Date	Port Click to Expand	Arrival	Departure
	May 11 – Sat	Istanbul – Turkey		16:00
If True Greece has arranged for your pre-cruise experience at a luxury Istanbul hotel, before meeting your private car transfer to board your cruise, enjoy a guided tour of the incredible city of Istanbul. Standing firmly over two continents, Istanbul is the personification of a true “cosmopolitan” city. Your TrueTurkey guide will show you this multi-cultural and historic city through the eyes of a local. Depending on the day of your Istanbul tour you will have the opportunity to visit the Blue Mosque and its superb inner courtyard, the Hippodrome originally built by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203 AD, the magnificent Byzantine church of St. Sophia, the Underground Cistern built during the reign of Constantine I, the Topkapi Palace where the Ottoman Sultans presided over their vast empire and the Grand Bazaar where almost 5,000 shops are spread out in a giant maze of small streets and passages that are arranged according to their trade. By the end of this fascinating day you will feel like a citizen of this “international” city. Following your tour, board your cruise ship at Istanbul’s main port and begin your journey of the Eastern Mediterranean. We wish you an exceptional cruise experience!
	May 12 – Sun	Canakkale – Turkey	08:00	17:00
Canakkale is a town located on the southern (Asian) coast of the Dardanelles strait. Like Istanbul, it is situated between the two continents of Asia and Europe and has been a crossing point from Asia to Europe for centuries; Persian King Xerxes crossed in 481 B.C., and Alexander the Great a century and a half later. During the days of the Ottomans, it was used by their armies to march into Europe. In the 19th century, the area witnessed one of the worst wars of World War I in the nearby battlefields of Gallipoli. It is also the nearest city to the ancient site of Troy, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, discovered in 1865-66 by archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann. The area has been of great strategic and economic importance as the gateway to Istanbul and the Black Sea from the Mediterranean.
	May 13 – Mon	Kusadasi – Turkey	10:00	23:00
Kusadasi – meaning “bird island” – is a lively resort town located on Turkey’s Aegean Coast. The area’s history dates back as far as 3000 B.C. and has been a center of art and culture of many civilizations since. Before becoming a popular vacation spot in the 1980’s, Kusadasi itself was a modest town with a population consisting mostly of farmers and fishermen, while today’s Kusadasi resembles a modern European city. Head out for some shopping into the maze of pedestrian roads in the old quarter, where you can find some traditional Turkish goods, like leather, carpets, jewellery, ceramics, etc. On the way there, just outside the port you will pass the The Öküz Mehmet Pasha caravanserai. Built in the early 17th century, it once served as a roadside inn for travelers to rest and recover from the day's journey. Alternatively, take a walk along the bay and visit the peninsula Guvercin Adası ("Pigeon Island") that hosts a castle and several beaches, including a private beach with a café facing the town and the port, and public beaches facing the open sea. If you have included a private guided tour of Ephesus, you will meet with your guide and driver and head toward this breathtaking ancient site. Ephesus boasts a rich and vibrant history and has become famous for its incredible historical landmarks, such as the Library of Celsus, the magnificent ancient theater, and the famous Terrace Houses. Explore this wonderful archaeological site with the assistance of your guide and marvel at one of the best preserved cities of the Ancient world. Reaching its climax during the Roman period, when it was regarded as the second largest city in the world, it is here where St Paul stayed for nearly three years preaching his beliefs. Considered as one of the seven Churches of Asia by Saint John in the Book of Revelations, Ephesus was also the site of the Temple of Artemis, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient world.
	May 14 – Tue	Cesme – Turkey	08:00	18:00
Cesme means ‘fountain’ or ‘spring’ in Turkish and is a popular beach town surrounded by blue seas, along the beautiful Mediterranean Riviera. This coastal town in the Aegean Region has become one of Turkey’s prominent centers of international travel and tourism; it is a well-regarded location of wealthy Izmirian country homes as well as a retreat for the Istanbul elite.
