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Includes airfare, fuel surcharges, transfers, 7 nights aboard easyCruise Life, a bonus night in Athens, many meals, discounted sightseeing and more!

Greek Islands & Turkey

This is no ordinary cruise to the Greek Isles and Turkey. Rather, this is an opportunity to really explore six beautiful Aegean jewels.You'll visit the popular islands of Mykonos, and Paros, the resort town of Bodrum, Turkey, as well as some of Greece's more hidden island gems, including Kalymnos and Syros. You'll spend your days exploring each magical site and your nights, while you sleep, sailing to your next stop. Arriving by lunchtime each day, you can hit the beach, enjoy the cuisine in a harbor side taverna, see the sites on one of our adventures ashore or stroll the picturesque ports of call and enjoy the incredibly gorgeous panoramic views all along the way.

Don't expect midnight buffets, casinos, or cabaret shows aboard easyCruise Life-but do prepare for an incredible itinerary at a fraction of the price you would pay under any other travel arrangements. And don't wait to jump on this deal. Space is very limited and on a first come, first served basis. And at these impossibly low prices, this amazing journey will sell out fast.

Itinerary at a Glance

GREEK ISLANDS & TURKEY
Day	Port of Call	Arrive	Depart
Friday	Depart USA
Saturday	Piraeus & Athens	Embark 2pm	5 pm
Sunday	Kalymnos Shore excursion*	11am	6am (Mon)
Monday	Bodrum, Turkey Shore excursion*	10am	7am (Tues)
Tuesday	Kos Shore excursion*	10am	3am (Wed)
Wednesday	Parikia, Paros	2pm	6am (Thurs)
Thursday	Mykonos Shore excursion*	10am	7am (Fri)
Friday	Ermoupolis, Syros Shore excursion*	11am	10pm
Saturday	Piraeus & Athens or begin Classical Greece Extension	7am	Disembark by 9am
Sunday	Athens/USA

*Guided shore excursions included in special touring package.

Detailed Tour Itinerary

Day 1, Friday: Depart USA. Your exciting journey to Athens, Greece, begins this evening as you check in at JFK for your overnight jet flight via scheduled carriers. (Other gateways are available upon request).

Day 2, Saturday: Piraeus (Athens). Upon arrival, you'll be met by our representatives and transferred to the cruise terminal in Piraeus, the city next to Athens, to board your ship, easyCruise Life, and begin your weeklong Aegean cruise. (D)

Day 3, Sunday: Kalymnos. Early afternoon arrival in Kalymnos. For centuries, this island thrived on sponge-fishing, and only recently, after the decline of this traditional occupation, did the island open for tourists. As a result, the locals have been able to largely maintain their traditional customs and way of life, almost all of which center around the sea.

The island's picturesque landscape is shaped by sparkling blue waters, unique rock formations, and citrus orchards in the Vathy Valley. Kalymnos's mountainous terrain, replete with limestone cliffs and a multitude of caves, also makes it a popular destination for rock-climbers. Pothia, the island's capital and main port, features a silver-domed cathedral, the churches of Aghios Nikolaos and Aghios Stefanos, and the Monastery of St. Savas, which sit on a hilltop overlooking the town. Enjoy the day at leisure for independent pursuits or join an optional shore excursion that begins with a visit to the Monastery of St. Savas and proceeds through the villages of Pothia, Hora, and Panormos to Kantouni Beach, where you'll relax on the beach and enjoy complimentary refreshments at the Domus Club. (€25, approximately $37, per person) (B,D)

Day 4, Monday: Bodrum, Turkey. Spanning two crescent-shaped bays, the resort town of Bodrum, often referred to as the "St. Tropez of Turkey," is one of the most cosmopolitan destinations in the Aegean. Bodrum effortlessly combines its ancient and modern elements, giving the town a distinctly artsy feel. The old waterfront, dazzling blue bay, and winding streets lined with small geometric, bougainvillea-covered white houses make for a stunning visual effect throughout the town, while the all-night clubs, cafes and restaurants create a vibrant nightlife.

