Travel back in time to where Gods and Goddesses, and pioneer Christians roamed with the Inland Empire Ronald McDonald House
Itinerary October 17, 2019, to October 26, 2019
Day 1: 10/17/2019 - Departure Day
Fly transatlantic overnight to Athens. Dinner is served and in-flight entertainment is provided.
Day 2: 10/18/2019 - Arrival in Athens, Greece
Arrive in Athens, Greece and transfer to your luxury hotel, located in the center of the city.Time to rest or to start exploring the Hellenic capital. (B)
Day 3: 10/19/2019 - Athens City Tour
Athens City tour: Today you will see the monuments that have made Athens famous, such as the Temple of Zeus, the Royal Palace, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Olympic Stadium. You will have a guided tour of the Acropolis and visit the world famous Parthenon, a magnificent temple built by the Athenians around 3000 B.C. Your afternoon will be spent at your leisure. This evening, enjoy an authentic Greek experience with a festive evening of music, dancing and local cuisine. (B, DS)
Day 4: 10/20/2019 - Day at Leisure / Optional Tour to Delphi
Today you will have a free day to explore this interesting city. If you like you can take an optional excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage site Delphi and the temple of Apollo. Explore the Doric Temple of Apollo and see what the Greeks consider the center of the world. (B)
Day 5: 10/21/2019 - Athens - Cruise Ship - Sail to Mykonos
This morning, sail into the blue waters of the Aegean Sea, easily settling into the cruising routine of sunbathing, sipping cool drinks, splashing in the pool and reveling in the delights prepared by the ship's chefs. Later, dock at the mountainous island of Mykonos with its characteristic windmills and dazzling white houses. Time to wander through narrow paved streets lined with trendy boutiques and shady taverns before returning on board. (B, L, D)
Day 6: 10/22/2019 - Ephesus & Patmos
Two ports of call today. First, Kusadasi on the Turkish coast. An optional excursion takes you to the fascinating Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of Ephesus. Imagine life as an Ephesian as you are guided through the remarkable excavation site. Next, discover the tiny Greek island of Patmos where St. John the Divine wrote the Book of Revelations. The 11th-century monastery with its manuscript collection is well worth a visit. (B, L, D)
Day 7: 10/23/2019 - Rhodes
All day is dedicated to the island of Rhodes. Rhodes' sun-drenched public beaches and colorful shopping districts are within easy walking distance of the port, or you may explore the sights in the Old City with its ramparts and palaces built by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades. Perhaps, join an optional excursion to Lindos and the fabulous Temple of Athena. Sail from Rhodes around dinner time. (B, L, D)
Day 8: 10/24/2019 - Crete & Santorini
First port of call today is Heraklion on Crete, considered the jewel of the Greek Isles. You will bask in the sun on miles of sandy beaches. A few miles away is Knossos, the center of the 3,000 B.C. Minoan civilization, an optional excursion can be booked. The Archaeological Museum in Heraklion displays many of the treasures discovered during the excavations. Afternoon call (weather permitting) at Santorini, the "Black Pearl of the Aegean," considered the favorite stop on the cruise. The optional shore excursion takes you up to the cliff-top village of Thera for one of the world's most breathtaking panoramas. (B, L, D)
Day 9: 10/25/2019 - Trojan War & Mycenae Tour
Arrive in Athens this morning and travel back in time today to where Gods and Goddesses, ancient kings and pioneer Christians roamed. This full day tour will take you to many ancient and modern wonders including the theater of Epidaurus. Built in 6th century B.C. and world renowned for its remarkable acoustics, you can easily hear a coin drop from anywhere in the theater. Continue on to Mycenae where you will see the tomb of Agamemnon, the King of Sparta and the Lion's Gate. This famed place was where the Trojan War began. Helen of Sparta fled with Paris of Troy creating the epic battle best known as the Trojan War. Leaving Mycenae, we journey to the modern wonder of the Corinth Canal, that separates the Gulf of Corinth and the Saronic Gulf. Return to Athens later this afternoon. B
Day 10: 10/26/2019 - Athens Departure Day
Arrive back in port this morning. After disembarking you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to the USA. (B)
LEGEND: ( ) = Included meal, B = Breakfast, D = Dinner, DB = Dinner Banquet, L = Lunch
Trip Highlights
HIGHLIGHTS
- Round trip scheduled airfare
- Round trip transfers between airports and hotel
- 4 night Greek Isle cruise
- 4 nights first class hotel in Athens
- 17 meals including all breakfasts, 4 lunches & 5 dinners featuring a Greek festive dinner show
- A unique opportunity to meet with business leaders in Greece
- City tour of Athens
- Tour of Parthenon & Acropolis
- See the Olympic Stadium, the Royal Palace
- Full day tour of Mycenae
- Discovery Program guide
MEDITERRANEAN PORTS VISITED
• Mykonos • Rhodes
• Santorini • Crete
• Ephesus • Patmos
PREFERRED HOTELS
- Titania & Metropolitan
INCLUDES:
- Shore Excursions*
- Drink Package (includes alcohol)
*SHORE EXCURSIONS:
- Day 6 - A.M. Ancient Ephesus (Kusadasi) Included
- Patmos P.M. tour Optional
- Day 7 - Rhodes / Medieval Tour Included
- Day 8 - Crete A.M. tour Optional
Spectacular Santorini P.M. tour Included
Pricing
Prices are subject to Deck and Cabin Type
