Compare Greek Isles & Turkish Delights by Windstar vs Mediterranean Fables Idyllic (Greece) - Superior, Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 3,499 | $ 3,515 |
| Price Per Day | $ 500 | $ 293 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small ship cruise | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
A single voyage covers thousands of years of civilization's greatest feats – from the Acropolis of Athens to the palaces of Istanbul. Explore the tiny streets and narrow alleys of Mykonos, and escape to Delos, the fabled island of Apollo, where you'll walk in the ancient footsteps of the gods. Listen for echoes of history as you explore Ephesus, the world's largest outdoor archaeological site, and treat yourself to superlative grilled seafood, accompanied by an ouzo salute to the sunset. From the coffee houses of Bodrum to the country lanes of Rhodes, discover the Greek Isles as they were meant to be traveled, in private yacht style. |
Get to know the ancient gods a little better on a 11-day guided tour that takes you from mainland Greece to Turkey and the Greek Isles. Ascend to the Athens’ Acropolis, where you can walk around the towering Parthenon, a temple built to the goddess Athena. Cruise to Kusadasi and then travel with a Local Expert to the ruins of Ephesus, which was erected in the 6th Century B.C. Sail to Rhodes, where the Crusaders once built their headquarters, and to Crete, the homeplace of Zeus. Wander the charming maze of walkways in Mykonos and then gaze at the sheer cliffs of Santorini — and later, take in the most beautiful sunset you’ll ever see. |
Day 1 & 2: Istanbul, Turkey
Ah, Constantinople, Queen of Cities and the Door to Happiness. Istanbul is the only city in the world built on two continents—Europe and Asia—and its appeal is truly universal. The Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans all ruled their empires from here, leaving behind some of their finest monuments and a fascinating blend of cultures. Visit the harem at Topkapi Palace, where the clatter of silver soles once warned concubines of the approaching sultan. Admire the Iznik tiles and stained glass windows of the Blue Mosque, and the mystical light bathing the nave of Hagia Sofia. Shop the Grand Bazaar for a coffee cezve, magic lamp, embroidered slippers, or hand-woven kilim. Temper a tiny cup of potent Turkish coffee with bites of sweet lokum (Turkish delight).
Day 3: Kusadasi, Turkey
Kusadasi offers many historic sites including the Virgin Mary House, but it is Ephesus that steals the show. Once an important trading stop along the Silk Road, its well-preserved ruins reflect what was one of the most beautiful and advanced cities of the ancient world. Walk the marble-lined streets past the huge theater where St. Paul once preached, the gladiator’s graveyard, the incomparable facade of the Celsus Library. If you were wealthy, you might have lived in one of the grand terrace houses, their ornate frescoes and mosaics still shining. You would have shopped at the agora, worked out at the gymnasium, and bathed in the public baths. Life was good. But they didn’t have a graceful private yacht waiting for them in the harbor.
Day 4: Rhodes, Greece
Even without the ancient Colossus standing guard over the harbor, it’s an impressive sight. Gazing up at the city walls rising from sheer cliffs, you can imagine the despair the various forces must have felt over the eons as they repeatedly (and often fruitlessly) laid siege. You, however, are greeted warmly upon arrival and welcomed into the cobblestoned old town, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. There are no cars here, just passageways designed for knights in shining armor, medieval inns that once housed them, and museums that tell of the many civilizations that collided here at the meeting point of three continents. Walk beyond the walls to the “new” city with its elegant Venetian buildings, stroll Rodini Park where Julius Caesar, Brutus, and Marc Anthony studied rhetoric, or head to Elli beach for sun and golden sand.
Day 5: Bodrum, Turkey
The 15th-century Castle of St. Peter, built by the Crusaders, presides over the city’s dual harbors. Colorful peacocks strut their stuff trying to claim your attention, but they have nothing on the white sugar cube houses, palm-lined boulevards, and shockingly blue Aegean below. For a picture-perfect seaside playground, Bodrum offers a surprisingly rich history, or maybe it’s the other way around. Visit the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Surrender to the captivating magic of bathtub-warm waters and the Marina. Shop the bazaar for Milas cloth scarves and silver jewelry. Stroll the marina to see the other private yachts in port. (None as grand as yours, of course.)
