FreeGate Tourism - In business since 1982
Home

Specials


Eastern Mediterranean
 - Greece
 - Turkey
 - Israel
 - Jordan
 - Egypt
 - Combo Tours
 - Honeymoons
 - Cruise Tours
 

Western Mediterranean

 - Italy
 - Spain
 - Portugal
 - Morocco
 - Malta
 - Combo Tours
 
Central/Eastern Europe
 - Austria
 - Bosnia
 - Croatia
 - Czech Rep.
 - Germany
 - Hungary
 - Poland
 - Russia
 - Slovenia

 
Central And South America
 - Argentina
 - Belize
 - Bolivia
 - Brazil
 - Chile
 - Colombia
 - Costa Rica
 - Ecuador
 - El Salvador
 - Galapagos
 - Guatemala
 - Honduras
 - Mexico
 - Nicaragua
 - Panama
 - Peru
 - Venezuela
 
 

Best of the Eastern Mediterranean

Countries Visited: Athens, Classical Greece, 7-day Cruise to the Greek Islands & Turkey OR to Israel and Egypt
Cities/ Locations: Athens, Olympia, Delphi & 7-day Cruise (Istanbul, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Crete, Santorini, Rhodes, Patmos, Mykonos, OR Istanbul, Ashdod (Israel), Port Said (Egypt), Crete)

Tour EM9 - 14 Days/ 12 Nights from $ 1,819 Land Only OR $2,739 w/air from New York
 
Itinerary Hotels Departures Prices FreeGate Tourism 1-800-223-0304
FreeGate Included Features
  • Round trip economy class airfare to Athens from New York
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation in Athens
  • 3-day/2-night Classical tour of Greece
  • 7-day/ 7-night Greek Island cruise on "Louis Cruises" vessel
    (Inside cabins "IC" with 2 lower beds - upgrades available)
  • Half-day Athens sightseeing tour
  • 3 escorted transfers in Athens
  • Meal plan as per itinerary: Breakfast (12), lunch (6), dinner(9)
  • Sightseeing in air conditioned motorcoaches with English speaking professional tour guides
  • Host service in Athens
  • Entrance fees to all places visited on included sightseeing tours
  • Hotel service charges and taxes
  • FreeGate document portfolio

Itinerary

DAY 1: USA - ATHENS
Departure on your overnight flight to Athens.

DAY 2: ATHENS
Arrival today at the Athens International Airport where you will be met by FreeGate personnel. Transfer to your hotel in Athens. Overnight.

DAY 3: ATHENS (B)
After breakfast, depart on an Athens city tour which will introduce you to the most important sites of the city. You will visit the famed Acropolis with its dominating view, and the site of the renowned Parthenon, one of the most impressive structures in the world, followed by a visit to the Acropolis Museum. Overnight.

DAY 4: ATHENS - OLYMPIA (B,D)
After breakfast, early morning departure to start the three-day Classical Tour. Drive to the Corinth Canal (brief stop). Continue to Epidaurus to visit the the world renowned theater and archaeological site, famous for its remarkable acoustics. After a short stop in Nauplia continue to Mycenae to see the Lion Gate and the Beehive Tombs of King Agamemnon. Continue driving through the Central Peloponnese, and arrive in Olympia for dinner and overnight.

DAY 5: OLYMPIA - DELPHI (B,D)
In Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games, visit the famous stadium, the impressive Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, and one of the greatest sculptures of all time, "Hermes" by Praxiteles. Afterwards, drive to Antirion. Continue past Nafpactos and Itea to Delphi for dinner and overnight.

DAY 6: DELPHI - ATHENS (B)
The morning today is dedicated to the exploration of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios and the Delphi Museum. Free time for lunch and shopping at the local stores. Commence the return drive to Athens, passing by the village of Arachova, the towns of Levadia and Thebes. Arrival in Athens early in the evening for overnight.

DAY 7: ATHENS - CRUISE (B)
Morning at leisure in Athens. Afternoon drive to Piraeus, main port of Athens, and transfer to your awaiting cruise ship.

DAY 8: ISTANBUL (B,L,D)
Evening arrival into Istanbul, one of the world's greatest historic cities. Formally Byzantium, the center of the Eastern Roman Empire, this once-walled city is built on seven hills and situated astride two continents; here, East meets West in every way.

CRUISE ITINERARY # 1 - Kusadasi and Greek Isles

DAY 9: ISTANBUL (B,L,D)
The optional sightseeing tour of Istanbul will take you to the city's unique monuments, such as the Church of St. Sofia, the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace. Afterwards, it is bargaining time at the innumerous shops of the Grand Bazaar. Early evening embarkation to set sail for your next port of call.

DAY 10: MYKONOS (B,L,D)
Early afternoon arrival in Mykonos. Stroll at leisure through the white-washed, flower-decked alleyways to the sculpture like church of Paraportiani, or along the waterfront to the famous windmills.

DAY 11: PATMOS - KUSADASI (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 the Turkish port of Kusadasi. Disembark and look for bargains at the local bazaars,leather shops, or go on an optional excursion to Ephesus, the most complete ancient city ever excavated. Here you can walk through the marble streets on an optional excursion to view one of the best preserved ancient cities which houses the Library of Celsus and the Great Amphitheater.

