Athens, Istanbul and Curuising Tour Package for 11 Days

Wyndham Grand Hotel 3

Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Globus Host and traveling companions for a welcome drink.

Wyndham Grand Hotel 3

Sightseeing with a Local Guide features a visit to the world-famous ACROPOLIS, perched high on a rocky outcrop overlooking the city. Here, see the Parthenon, the Erechtheum with its Porch of Maidens, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Enjoy a panoramic view that includes glimpses of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Theater of Dionysus, and the beautifully preserved Theseum, where Socrates taught. Later, a city orientation tour features the Parliament House and a picture stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Built in the 2nd century AD, it is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble, and was host to the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympics in 1896. The rest of the day is at leisure. How about a Greek dinner tonight? Your local host knows where to find local fare and entertainment reminiscent of Zorba the Greek.

Wyndham Grand Hotel 3

Today, head to the port city of Piraeus, where your cruise ship awaits to whisk you into the crystal-blue waters of the Aegean Sea.

Topkapi Palace 3

This afternoon, arrive in Istanbul, founded as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago. Catch glimpses of Topkapi Palace, residence of the Ottoman sultans in the 15th century; Sultan Ahmed I/’s Blue Mosque, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture; and Hagia Sophia, symbol of Istanbul.

Topkapi Palace 3

Another full day to experience this mesmerising gateway between the Orient and the Occident. A private tender boat will take you on your included CRUISE on the Bosphorus strait that divides Europe and Asia. Then back to dry land to stroll around the SPICE MARKET. Join a shore excursion to complete your visit in Istanbul. Your ship departs in the early evening.

Dardanelled Strait And Dock At Canakkale In Nerthwestern Turkey 3

Enter the Dardanelles Strait and dock at Canakkale in northwestern Turkey. Choose from exciting optional excursions to learn about this strategic area which boasts Troy and Gallipoli, where wars have been waged throughout the centuries.

Dardanelled Strait And Dock At Canakkale In Nerthwestern Turkey 3

Back in Greece, explore lively Volos, the enchanting area where mythology/’s centaur Chiron taught heroes such as Jason, leader of the Argonauts. You might enjoy visiting the archaeological museum, home to superb collections from the Neolithic, Hellenistic, and Byzantine eras.

Dardanelled Strait And Dock At Canakkale In Nerthwestern Turkey 3

Today, discover Crete, the largest of the Greek islands. With an expert guide, visit KNOSSOS, center of the 3000-BC Minoan civilization. Stroll through the frescoed palace ruins with its ties to mythology/’s King Minos and the terrifying half-manhalf-bull Minotaur imprisoned in the labyrinth.

Dardanelled Strait And Dock At Canakkale In Nerthwestern Turkey 3

Visit two ports today. First, weather permitting, is SANTORINI, the /“Black Pearl of the Aegean./” Don/’t miss the included excursion to clifftop Oia, dramatically perched on the sheer side of the island/’s caldera. With its brilliant whitewashed buildings, striking blue-domed roofs, and breathtaking views, this is Greece at its iconic best. Later, dock at Mykonos, where you/’re greeted by the charming collection of windmills. Time to wander the narrow, shop-lined streets or to relax at a shaded taverna before returning to your ship.

Wyndham Grand Hotel 3

After breakfast on board, disembark for a final day in Athens. Tonight is your chance to join an optional dinner outing to try the local fare.

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.