Day 1

Your vacations begins as you depart on your trans-Atlantic flight.

Overnight in flight

Day 2

Arrive in Athens, Greece, the land of great philosophers, artists and the birthplace of democracy. If you purchased Airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a YMT representative will welcome you after you clear immigration and customs after exiting baggage claim. You will be transferred to your hotel where the balance of the day is at leisure. Tonight you’ll get a chance to meet all your fellow travelers and your tour guide at the early evening welcome briefing and welcome dinner in the hotel. (D)

Overnight: Athens, Electra Hotel (or similar)

Day 3

After breakfast we depart for a full day tour of Athens to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Our expert guides will take you to see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896 (short stop). Continue and pass by the Presidential residence (ex Royal Palace) guarded by the Euzones in their colorful uniform, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library and Constitution Square. Then it’s on to the most famous of all Athens sights, the Acropolis, atop which lies the stunning 2,500 year old Parthenon Temple, built to honor the goddess Athena. In the shadow of the Acropolis we visit the Plaka district. Proceed with your guide on a short walking tour of Athens’s oldest and most picturesque neighborhood. The maze of cobblestone pedestrian streets is lined with shops, boutiques, souvenir stands and flea market stalls that beckon all that enter. You will have some free time to browse through the many shops and souvenir stalls or you can relax in one of the many taverns or cafes. This afternoon you’ll visit the new Acropolis Museum. Opened in 2009 and with five separate galleries, the museum is home to stunning artifacts from ancient Greece, dating from 500 BC to 500 AD – definitely one of the highlights. You will return to the hotel by late afternoon. This evening you can experience the taste and sounds of an optional Greek night. (B)

Overnight: Athens, Electra Hotel (or similar)

Day 4

After breakfast depart for a 3 day tour before joining your cruise ship. Drive along the fertile plain of Boeotia, crossing the towns of Thebes - connected with the tragedy of king Oedipus – Levadia and Arachova, famous for its colorful rugs and carpets (short stop). By late morning, you arrive at Delphi, the centre of the ancient world – the “Omphalos” (Navel) of the Earth – whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic world. Lying on the slopes of mount Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty overlooking the Gulf of Corinth, you will see the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios. Visit the treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo and Delphi Museum containing such masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias. (B/D)

Overnight: Delphi, Hotel Amalia (or similar)

Day 5

This morning we depart Delphi for Olympia, the cradle of Olympic Games for over 1000 years, crossing the Corinthian Bay from Rion to Antirion and drive through the plains of Achaia and Eliad. In the afternoon you will visit the archaeological site of the Sanctuary of the Olympian Zeus, the ancient stadium where heroes competed in chariot racing and javelin throwing before also visiting the museum. Next the tour the heads across the Peloponnese to Nafplion, a charming port town overlooked by the Palmidi Fortress and with its Venetian style houses and narrow streets. (B/D)

Overnight: Nafplion, Hotel Amalia (or similar)

Day 6

This morning we head back toward Athens and the port of Piraeus to board your cruise ship. En route we make a stop in Mycenae, one of the centers of the ancient Greek civilization and visit the archaeological site and the tomb of Agamemnon, the commander of the Greeks in the Trojan War. Next we visit Epidaurus and its 15,000 seat amphitheatre famous for its remarkable acoustics which permit all spectators to hear performances without amplification. Now the motor coach drives towards Athens along the coastal road and passes Corinth where there will be a short photo stop at the 3.9 mile long canal, built between 1891 – 1893. Arrive in the port of Piraeus by early afternoon where you will board your floating hotel, the Louis Cruise lines MV Cristal with plenty of time to relax and get acquainted with the ship and settle into your stateroom before dinner. The ship has a stylish yacht like design and accommodating up to 1,200 passengers, she features an array of onboard amenities including bars, lounges, restaurants and promenades. The cruise departs the port of Piraeus in the late afternoon. (B/D)

