Aegean Visions Escapade
3 day Greek Cruise & a 4 day in Istanbul

This 10 -day itinerary combines the highlights of Classical Greek heartland with a 3 day cruise of the enchanted isles and a four day Istanbul & Ephesus . Athens, Mykonos, Rhodes,Patmos, Kusadasi (Ephesus), Istanbul .Tour starts weekly in Athens every Tuesday,Mar to Nov.

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL IN ATHENS Tue (D)

Our Athens representative will meet you at the airport, assist you through customs and immigration, and escort you to your hotel in the bustling city center. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. You're free to stroll, browse for curios and treasures. Dinner is included at a cafe in the old Plaka district and take in a folklore show.

DAY 2 - ATHENS Wed (cB)

This morning you'll tour the high points of Athens, most notably the towering Acropolis and the adjacent museum. 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 to return to the charm of the Plaka. Or take advantage of one of our optional tours, for an afternoon visit to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon, with spectacular sunset view; or the Sound and Light show at the base of the Acropolis.

DAY 4 - ATHENS Thu (cB)

You'll plan your own day in Athens, with the help of your complimentary guidebook. Or we can help you explore beyond the city. Our optional tour to Argolis takes you across the historic Corinthian Canal to Mycenae, where you'll visit the Lion Gate and the tombs of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. After a seaside lunch in Nauplion, you'll visit the theater of Epidaurus and marvel at its perfect acoustics. Our optional Delphi excursion takes you through Thebes, Levadia, and Arachova. In Delphi, you'll see renowned classical bronzes, and visit the Temple of Apollo, the Athenian Treasure, and the Castalian spring.

DAY 5 - CRUISE to MYKONOS Fri (cBLD)

Breakfast is included at the hotel . Then all meals while you are on board the cruises. (Louise Cruise Line or Golden Star Cruises)
Our staff will call for you at your hotel and escort you to Piraeus, the port of Athens, to embark on your three-day cruise. You'll sail into the Aegean, and by sunset, reach the jet-set isle of Mykonos. Stroll at your own pace along lanes lined with whitewashed houses, up to the Church of Paraportiani, or along the shore to the island's signature windmills. Enjoy an ouzo or a glass of retsina at a waterside cafe before we set sail at night. As noted, exact itinerary may vary

DAY 6 - RHODES Sat (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 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. We also offer an optional excursion to the Acropolis of Lindos and the Valley of the Butterflies. We'll set sail again in the evening.

DAY 7 - PATMOS - KUSADASI (Turkey) , and ISTANBUL Sun (BL)

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. You'll reboard in time for an afternoon sailing. In the late afternoon, we anchor in Kusadasi, on the Turkish mainland, gateway to ancient Ephesus. Stroll the streets and stop in at shops filled with leather goods and bargains in gold. Our tour (Included ) takes you to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the world. Our staff meets your flight and escorts you to your hotel. Welcome fruit basket in your room, with our compliments.

DAY 8 - ISTANBUL Mon (BLD)
After breakfast: visit Topkapi, the palace of the Sultans for centuries; we board a ferryboat, help ourselves to fresh Turkish coffee or tea, and cruise northward along the Bosphorus, the strait which separates Europe and Asia. Disembarking at a fishing village, we enjoy a seafood lunch at a local restaurant, then drive south to go on a shopping spree at the labyrinth of the Grand Bazaar. And the Egyptian Spice Bazaar. In the Evening you'll join "Istanbul by Night", a dinner tour with live music and belly dancing.

DAY 9 - ISTANBUL. Home Hosted Lunch Tue (BL)
We dive right into this fascinating city with visits to its top sights: Hagia Sophia, the greatest church in Christendom for a thousand years; the Blue Mosque, with its exquisite blue tiles; the Byzantine Hippodrome, scene of chariot races and gladiator combat; and the eerie Sunken Palace cistern beneath it. Then a drive through modern neighborhoods brings us to the ancient city walls and the Kariye Museum (Chora Church), filled with brilliant Byzantine mosaics. Lunch is included at a local home to Meet the locals, you may wish to bring token gifts to exchange with the host family ( T shirt , small souvenirs of your home town):
This afternoon we'll venture where few ordinary visitors ever tread . . . right into the homes of some of the people of Istanbul !

You'll be invited to a family lunch , and while you enjoy wholesome home-cooked specialties, you'll learn about and appreciate the outlook, aspirations, and way of life of your hosts. Be assured, as curious as you may be about your new friends, they're sure to have questions about your own background. Once the ice is broken, you'll enjoy a lively afternoon , and find that you have more in common than you ever suspected. Of course, you may enjoy a quiet lunch with your travel companions at a local restaurant , by letting us know your preferences.

DAY 10- DEPARTURE Wed (B)
We escort you to the airport for your flight home. Bon Voyage

Mediterranean Treats

11-Day Including a Greek Cruise from Turkey to Greece

City of the Sultans Istanbul , Constantinople, Ephesus & Kusadasi
11 day 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 ANY Thursday : April - Nov

DAY 1 - ISTANBUL - Thursday
Arrive any Thursday 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 - Friday (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 - Saturday (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:" - Sunday (BL)
In the morning drive over Bosphorus bridge to the Asian side of Istanbul, view the city from Camlica 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. Continue to the Grand Bazaar and enjoy shopping till the end of your day.

