Compare Treasures of the Aegean 2022 by Tauck vs Best of Greece and Turkey with 3-day Cruise by Eskapas

Day 1 Arrive in Athens

Tour begins: 6:00 p.m., Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens, Greece. A transfer is included from Athens International Airport to Hotel Grande Bretagne. Meet fellow travelers at tonight's welcome cocktail reception and dinner.

MEALS : D

LODGING : Hotel Grande Bretagne

PORTOFCALL : Athens, Greece

Day 2 Athens' Acropolis & the Acropolis Museum

In the quiet early morning, before the crowds, visit the Acropolis of Athens – the rock above the city on which four of the greatest masterpieces of classical Greek art and architecture sit – the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheum, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Today's sightseeing also includes a guided tour of the new Acropolis Museum, a towering modern work of concrete and glass with a direct view of the Parthenon. Spend the rest of the day as you wish in Athens, perhaps on the Grand Promenade, a pedestrian paradise built for the 2004 Olympics. Not far from your hotel, the walkway is lined on one side with classical antiquities and on the other with modern cafés, mansions, and art galleries. 

MEALS : B

LODGING : Hotel Grande Bretagne

PORTOFCALL : Athens, Greece

Day 3 Archaeological Museum & embark Wind Star

Begin your day with a guided tour through the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, considered one of the top ten museums in the world, before embarking your yacht, Wind Star, in Piraeus. Enjoy a cocktail hour, an evening briefing and dinner onboard at your leisure as the ship sails for Mykonos.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Wind Star

PORTOFCALL : Athens, Greece

Day 4 The islands of Mykonos & Delos

Wind Star arrives at the island of Mykonos, where you can take your pick of activities: a guided tour of this lively island, including a visit to the 16th-century church in the village of Ano Mera; or a boat ride to the archaeological site of Delos, where you'll find remnants of its reign as the holiest of all Greek sanctuaries. Ancient laws forbade anyone to be born or die on this island; even today, no one is allowed to stay the night! Return to Wind Star for lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure on Mykonos, exploring the labyrinthine town on your own. Dine onboard tonight as the ship continues on to the port of Kusadasi in Turkey.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Wind Star

PORTOFCALL : Mykonos, Greece

Day 5 To Kusadasi & Ephesus

Arrive this morning in the port of Kusadasi, Turkey for a guided excursion to Ephesus, one of the world's best-preserved classical cities revealing important vestiges of an ancient Roman civilization; in its heyday, marble lined the streets, fountains flowed, and an eternal flame burned upon a sacred altar. Take a walking tour of the ancient city, seeing the Odeon, Temple of Hadrian, Trajan's Fountain, the Arcadian Way and the two-tiered Library of Celsus. Have lunch at a local restaurant and a carpet demonstration before returning to the ship for cocktails. Enjoy a special dinner ashore this evening, complete with music by the Aegean Chamber Orchestra, at the Library of Celsus at Ephesus. Wind Star charts a course for the island of Patmos tonight.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Wind Star

PORTOFCALL : Ephesus, Turkey

Day 6 Cultural treasures on the Isle of Patmos

Today you'll discover the many charms of the picturesque island of Patmos, an important Christian pilgrimage site for its role in the writing of the Book of Revelations in the Christian Bible by St. John the Theologian. You'll have three choices of activities today. The first is a photography excursion through the historic heart of Chora, Patmos' capital city; with your guide, make your way through the old village's maze of winding cobblestoned streets and arched alleyways, learning to compose and capture stunning images of ancient whitewashed buildings and bell towers, rugged cliffs and hills, and blue Aegean seascapes. Alternatively, enjoy a day filled with rest and relaxation by the Aegean Sea on Agriolivadi Beach. And a third choice includes a tour of the Monastery of St. John the Theologian plus a visit to the Grotto of St. John – also known as the Cave of the Apocalypse – where tradition has it that John of Patmos received visions from Jesus that he recorded as the Book of Revelations; the grotto and the monastery have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Following lunch, you'll have free time to explore the port of Skala on Patmos, from which Wind Star will depart, bound for the island of Santorini.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Wind Star

PORTOFCALL : Patmos, Greece

Day 7 The pleasures of Santorini

Rise early to observe Wind Star's arrival at the beautiful island of Santorini. Travel ashore by motor launch for an island tour that takes you to Athinios Port and then up to Fira, the island's capital city. Here you'll visit the Prehistoric Museum of Fira, and feast your eyes on stunning views of the city's blue-domed buildings, which combine with the port to offer picture-perfect memories of this gorgeous Greek island. And you'll have the opportunity to see these treasures by cable car, atop Santorini's famous donkeys, or on foot as you make your way back down to Athinios Port. The ship offers tender service to and from the port, giving you the opportunity to explore this gem of an island at leisure until Wind Star sets sail for Monemvasia this evening.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Wind Star

Day 8 Aegean cruising & Monemvasia

After a leisurely morning spent cruising the Aegean Sea, Wind Star arrives midday at the town of Monemvasia, located on a small, rock-like island off the Peloponnese's east coast that was separated from the mainland by an earthquake around 375 AD. Nicknamed "the Gibraltar of the East" or simply "the Rock," Monemvasia has over the past thousand years or so been ruled by the Byzantine Empire, the Venetian Republic and the Ottoman Empire before becoming part of an independent Greece in the 19th century. Traces of its many occupiers over the centuries can be found throughout the island, some of which are revealed on a walking tour through the cobbled pathways of this fascinating town. You'll also have some time to explore as you wish before Wind Star departs the island and continues her cruise to Nafplion.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Wind Star

Day 9 Nafplion, Mycenae & Epidaurus

Nafplion (also known as Nauplion), on the Peloponnese Peninsula, is considered one of the most beautiful and romantic towns in Greece. Nestled by the sea with two mountains and a fortress overlooking the town, the unique architecture of Nafplion includes ancient walls, medieval castles, Ottoman fountains, Venetian and Neoclassical buildings. This historic city is the starting point for your choices of exploration today. One choice includes visits to three important sites around the Bay of Argolis – the architectural remnants of the tomb of Agamemnon; Palmidi Castle, set high above the town of Nafplion; and, after lunch, a guided walking tour of Nafplion, followed by some time to explore on your own. Or, visit Agamemnon's tomb at Mycenae and the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. This 4th-century amphitheatre is still used for performances today and is known for remarkable acoustics that allow the voice of a speaker on stage to reach some 15,000 spectators. Epidaurus was also home to one of the most renowned healing centers in the classical world. This choice also includes a winery lunch and some free time to check out Nafplion as you please. Return to the ship for farewell cocktails followed by dinner, as Wind Star sets sail to return to Piraeus (Athens).

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Wind Star

PORTOFCALL : Nafplion, Greece

Day 10 Journey home

Tour ends: 9:00 AM, Eleftherios Venizelos, Athens' International Airport. Disembark Wind Star for an 8:15 AM transfer. Flights should depart after 11:45 AM due to disembarkation schedules which cannot be guaranteed.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Athens, Greece

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