DAY 1: USA-ISTANBUL
Depart via overnight transatlantic flight to Istanbul with
meals on board.
DAY 2: ISTANBUL
Arrive in Istanbul and meet our
local representatives; transfer to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is at leisure.
DAY 3: ISTANBUL (B)
Depart on a full day city tour.
Visit St. Sophia, masterpiece of
Byzantine architecture, built in the
6th century by the Byzantine
Emperor Justinian. In the afternoon
visit Topkapi palace, residence of
the Ottoman Sultans (now a world
famous museum), the Mosque of
Suleiman the Magnificent and the
Grand Bazaar. Return to your hotel for overnight.
DAY 4:
ISTANBUL (B,L,D)
Free morning for
last minute shopping.
Transfer to the pier to embark on
your cruise ship. Overnight
onboard.
DAY 5: ISTANBUL (B,L,D)
Morning at leisure. Evening sailing
for your next port of call.
DAY 6: IZMIR (EPHESUS) (B,L,D)
Early afternoon arrival in the Turkish port
of Izmir. Disembark and explore on your own, go on an optional excursion to
Ephesus, the most complete ancient city ever excavated. Here you can walk through the marble streets of one of the best preserved ancient cities in the world, housing the Library of Celsus and the Great Amphitheater.
DAY 7: PATMOS - MYKONOS (B,L,D)
Early morning arrival in the island of Patmos. Here you
can visit the Monastery of St. John and the Grotto, where
the book of Revelations was written. In the afternoon
the ship will sail to Mykonos. Stroll at leisure through
the whitewashed, flower-decked alleyways to the sculpture
like church of Paraportiani, or along the waterfront
to the famous windmills.
DAY 8: RHODES (B,L,D)
Morning arrival in Rhodes, the
island of Roses. You will spend a
full day on the island to explore on
your own or embark on an
optional sightseeing tour. Or
simply hire a taxi and visit one of
the nearby beaches for a swim.
DAY 9: HERAKLION - SANTORINI
(B,L,D)
In the morning the ship will call at
Heraklion, Crete. Here you may
choose to discover the town on
your own or embark on an
optional excursion to the
Minoan Palace of Knossos,
followed by a visit to the Heraklion
Museum. The next destination
today is the island of Santorini, the
land of the fabled Atlantis. After
strolling through the narrow streets
of the town, enjoy the view of the
volcanic site below while sipping a
cool refreshment.
DAY 10: ATHENS (B)
Morning arrival in Piraeus, the
main port of Athens. Upon
disembarkation you will be met by
FreeGate personnel. Transfer to
Athens for a morning city tour
which will introduce you to the
most important sights in the city
including the Acropolis, the
Parthenon and the Acropolis
Museum. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Athens.
DAY 11: ATHENS (B)
Day at leisure. Overnight in
Athens.
DAY 12: ATHENS - DEPARTURE (B)
After breakfast transfer to the
airport for your departure flight.
Greece
and Turkey Highlights
FreeGate
Included Features