	May 15 – Wed	Mykonos – Greece	08:00	18:00
Cosmopolitan Mykonos, with its wonderful beaches, impressive restaurants, and energetic nightlife, offers a more adventurous yet genuinely Greek experience. In Mykonos, freedom of expression is visible in every corner, and the combination of such a tranquil setting with a vibrant social scene has elevated the island to a premier destination for travelers from around the world. Get lost in the labyrinth of narrow streets lined with white washed houses, shops, cafes, and bars. Enjoy an exciting evening on this island and as the sun-sets, watch the island literally come alive! If you have included a True Greece guided tour of Delos, today you will explore a neighboring island to Mykonos that during ancient times, according to Greek mythology, was a moving island that freely roamed the sea. Today it is quite stable and only a short boat ride from Mykonos. Your True Greece guide will show you this fascinating archaeological site, and guide you through the numerous statues, pillars, temples and mosaics. Walking amongst the ruins you will undoubtedly feel the spiritual ambiance of this island, which is regarded as one of the most important and sacred sites of the ancient world.
	May 16 – Thur	Crete (Rethymno) – Greece	08:00	18:00
Crete is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean, and one of the world’s premier destinations. The island has impressive peaks rising beyond the summery coastal cities, beach resorts that rank with the world's finest, spectacular mountain passes and panoramas, the remains of the impressive Minoan civilization, scores of wild flowers, flocks of sheep tended by shepherds in timeless fashion, and above all, the intense and vibrant inhabitants who make each meal or encounter memorable. Crete is something more than an island: It is a world unto itself.  Both its natural history and its human history have produced a distinctive land that has been drawing millions of visitors over the years and rewarding them with both satisfying–and surprising–experiences. If you have included a True Greece tour or excursion today in Crete, meet your guide or transfer agent upon arrival at the harbor and begin your exploration of this incredible island under the care of True Greece.
	May 17 – Fri	Milos – Greece	08:00	17:00
Milos is a unique horse-shoe shaped volcanic island located at the most south-western part of the Cyclades group of islands in the Aegean. It boasts one of the largest natural harbors in the Mediterranean and is rich in natural resources. Although Milos can be remembered as a picturesque Cycladic island, you will soon learn that it is most well-known for the ‘Venus de Milo’ statue of Aphrodite that is now at the Louvre in France, as well as a statue of the Greek god Asclepius that is now at the British Museum in the United Kingdom. Enjoy your day meeting the hospitable locals, swimming in incredibly clear waters, and exploring this distinct island and its interesting lunar landscape with incredible rock formations!
	May 18 – Sat	Athens – Greece	07:00
Arrival Athens ~ individual departure. Disembark your cruise ship at Athens’ main port of Piraeus - Greece's largest port and gateway to the Mediterranean since 482 BC! If True Greece has arranged for your post-cruise experience, upon arrival at the Piraeus cruise terminal meet your private driver who will transfer you to your luxury hotel in Athens; then enjoy a True Greece guided tour of Athens and the Acropolis. Together with your local True Greece guide, the highlights tour will expose you to this diverse city - birth place of modern democracy and cradle of western civilization. Follow your True Greece guide up the steps once taken by ancients like Socrates, Pericles and Plato, and gaze at the ‘sacred’ Acropolis, home to the magnificent and architecturally unique Parthenon. Allow your True Greece guide to bring the city of Athens and this exceptional experience to life, with a wealth of historical and cultural information. As part of your tour, you will also have the opportunity to visit significant and historically important sites, such as the Parliament Building, the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, the Columns of Olympian Zeus, and the Presidential Mansion. If you have already had the opportunity of exploring Athens and its historically significant monuments, it would be our pleasure to arrange a guided tour to one of the many famous ancient sites outside of the city – perhaps Ancient Delphi or the Temple of Zeus at Sounio. Whatever your preferences, we can fulfil exactly what you are looking for…and more!

