9 days from $1499*

Includes airfare, fuel surcharges, great hotels, transfers, many meals, touring and more!

Have less time? Check out our Athens & 3 Day Greek Isles Cruise!

Athens is the city where past meets present and east meets west, and where you will begin your magical visit to Greece. Enjoy three nights in the city that is the birthplace of Western civilization, and four nights sailing to the magnificent Greek islands of Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes and Santorini, plus Kusadasi in Turkey.

Our package includes round-trip flights, superior hotel accommodations in Athens for three nights, a Greek Island cruise for four nights, buffet breakfast daily, all meals aboard the cruise, and transfers. Explore Athens and the islands on your own, or take interesting and inexpensive optional tours. All the flexibility and fun is yours for incredibly low prices. After your tour, take advantage of an inexpensive and exciting Classic Greece extension!

Itinerary at a Glance & Port Call Times

Athens & 4-Day Greek Islands Cruise Day   Destination/Port of Call Arrive Depart 1 Saturday Depart USA     2 Sunday Athens     3 Monday Piraeus/Athens   11am Mykonos 6:30pm 11pm 4 Tuesday Kusadasi, Turkey 7am Noon Patmos, Greece 4:30pm 9pm 5 Wednesday Rhodes 7am 6pm 6 Thursday Heraklion, Crete 7am 11am Santorini, Greece 4:30pm 9pm 7 Friday Piraeus/Athens 7am   8 Saturday Athens     9 Sunday Athens/USA     Classical Greece Extension 8 Saturday  Athens, Mycenae & Olympia      9 Sunday Olympia, Nafpaktos & Delphi      10 Monday Delphi & Kalambaka      11 Tuesday Meteora & Athens      12 Wednesday Athens      13 Thursday Depart Greece/Arrive USA

Ports of Mykonos, Patmos, Santorini: Disembarkation by tender boats, weather permitting. Passengers taking the optional shore excursions will disembark first.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Depart USA. Your exciting journey to Greece begins this evening as you check in for your overnight flight.

Day 2: Arrive Athens. Arrive today in Athens, the birthplace of western civilization. You'll be met by our representative and then escorted to your hotel, centrally located near Constitution Square and the famous Plaka (Old Town). Divani Palace Acropolis or Elektra Palace

Day 3: Athens/Piraeus & Mykonos. Transfer to Piraeus this morning to board your cruise ship, the Louis Cruise Lines' Aquamarine or Calypso. Spend the afternoon enjoying the sun, sea breezes, pool and shipboard facilities.

Arrive at the gorgeous island of Mykonos later this afternoon. Chic crowds flock to the island's beautiful beaches by day and to the trendy restaurants and discos each night. You can too, or just sit seaside and unwind, sipping ouzo and watching the sunset while listening to traditional Greek music.

Before heading back to the ship, enjoy a stroll through Mykonos town with its labyrinth of winding alleyways and whitewashed buildings, basket-laden donkeys, cascading geraniums and upscale shops and cafes. Note: In November and March, arrival at Mykonos (about 6:30pm) is after sunset. (B,L,D)

Explore on your own, or enjoy an optional shore excursion.

Day 4: Kusadasi, Turkey & Patmos, Greece. Arrive at Kusadasi in Turkey. Just ten kilometers from the port of Kusadasi is the ancient city of Ephessos, where you'll find an archaeological site that ranks among the wonders of the world. Explore this fascinating town where history truly comes to life on an optional tour that includes the Great Theatre of Ephessos, which had a capacity of 25,000 people, and the Library of Celsus dating from 135 A.D.

Explore on your own, or enjoy a variety of optional shore excursions.

Later this afternoon, return to your ship for lunch aboard as you sail toward Patmos, Greece. Disembark at Skala harbor, a lively place with whitewashed houses, flowered courtyards, tavernas and shops. The Island of Patmos is famous in history as the place where St. John wrote the Book of Revelation. An optional tour takes you to the cave where St. John lived and the nearby Monastery, built on one of the island's highest points, housing priceless icons and manuscripts in its Treasury. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)

Explore on your own, or enjoy a variety of optional shore excursions.

Day 5: Rhodes. Today you'll visit Rhodes, the beautiful "Island of Roses". In the heart of the city of Rhodes is the largest inhabited medieval town in Europe, a fascinating web of Byzantine, Turkish and Latin ruins. Its mighty fortifications provide the finest surviving examples of defensive architecture of the time.

Lindos, with its whitewashed houses clustered beneath a soaring castle-capped acropolis, is Rhodes' most picturesque village and most important Doric settlement because of its natural harbor and vantage point built 125 meters above sea level. (B,L,D)

Explore on your own, or enjoy a variety of optional shore excursions.

