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Day 1:
Depart from the U.S. on a regularly scheduled flight to Athens, Greece. (In-flight
meals)
Day 2:
Athens, Greece/Piraeus/Cruise
On arrival in Athens, transfer to Piraeus and embark on the MS Le Diamant. Attend
a welcome reception this evening as the yacht sets sail. (Transfer provided for
those who purchased group air). (In-flight meals, D)
Day 3:
Delos/Mykonos
This morning, arrive at tiny, uninhabited Delos, one of the most sacred islands
of Greek antiquity. As the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, Delos was
as central to Greek spiritual life as Olympia or Delphi. Drawing close to the
shore, spot the magnificent Lion Terrace — sleek marble lions carved from
Naxian marble in the 7th century B.C. On a walking tour of this spectacularly
rich archeological site, examine the Sanctuary of Apollo, peruse the ancient
Theater, and wander through awe-inspiring ruins. At mid-day, return to the ship
and cruise to Mykonos. This island’s craggy hills and clefts, according
to Greek myth, were formed from the petrified bodies of giants killed by Hercules.
With charming windmills, bright, whitewashed homes and golden sandy beaches,
it is the epitome of Greek island life. The entire afternoon is at leisure on
the island. (B, L, D)
Day 4:
Santorini (Akrotíri)
Awake to the awe-inspiring black and red cliffs of Santorini soaring above the
ship. Explore the ruins at the archaeological site of Akrotiri, which was preserved
in an ancient volcanic eruption. The afternoon is at leisure for exploration
on your own. (B, L, D)
Day 5:
Lindos, Rhodes
Capital of the Dodecanese, Rhodes was an important center of the Roman and Byzantine
empires before being captured by the Knights of St. John in the 14th century.
Visit the Palace of the Grand Masters in Rhodes’ Old Town. In the afternoon,
see the soaring Acropolis of Lindos and the 6th-century B.C. Temple of Athena
in Kámeiros. This evening, attend an exclusive Village Forum with local
residents of Rhodes to discuss the town’s history and current life. Cruise
tonight. (B, L, D)
Day 6:
Pátmos, Greece
Known as the “Jerusalem of the Aegean,” Pátmos is the island
where, around 95 A.D., St. John the Divine received the vision of fire and brimstone
he dictated as the Book of Revelation. Arrive this morning and visit the massive,
fortress-like Monastery of the Apocalypse. Also see the Monastery of St. John
which broods above the white homes of Pátmos’ main town, Chóra,
like a pair of hulking shoulders. Following lunch, the afternoon is at leisure
on Pátmos. (B, L, D)
Day 7:
Ephesus/Kusadasi, Turkey
From the Turkish port of Kusadasi, take a full-day excursion through rural Turkish
villages and the sunflower brightened countryside to Ephesus. The extensive ruins
of this ancient city are among the world’s greatest relics of antiquity.
Once the location of the Great Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of
the Ancient World, and later one of the Roman Empire’s regional capitals,
Ephesus retains astonishing memorials to its importance in ancient times. Enjoy
the afternoon for exploration on your own in Kusadasi. Cruise this evening. (B,
L, D)
Day 8:
Canakkale/Troy
Located near the port of Canakkale on Turkey’s Aegean coast, visit the
ancient city of Troy, immortalized by Homer. The Iliad and the Odyssey, chronicled
the Trojan Wars of the 13th century BC and inspired many of the tales central
to ancient Greek mythology.
Day 9:
Istanbul/Disembark/Return to US OR Post-Trip extension in Istanbul
Disembark from the ship at Istanbul and transfer to Athens’ airport for
your flight to the USA. (B, In-flight meals)OR stay in Istanbul for the 2 night
post extension program featuring a half-day tour to the Blue Mosque, the Hagia
Sophia and the Grand Bazaar. Time allows for you to explore on your own during
your stay at a deluxe hotel. (Daily B)
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MS Le Diamant
The deluxe MS Le Diamant is an ocean-going vessel providing an intimate, yacht-like
atmosphere and carrying only 198 passengers. Refurbished in 2004 the ship features
air conditioned staterooms ranging in size from 183 square feet to 398 square
feet. Each room is elegantly appointed and features two lower twin beds that
convert to queen size on request, a private bathroom with shower (some staterooms
have bathtubs and showers) hair dryer, TV/DVD and plush terry cloth robes. The
MS Le Diamant features the highest culinary standards in its French-influenced
Continental fare. Enjoy single, unassigned seatings at the restaurant, accompanied
by soft piano music. A second restaurant on the ship features French specialties.
Complimentary wine is served at lunch and dinner in both restaurants. Entertainment
and amenities include a nightly cabaret show, five-piece orchestra, a fully equipped
health club with massage salon, library, observation lounge, boutique, beauty
salon, e-mail access and laundry service. There is also an outdoor pool on the
Sun Deck. A qualified doctor is available 24 hours and the ship has 2 elevators
serving all decks.
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