DAY 5 - ISTANBUL - St. Sophia / The Underground Cistern - DEPARTURE for Izmir - Monday (BL)
On your last day in Istanbul, after a leisurely morning 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. Drive to the Archeological Museum and see the Sarcophagus of Alexander the Great and the numerous relics from Anatolia and Holy Lands.
Enjoy your lunch (included) a top of Galata Tower and view the city from this point, have your tea at the Pera Palas which was the hotel of Agatha Christie.
Afterwards enjoy the Ottoman Band Show at the Military Heritage Museum. At the end of the day transfer to the Airport to fly to Izmir

There are many more things to see and do in this fascinating city, but they will have to wait for your next visit , our representative escorts you to the seaport for until next time!

Day 6 - Kusadasi - Ephesus - Board your Greek Cruise - Patmos -Tuesday (BL)

Drive to the country side. 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 Selchuk 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 to the pier to board your cruise around noon time.

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)

Day 7 - 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 8 - 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 around 9 PM

DAY 9 - 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. Stroll, browse for curios and treasures, and perhaps dine at a cafe in the old Plaka district and take in a folklore show ( additional cost applies) .

DAY 10 - ATHENS -Saturday (B)
This morning you'll tour Athens and get to know the high points of the city, especially the towering Acrapolis 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 11 - 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.

Mediterranean Magic
11-Days, Athens , Rhodes & Marmaris

If you only have a few days, but you want to enjoy Athens , a Greek Isle and Turkey
this is the way.
Starts in Athens Daily : April- Nov

DAY 1 - ATHENS
Arrive at Athens Airport, where you will be greeted by our staff and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you like. Take your first look at this great ancient-modern city. Wander through the Plaka, and up to the Acropolis if you like, guidebook in hand.

DAY 2 - ATHENS CITY TOUR (cBLD)
After breakfast, a half day seat in a coach tour:
we tour the great Greek capital, including Constitution (Syntagma) Square, Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier, and the National Library. Driving down Herod Atticus street you will see the Evzones in their picturesque uniforms and the Presidential Palace. On your way to the Acropolis, you will see the Panathenaic Stadium (where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in 1896), the Temple of the Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch. Lunch at a local restaurant. Evening Greek dinner with music & show.

DAY 3 - ARGOLIS (cBL)*
Leave Athens along the Saronic Gulf coastal road to the Corinth Canal, which connects the Aegean Sea with the Ionian Sea. Drive on to Mycenae, the Homeric City of the Atreides, "rich in gold" of the ancient poets. (Visit the Lion's Gate, the Cyclopean Walls and the Royal Tombs). Drive through the fertile plain of Argolis to Nafplion, a picturesque town nestled at the foot of the Palamidi Fortress. After lunch, leave for Epidavros to visit the theater (4th Century B.C.), Famous for its astonishing acoustics. Return to Athens by the national road connecting Epidavros with Corinth. Lunch in Mycanae or Nafplion.

DAY 4 Rhodes (cBL)
Full day tour of Rhodes the Island of Roses. The compact, cobbled medieval city is perfect to start with including a visit to the Palace of the Knights of St. John, we take a look at the wares in the boutiques, and spend some time in a seaside cafe. After lunch at a local restaurant We continue on to the Acropolis of Lindos and the Valley of the Butterflies.

DAY 5 Rhodes (cB)
One full days for you to explore Rhodes further on your own.

DAY 6- Marmaris (cB)
"Green Marmaris," is surrounded by forests of fragrant liquid amber evergreens.
From Rhodes we board the ferry for the almost 2 hours trip to Marmaris .
In Turkey / Marmaris at the modern marina, we'll meet you & escort you to your seas side resort

DAY 6 - Marmaris (cB)
Explore Marmaris on your own , or the historical ruins nearby, or join one of the local optional tours.

DAY 7 - ISTANBUL (cB)
Fly north to Istanbul. You're met at the airport by our representative, who sees you to your hotel, and answers any questions you may have about getting to know the city. As you ride into the great metropolis from the airport, 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. Welcome fruit basket in your room awaits you with our compliments.

DAY 8 - ISTANBUL (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. We finish up in the bustling Grand Bazaar, where you can find jewelry, carpets, goat-hair rugs, hand-painted ceramics, copper and brass in labyrinthine streets holding nearly 4000 shops.

DAY 9 - Istanbul (BD)
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 of two continents, crossing from Europe to Asia and back, includes visits to the Military Museum, the Bosphorus Bridge, Çamlica Hill lookout, and stupendous Dolmabahçe Palace.

Day 10 - "Imperial Constantinople in the Belle Epoque"
(late 19th century), the exotic romance of the "Paris of the East:" Saturday (BL)

Morning walking tour : We start with our guide in Karaköy where the foreign bankers and shipping companies had their headquarters, then take the Tünel up to istiklal Caddesi; stop in the whirling dervish tekke, and walk past the various old embassy buildings (now consulates), and point out the architecture. Stop for tea (included) at the famous Pera Palace Hotel.
Walk at least as far as Galatasaray Square, and have lunch in the Çicek Pasaji (Flower Passage); then walk up to Taksim Square and be picked up for the afternoon tour.
In the afternoon the tour visit Yildiz Palace Park and the Ihlamur Kasri, a mini-palace south of Yildiz, and finish up with a visit to the Military History Museum in Harbiye in time to hear the "Mehter," or Ottoman military band (mid-afternoon).

DAY 11 DEPARTURE (cB)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to connect with your flight.