DAY 12: RHODES (B,L,D)
Early morning arrival into Rhodes, the island of Roses. Take an optional excursion to the city of Rhodes as well as Lindos. St Paul landed in the bay during his voyages, the crusading Knights of St John left marks of their presence there also, as well as the Ottoman Turks which occupied Rhodes for almost 400 years. This combination makes for a spectacular setting.

DAY 13: HERAKLION (CRETE) - 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 breathtaking view of the volcanic site below while sipping on a cool refreshment.

DAY 14: ATHENS - DEPARTURE (B)
Early morning arrival in Piraeus. Disembark and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

CRUISE ITINERARY # 2 - Israel and Egypt

DAYS 1-8: As per Itinerary #1 (Above)

DAY 9: MYKONOS (B,L,D)
Early afternoon arrival in Myconos. 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 10: CRUISE - AT SEA (B,L,D)
Full day at sea to enjoy the amenities of your vessel

DAY 11: ASHDOD (Jerusalem - Bethlehem, Holy Land) (B,L,D)
Perched on sand dunes, the ancient port of Ashdod is a gateway to the Holy Land. The ship will remain here from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. You may explore on your own, or purchase an optional full day tour to one of the world's most captivating cities, Jerusalem. In Jerusalem you will find 3 of the world's most venerated institutions: the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western (Wailing) Wall, and the Dome of the Rock. You can also visit Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity, Nazareth and Galilee.

DAY 12: PORT SAID (Cairo, Egypt, 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM) (B,L,D)
At the entrance to the Suez Canal, Port Said is a bustling city and port. Here you may embark on an optional full day tour to Cairo, including lunch. In this magnificent city, the ancient monuments of the Egyptian empire have fascinated visitors throughout the centuries. The mystifying Sphinx and the pyramids of Giza, over four thousand years old, stand majestically on the outskirts of the city at the edge of the desert. Cairo's museum of Antiquities holds one of the finest collections of artifacts in the world, including the astounding treasures of King Tutankhamun's tomb. You can also take the optional excursion to the Saladin Citadel, Sakkara and the exotic and colorful Khan El Khalili Bazaar.

DAY 13: AGIOS NIKOLAOS (B,L,D)
Morning at sea. This afternoon arrive at Agios Nikolaos, a quaint port town in Eastern Crete, where a pleasant optional excursion is available. Drive by the gorgeous natural Bay of Elounda, then to Kritsa, a charming village with splendid displays of blooming flowers, fruit trees and plants. The excursion continues to a local Olive Oil Farm, where olive oil, wine & raki are still produced using traditional methods. Enjoy Cretan traditional music and dances by local performers. Return to Agios Nikolaos and your cruise vessel.

DAY 14: ATHENS - DEPARTURE(B)
Early morning arrival in Piraeus. Disembark and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Accommodations    VALUE OPTION A OPTION B
ATHENS HOTELS
Polis Grand
(4-star)

Amalia
(Superior 4 -star)

CLASSICAL TOUR HOTELS
Tourist Class
A Class
A Class
CRUISE Inside cabins category "IC" with two lower beds (Upgrades available)

Departure Dates & Prices

OUR RATES INCLUDE AIRLINE FUEL SURCHARGES OF $200
DEPART USA: Thursday*
VALUE
OPTION A
OPTION B

2010 Departures
- Dates in Black: Cruise Itinerary #1
- Dates in Red:
Cruise Itinerary #2

Mar 27
2,739
2,919
3,129
Apr 03, 10, 17, 24
2,799
3,029
3,149
May 01, 08
2,909
3,139
3,299
May 15, 22, 29
3,269
3,499
3,659
Jun 05, 12
3,269
3,499
3,659
JUNE - SEPTEMBER EURO SAVINGS!!
(Deduct the amount in red from regular price)
Jun 19, 26
3,269 - 110
3,499 - 125
3,659 - 140
Jul 03, 10, 17, 24, 31
3,269 - 110
3,459 - 125
3,559 - 140
Aug 07, 14, 21, 28
3,269 - 110
3,459 - 125
3,559 - 140
Sep 04, 11, 18, 25
2,909 - 110
3,139 - 125
3,299 - 140
Oct 02, 09, 16
2,909
3,139
3,299
SINGLE/ TRPLE OCCUPANCY
Single room (add)
870
1,110
1,225
Triple room (deduct)
60
70
125

* Other departures available on request - Let us customize your trip to suit your needs

Rates are per person in US Dollars, double occupancy, and include airline fuel surcharges up to $200. Airfare from New York is included; departures from most USA gateways are available - please inquire. Depending on your airline schedule, an extra night stay in Athens may be required.

ADDITIONAL CHARGES (per person):
- Air taxes and security fees: approx. $145 - 200 depending on airline used

- Cruise Port taxes: $222

CRUISE UPGRADES to Outside cabins Category "XB" please add $180 (per person/double).

BRING-YOUR-OWN-AIR: If you buy your own airline tickets, please deduct from the tour price:

Apr 03 2010 - May 14
920
May 15 - Aug 30
1,245
Aug 31 - Oct 25
920

BUSINESS CLASS UPGRADE (International airfare): $2,649 to $3,189 depending on your travel dates

Book This Tour

Return to Top 

SPECIALS | HOME 

  ©1997-2008 All Rights Reserved.