Day 6: Heraklion & Santorini. Arrive in Heraklion, Crete, early this morning. An optional shore excursion will take you to see the ruins of Knossos, the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan civilization on Crete, just five kilometers from Heraklion city center. The palace at Knossos was an intricate collection of over 1000 interlocking rooms, used as a religious and administrative center, as well as for workshops for artisans and food processing. The ruins have largely been excavated and much of them colorfully painted and restored.

Back in Heraklion, the open air market is a must-see, where a boisterous crowd buys and sells everything from goats and sheep to huge cauldrons of fresh yogurt. Other points of interest here include the Archaeological Museum, one of the finest in Greece, housing exquisite findings from Knossos and other Minoan ruins, numerous Venetian fortresses, fountains and loggias scattered throughout the city and the Historical Museum of Crete, with its Byzantine and folklore collections.

Explore on your own, or enjoy a variety of optional shore excursions.

Return to the ship to continue sailing to Santorini. This striking island is a volcanic crater immersed in the sea. The island is famous for its breathtaking and rugged landscapes, whitewashed houses, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques which cling to steep cliffs, accessible by foot, cable car or mule.

Enjoy an optional tour of Santorini that takes you up along the volcanic caldera. Pass through the rocky landscape and several traditional villages to Oia, a town that brims with many fine examples of Cycladic architecture. Return to the ship for a final evening at sea. (B,L,D)

Explore on your own, or enjoy a variety of optional shore excursions.

Day 7: Athens. Disembark from your ship at Piraeus. Enjoy a full day to explore Athens. Your hotel is ideally located in the heart of the city, within short distance of many major attractions, as well as the best shopping and dining. Our Athens representatives will be glad to make suggestions if you prefer to explore independently.

To make the most of your visit, our representatives will offer you some exclusive excursions to the city's highlights, including a half-day tour of Athens in the morning (€52 per person) and a tour of Cape Sounion in the evening (€40 per person). See tour descriptions and special discounted rates below. Divani Palace Acropolis or Elektra Palace (B)

Day 8: Athens. Enjoy a full day to explore Athens on your own or on optional tours. Or continue on our Classical Greece Extension.

We suggest an evening at the Plaka, where you'll find typical Greek tavernas complete with music and celebratory throwing of plates. It's an experience not to be missed! (B)

Day 9: Athens/USA. Today you'll be escorted to the airport and bid farewell to Athens as you board your return flight. Your journey comes to an end as you arrive in the USA later today. (B)

Optional Shore Excursions

To help you take full advantage of your visit to the Mediterranean, exciting optional shore excursions are offered at each port-of-call. For your convenience, we offer you the option to purchase shore excursions in advance of your cruise. You may also book shore excursions aboard your cruise ship, but pre-booking guarantees your spot and allows you to avoid lines and hassle during your vacation. See descriptions and prices.

Classical Greece Optional Extension

Why not take advantage of your already-included international airfare and visit the classical cities of Corinth, Mycenae, Olympia, and Delphi? Your extension includes superior hotels, most meals and guided touring of the most fascinating sites, including entrance fees to places visited.

Day 8: Athens, Mycenae & Olympia. After breakfast this morning, board your touring coach and begin a tour of the classical cities of Greece. Drive across the Corinth Canal, which connects the Ionian Sea with the Aegean, to the Peloponnesian Peninsula, where 4,000 years of history are more fully and comprehensibly illustrated than anywhere else in Europe.

Here we'll visit the famous theater of Epidaurus, the best preserved in Greece, which reached the height of its fame in the 5th & 4th centuries B.C. The acoustics are so perfect that even from the last of the 55 tiers, every word can be heard. Continue to ancient Mycenae, which, according to the poets, was founded by Perseus and built with the aid of the mythological Cyclops. Drive on to Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic games, for dinner and overnight. Hotel Amalia Olympia or similar. (B,D)

Day 9: Olympia, Nafpaktos & Delphi. This morning we'll tour the archeological site and museum at Olympia, where the Olympic games were conceived as a tribute to Hercules, son of Zeus. These games were the most important international event in the Hellenic world from 776 B.C. to 393 A.D. and continue today, with the lighting of the Olympic flame that is carried by runners throughout the world. Visit the Sanctuary of the Olympian Zeus and the Museum.

This afternoon we drive via Patras to Rion, Antirion and picturesque Nafpaktos, where according to mythology, Hercules slew the Erymanthine boar and where we'll view the lovely circular Venetian harbor. Continue our drive to Delphi for dinner and overnight. Hotel Amalia Delphi or similar. (B,D)

Day 10: Delphi & Kalambaka. After breakfast we'll explore the ancient site of Delphi, located on the slopes of the breathtaking Mount Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty. Here lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios, the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo and the museum, which contains masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture including the famous bronze Charioteer.The site had been sacred since at least the Bronze Age. According to legend, the shrine was originally guarded by the she-dragon Pytho. She was killed by Apollo who then took over the oracle. In antiquity, Delphi was regarded as the center of the world.

