Treasures of the Ancient World: Greek Islands and Turkey Cruise

Today, your group will stop at the seaside resort town of Kusadasi, which is located on Turkey's Aegean Coast, and enjoy a shore excursion to Ephesus. This ancient Greek city was widely known throughout the ancient world for its Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. While the origin of Ephesus is Greek, most of the ruins are Roman, and are as well preserved as the ruins of Italy's Pompeii. Ephesus also has an interesting history connected to early Christianity. It is believed that the Virgin Mary eventually settled here and lived until her assumption. St. Paul also lived in Ephesus for two years, and it's also believed that St. John the Evangelist, spent his last years in the region around Ephesus. Later in the day, the cruise ship will stop in Patmos, a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea. Patmos is believed to be the place where St. John wrote the text of the Book of Revelation while in exile. Guests will visit the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was constructed on one of the island's highest points. Today, it is home to many treasures, including priceless icons and manuscripts, cared for by the monks who live there.

This morning, the cruise ship will stop on the Greek island of Rhodes. In the ancient world, this island was well known for its Colossus of Rhodes - a massive statue of the Greek Titan Helios, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. During a shore excursion to Rhodes, guests will go on a guided tour of the Acropolis of Lindos and Rhodes' medieval Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Should your group decide not to participate in the shore excursion, there is still plenty to be enjoyed within Rhodes' historic city walls, which contain many boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants and coffee bars.

This morning, the ship will arrive at the island of Crete, the largest and most rugged of the Greek islands. Crete was home to the great Minoan Civilization, and the mythological home of Zeus. A shore excursion to the nearby Knossos excavations is available this morning, where guests will view archaeological discoveries that reveal an advanced, 6000-year-old civilization. Alternatively, your group may prefer to visit to the wine region of Peza – which lies south of the port city of Heraklion – and the quaint market town of Archanes, a wonderful place to experience Cretan cuisine and culture. Later in the afternoon, your group will arrive at what is arguably the best-known and most breathtaking of all of the Greek Islands: Santorini. Because of its volcanic origins, the island's formation and in particular its caldera, are dramatic and unique to behold. Santorini itself is historic and unimaginably picturesque. After Crete, nowhere else has such interesting archeological artifacts and ruins belonging to the ancient Minoan civilization as Santorini. Many visitors also flock to this island for its distinguished wines or to sunbathe on one of its beautiful beaches, which are home to clear waters and black, red or white sand depending on the beach! While in Santorini, you can relax in a local cafe, swim or check out the many jewelry boutiques. Should your group like to participate in a shore excursion, they could visit the hilltop village of Oia – best known for its famous sunset views – or cruise around the active crater of the nearby New Kameni island.

This morning and afternoon, your group will have free time to explore Athens on their own. They could consider paying a visit to the New Acropolis Museum with artifacts from the archaeological site of the Acropolis. The Ancient Agora, located to the northwest of the Acropolis, was one of the most important sites of Ancient Greece. With tonight being your group's last night in Greece, a special evening has been planned which will begin with a scenic drive to the port city of Piraeus. Having reached the Mikrolimano Harbor, your group will enjoy ouzo with Greek appetizers. Afterward, they will return to Athens to visit its most-loved neighborhood: Plaka, built on top of the ancient city of Athens. In Plaka, your group will visit a traditional Greek taverna for an enchanting evening of local dishes, Bouzouki music and Greek folk dances.

After checking out of the hotel in the morning, your group will be transferred by private coach to the airport for the return flight back home.