The Aegean Classic, operated by Louis Hellenic Cruises, offers relaxation, sightseeing and fabulous Greek food not only for the young, but also the young at heart. Beginning and ending in Athens, you'll cruise for 4 days to the Cycladic islands of Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Rhodes and Patmos, as well as a short stop in Kusadasi on the Turkish coast. There's nothing quite like watching the sun set over the Mediterranean from the bow of your luxury cruise ship while sipping on the cocktail of the day. Paradise.
| Length: | 6 days |
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| Accommodations: | Hotel, Cruise ship as per itinerary
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| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Supper, Dinner as per itinerary
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| Sightseeing: | Greece, Turkey |
| Transportation: | Cruise ship |
Arrive AthensCheck-in to your hotel and spend the afternoon getting a sneak peak at mythical Athens, a city crammed with ancient wonders and busy with modern, urban soul. Later, meet up with your Contiki Crew and Tour Rep, back at the hotel. Wrap up the day on the shady slopes beneath the Acropolis and jump start your trip with an optional dinner in the rustic district of Plaka, where traditional tavernas spill out onto the pavements. Tonight’s festive atmosphere is perfect for getting to know your group and Tour Manager over local wine.
Athens to MykonosToday, board a typical Greek ship to Mykonos and take advantage of the amazing views across the Aegean and of the rocky islands with your camera. Mykonos is famous for its blissful beaches and party culture. No matter what you’re after, chances are this island has got it! You’ll soon understand why this happening hub draws people from all walks of life, from jetsetters to backpackers. Head into Mykonos town and wander through the maze of tiny streets lined by whitewashed cube-shaped houses. Maybe grab a table in the village and snack on fresh local specialties, like olives, feta and tzatziki dip. Chill for the evening with friends on the island’s world famous beaches and cool off in the azure waters. Wrap up the day with a drink at one of Mykonos’ hip bars and watch the sun go down. But don’t stop there, toast the start of the cruise back on board and hit the ship’s nightclub with the group.
Cruising to Patmos via KusadasiIn the morning, wake up to the Turkish port town of Kusadasi. Rummage through the Grand Bazaar and go local bargaining for leather goods, jewellery or local crafts. Otherwise hook up with the group and our Local Guide for an optional excursion to ancient Ephesus, a stunningly preserved city that Mark Antony and Cleopatra once visited. Our next port of call is Patmos, with its sacred spots and wild countryside. Get the background from your Rep on why this island attracts both pilgrims and holiday makers. Explore the monasteries, traditional settlements and country churches. Get into the spirit of the island with an optional excursion that takes you to Patmos’ UNESCO World Heritage sites: the11th century Monastery of the Apocalypse and to the Grotto of St John – the hilltop cave where John the Apostle lived for many years.
Cruising to RhodesNext up is Rhodes, smack in the middle of 3 continents, serving up a mix of relics from different civilisations. Choose to learn more about the island as the group travels through history in an optional excursion with a Local Guide. Head up to the Acropolis of Lindos and wander within the walls of Rhode’s medieval town centre, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Use your free afternoon to explore the modern side of Rhodes or discover more of the old town. There’s some of the best shopping in the region with great prices on local goods like honey, olive oil, leather and silver. Relax on the awesome beaches, put your feet up with a glass of local wine and order fresh seafood or calamari (squid rings) - typically Greek food! Back on board, we set sail to the port of Heraklion.
Cruising to Santorini via CreteToday we start the day off with a visit to the biggest of the Greek Islands, Crete. Choose an optional excursion to the Palace of Knossos where our Local Guide will tell you the story of this 4000 year old mythical Minoan Palace, where the minotaur (half-man/half-bull) was slain. Next up: Santorini. This island will make your jaw drop with its stunning natural beauty – the result of a massive volcanic eruption. From the water, look up at the iconic blue–domed, whitewashed churches. Once we’re back on land, head up the cliff and the twisting stone steps, save your breath on a donkey ride or take it easy in the cable car for views of neighbouring volcanic islands. Your Tour Rep will fill you in on Fira – dramatically perched on the edge of the crater- as the group explores its narrow streets. Get tips on the best places to pick up a piece of Santorini’s famous jewellery and where to try out the delicious local specialty, domatoktedes (fried tomato balls). Otherwise head to one of the distinctive black or red sand beaches, and soak up the breathtaking scenery. You could jump on an optional boat ride out to the active volcanic island of Nea Kamini. Cruise past lava formations and get up close to the active crater.
Arrival into AthensAfter breakfast and a farewell to our hosts, we disembark in the Piraeus and head to Syntagma Square. Set right in the heart of Athens and home to Greece’s parliament, this is where our tour ends. For those who are keen to learn more, there’s a chance to step back in time to the birthplace of democracy. Get the run down on the Parthenon and the Acropolis from our Local Guide, as you wander around the famous columns perched above the city sprawl.
All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!