 

Cruises are subject to availability. Itineraries and times are subject to change. Click on ports for detailed information.

Ships' Registry: Bahamas

Since each individual’s accommodation preferences differ and cruise fares constantly change based on availability, to learn more about this cruise please contact a True Greece Concierge to begin planning a cruise trip customized to your needs.

Istanbul

• Istanbul Tour
  
  Standing firmly over two continents, Istanbul is the personification of a true “cosmopolitan” city. Your TrueTurkey guide will show you this multi-cultural and historic city through the eyes of a local. Depending on the day of your Istanbul tour you will have the opportunity to visit the Blue Mosque and its superb inner courtyard, the Hippodrome originally built by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203 AD, the magnificent Byzantine church of St. Sophia, the Underground Cistern built during the reign of Constantine I, the Topkapi Palace where the Ottoman Sultans presided over their vast empire and the Grand Bazaar where almost 5,000 shops are spread out in a giant maze of small streets and passages that are arranged according to their trade. By the end of this fascinating day you will feel like a citizen of this “international” city.

Kusadasi

• Ephesus Tour
  
  Located close to the coast in the Aegean Region, Ephesus boasts a rich and vibrant history and has become famous for its incredible historical landmarks, such as the Library of Celsus, the magnificent ancient theater, and the famous Terrace Houses. Explore this wonderful archaeological site with the assistance of you TrueTurkey guide and marvel at one of the best preserved cities of the Ancient world. Reaching its climax during the Roman period when it was regarded as the second largest city in the world, it is here where St Paul stayed for nearly 3 years preaching his beliefs. Considered as one of the seven Churches of Asia by Saint John in the Book of Revelations, Ephesus was also the site of the Temple of Artemis which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient world.

Mykonos

• True Greece Delos Tour
  
  During ancient times, according to Greek mythology, Delos was a moving island that freely roamed the sea. Today it is quite stable and only a short boat ride from Mykonos. Your True Greece guide will show you this fascinating archaeological site, and guide you through the numerous statues, pillars, temples and mosaics. Walking amongst the ruins you will undoubtedly feel the spiritual ambiance of this island, which is regarded as one of the most important and sacred sites of the ancient world.
  
  
• True Greece Mykonos Town Tour
  
  An archetype of Cycladic architecture, Mykonos Town or Hora is protected by Greek law in order to sustain its beauty and elegance. Follow your True Greece guide and get a local’s perspective of this architecturally exceptional location. Visit a rare jewel of traditional Greek Architecture, the Church of Panayia Paraportyanni which dates back to the 15th century. Learn the history and significance of the trademark windmills of Mykonos and visit a local bakery where you can sample some of their fresh produce. You will also have a chance to visit the quaint local archaeological museum and walk around “Little Venice.”

Athens            

• True Greece Acropolis & Athens City Tour
  
  Meaning “peak of the city” in Greek, the Ancient Acropolis stands proudly above the city of Athens; birth place of modern democracy and the cradle of western civilization. Follow your True Greece guide up the steps once taken by ancients like Socrates, Pericles and Plato, and gaze at the “sacred” Acropolis, home to the magnificent and architecturally unique Parthenon. Allow your True Greece guide to bring the city of Athens and this exceptional experience to life, with a wealth of historical and cultural information. Visit significant and historically important sites, such as the Parliament Building, the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, the Columns of Olympian Zeus, and the Presidential Mansion.

Let our True Greece Concierges do what they do best ~ take care of you!

Our Concierges are experts in creating a travel experience that is exactly what you’re looking for. Take advantage of our expert knowledge and work together with one of our Concierges to plan your pre/post cruise experience or perhaps even extend your travel experience to include a True Greece customized trip or a True Turkey customized trip add-on. Experience our renowned ‘on-the-ground’ service and allow us the opportunity to create an authentic and memorable experience for you.