Kusadasi & Patmos)
Today, you'll make two stops along your cruise - Kusadasi in Turkey and Patmos Island in Greece - each overflowing with incredible beauty and history. Arrive at the port of Kusadasi (arrive at approximately 7:30am) on the Turkish coast where you can visit the various stores of the Kusadasi port. While in Kusadasi, you will embark on your included “Ancient Ephesus through the Ages” tour. At 1:00pm, set sail to your next destination: the Island of Patmos, where Saint John the Divine wrote the Book of Revelations. Arrive in Patmos at approximately 5:45pm, and enjoy your free time in the picturesque town of Scala port. You can also explore the Monastery of Saint John and the Grotto of the Apocalypse if you wish. Cruise ship departs from Patmos, to your next port of call, Rhodes, at 9:30pm.
Day 5 Cruise (Port: Rhodes)
Arrive early in the morning (approximately 7:00am) at the Island of Knights - Rhodes. Snake through the winding alleys of the Medieval town, strolling the Street of the Knights with its fascinating buildings, towers, turrets, and famous facades. You may want to pop into the Gothic Grand Master's Palace - don't forget to stop by the picturesque courtyard! While in Rhodes, you’ll embark on a medieval tour through Lindos. Your cruise departs from Rhodes to Crete, at 6:00pm.
Day 6 Cruise (Ports: Crete & Santorini)
Today’s first port of call is the Island of Crete and its capital Heraklion (arrive at approximately 7:00am); where you will have free time to discover the “old town” areas, established from medieval times. You don't want to miss visiting the Minoan Palace of Knossos; legend has it that it was here that King Minos built the famous labyrinth to imprison the Minotaur. Your cruise departs at 12:00pm to the volcanic island of the Cyclades, Santorini, your last port of call. Be greeted by the island's spectacular caldera, created by the eruption of the island's volcano in ancient times.
Day 7 Santorini - Athens
The ship arrives in the port of Piraeus (Athens) at approximately 7:00am. After breakfast, you will depart the ship and be transferred back to Athens city center for one last free day in the city. Shop for last-minute souvenirs at the famous shopping streets of Ermou, Kolonaki, or Voukourestiou. Make your up to Mount Lycabettus for a stunning view over the Aegean - the perfect way to spend your last evening in Greece.
Day 8 Depart Greece
In accordance with your departure time, enjoy one final transfer to Athens airport for your return flight home.