Bodrum is also home to a number of important historical sites, including the Castle of St. Peter, a crusades-era fortification that houses an excellent Museum of Underwater Archaeology. The museum showcases artifacts from the oldest shipwreck ever discovered and the Hall of the Carian Princess, whose opulent tomb was found intact in 1989 during construction work at a nearby building. Wander a bit further and you'll reach the site of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although only the foundation and some sculptural pieces remain, the site is one of Bodrum's must-sees.

Today's optional shore excursion takes you to the Castle of St. Peter and the Museum of Underwater Archeology and then on a delightful gullet cruise along the Turkish coast, making stops for swimming and sunbathing at small bays along the way (€40, approximately $59, per person) (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday: Kos. This morning, sail just off the coast of Turkey to the nearby Greek island of Kos. You'll have a full day and night to explore this beach lover's paradise. Or, if you're in the mood to sightsee, opportunities abound on the island, a virtual repository of Byzantine and Hellenistic buildings and ruins. You can visit the temples of Aphrodite and Dionysus, the Palace of the Knights of Rhodes, and the mosaics of the Casa Romana.

Other attractions include a number of Turkish mosques, the Roman Odeon and fountains, Roman baths, and the enormous Plane Tree, under which Hippocrates, father of modern medicine and a native of Kos, supposedly taught. We recommend a unique optional shore excursion that visits the well-preserved Asklepion Sanctuary, the most famous archaeological site on the island. Your guided tour will give you an in-depth account of this remarkable site.

Then continue to Zia, a small, lively mountain village that offers superb views of Aegean Sea and the islands of Kalymnos and Pserimos. Many of the local residents specialize in artisan crafts and goods, so the village has many small handicraft shops, some of them selling the village's famous thyme and honey. From there, Captain Yiannis and his crew will take you to the lovely Kamari Bay, where you'll board a kaiki, or wooden fishing boat, and head to a secluded beach. Cool off with a swim as your BBQ lunch is prepared. En route back to the port, you'll make one last stop at Antimachia to visit a traditional windmill and house dating back 200 hundred years. (€68, approximately $102, per person) (B,D)

Day 6, Wednesday: Parikia, Paros. Today's stop brings you to the island of Paros, famous for its golden sand beaches and lively nightlife. The island's main town, Parikia, is a colorful village with a 13th century Venetian citadel and a unique cathedral, called the Church of 100 Doors, which features a tall cypress tree as its belfry. Enjoy your day in Greece to wander at leisure through the delightful boutiques in Parikia or bask in the sun at Chryssi Akti beach. (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday: Mykonos. Arrive early this morning at Mykonos, where chic crowds flock to the island's trendy restaurants, discos and clubs each night, and where you can sit seaside, sipping ouzo and watching the sunset while listening to traditional Greek music. You'll have nearly 24 hours to explore this popular Greek island. During the day, enjoy a stroll through Mykonos town with its labyrinth of winding alleyways and whitewashed buildings, cascading geraniums and upscale shops and cafes.

Or, join an optional excursion to Delos, one of the most revered sites in all of antiquity. This small, uninhabited island was once the religious center of the entire Aegean area, and, according to mythology, the birthplace of Apollo, the god of music, sun, light, harmony and beauty. In the early 19th century, excavations on the island uncovered the ruins of a entire city. Rising above the ruins of this ancient city is Mount Kynthos, where some of the earliest traces of habitation, dating back to the third millennium B.C., were discovered (€47, approximately $71, per person).

By night, experience the glamorous restaurants and nightclubs for which Mykonos is renowned. (B,D)

Day 8, Friday: Ermoupolis, Syros. Although today it is less developed than some of the other Cycladic islands, Syros once thrived as the archipelago's center of commerce and shipping. Stunning neoclassical mansions, elegant architecture, and the well-preserved town of Ermoupolis attest to its former prominence. Join an optional shore excursion that takes you through the island’s scenic villages of Vari, Chroussa, Posidonia, Finikas, Giallissas and Talanta. Tonight, we recommend that you experience the unique charm of this laid back island by visiting local clubs featuring traditional bouzouki music. (D)

Day 9, Saturday: Athens. After disembarkation this morning, you'll be met by our representatives and escorted to your waiting coach to begin a panoramic city tour of Athens. The birthplace of western civilization and once hailed as the Paris of the Mediterranean, Athens is now a bustling, modern city, a colorful tapestry of eastern and western influences, full of outdoor cafes, pedestrian streets, parks and gardens, street bazaars, mansions and ancient ruins.