Day 6: Santorini, Greece
Cruise into the largest caldera in the world and you’re in Santorini, a vision in whitewash white, volcanic black, and blue. A blue so distinctive and bright it’s become known as “Santorini blue” everywhere but in Santorini, where it’s called kyanos. What most people don’t know is that the people of the Cyclades don’t simply like the color, they believe it keeps away evil, a job it must do extremely well as it’s hard to imagine a more sublime place to spend the day. Catch iconic photos from traditional Greek windmills to donkeys with colorful collars and bells around their necks. And don’t miss the romantic village of Oía with its cave houses (once the homes of sailors) and boxy white houses (which belonged to ship owners).
Day 7: Mykonos, Greece
Weather permitting... today we visit Mykonos, the classic Greek isle, with hundreds of white-washed churches and cubist houses; round, thatched windmills catching the brisk breeze; and a harbor bobbing with fishing boats and luxury yachts. Sit in the shadow of a café and watch as native fishermen and jet set Europeans pass by. Or explore the Parportiani church, a Byzantine architectural masterpiece.
Day 8: Athens, Greece
Here, in the city that cradled western civilization, walk in footsteps that echo with the history of 3,000 years. The very names are legends. The Acropolis, standing high above the city, facing the brilliant blue waters of the Aegean. The Parthenon, standing majestically in honor of Athena, the city’s patron. Pull yourself back into the present in Athens’ charming shops and coffee houses.
Day 1: Athens, City of Gods
You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. At 19:00, join your Insight Vacations Representative and fellow travellers for a Welcome Drink.
Divani Caravel Hotel, Athens., Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre.
Day 2: The Glories of Athens
See all the remarkable glories of Athens on a tour of the city. The highlight, of course, is a visit to the Acropolis with the remarkable Parthenon. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.
Divani Caravel Hotel, Athens., Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre.
Breakfast
Day 3: Cruising to Thessaloniki Relaxed Start
The morning is at your leisure. Late afternoon, board your cruise ship and set sail for the ancient city of Thessaloniki. While cruising, enjoy an exquisite variety of Mediterranean dishes as well as flavours, aromas and spices from around the world. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served on-board daily. Your cruise includes a selection of alcoholic beverages and non alcoholic hot and cold beverages are included.
MV Celestyal Crystal (or similar).
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 4: Discover Thessaloniki Relaxed Start
Today you will have time to explore Greece's second largest city. Walk along the waterfront and enjoy the many cafes along Aristotelous Square and see ancient monuments such as the Arch of Galerius.
MV Celestyal Crystal (or similar).
Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine
Day 5: Kusadasi Relaxed Start
This afternoon explore the Turkish port of Kusadasi and explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus with a Local Expert. In the evening, sail on to Rhodes.
MV Celestyal Crystal (or similar).
Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine
Day 6: Rhodes Relaxed Start
Upon arrival at Rhodes, chosen by the Crusaders as their fortified headquarters, the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Join your Local Expert on an included walking tour of the old town surrounded by medieval walls and visit the Acropolis of Lindos or simply enjoy a relaxing day on the golden beaches. In the evening, your cruise continues to Crete.
MV Celestyal Crystal (or similar).
Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine
Day 7: Discovering Crete and Santorini Relaxed Start
Sail to Crete, home to the birthplace of Zeus according to the Greek mythology. There is time at leisure to explore Heraklion or perhaps join a Local Expert for an Optional visit to the site of King Minos' Palace in Knossos. In the afternoon, set sail for Santorini and gaze at the sheer cliffs and dazzling panorama. Explore the capital of Thira, with its clifftop restaurants and cafés, breathtaking views and amazing sunsets. This evening is free for you to explore Santorini's nightlife.
MV Celestyal Crystal (or similar).
Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine
Day 8: Mykonos Relaxed Start
The full day is yours to relax and explore Mykonos, with its dazzling sugar cube houses and whitewashed windmills. This evening, there is time to enjoy the buzzing nightlife.
MV Celestyal Experience (or similar).
Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine
Day 9: Mykonos to Milos Relaxed Start
Today is yours to enjoy the gorgeous island of Milos, with its crystal waters and white cliffs. There will be time to explore the capital of Plaka or soak up the sun on the flat rocks of Sarakiniko Beach.
MV Celestyal Crystal (or similar).
Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine
Day 10: Athens at Leisure Relaxed Start
Disembark in the morning and transfer to your hotel where you are at leisure. Relax, shop or bargain in the local market. Perhaps ask about an optional experience to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion?
Divani Caravel Hotel, Athens., Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre.
Breakfast
Day 11: Depart Athens
Bid farewell to Athens. Your journey ends with a transfer to the airport.
Breakfast