Later, we'll depart for the small town of Kalambaka, built at the foot of the majestic gray rocks, at the point where river Pinios leaves the Pindos Mountain. Hotel Amalia Kalambaka or similar. (B,D)

Day 11: Meteora & Athens. This morning we will visit the spectacular Meteora monasteries, perched upon the summits of some precipitous and isolated rocky pinnacles, which rise above the almost flat valley of the Pinios river, 9 km beyond Kalambaka. The monastic history of Meteora goes back to the 11th century AD, when the monks constructed inaccessible eagle's nests in the crannies of these rocks and today, four are still occupied.

Later this afternoon we'll drive back to Athens, via Thermopylae, famous battleground from the Persian wars. Arrive in Athens and check in at our hotel. Divani Palace Acropolis or similar (B)

Day 12: Athens. Enjoy a full day to explore Athens on your own or on optional tours (see below). (B)

Day 13: Depart Greece/Arrive USA. Today you'll be escorted to the airport and bid farewell to Athens as you board your flight back home. Your exciting journey comes to an end as you arrive in the USA later today. (B)

Optional Tours in Athens

$145/person if pre-booked

To take full advantage of your visit to Greece, we offer a discounted package of the most popular optional tours featured on our tour.

Half Day Athens
The striking contrast between breathtaking monuments of a glorious past and modern elegant structures is what you will enjoy during your tour of Athens. Visit the Acropolis,the crowning beauty and glory of Ancient Athens, with its many monuments atop its rocky base, including the awesome Parthenon, the Propylea, the temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion, with its Porch of Maidens. Drive to the Roman Temple of Olympic Zeus, the Panathinaikon Stadium(site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896), the Tomb of the unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament House on Constitution  Square. See views of government buildings and elegant structures of the 19th century. Drive along Panepistimiou Avenue and view the Catholic Cathedral, the Academy, University, National Library. In contrast,  conclude your tour with a visit to the new Acropolis museum, a marvel of architecture with a full exhibition of the glory of Ancient Athens. (€67 per person)

Cape Sounion
Drive along the coastal road past countless coves and the beautiful beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza to Cape Sounion. Dominated by the spectacular Temple of Poseidon, the sanctuary at Sounion is one of the most important archeological sites in Attica. Although evidence suggests that the site dates back to the prehistoric period, the sanctuary is first mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey, as the place where Menelaos stopped during his return from Troy to bury his helmsman, Phrontes Onetorides. Learn about the rich history of this area as you take in stunning views of the Aegean on this fascinating optional excursion. (€42 per person)

Our discounted optional tours package includes both the Athens half-day & Cape Sounion tours. Get both for the special package price of $145/person if you book and prepay prior to departure. Or book these tours individually when you arrive in Greece for a little more (€125/person, or approximately $155/person, for both).

We regret that we cannot accept bookings for the pre-paid optional tours package within 75 days from departure or after final payment has been received.

Louis Cruise Lines MV Aquamarine

Click here for specifications, deck plans and more photos of the ship.

The cruise ship MV Aquamarine is Louis Cruise Lines' most recent acquisition. With her chic and modern design and array of amenities and comforts typical of those of an upscale hotel, the MV Aquamarine provides the perfect floating base for exploring the beauty of the Greek Isles.

With 525 spacious staterooms and suites, the Aquamarine can accommodate over 1200 passengers. Her 339 outside staterooms and 186 inside spacious staterooms, are tastefully decorated and equipped with individually controlled air-conditioning, ample closet space, private bathroom, radio and telephone.

Note: If you've taken a few cruises before, you may be accustomed to large, luxurious ships appointed with every possible amenity. This tour sails aboard a mid-sized ship which is practical, comfortable, and equipped with all necessary modern conveniences, but may offer more basic cabin amenities, less on-board entertainment, and fewer dining options than larger ocean liners. Think of it as a good 3-star hotel providing convenient and comfortable transport through the Greek Isles.

Destination FAQs

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Greece, click here.

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Turkey, click here.

Athens & 4 Day Greek Isles Cruise
Included Features

• Round trip flights from New York via scheduled carriers including fuel surcharges (flight schedule). Other gateways available upon request.
• 3 nights superior hotel accommodations at the Divani Palace Acropolis Hotel in Athens
• 4 nights in standard inside cabins (cat. IB) aboard the Aquamarine or Calypso
• Buffet breakfast daily in Athens and all meals aboard the cruise
• On the Classical Greece extension, 3 nights accommodations at the Superior First Class Amalia Hotels or similar in Olympia, Delphi and Kalambaka
• On the Classical Greece extension, buffet breakfast and dinner daily (except in Athens)
• All group transfers
• Professional, English-speaking tour guide

NOTE: Reservations are taken on a request basis so that cabin preferences can be confirmed. Please allow 24 to 48 hours for us to confirm availability. Also please note that shore excursions are no longer available for presale and must be booked locally through your cruise ship.

