Greek Odyssey + Greece & Turkey Cruise (outside cabin)

Itinerary
Ship
Optional
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Your Itinerary

DAY 1: UK - Athens.

Fly to Athens where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for one night.

DAY 2: Athens - Kalambaka.

Dominated by its stunning Acropolis, Athens ranks alongside Rome as one of Europe's most historic cities. This morning's included sightseeing tour features a good introduction to the highlights of Athens. This afternoon, drive to Kalambaka in the Meteora region for one night. (B, D)

DAY 3: Kalambaka - Meteora - Delphi.

Today's included trip is sure to be a highlight of your tour. Head to the heart of Meteora, where a cluster of monastic buildings sits perched atop natural pillar-like rock formations, hundreds of metres above the valley floor. Their spectacular and seemingly inaccessible position provided an ideal retreat for the hermit monks who live here and today, the unusual rock spires topped by well-preserved monasteries provide an unforgettable sight. This afternoon, drive to Delphi for one night. (B)

DAY 4: Delphi - Olympia.

Start your day in Delphi with a fascinating archaeological site visit. Set close to the village, the ancient site, backed by imposing Mount Parnassus, is in one of the most beautiful natural settings in the country. Your visit with a local guide takes you along the Sacred Way to see the Temple of Apollo, some of the Treasuries and the Theatre. This afternoon follow the Gulf of Corinth through Nafpaktos to Antirion. Journey over the spectacular bridge to Rion before reaching Olympia for one night. (B, D)

DAY 5: Olympia - Epidaurus - Nauplia.

Olympia is the original home of the Olympic Games, which were first held in 776BC, and was considered to be a sacred precinct to the God Zeus, whose temple once housed one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This morning's visit with a local guide includes the ancient stadium where the Games were held and the temples of Zeus and his wife Hera. Later, head to Epidaurus to visit the world famous theatre (entrance fee included) before continuing to Nauplia for one night. (B)

DAY 6: Nauplia - Mycenae - Corinth - Athens.

Enjoy a guided visit to the imposing ruins of Mycenae, an ancient city once dubbed the 'city rich in gold' by Homer. The Golden Mask of Agamemnon was unearthed here as well as many other treasures that exactly matched Homer's descriptions in the Iliad. Enter the city through the magnificent Lion's Gate and admire Agamemnon's Royal Palace. This afternoon, stop at the impressive Corinth Canal before continuing to Athens. (B)

DAY 7: Athens - Lavrion - embarkation.

Transfer to Lavrion to board your Louis cruise ship. Set sail and cruise overnight towards Istanbul. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Istanbul.

Arrive in Istanbul this morning and enjoy a full day at leisure in Istanbul, home to some of the world's greatest historic treasures such as the Blue Mosque, with it's precious Iznik tiles, and the Topkapi Palace, containing the treasures of Ottoman sultans. Leave in the evening and sail towards Mykonos. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Mykonos.

Arrive in the traditional yet sophisticated island of Mykonos this evening. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Mykonos.

Enjoy free time in Mykonos to wander the winding, white-washed lanes or join the optional to the nearby island of Delos, the birthplace of the god of the sun, Apollo, and a sacred island in ancient times. In the evening, leave for Patmos. (B, L, D)

DAY 11: Patmos - Kusadasi.

After an early morning arrival and a short stop in Patmos, it is onto Kusadasi in Turkey where you will have the chance to visit Ephesus. Overnight towards Rhodes. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: Rhodes.

Explore Rhodes town, a beautifully preserved and UNESCO-protected walled town, just a short walk from the port. Stroll down the Street of Knights, or visit the Palace of the Grand Masters. Don't miss the optional excursion to town and Acropolis of Lindos. This evening, sail for Crete. (B, L, D)

DAY 13: Crete - Santorini.

Two beautiful islands on the agenda today; spend the morning in Heraklion on Crete and the afternoon in Santorini. (B, L, D)

DAY 14: Piraeus - Athens.

