Mediterranean Treats

A 12-Day Tour of Greece and Turkey
Including a Greek Cruise From Turkey to Greece

City of the Sultans Istanbul , Constantinople, Ephesus & Kusadasi
A true Mediterranean escapade . For your honeymoon, anniversary , birthday celebration , this is the perfect getaway. Your days are filled with enough Mediterranean exotic sights, sounds, scenes and scents to make it seem like weeks. combines the best of travel in Greece and Turkey , classical Athens, a cruise through the Aegean, including Rhodes, , Patmos, Crete , Santorini .
Arrive Weekly : April - Oct

DAY 1 - ISTANBUL - Wednesday
Arrive weekly in Istanbul : Apr - Nov .
You're met at the airport or seaport by our representative, who sees you to your hotel .
Our local rep will answer any questions you may have about getting to know the city. As you ride into the great metropolis from the airport/or seaport , two thousand years of history are revealed: towering Roman walls, ancient Byzantine churches, slender minarets framing the bulbous domes of graceful mosques. These ancient monuments float on the skyline of a bustling modern metropolis of ten million people.

DAY 2 - ISTANBUL - Thursday (BL)
The center of ancient Constantinople and Istanbul was on Seraglio Point, framed by the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara. We visit the Blue Mosque, built by Sultan Ahmet III to challenge the architectural primacy of neighboring Sancta Sophia. We then walk next door to compare achievements in Justinian's great Sancta Sophia. Right behind Sancta Sophia is our next stop, sumptuous Topkapi Palace, the sultans seraglio for centuries, filled with breathtaking exhibits of priceless jewels, golden thrones, delicate colored tiles, and lavish court costumes. After lunch in a local restaurant ,we tour the Treasury of the sultans, and the Costume Gallery , then finish up in the bustling Egyptian Bazaar and walk through the maze of colors , spices and perfumes. Return to your hotel with sounds and colors of your first day of touring in Istanbul.

DAY 3 - BOSPHORUS - Friday (BL)
Istanbul's history was formed by the Bosphorus, the winding strait that separates Europe and Asia, connecting the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara. Now, as in ancient times, it is a maritime vital link between the countries bordering the Black Sea and those in the rest of the world.
Today we take a leisurely cruise northward along this historic waterway. Along its shores are ranged palaces great and small-Topkapi, Dolmabahçe, Beylerbeyi, Küçüksu, Hünkar Iskelesi. Four great fortresses rise on the hills, reminding us that to control the Bosphorus was to control the destinies of nations. Our afternoon cruise (morning cruise for Oct-Apr season) of two continents, ends at Tarabya where we disembark and enjoy lunch (included) at a charming local seafood restaurant ( if you prefer another choice for the cuisine please advise us in advance).

After lunch we visit the Sadberk Hanim Museum , with a private collection of Turkish art. On to Kariye Museum, and the most remarkable mosaic that survived until today in a Byzantine church. We take a leisurely stroll through this area of Istanbul to stand at awe in front of the ancient city walls, we drive on to the Golden Horn shores to see the former Jewish Quarter , back to your hotel as we drive over the Galata.

Day 4 - Istanbul , the exotic romance of the "Paris of the East:" - Saturday (BL)
In the morning drive over Bosphorus bridge to the Asian side of Istanbul, view the city from Çamlica Hill visit Beylerbeyi Palace. See the glamour of Ottoman Sultans. See the local market in Uskudar and view the old town from Asian shores. Enjoy your lunch on the Asian side
In the afternoon cross to the European side visit Dolmabahçe Palace which was used till 1923. See the marvelous decorations of the Palace and the taste of the sultans.

DAY 5 - ISTANBUL - St. Sophia / The Underground Cistern/ Board your Greek Cruise
Sunday (BLD)
On your last day in Istanbul, after breakfast drive to the old town. First visit St. Sophia Museum of the 6th century and then the Underground Cistern. walk thru the columns of this grand water reservoir , after lunch at a charming local restaurant , continue to the Grand Bazaar and enjoy shopping before we head for the port to board your cruise , the ships leaves port around 6 PM .
Extend your stay in Istanbul?

Day 6 - Mykonos- Cruise - Monday (BLD)
Cruising all morning and reach Mykonos late afternoon 3-4 PM. Your cruise will stay in port until midnight.

Day 7 Cruise - Patmos - Kusadasi - Ephesus -Tuesday (BLD)
In the morning your ship will call at the island of Patmos. Here you can visit the Monastery of St. John where the Book of Revelations was written ( shore excursions are always a supplement you may purchase on board or ask us for a private tour ) . Sail out of Patmos around 10:30 AM

Arrive Kusadasi around 2:30 PM . Complimentary shore excursion with us to Kusadasi & Ephesus:
Your first stop on this fascinating tour is at the House of the Virgin Mary. Then, you will continue on to visit ancient Ephesus, one of the most magnificent and best-preserved ancient sites in the world. See the Odeion, the Market Basilica, Curetes Street, Bath, Celsus Library, Marble Street and the Great Theatre with a seating capacity of 25,000 people. See the

After lunch visit the Ephesus Museum in Selçuk and see the Temple of Artemis, one of the wonders of the ancient world. View Basilica of St John and Isabey Mosque. En-route to Kusadasi enjoy the scenery and the local arts , enjoy shopping opportunity. Transfer back to the pier. The cruise leaves Kusadasi early evening.

