Holy Lands & Aegean Cruise

Holy Lands & Aegean Cruise

Tours Starts: Athens, Greece

Tours Ends: Athens, Greece

Day 1

Depart for Greece

Your journey begins on an overnight flight.

Day 2

Arrive in Athens, Greece

Arrive in Athens, Greece, the land of history’s greatest philosophers and the birthplace of democracy. If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, you will be transferred to your hotel to enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. This evening, you’ll get a chance to meet all your fellow travelers and your Tour Director at an informative welcome briefing and included welcome dinner. (D)

Athens Marriott or similar

Day 3

Delphi, Greece

After a stunning drive from Athens, tour the dazzling site of Delphi. This sacred mountain sanctuary to the god Apollo was once home to the ancient world’s most powerful soothsayer, the Oracle of Delphi. Lying on the slopes of Mount Parnassus high above the Gulf of Corinth, this is one of the most famous historic sites in Greece. It was known throughout the ancient Greek world and beyond as the source of ultimate wisdom. Today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Delphi is one of the most important sites remaining from the classical period of ancient Greece. (B)

Hotel Amalia or similar

Day 4

Sightseeing in Piraeus (Athens) and Embark the Norwegian Jade (Departs at 5:00 PM)

Piraeus, the port city of Athens, is rich with history. Visit the Piraeus Archaeological Museum to see incredible artifacts from the Mycenaean to the Roman times. Witness the evolution of Ancient Greece by observing how people lived through pieces ranging from cooking tools to weapons to life-size statues. After an included lunch, embark on the Norwegian Jade. (B)

Day 5

Kusadasi, Turkey (8:00 AM - 2 :30 PM)

Take a journey into the past in richly historic Ephesus, now known as Kusadasi. An important city to the Ancient Greeks, Ephesus was built, destroyed, and rebuilt again. It was once even home to the famed Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It still boasts bountiful ruins and archaeological excavation sites. You can visit the Roman Library of Celsus, the Gate of Augustus, the Tomb of John the Apostle, or the Basilica of St. John.

Day 6

Istanbul, Turkey (10:00 AM - 6:00 PM)

Istanbul is a fascinating global city that straddles the lines between Europe and Asia, Christianity and Islam, and the past and the future. Since being settled in the 7th century BC, the city traded hands between Romans, Persians, Byzantines, Arabs, and Ottomans. This multiculturalism is reflected across Istanbul, particularly in its most famous sights. The Hagia Sophia was a founded in the 6th century as a Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Centuries later it was converted into a mosque and is now one of the most visited museums in the world. The Strait of Bosporus is another must-see on your visit to Istanbul. This narrow strait that cuts through the middle of the city divides Europe and Asia. Did you know that Istanbul is the only city in the world located on two continents?

Day 7

Patmos Island, Greece (1:00 PM - 9:00 PM)

Welcome to Patmos, the world-famous Aegean island where St. John was said to have written the Book of Revelation. The UNESCO-recognized Cave of the Apocalypse and 11th century Monastery of St. John the Theologian are the island’s most famous sites, and fascinating for visitors of all religions. Because Patmos is so small and can only be reached by boat, it has retained its traditional feel.

Day 8

At Sea

Day 9

Ashdod, Isreal (6:00 AM - 8:00 PM)

Ashdod, found on Israel’s sunny Mediterranean coast, is a vital part of this area’s ancient history. Ashdod was founded in the 17th century BCE, and is mentioned over a dozen times in the Bible. The port city was ruled for many years by the Philistines, and houses the world’s only museum dedicated to the mysterious Philistine culture. Just an hour away is one of the oldest and most holy cities in the world, Jerusalem. Venture to the capitol of Israel and immerse yourself with a visit to the Temple Mount, a walled compound in the old city home to Al Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, a place of prayer and pilgrimage sacred to the Jewish people.

Day 10

Haifa, Israel (6:00 AM - 8:00 PM)

One of the most picturesque regions in the Middle East, Israel’s third largest city is built on the slopes of Mount Carmel. Its Bahá'í Gardens are the largest hanging gardens in the world, and many visitors are also drawn to the Cave of Elijah. The boutiques on Massada Street and the artists village of Ein Hod featuring hand-blown glass and one-of-a-kind pieces of art. Haifa is also close to holy sites like Galilee, Nazareth, and Tel Aviv.

Day 11

Limassol, Cyprus (7:00 AM - 3:00 PM)

A strategic garrison for Richard the Lionhearted during the Third Crusade, Limassol is home to many archaeological sites, as well as plentiful contemporary boutiques. Don’t miss the centuries-old Limassol Castle, home to the Cyprus Medieval Museum’s collection of pottery and tombstones.

Day 12

Rhodes, Greece (8:00 AM - 4:00 PM)

The remarkable walled city of this Greek island just off the coast of Turkey is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Discover the old fortified city on your own. Perhaps visit the acropolis of Lindos to see where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood.

Day 13

Disembark in Piraeus (Athens), Greece (Arrives at 7:00 AM)

After disembarking this morning, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Athens. You will see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, the Parliament, the monument of the Unknown Soldier and Constitution Square. Then it’s on to the most famous site in Athens—the Acropolis. It is topped by the stunning 2,500-year-old Parthenon Temple built to honor the goddess Athena. Finally, visit the new Acropolis Museum. Spend one last night exploring Athens on your own.

Day 14

Depart for Home (B)

Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Hotels may differ depending on date. 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. By their nature, all tour 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. Please ask your Travel Consultant for more information.