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Jet off to the trip of a lifetime awaiting you in Europe!

Welcome to Athens, crammed with myth and ancient wonders, and busy with modern, urban soul. For those who are keen to learn about the ancient past, head out & explore this open-air museum. You could honour the birthplace of drama by climbing around the massive Theatre of Dionysus or get the background on Ancient Greece at the National Archaeological Museum. Otherwise, experience Athens’ urban heart, take off into the streets and find a hole-in-the-wall food joint, where you can try the world famous famous souvalaki that Greece is famous for. Later, meet up with your Contiki 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 some delicious local wine.

Overnight Cruise

Today you'rer off cruising the Mediterranean so get ready for good times. Board our cruise ship bound for Istanbul, settle in to your cabin, then enjoy the activities on board and watch the sun set over the Aegean this evening. Later kick off the cruise with your new friends in the ship’s nightclub.

Overnight Cruise Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Supper

With a full day here, there is time to get a real feel for this cultural melting pot. Our Local Guide shows you one of the city’s major draw cards, the stunning Blue Mosque. It’s an amazing building with a series of domes and minarets dominating the skyline, complete with a breathtaking interior of tens of thousands of blue tiles. After that, we head right into the heart of the city and plunge into several kilometres of shops at the Grand Baazar. It’s an unforgettable shopping experience and our Local Guide will give you plenty of pointers. Walk through a maze of lanes, where tacky trinkets and authentic treasures are sold side by side. With carpets, jewellery, spices, music, electronics and more, the place is buzzing, so make sure you’ve got your haggling hat on. There are heaps of options for your afternoon here, so live a bit of Istanbul’s daily life. Try your hand at backgammon in a sidewalk cafe and watch the crowds go by as you sip on Turkish coffee. Chill out in a tea garden, or take to the time-honoured tradition of the hamam (steam bath house) and get scrubbed down on heated marble stones. Opt for a dinner complete with belly dancers and watch some top dancers perform this famous Eastern art. Istanbul’s nightlife is fantastic and your Tour Manager knows what you’re after – so find out about the city’s happening bars and clubs and go discover!

Overnight Cruise Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Supper

An early afternoon arrival in Izmir, renowned as one of Turkey’s most important ports for trade and exports like dried figs and sultanas.

If you’re feeling like getting a slice of the history here, you can opt for a visit to Pergamum to visit the Askelepion complex. Built to honour Aesculapius, the son of Apollo & protector of health and medicine, it’s an impressive site. With a Local Guide on hand to guide you through & tell you all about the history here, it’s a great way to spend your afternoon.

Tonight, jump back on board & spend the night catching up with your travel buddies, or sit back & chill with a drink on deck.

Overnight Cruise Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Supper

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.

We have an optional trip to the uninhabited island of sacred Delos, one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites. It’s located right in the middle of the Cyclades.

Head into Mykonos town and wander through the maze of tiny streets lined by whitewashed cube-shaped houses. Maybe grab a table for lunch in the village and feast on fresh local specialities, like olives, feta and tzatziki dip. Chill for the afternoon with friends on the island’s world famous beaches and cool off in the azure waters. Before our late-night sailing, there’s time to wrap up the day with a drink at one of Mykonos’ great bars while watching the sun go down.

Cruise ship Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Supper

This morning we’ll make a stop in Patmos, with its sacred spots and wild countryside. Get the background from your onboard cruise Rep on why this island attracts both pilgrims and holiday makers alike. Explore the monasteries, traditional settlements and country churches.

Patmos is also home to the11th century Monastery of the Apocalypse and to the Grotto of St John – the hilltop cave where John the Apostle lived for many years.

Later, we’ll head to the Turkish port town of Kusadasi. Why not opt to go on a guided tour of Ephesus, famous in antiquity for its Temple of Diana - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – and its Forum, the Library of Celsus, the Thermal Baths of Scolastika and the Great Theatre. During the years of the Roman Empire, the Greek port of Ephesus became the greatest city in Asia Minor.

In the evening there is time for a spot of shopping. Rummage through the Grand Bazaar and go local bargaining for leather goods, jewellery or local crafts. Then it’s back to the ship for the evening.

Overnight Cruise Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Supper

Next up: Santorini. This island will make your jaw drop with its stunning natural beauty, which is 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.

We’ll also pay a visit to Oia Village & en-route you’ll experience some incredible panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the neighbouring islands.

Built on the Caldera rim, Oia Village is an excellent example of Cycladic architecture. You’ll have some time to explore the village walking along the cobble-stone streets and the iconic white-washed houses with blue shutters.

The Oia Village tour will end in Fira, dramatically perched on the edge of the crater. Your Guide will fill you in on Fira 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).

Later, 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 where you'll cruise past lava formations and get up close to the active crater.

Overnight Cruise Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Supper

Morning arrival in Heraklion, Crete - the largest of the Greek islands and home to the ruins of King Minos’ Palace and the lair of the legendary Minotaur.

Choose an optional visit to 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.

Take advantage of some time for last minute swimming & shopping before heading back on board for your final overnight cruise back to mainland Greece.

Overnight Cruise Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Supper

After 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.

Breakfast