Overnight: mv Cristal 

Day 7

From Athens we sail North Easterly across the Aegean Sea towards Turkey and our first port of call. We sail across the famous Dardanelle Strait and in the afternoon arrive in mystic Istanbul, a city built on two continents, Europe and Asia separated by the Bosphorus Straight. Formerly known as Constantinople, this is a city of 13 million people, the largest in Turkey and was actually the capital city until 1922, before being succeeded by Ankara. Experience a taste of Turkish Culture this evening by choosing an optional evening excursion to see and hear traditional folkloric dance and music performances and taste some Turkish specialties and maybe drink a glass of Raki! (B/L/D)

Overnight: mv Cristal

Day 8

Today we have time to explore the magnificent city of Istanbul, with its long and colorful history, many of the historic areas are declared UNESCO World Heritage sites. Optional shore excursions give you the opportunity to discover the energy of the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world dating back to 1465, with 58 Streets and over 4000 shops. You can also visit the Basilica of Santa Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, once the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans, before returning to the ship for an evening departure. (B/L/D)

Overnight: mv Cristal

Day 9

Today we make our second Turkish stop, the city of Izmir. From here, an optional shore excursion you won’t want to miss is to visit nearby Ephesus, an ancient Greek & Roman city where you will see architectural masterpieces like the Library of Celsus and the Great Amphitheatre where St. Paul preached. We depart this evening and cruise back towards Greek waters.

Overnight: mv Cristal

Day 10

Early this morning we arrive at the Greek Island of Patmos, relax on board or take an optional excursion to the monastery of St. John. Next we cruise towards the Greek Island of Mykonos in the group of islands called the Cyclades. Relax aboard the ship and take advantage of the many onboard facilities. This afternoon we arrive at Mykonos, world famous for its windmills, whitewashed buildings and domed churches. It is the most cosmopolitan of the Greek Islands and attracts many visitors from all over the globe, including large numbers of artists and intellectuals. Take an optional tour to discover the island before the ship departs late in the evening for the next port of call. (B/L/D)

Overnight: mv Cristal

Day 11

Arriving early morning, today you have a full day to explore the island of Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese Islands. Historically, Rhodes was famous worldwide for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Optional shore excursions to explore medieval Rhodes town, now declared a World Heritage Site, or the Temple of Athena at the magnificent Acropolis of Lindos. (B/L/D)

Overnight: mv Cristal

Day 12

Arrival at the port of Aghios Nikolaos in Crete, the most populous Greek Island. Here you may take an optional excursion, to visit the Palace of Knossos and its famous ”Labyrinth” which was the center of the Minoan civilization... incredible! Late morning depart for the volcanic island of Santorini, where you will arrive late in the afternoon to witness the majesty of her 1000 foot high cliffs. Free time to enjoy the beauties of this island and its capital called Fira, perched spectacularly at the top of the cliffs, accessible from the port via cable car or mounted mules. The ship departs Santorini this evening for the overnight sailing back to Athens. (B/L/D)

Overnight: mv Cristal

Day 13

Early morning arrival to the port of Piraeus, disembark ship after breakfast for the final time and transfer to your Athens hotel for a day of leisure. Relax at the hotel, explore the shops and Tavernas of the Plaka district a, great place to buy gifts and souvenirs, or take an optional tour. (B)

Overnight: Athens, Electra Hotel (or similar)

Day 14

Morning transfer to Athens airport to check-in for your return flight to the US. (B)

Note:

This tour is not suitable for those with walking difficulties. The included sightseeing and optional shore excursions will involve walking and standing, steps, stairs and uneven ground at ancient sites and other locations. Some ports on the cruise are served by shuttle boats to and from the ship.

Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations.

Note: By their nature, all tours vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights.

Inside Stateroom - Category ID

Decks 5, 6 & 7

2 lower beds, 3rd/4th berth, bathroom with shower

Outside Standard - Category XA

Deck 2

2 lower beds, 3rd/4th berth, bathroom with shower

Outside Premium - Category XC

Decks 3 & 4

2 lower beds, 3rd/4th berth, bathroom with shower

Images courtesy of YMT Vacations’ cruise line partners. Please note that the images, descriptions, and deck plans are for representation purposes only and actual cabin accommodation layout and/or amenities may vary according to the cruise line’s discretion.