Later this afternoon, check in at your centrally located hotel, within a short distance of Constitution Square and the famous Plaka (Old Town). You'll have the remainder of the day to explore Athens. 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!

Or, if your schedule permits, why not extend your stay in Greece and join our Classical Greece Extension? (See details below.) Central Hotel or Hotel Titania (B)

Day 10, Sunday: Athens/USA. Your journey comes to a close today as you bid farewell to Athens and transfer to the airport for your flight to the USA. (B)

Classical Greece Extension

Why not take advantage of your already-included international airfare and visit the classical cities of Mycenae, Olympia, and Delphi? Your extension includes superior hotels, most meals and guided touring of the most fascinating of the classical cities of Greece.

Day 9, Saturday: Athens, Mycenae & Olympia. Early morning arrival at Piraeus and disembark from your ship. 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 you'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 (B,D)

Day 10, Sunday: Olympia, Nafpaktos & Delphi. This morning 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, drive via Patras to Rion, Antirion and picturesque Nafpaktos, where according to mythology, Hercules slew the Erymanthine boar and where you'll view the lovely circular Venetian harbor. Continue your drive to Delphi for dinner and overnight. Hotel Amalia Delphi (B,D)

Day 11, Monday: Delphi & Kalambaka. After breakfast 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 centre of the world.

Later, 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 (B,D)

Day 12, Tuesday: Meteora & Athens. This morning 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, when the monks constructed inaccessible eagle's nests in the crannies of these rocks. Amazingly, four of these monasteries are still occupied today.

Later this afternoon you'll drive back to Athens, via Thermopylae, famous battleground from the Persian wars. Arrive in Athens and check in at your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day in Athens at leisure.  Central Hotel or Hotel Titania (B)

Day 13, Wednesday: Athens/USA. Your journey comes to a close today as you bid farewell to Athens and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA.

Please note:  On the May 15 departure, when adding the Classical Greece Extension, the program becomes 14 days rather than 13 days. The original 10 day program has a slightly different sequence on this departure, with the bonus night in Athens coming at the beginning of the program rather than at the end. On all departures except for May 15, those passengers taking the Classical Greece Extension will postpone the bonus night until the last night of the tour, after the extension, rather than after the cruise. On May 15, the bonus night in Athens is not postponed. Rather, passengers on this departure will enjoy another night in Athens after the Extension. The cost of the extension, for the May 15 departure only, will be $664. The single room supplement for this extension will be $270.

Special Optional Tours Package

$200 per person if pre-booked

To take full advantage of your visit to the Greek Islands & Turkey, we offer a discounted package of the five optional shore excursions on this cruise.

Optional Tours Package includes:

• Half day visit to the Monastery of St. Savvas followed by swimming and refreshments on Kantouni Beach
• Full day Bluewater Voyage along the Turkish coast and visit to the Castle of St. Peter and the Museum of Underwater Archeology
• Full day tour of the Asklepion Sanctuary and the village of Zia, followed by BBQ lunch
• Half day Island Tour of Syros
• Half day guided tour of Ancient Delos

The special package price of $200 per person is available when booked and prepaid prior to departure. If you don't want to book the entire package, individual optional tours will be available for booking aboard the easyCruise Life.

About your ship, easyCruise Life

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Destination FAQs

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

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

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Duration:	-- any length -- Up to 8 days 9 - 12 days 13 - 16 days 17 days or more
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Month:	-- anytime -- January February March April May June July August September October November December

Greek Islands & Turkey
Included Features

• Round trip flights from New York via scheduled carriers including fuel surcharges. (Alternate gateways available upon request at low through fares). Full fllight schedule is sent with confirmation packet.

