10-night Greece & Turkey Voyage

Piraeus is the seaport for Athens, the capital of western civilization, which boasts a fantastic mix of classical ruins and vivacious modern life. Climb the hill of Acropolis to wonder at the Parthenon, join the lively Athenians in Constitution Square, and find a welcoming taverna for spirited bizouki music, plenty of ouzo to drink, and energetic Greek dancing. Piraeus is the largest harbor in the country. The white chapel of St. George at its summit has a theater bearing the same name. The hill of Nymphs is the site of a planetarium, which is located above magnificent Thesseio temple. Among all of these hills, Acropolis is the one that glorified Athens and the whole Greek world and became the symbol of the western civilization. Bays and small rocky or sandy coves dot the area and during the summer are filled with Athenians and foreigners enjoying their beauty.

Syros (Siros) is an inhabited island in the South Aegean region of Greece. It is located just 144km south east of the famous island of Athens. Syros is one of the smaller islands belonging to Greece, one of the Cyclades Islands. It is a popular destination year round and attracts make visitors looking for amazing Mediterranean dining experience as well as it offers the best of everyday Greek living. Enjoy a day at one of the beautiful beaches, a tour of one of the many museums or visit the Saint Nicholas Church that is situated on the island.

Visitors come to Kusadasi for beaches and nearby ruins of Ephesus. The major attraction is the archaeological site of ancient Ephesus, considered to be most important in Turkey. The history of this ancient city dates back to 10th century BC; many remarkable structures seen today are result of an excavation and restoration program. Along a white marble road grooved by ancient chariot wheels, the two-story Library of Celsus presents a striking sight. There are temples, houses of noblemen, and community buildings lining ancient streets. Nestled in the mountainside is a 25,000-seat amphitheater, still used for performances during Festival of Culture and Art. Bible buffs may know Ephesus as inspiration for St. Paul’s Epistle to Ephesians and the site of one of the first seven churches of Asia Minor. Treasures are kept in the Seljuk Archaeological Museum. Among the better-known ancient sites near Kusadasi are ancient Miletus and Dydima. Remains include a well-preserved Roman theater at Miletus and Dydima's sacred temple of Apollo.

Situated on a beautiful peninsula, Bodrum is known as a popular holiday resort. Enchanting villages of white painted houses trimmed with purple bougainvillea together with miles of sandy beaches and ideal locations for water sports. On the southern coast of the peninsula lie the golden sandy beaches at Bardakci, Gumbet, Bitez, Ortakent Yalisi, Karaincir, Bagla and Akyarlar, while on the western side are Gumusluk, Yalikavak and Turgut Reis. For those who want seclusion, the northern coast boasts Turkbuku, Golkoy and Gundogan - all small simple fishing villages, ideal for those who want a subdued and relaxing atmosphere. While the nights in Bodrum town itself are noisy, crowded and vital, these smaller villages offer cozy taverns and restaurants over-looking quiet bays and can all be reached easily by car or even by boat.

Despite the many tourists, Marmaris has managed to retain its charm. Marmaris is in the deep recesses of a pretty bay, framed by pine-clad mountains. The sheltered harbor provides ideal anchorage for boats, which are protected from the stiff breezes out at sea. Secluded coves around Marmaris offer nice beaches with hotels and resorts. Many visitors use Marmaris as a starting point for trips to Caunos, an important ancient city famed for its rock tombs. Attractions include the statue of Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic. Also interesting to see is Menzilhane, an Ottoman version of a pony express station, dating back to the days of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, who ordered the station built in 1545. Beyond that, one can spend a lazy day in the sun or join locals and fellow visitors in a waterfront taverna. It's fun to stroll along the palm-lined waterfront promenade. Approximately 10 minutes away are good, sandy beaches, backed by green mountains. The clear waters of the Aegean are ideal for swimming and watersports, including scuba diving offered at Hotel Mares.

Agios Nikolaos lies picturesquely on Mirabello Bay in the eastern part of Crete. Its charming small town has developed into a popular holiday resort thanks to its beautiful beaches and its convenience as a center from which to explore eastern Crete. Visit the island's capital, Heraklion, and the famous site of Knossos. Many of the artifacts and frescoes unearthed at Knossos are now in Heraklion's renowned museum. Among the artists who came from this port city was El Greco, who was born near Heraklion in 1541. The area around the harbor and the side streets are lined with souvenir and handicraft shops. Tavernas along the harbor front offer tasty local dishes. Spinalonga Island is located 15 miles from Ághios Nikólaos. Formerly the site of a leper colony, the island is popular with sun worshippers who enjoy its picturesque setting. Other attractions include the remains of a 16th-century Venetian fort.

Santorini is everything that has made the Greek islands legendary. The world famous island of Santorini is the southern most island of the Cycladic group in the Aegean Sea, and is located north of Crete. Its population is distributed among thirteen villages and just exceeds nine thousand. The marvelous dry climate and unbroken sunshine create year around conditions which are perfect for observation, photographs and videos under an extraordinary variety of natural lights and colors.

Mykonos's many captivating attributes make it one of the most celebrated Greek holiday islands. Its main village is a colorful maze of narrow streets lined with white-washed houses, many with bright blue doors and shutters. As an attractive backdrop, famous windmills are lined up like toy soldiers on the hillside, vestiges of a time when wind power was used to grind grain. Mykonos has churches and chapels scattered about the island; quite a number of them are located right in town. Radiant flowers spill over white-washed walls and shady courtyards. In addition to swimming, sunning, water-skiing and surfing, visitors find endless shopping opportunities. Artists have relied on Mykonos' beautiful setting to inspire them. The most photographed site is the Paraportiani, a cluster of white-washed churches resting below windmills. Mykonos's museums include an Archaeological Museum, which houses relics from the Trojan War, a Folk Art Museum and a Maritime Museum. The best beaches are Aghios Stephanos, Psarou, Kalafatis, Onros, Panormos and Elia.

This centuries old capital guards the slender waterway between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, and is the doorway between the East and West. Visitors can explore remnants of Byzantine Constantinople in the Sultanahmet district, where you will have the chance to see ancient splendors, such as the Haghia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. At night the city boast a lively nightclub scene and excellent Turkish dining options that may include cultural entertainment and dancing. Istanbul also features splendid shopping malls, boutiques, and hand crafted items can be found all over the city.

This centuries old capital guards the slender waterway between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, and is the doorway between the East and West. Visitors can explore remnants of Byzantine Constantinople in the Sultanahmet district, where you will have the chance to see ancient splendors, such as the Haghia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. At night the city boast a lively nightclub scene and excellent Turkish dining options that may include cultural entertainment and dancing. Istanbul also features splendid shopping malls, boutiques, and hand crafted items can be found all over the city.