Date	Port Click to Expand	Arrival	Departure
	Apr 10 – Wed	Istanbul – Turkey		14:00
Istanbul – Embarkation Individual arrival in Istanbul ~ embarkation on the Silver Wind. 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 True Greece 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!
	Apr 11 – Thu	Canakkale – Turkey	08:00	18:00
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.
	Apr 12 – Fri	Kusadasi – Turkey	08:00	22:00
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.
	Apr 13 – Sat	Rhodes – Greece	09:00	19:00
Rhodes, an island famed for its beaches and its medieval main town, is the largest of the Dodecanese islands. The Old Town of Rhodes, a mixture of Medieval, Ottoman, and Greek architecture, offers itself for enchanting walks among narrow alleys – as well as some of the finest shopping around. Rhodes is also an island rich in history: the majestic Palace of the Grand Masters conveys a sense of the power that the medieval Knights exercised over the island for over 200 years, and the Acropolis of Lindos, one of the three original Dorian Greek cities on Rhodes, boasts to be home of the columns of the Temple of Athena (c. 350 BC), one of the most photographed buildings of ancient Greece. If you have included a True Greece tour or excursion today in Rhodes, 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.
	Apr 14 – Sun	Crete (Agios Nikolaos) – Greece	08:00	19:00
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.
	Apr 15 – Mon	Santorini – Greece	08:00	23:00
Santorini, world-renowned for its widely photographed, romantic sunsets and unique, volcanic natural environment, is arguably the most striking of the Greek islands. Its dramatic red and black sand beaches, narrow white-washed alleys, exquisite traditional and international cuisine, as well as its agricultural and wine-making tradition, make Santorini a truly spectacular island. If you have included a True Greece tour or excursion today in Santorini, meet your guide or transfer agent upon arrival at the harbor and begin your exploration of this incredible island under the care of a True Greece affiliate.
	Apr 16 – Tue	Mykonos – Greece	08:00	19:00
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 tour or excursion today in Mykonos, meet your guide or transfer agent upon arrival at the harbor and being your exploration of this incredible island under the care of True Greece.
	Apr 17 – Wed	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!

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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.

Crete

• TrueGreece Elounda Authentic Cooking Lesson
  
  Crete is famous for its varied and colorful cuisine, encompassing ingredients from its rich and varied natural environment. Dive straight into your private cooking class and learn how to prepare traditional Cretan dishes ranging from various appetizers to a magnificent main course. While your food is cooking the time will pass with a tour of the local vineyard and a multimedia presentation that offers a unique journey into the history of Crete. Wet your appetite before lunch with a tasting of various local wines. The time has come to enjoy the delicious dishes that you created during your cooking lesson, accompanied by a local wine. This gastronomic experience will last for approximately 3 hours (including lunch), and will surely provide you with food for thought for when you return back home!

• TrueGreece Knossos Palace & Archaeological Museum Tour
  
  Legend has it that in a labyrinth on the grounds of Knossos Palace, roamed a creature that was half bull and half man. Follow your Truegreece guide through the Palace of Knossos and travel back to a time when these mythical creatures existed and when the Minoan Civilization ruled supreme throughout the Aegean. As you wander around the stone corridors, passing through the countless private and public rooms, pillars, and frescoes, you will quickly understand why the ancient peoples believed that this was the labyrinth in which the Minotaur lived. A visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum will provide you with a brief insight into the fascinating history of Crete which spans almost 5,500 years. From the Neolithic period to Roman times you will be able to see priceless artifacts and genuine masterpieces.

• TrueGreece Lasithi Plateau & Dikteon Andron Tour
  
  Surrounded by the Lasithiotika Mountains, the Lasithi Plateau is an impressive plain “populated” by thousands of windmills. Once reputed to be almost 12,000 in number, the windmills bring the plateau to life with their white sails spinning in the breeze. Follow the breeze to the Northern side of the Lasithiotika Mountains, where your TrueGreece guide will lead you into a large and mysterious cave, covered with stalactites and fascinating rock formations. It is in this imposing cave that according to mythological tradition, Zeus, the father of all the ancient Greek Gods was born. All who visit this cave will leave with the feeling that they have a fuller sense of the power of Greek mythology.

Santorini
    

• TrueGreece Authentic Santorini Cooking Lesson
  
  With more than 300 days of sunshine over its rich volcanic soil, Santorini yields a bounty of unusual indigenous herbs and vegetables, such as white eggplant, capers and caper leaves, fava (small yellow peas), and exquisite baby tomatoes, which are all grown virtually without water. You will be welcomed to one of the best restaurants on Santorini with fresh juice, coffee and traditional Greek cookies. While sampling different wines and some local Cycladic side dishes, you will talk about the cuisine of the Cycladic Islands and particularly that of Santorini. Having an introduction to the various grape varieties grown on the island, you will begin your gastronomic experience. You will learn how to prepare an entire Greek menu: an appetizer, a salad, a main course, and a dessert. After a short, but much anticipated wait you will be able to enjoy the fruit of your labor accompanied by a bottle of delicious wine from Santorini. This gastronomic experience will last approximately 5 hours (including lunch), and will surely provide you with plenty of culinary ideas to surprise everyone back home.

 

• TrueGreece Santorini Tour
  
  Due to its unique morphology and distinctive history, Santorini is regarded by some as the lost island of “Atlantis.” Perched elegantly on the cliffs overseeing the Aegean Sea, the towns of Santorini offer a diverse variety of activities and sights. Coordinate with your TrueGreece guide and shape your tour in order to fully appreciate this stunning island. Whether you choose to visit the Prehistoric Museum in Fira, a traditional winery in Oia or the Byzantine church of Panagia Episkopi, by the end of the day you will leave you with a sense that you have discovered the lost island of “Atlantis.”

 

• TrueGreece Santorini Winery Experience
  
  Since ancient times the rich volcanic soil and distinctive microclimate of Santorini has been ideal for the cultivation of vineyards and the production of wine. Explore a local winery and observe the unique way in which the vineyards are pruned and the wine produced. After this brief introduction to the rich wine making tradition of Santorini take part in a wine tasting where you will have the pleasure of sampling several local varieties complimented by an assortment of traditional Cycladic appetizers and spoon deserts.

        

• Santorini Wine Roads Tour
  
  Discover the secrets of wine making, on the unique volcanic island of Santorini. Stroll through vineyards that manage to grow on a rainless and infertile land, to produce some of the most distinctive wine varieties in the world. With the assistance of your sommelier explore wineries where thousand year old traditions meet harmoniously with technological and scientific advancement in the field of wine making. Visit three well known wine estates and sample 15 different types and styles of wine under the guidance of an experienced sommelier. Complement this unique experience with an assortment of Greek cheeses and olives that will bring the flavors of Santorini to life.

 

• Santorini Wine and Food Tasting
  
  Discover the secrets of wine making, on the unique volcanic island of Santorini. Stroll through vineyards that manage to grow on a rainless and infertile land, to produce some of the most distinctive wine varieties in the world. With the assistance of your sommelier explore wineries where thousand year old traditions meet harmoniously with technological and scientific advancement in the field of wine making. Visit two well known wine estates and sample 10 different types and styles of wine under the guidance of an experienced sommelier. Complement this unique experience with an enjoyable greek-meze lunch or dinner in a traditional settlement, bringing the flavors of Santorini to life.

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.