Athens & 4 Day Greek Isles Cruise Departures & Prices* Depart Return Book by Sep 8 After Sep 8 2010 DEPARTURES Jul 17 Jul 25 $2039 Sep 18 Sep 26 $1689 $1989 Oct 2 Oct 10 $1689 $1989 Oct 30 Nov 7 $1499 $1799 Nov 6 Nov 14 $1499 $1799 2011 DEPARTURES Mar 12 Mar 20 $1499 $1799 Mar 19 Mar 27 $1599 $1899 Apr 2 Apr 10 $1699 $1999 Apr 16 Apr 24 $1699 $1999 Apr 30 May 8 $1799 $2099 May 7 May 15 $1799 $2099

Tour prices are per person, double occupancy, including airfare. Prices in red reflect an early booking discount if you reserve by Sept. 8, 2010. * Prices do not include Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee for this tour of $168.

Taxes & Fees* Service Price Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee +$168 Port Fees +$105

* Non-US passport holders must check with their local Greece consulate to determine if they require a visa. Those passengers requiring a visa for Greece will need to obtain a multiple entry Greek visa.

Optionals & Upgrades Service Price Discounted Optional Tours Package* +$145 Single Supplement   Sep 18, Oct 2 +$449 All other departures +$499 Cabin Upgrades** IB (standard inside cabin) included XB (standard outside, porthole), double occupancy +$70 XB (standard outside, porthole)single occupancy +$110 XC/XD (outside, picture window) double occupancy +$130 XC/XD (outside, picture window)single occupancy +$250 XE/XF (deluxe outside) double occupancy*** +$340 XE/XF (deluxe outside) single occupancy +$680

* Optional tours package must be pre-booked to receive discounted price. ** Suites available by special request. *** XE/XF Deluxe Outside cabins can accommodate up to 2 passengers. Parties of 3 passengers will need to select another type of cabin.

Classical Greece Extension Service Price Classical Greece Extension   Jul 17, Sep 18, Oct 2 +$789 Mar 12 +$899 All other departures +$799 Single Supplement   Jul 17, Sep 18, Oct 2 +$289 All other departures +$299

Departure Airport: This tour departs from New York Kennedy International (JFK).

Coming from somewhere else? Ask us about availability and prices for flights from other cities.

Transfers: Transfers for this tour are provided on a group basis only. For land-only passengers or for passengers deviating in any way from the group program, transfers are not provided. Individual, private transfers can be arranged at a supplement in price. Taxis and other forms of transportation are also available and may cost less than private transfers. If you wish to arrange private transfers, please request this service at the time of reservation.

About Your Ship

If you've taken a few cruises before, you may be accustomed to large, luxurious ships appointed with every possible amenity. This tour sails aboard a mid-sized ship which is practical, comfortable, and equipped with all necessary modern conveniences, but may offer more basic cabin amenities, less on-board entertainment, and fewer dining options than larger ocean liners. Think of it as a good 3-star hotel providing convenient and comfortable transport through the Greek Isles.

Shop & Compare

Our tours may look similar to others you've seen, but we invite you to shop & compare. There are important differences that make Friendly Planet tours the best you can find.

No Compromise on Quality: Despite our extraordinary prices, there are no compromises on our Athens & Greek Islands cruise/tours. In Athens and on our Classical Greece extension, you'll stay in Superior First Class, centrally located hotels that are noted for their amenities and service.

Included Features: Your group transfers are all included, not expensive extras as in other tours. Breakfast daily in Athens and all meals aboard the cruise are also included.

Credit Cards or Cash: You asked, and we listened! Whether you pay by check, money order or your favorite major credit card, your tour price on this tour is the same. No extra cost to charge your dream vacation to Greece. Credit Card Authorization Form.

Personal Service: Most important of all, the extra ingredient that makes our tours stand apart from others—the wonderful, personal attention you'll receive from our friendly staff in the USA and our representatives in Greece —is completely free of charge. Compare our Greece programs to others, feature for feature. You'll see for yourself that ours are the very best value for money you'll find anywhere.

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* Prices shown are good while inventory lasts, may reflect an early booking discount, and do not include Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee.

Though we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information on our site about our tours, sometimes oversights and typographical errors can occur. Please confirm all tour prices and details with us via email or phone prior to booking. We will not be held responsible for misunderstandings arising from such errors.