Disembark in Piraeus and return to Athens where the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

DAY 15: Athens - UK.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)

Accommodation on Tour

Athens: Acropolis Select (B category); Kalambaka: Famisi (B category); Delphi: Acropole or Parnassos (B category); Olympia: Olympia Palace (A category); Nauplia: Rex (B category).

Aquamarine, Louis Cruise Lines
A typical Louis Cruise ship
A standard inside twin cabin, Louis Cruise
Swimming pool, Louis Cruise
Bar, Louis Cruise

Louis Cruise Ship

Louis Cruise Line

Well-designed and comfortable, Louis Cruise ships are compact yet comfortable, combining modern facilities with high standards of personal service. All Louis Cruise Line ships offer a range of facilities, a friendly atmosphere, good dining options and a choice of on board entertainment. The capacity of each ship varies from approximately 650 to 1,000 passengers, making them ideal for cruising the Greek Islands.

For full details, please see our website www.archersdirect.co.uk/cruises

Public Room & Facilities

Swimming pool; restaurant; bar; lounge; evening entertainment; casino, cinema or disco; gift shops; card room or library; gym; lifts.

Dining

Your cruise includes full board. There is one main restaurant; breakfast and lunch are open seating with dinner taken at two sittings. There is no dress code during the day in the restaurant, but most passengers choose smart/casual attire for dinner (shorts and vests are not permitted in the dining room). During your cruise there will usually be a welcome and farewell gala dinner, a Greek night and a late night snack buffet. Vegetarian meals or special dietary requirements should be requested at the time of booking.

Cabins

All cabins are air-conditioned, simply furnished and have en suite shower and wc. Your holiday price is based on a 2 berth inside cabin with private facilities or you may choose to upgrade to an outside cabin.

Tipping

For your convenience, an automatic tipping system operates on board the ship. Approximately 8 euros per person per day will be added to your account. This amount can be adjusted at your own discretion, should you wish.

Note: All ships are of the same standard and will have similar facilities to those outlined above. Some may also have additional facilities.

The famous windmills of Mykonos
Parthenon, Athens
The Porch of Maidens, Acropolis, Athens
Monastery on a rock pillar, Meteora
Monastic buildings, Meteora
Tholos Temple in Sanctuary of Athena, Delphi
The impressive Rion-Antirion Bridge
Olympia
Olympia
Epidaurus amphitheatre
Lion's Gate, Mycenae
Ruins of Agamemnon's Royal Palace, Mycenae
Corinth Canal
Blue Mosque, Istanbul
The banks of the Bosphorous, Istanbul
Mykonos
Rhodes Town
The ruins of the Palace of Knossos, Crete
Reconstructed sections show the former glory of the ruins, Knossos
Santorini

Optional Excursions

To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.

BY NIGHT

Late afternoon take a small caique to the little island of Bourtzi with free time to explore. Then sail back to Nauplion to enjoy a dinner in a typical small Greek restaurant in the old part of town.

€30 (Euro)

AEGEAN CRUISE

Visit three Greek islands and enjoy lunch on board your modern cruise ship. Visit the Saronic islands of Aegina, Poros and Hydra. On Hydra there are no cars, the only means of transportation is by donkey.

€88 (Euro)

A TASTE OF ATHENS

First by coach into the centre of Athens where you will continue on foot a walking tour around the old part of Athens known as "Plaka". A good way to get a first impression of the layout, shops and points of interest. Arrive at a local taverna for a Greek feast with unlimited local wine, bouzouki music and Greek dancers. On the way back to the hotel view the illuminated Acropolis.

€45 (Euro)

MYKONOS-APOLLO SANCT OF DELOS

Delos, once a Sacred Island, is the legendary birthplace of the Sun God Apollo. Depart from the port of Mykonos by boat, and sail along the western coast of the island, through Diles & Rhenia Islands, to the ancient harbour of Delos where you begin the guided walking tour. First you see Agora and beyond it, the Sacred Way, which leads to the Temple of Apollo. Re-board the boat for the return journey to Mykonos town. Here you will have the chance to walk along the cobblestone streets of this famous island with its numerous shops, cafés and restaurants before you return to the port to re-join the ship.

