Day 1, Friday - Arrival Athens, Greece and Embarkation
Upon arrival in Athens and be transferred to the ship in Piraeus. Embarkation begins at approximately 2:30 PM and ship sails at 6:00 PM. (D,O)
LINK TO THE CRUISE ITINERARY

Day 2, Saturday - Cruise / Istanbul, Turkey
After a full day at sea relaxing and getting acquainted with your floating hotel, you arrive in Istanbul 4:00 PM for overnight stay. As you approach Istanbul from the sea, the graceful minarets of countless mosques appear on the horizon and the Islamic call to prayer carries over the water. Perhaps this is a good evening for an optional belly-dancing show and Turkish dinner. (B,L,D,O)

Day 3, Sunday - Cruise / Istanbul, Turkey
Full day to take in the sights and shopping in Istanbul. Istanbul's blend of East and West has resulted in some of the most magnificent architecture in the world, including Agia Sofia and the Blue Mosque. At the Topkapi Museum, formerly Sultan's Palace, the treasures of the Ottoman empire are on view. Sail at 7:00 PM. (B,L,D,O)

Day 4, Monday - Cruise / Mykonos, Greece
Arrive Mykonos 3:00 PM, depart at Midnight. On Mykonos you will find beautiful beaches, chic boutiques, and elegant nightclubs. Hundreds of tiny chapels dot this blue and whitewashed island with its beautiful windmills. This lazy island lights up to night activities and you'll have plenty of time to savor the activities and fun. (B,L,D,O)

Day 5, Tuesday - Cruise / Patmos, Greece and Kusadasi, Turkey
Morning the ship is in Patmos 7:00AM to 10:30AM. This serene island is known as the site of the apocalyptic Revelations of St. John the Divine, written here during his exile from the Roman Empire. The cave where he is said to have lived is now the site of the Monastery of the Apocalypse, which houses priceless icons and manuscripts.
In the afternoon the ship is in Kusadasi from 2:30 PM to 8:30 PM. An optional tour to nearby Ephesus should not be missed, for here history truly comes to life. Walking down a marble road rutted by the wheels of countless chariots, you pass architectural masterpieces like the Magnesian Gate and the Library of Celsus before arriving at the Great Amphitheater. (B,L,D,O)

Day 6, Wednesday - Cruise / Rhodes, Greece
7:00 AM to 6:00 PM the ship is in Rhodes, the beautiful "Island of Roses". You may want to take an optional tour to the charming town of Lindos, perched high on an ancient acropolis dedicated to the goddess Athena. Below lies the Bay of St. Paul, where the apostle landed during his voyages. Or just enjoy the old city surround by ancient walls with hundreds of shops and restaurants inside. (B,L,D,O)

Day 7, Thursday - Cruise / Crete and Santorini, Greece
7:00 AM to 12 Noon the ship is in the port of Ay. Nikolaos, Crete. An optional shore excursion is possible to the fantastic ruins of the Palace of Knossos. Discovered in 1899 by Sir Arthur Evans and partially reconstructed, the elaborate Palace is believed to be the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos and the seat of ancient Minoan culture.
Afternoon 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM the ship is in Santorini, perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands especially at sunset. Around 1500B.C., a volcanic eruption destroyed the center of the island, leaving a crescent shaped rim of cliffs around a harbor formed in the volcano's caldera. The town's whitewashed houses, narrow streets, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques cling to these cliffs, accessible by cable car or donkey. (B,L,D,O)

Day 8, Friday - Disembarkation Piraeus and Athens, Greece
Arrive 6:00 AM. Disembark approximately 7:30 AM after arrival formalities. Depart on a half-day tour of Athens including the House of Parliament, Constitution Square, the Presidential Palace with its picturesque guards, the Olympic Stadium, and the Acropolis. Check-into hotel with balance of the day free. (B,O)

Day 9, Saturday - Athens, Greece
Full-day free in Athens or you can pre-arrange with us, an optional tour to ancient Delphi or Argolis including lunch (approx $110 per person). Overnight in first-class hotel. (B,O)