Day 8 - Rhodes - Wednesday (BLD)
Our cruise ship arrives early at the harbor, allowing a full day on the Island of Roses. The compact, cobbled medieval city is perfect for exploring on your own. You'll want to visit ( all optional tours when on board the cruise ) Visit the Palace of the Knights of St. John, take a look at the wares in the boutiques, and spend some time in a seaside cafe. The cruise also offer an optional excursion to the Acropolis of Lindos and the Valley of the Butterflies. We'll set sail again in the evening. Heading for Crete.

DAY 9 - HERAKLION (CRETE) , SANTORINI - Thursday (B)
We drop anchor in the port of Heraklion at 7 a.m. You can explore on your own, or take an optional excursion to the 5000-year-old Minoan Palace at Knossos and the archaeological museum. We sail at noon for Santorini, where the lost civilization of Atlantis flourished. Leave Santorini late evening.

DAY 10 - Piraeus -Athens - Friday (B)
Morning arrival at Piraeus, where we'll assist with your transfer to Athens and your hotel.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. S

DAY 11 - ATHENS -Saturday (B)
This morning you'll tour Athens and get to know the high points of the city, especially the towering Acropolis and its museum, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, the Theater of Dionysus.

The Acropolis hill, so called the "Sacred Rock" of Athens, is the most important site of the city. During Perikles' Golden Age, ancient Greek civilization was represented in an ideal way on the hill and some of the architectural masterpieces of the period were erected on its ground.
The first habitation remains on the Acropolis date from the Neolithic period. Over the centuries, the rocky hill was continuously used either as a cult place or as a residential area or both. The inscriptions on the numerous and precious offerings to the sanctuary of Athena (marble korai, bronze and clay statuettes and vases) indicate that the cult of the city's patron goddess was established as early as the Archaic period (650-480 B.C.).

During the Classical period (450-330 B.C.) three important temples were erected on the ruins of earlier ones: the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Nike, dedicated to Athena Parthenos, Athena Polias, and Athena-Apteros Nike, respectively. The Propylaea, the monumental entrance to the sacred area was also constructed in the same period.
The monuments on the Acropolis reflect the successive phases of the city's history. Some of them were converted into Christian churches, houses of the Franks and later on, of the Turks. After the liberation of Athens from the Turks, the protection, restoration and conservation of the monuments was one of the first tasks of the newly-founded Greek state. This major effort is continued until today, with the large-scale restoration and supporting of the monuments, which started in the 1970's and is still in progress.
The first excavations on the hill were conducted between 1835 and 1837. More systematic work was carried out in 1885-1890 by Panagiotis Kavvadias.

You'll visit Syntagma Square, at the very heart of the city, and see the Parliament, and guards in colorful traditional outfits. Your afternoon is free for further exploring or shopping, or you could well be drawn back by the charm of the Plaka. Or take advantage of one of our optional tours, such as an afternoon visit to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon, with spectacular sunset view.

DAY 12 - Athens Departure- Sunday (B)
There are many more things to see and do in this fascinating city, but they will have to wait for your next visit. After breakfast, our representative escorts you to the airport for your homeward flight--until next time! . Bon Voyage.

Rates per person in US$
Double Occupancy Cabins with 2 lower beds

Price includes:

• Lonely Planet travel guide to Greece, Map of Istanbul .
  
• Hotel accommodation , with tax & continental breakfast daily.
  
• Mediterranean cruise of the Greek Islands as per itinerary.
  
• Guided sightseeing as per itinerary. In Athens it is with a private tour, private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur and a private guide .
  
• All meals on board the cruise.
  
• All airport/hotel/cruise transfers as per itinerary.
  
• Hotel service charges and taxes .
  
• Port taxes and Istanbul Embarkation fee

Sample hotels in:

Athens : Deluxe: Divani Palace Acropolis. Superior First : Electra Palace. First Class : Stanley
Istanbul : Deluxe: Inter.Continental or similar . Superior : Divan.
If you prefer to stay in an Ottoman Mansion boutique hotel in Istanbul, please let's know in advance

Other Choices:

• Compare with the Independent Traveler Version .
  
• Compare with the Private Tour and Private Cruise Yacht .
  
• Extend your stay in Istanbul?
  
• Compare with the Cappadocia Version.
  
• Or the Island Hopping Version.
  
• Add Santorini.

Not included:

• International airfare between USA and Athens.
• Trip interruption and cancellation insurance (please see our insurance brochure).
• Gratuities. Suggested tipping on the cruise : $ 10 Per person per day , covering all crew members , be it house keeping, dinning rooms etc.
• Personal expenses, beverages, and meals not specifically listed
• Turkish Visa Fee : $20 in cash upon arrival, for US citizens, or $45 (Can) for Canadians, or from any of the Turkish Consulates

En Espanol - Back to Turkey Tour List

Sample Hotels used or similar : 5 Stars and best available :

Istanbul : Conrad Hotel, Hyatt Hotel, Inter.Continental or similar . If you prefer a boutique style Ottoman Mansion Hotel, please let's know in advance : Sample : Blue House . Arena . Yesil Ev, Sultanahmet Sarayi , Sultanhan or similar
Kusadasi : Korumar Hotel or similar
Pamukkale: Colassae Hotel or similar
Antalya: Talya Hotel or similar
Konya: Riixos Hotel or similar
Cappadocia : Cave Suites Hotel or similar (local 4 star)