€57 (Euro)

HIGHLIGHTS OF ISTANBUL+LUNCH

Begin the excursion with a drive through the business centre of the modern city. Continue around the mighty citywalls. In the Old City, the first visit will be to the Byzantine Hippodrome, the Sultanahmet Mosque decorated with 21,000 blue Iznik tiles from where it gets its name, the "Blue Mosque". Walk to the world famous monument of Hagia Sophia, then time for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch continue the tour with a visit to the Topkapi Palace, the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans.

€99 (Euro)

BYZANTINE HERITAGE & BAZAARS

You begin your excursion with a sightseeing drive through the business centre of the modern city, across the Galata Bridge, along the banks you reach reach the Orthodox Patriarchate where you will visit the Church of St. George. Next you continue to the Kariye Museum. Continue your tour with the "Misir Carsisi", the Spice Market. Walk to the world famous monument of Haghia Sofia the Byzantine Church of Divine Wisdom. Your last stop will be at the worldwide famous Grand Bazaar.

€69 (Euro)

SULTANAHMET SQUARE

You first visit will be to Sultanahmet Mosque, where large groups of pilgrims start their pilgrimage to Mecca. The Mosque is decorated with 21.000 blue Iznik tiles from where it gets its name, the "Blue Mosque". Walk to the world famous monument of Haghia Sofia the Byzantine Church of Divine Wisdom. Proceed to the Basilica Cistern, a huge underground reservoir built in 532 AD.

€49 (Euro)

BOSPHOROUS CRUISE & BAZAARS

Start the tour with a short drive through the modern city of Istanbul, crossing the Galata Bridge en route to the Golden Horn. The impressive Süleymaniye Mosque can be seen on the way. Take a short walk to the Cruise Boat Station where your private boat will be waiting for your exciting trip on the Bosphorus. After your cruise you will visit the colourful Grand Bazaar and at the Golden Horn.

€30 (Euro)

ST. JOHN MONASTERY & GROTTO

Enjoy a short drive to the village of Chora, where the Monastery of St. John is built within the walls of a strong fortification then continue to the nearby Grotto of the Apocalypse. Here you will see the niches in the wall that mark the pillow and ledge used as a desk by the author of the Book of the Revelation and the crack in the rock made by the voice of God honouring the Holy Trinity.

€45 (Euro)

SCENIC ISLAND TOUR

An interesting tour has been designed for those passengers who prefer to discover the beauties of Patmos by coach. Drive to the central part of the island "Chora" and continue around the island to see its landscape of outstanding natural beauty. The tour ends at the port of Scala with free time in the quaint and picturesque little town. A refreshment will be offered at Arion CafÃ©, the oldest and most beautiful cafÃ© of the town.

€45 (Euro)

EPHESUS & THE TERRACE HOUSES

Ephesus terrace houses are located on the hill, opposite the Hadrian Temple. Also called as "the houses of rich", important for the reason give us information about family life during the Roman period. There are six residential units on three terraces at the lower end of the slope of the Bulbul Mountain. The oldest building dates back into the 1C BC and continued in use as residence until the 7C AD. Two houses have been opened to the public as a museum.

€59 (Euro)

EPHESUS & VIRGIN MARY'S HOUSE

Drive through the colourful town of Kusadasi to reach Mt. Koressos. Situated in a small valley, the humble chapel lies on the site of the little house where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days. Continue on to Ancient Ephesus through the Magnesian Gate for a guided walking tour which will take you through one of the most magnificent excavations in the world.

€59 (Euro)

ANCIENT EPHESUS

Drive through the colourful town of Kusadasi and along the coast to reach Ephesus, famous in antiquity for its Temple of Diana - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - and later the home of St. John. Discover innumerable monuments, view the symbols all around and marvel at the fact that one is still able to read the inscriptions in the ancient Greek language.

