Greece Turkey

Today we will explore the fabulous Greek islands on a full day cruise from Athens. We discover three of the most beautiful islands of Saronic Gulf. Poros Island- so-called Lemon Forest, an idyllic spot filled with citrus trees, windmills and waterfalls, Hydra Island- one of the most cosmopolitan Greek islands. In Hydra Island, you won’t see any cars! Everyone uses their foot, boats or donkeys to get around the island, Aegina Island- a picturesque island, boasting elegant neoclassical buildings, narrow alleys and a bustling seafront promenade.

Today morning we travel from Athens to Santorini by flight. Santorini is known as ‘black pearl of Aegean’ and is one of the most spectacular Greek islands. Upon arrival, we walk through Fira- the capital of Santorini, a combination of natural beauty, social life, night life, shopping, and a place where one can feel the liveliness of the island. We then have lunch at a Greek restaurant with a unique mixture of local Greek cuisine with a gourmet twist which will surely please you. Later we visit Santo Wines and learn about wine production in the area. However, sitting at an ocean-facing table, sipping wine, and enjoying Santorini vibes at Santo Winery is divine.

Today we explore Santorini village, we visit Red Beach - without a doubt one of the most stunning and interesting beaches on the island, we then visit Akrotiri archeological site - one of the oldest and most important archaeological sites offering insights into the prehistoric settlement of the town of Akoriti in Santorini. Further we visit Lost Atlantis Experience Museum – The first museum in the world dedicated to the myth of Atlantis. Here you can re-live the cataclysmic destruction of Atlantis with all your senses in an extraordinary 9D experience. Later we visit Prophet Ilias monastery- built by two monks in 1711 on the highest peak of Santorini at 565 meters above sea level. Further we visit Black Beach - Here we enjoy the chill-out vibes and relish some mouth-watering Greek cuisine. We then visit Megalochori village- one of the most picturesque villages on the island. Its existence is recorded back to the 17th century, Oia village – the most famous of all villages in Santorini. It is known throughout the world for its beauty, fantastic architecture and the famous Blue Dome. Here we walk through the village and admire its and its beautiful sunset.

Today morning we travel from Santorini to Athens by flight. Upon arrival we hop-on the Athens Happy Train and explore the most famous sights and monuments including Hadrian’s Arch Monument – part of a wall separating the old and new cities of Athens, Royal Palace- the neoclassical building that now houses the Parliament of Greece, Olympic stadium - home of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Later we pass by the Temple of Zeus – a former colossal temple at the centre of Athens, dedicated to Zeus God, the chief of the Olympian Gods. We then visit Acropolis site- an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens and contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance, the most famous being the Parthenon (Temple of Athena)– The temple that dominates the hill of the Acropolis. Further we visit Acropolis Museum- consistently rated as one of the best museums in the world. With a collection spanning over 1,500 years. The most authentic experience you can have is a traditional Greek night with live music. Tonight you have that chance to get entertained by live music and dance. Enjoy a buffet dinner and sink your teeth into Greek wine. Sing along and tap your feet while you watch classic dances performed to traditional music. Opa!

Today we travel from Athens to Cappadocia by flight. Cappadocia - best known for its moon-like landscape, Underground cities, Caves Churches and houses in the rocks.
In the evening we enjoy whirling dervish show – the part of the Turkish history, tradition, culture and beliefs.

Today we explore Cappadocia city, we visit the famous valleys of Cappadocia like Devrent Valley – also known as Imagination Valley. It was never inhabited by humans. There are no rock-hewn churches or ancient castles, nor are there any troglodyte caves or pigeon homes. Instead what draws visitors to Devrent Valley is the incredible pink hued rock formations and geological anomalies that have been formed by centuries of erosion, Pasabag Valley – also known as Monk Valley. Pasabag contains some of the most striking fairy chimneys in Cappadocia with twin and even triple rock caps - formations that are unique even for Cappadocia! Locals refer to them as the mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys, Goreme open air museum- the UNESCO World Heritage site which hosts the most important Byzantine cave churches in the world that where the monks and nuns pursued monastic life, Kaymakli underground city - one of the most famous and the widest Underground city of the Cappadocia. Kaymakli’s history dates back to Hittites and Phrygians Period in the 7th and 8th century B.C. Kaymakli Underground City has acted as a safe haven for those fleeing from religious persecution, and it was mainly used by Christians during the Byzantine era for protection from invading Arabs. They estimate that up to 3,500 people once lived here. In the evening, we visit Ceramic Workshop - the area is famous for the art work, souvenirs and household utensils all made from the red clay of the Avanos River.

Today we proceed to Pamukkale – known for the mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down white travertine terraces on a nearby hillside. It neighbours Hierapolis, an ancient Roman spa city founded around 190 B.C.

Today we visit the beautiful snow white ‘Cotton Castle’- one of the most visited places in Turkey. The word Pamukkale means ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish. It contains hot springs and travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. It is located in Turkey's Inner Aegean region, in the River Menderes valley, later we visit the ancient city of Hierapolis- a UNESCO World Heritage site. The name Hierapolis also means the sacred city. Here we visit its masterpiece theatre. Later we proceed to Eskisehir – The name Eskisehir literally means 'Old City' in Turkish. Upon arrival we enjoy a boat ride on the Porsuk River.

Today we proceed to Istanbul- a major city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. Upon arrival we visit Grand Bazaar – the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Here we can shop for famous flavoured Turkish tea, Turkish Ceramics, Carpets, textiles etc. Further we enjoy Turkish dinner with show.

Today we enjoy Istanbul city, we visit Topkapi Palace – the largest and oldest palace in the world and the heart, brain and centre of the Ottoman Empire, followed by a visit to Hippodrome square - also known as Atmeydani (Horse Square), We then visit Sultan Ahmet Tsami popularly known as Blue Mosque- a historical mosque in Istanbul. The mosque is known as the Blue Mosque because of blue tiles surrounding the walls of interior design, Hagia Sofia Museum – once the former Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal cathedral, later an Ottoman imperial mosque and now a museum. Later we experience the most scenic cruise through Bosphorus strait – a natural strait and an internationally significant waterway. It forms part of the continental boundary between Europe and Asia.