€55 (Euro)

RHODES & LINDOS

Drive along the picturesque south-eastern coastline, dotted with white-washed villages, to Lindos, one of the most important of the three great cities of ancient times. From the Acropolis, marvel at the breathtaking views covering the great expanse of the Aegean Sea. After the guided tour of the Acropolis, enjoy some free time on your own in Lindos village. Return to Rhodes city for a short visit to a ceramic factory.

€55 (Euro)

OLD CITY WALKING TOUR

Departing from Rhodes Port on foot we arrive at the Old Town of Rhodes, following your guide through the narrow, cobblestone streets. The famous street of the Knights leads to the Palace of the Grand Masters -the most imposing building of medieval Rhodes with its unique architecture, built in the 14th century. Walking down the street of the Knights, one can admire the Hospital of the Knights which now houses the Archeological Museum.

€30 (Euro)

OLD CITY & PHILERIMOS

Drive along the medieval walls to the summit of Mount Smith, the Acropolis of ancient Rhodes. The view encompasses the nearby Temple of Apollo, the stadium of Diagoras and the port, once protected by the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. The drive continues across the island to Philerimos to the restored Byzantine Church. After the visit and some free time, return to Rhodes for a guided walk of the old walled city.

€55 (Euro)

RHODES HISTORY & WINE TASTING

Situated in the wild foothills of Mount Atavyros the atmospheric village of Emponas has been home to the Emery

winery since the 1920s and is also famous for its folk dancing and festivals. On the north-western shore of Rhodes, lies the third of The island's ancient cities - Kamiros. There we can visit the Doric Temple of Appollo, the Fountain House, the Agora, the Peribolos of the Altars which contains dedications to various deities. Return to the ship for lunch and continue heading at the Old Town of Rhodes.

€69 (Euro)

A TASTE OF CRETE

The tour begins from the Venetian lion-guarded port of Heraklion with a drive through the city to the famous wine producing area of Peza, south of Heraklion. The first stop is a modern winery, then journey continues through rural villages and hilly countryside, with a photo stop to view one of the oldest farmhouses. The tour continues through the island's. At the quaint market town of Archanes, you can sample an assortment of Cretan snacks and locally produced wine, while listening to typical Greek live music.

€49 (Euro)

CITY TOUR & MUSEUM

"Heraklion" is the largest urban centre in Crete, the capital of the region and the economic centre of the island. The first European civilization, the Minoan civilization, flourished on this land 5000 years ago. The city is also the commercial and scientific centre of the island. Continue with visit to the archaeological museum. After have free time for shopping in Heraklion center.

€49 (Euro)

PALACE OF KNOSSOS

Crete is the largest and the most rugged of the Greek islands. It is also the home of the great Minoan Civilization and the mythological home of Zeus. After a short drive through the town of Heraklion the tour will arrive at the Knossos excavations. Your guide will lead you on a journey of discovery to learn of the sophisticated culture that flourished thousands of years ago on this island.

€49 (Euro)

OIA VILLAGE

Travelling along the road you will have the unique opportunity to admire the panoramic view of the Aegean Sea and the neighbouring islands. Built on the Caldera rim, Oia Village is an excellent example of Cycladic architecture. Explore the village walking along the cobble-stone streets and the white washed houses with blue shutters where one gets the impression that they are a beautiful travel poster.

€55 (Euro)

SANTORINI SAILING & VOLCANO

Sail along the strange formations of the volcanic shores, where black lava rocks and white pumice are combined beautifully with the red colour of lava. Take a walk to the top of the volcanic island where sulphur is spewed into the air by one of the craters. In the distance, admire the breathtaking sight of Thira town with its white washed houses clinging precariously on the rim of the Caldera. Take time to swim in the warm waters heated by Hot Springs.

€55 (Euro)

ACROPOLIS MUSEUM

A guided tour of the new Acropolis Museum, which was opened in 2009 and has been cited as one of the most important museums in the world. All the finds from the Acropolis have been collected here - more than 4000 art crafts are on display.

€30 (Euro)

Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.

The famous windmills of Mykonos