• Arrival and departure transfer with meeting and assistance

• 7 nights aboard the easyCruise Life, in standard inside cabins

• Inexpensive cabin upgrades

• Breakfast and lunch or dinner daily aboard ship and breakfast in Athens

• Special discounted optional touring program for 5 days

• Bonus night in Athens at the centrally located Titania Hotel (or similar) just a short walk from the Plaka (Old Town)

• Optional Classical Greece Extension including 3 nights accommodations at the Superior First Class Amalia Hotels in Olympia, Delphi and Kalambaka

• On the Classical Greece extension, buffet breakfast and dinner daily (Breakfast only in Athens)

Greek Islands & Turkey Cruise Departures & Prices* Depart Return Book by Jul 25 After Jul 25 2008 DEPARTURES Apr 18 Apr 27 $1199 Apr 25 May 4 $1249 May 2 May 11 $1299 May 15 May 24 $1399 May 23 Jun 1 $1499 Jun 13 Jun 22 $1829 Jul 11 Jul 20 $1879 Aug 8 Aug 17 $1879 $2179 Sep 12 Sep 21 $1679 $1979 Sep 19 Sep 28 $1629 $1929 Sep 26 Oct 5 $1579 $1879 Oct 3 Oct 12 $1479 $1779 Oct 10 Oct 19 $1379 $1679

Tour prices are per person, double occupancy, including airfare. Prices in red reflect an early booking discount if you reserve by July 25, 2008. * Prices do not include Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee for this tour of $175.

Taxes & Fees * Service Price Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee $175

Optionals & Supplements Service Price Discounted Shore Excursions Package $200 Single Supplements* Single Occupancy Room/Cabin (April, May & October departures) $225 Single Occupancy Room/Cabin (June & September departures) $250 Single Occupancy Room/Cabin (July & August departures) $295

* Single supplements apply only to the Standard Inside cabins

Cabin Upgrades* Service Price To Standard Outside Cabin with Window April, May & October Departures (except April 18) $65 June, August 30 & September Departures $60 July & August Departures (except August 30) $165 Standard Outside Quad with Window** April, May & October Departures $75 June, August 30 & September Departures $70 July & August Departures (except August 30) $185 To Superior Outside Cabin with Window*** April, May & October Departures $200 June, August 30 & September Departures $190 July & August Departures (except August 30) $250 To Panoramic Suite with windows April, May & October Departures $550 June, August 30 & September Departures $550 July & August Departures (except August 30) $750

* Single supplements on upgraded cabins are available upon request ** Suitable for families of 2 adults and 1 or 2 young children. Cabin has 2 upper and 2 lower beds. Only two adults pay cabin upgrade fee. *** Due to limited number of Superior Outside cabins and Panoramic Suites on the ship, upgrades are on request and subject to confirmation.

Classical Greece Extension Service Price Double Occupancy $579 Single Room Supplement $199 Child, under age 12, sharing room with two adults $150 May 15 Departure Only* Double Occupancy $664 Single Room Supplement $270 Child, under age 12, sharing room with two adults $220

* Those taking the Classical Greece Extension after the May 15 departure will have an extra night in Athens. As a result, the Extension Prices noted above will apply.

Departure Airport: This tour departs from New York Kennedy International (JFK). Ask about availability and prices for connecting flights from other cities.

Travel Insurance: Our comprehensive policy is available for only $129 per person and is strongly recommended to protect your investment.

Important Note: Due to the unique nature of this program, all payments are non-refundable once made. We strongly recommend travel insurance to cover losses should you have to cancel or interrupt your cruise for any covered reason. Whether you take advantage of our own wholesale policy for $129, or you purchase other coverage, we urge you to protect your vacation investment.

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 Greek Islands & Turkey cruise. easyCruise Life is an innovative cruise ship that offers comfortable accommodations, a full spa  and exercize facilities, friendly crew, flexible dining and sightseeing options, and a cruise price that delivers amazing value for money.

Included Features:  Your transfers are all included, not expensive extras as in other tours. Breakfast and a choice of lunch or dinner daily are also included. Plus, take advantage of a bonus night in Athens at the centrally located Titania Hotel or similar, just a short walk from the famous Plaka (Old Town).

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.

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.

Waitlisting on Sold-Out Departures: If your preferred departure is sold out, you can place yourself on a waitlist by completing the online reservation form and submitting it to us. Just click on the "waitlist" button, complete the form and click "submit". In the comments box at the very bottom of the form, please write any notes regarding your request, especially any flexibility you might have in your dates of travel. This way, if your first choice doesn't clear, we can try for a second or third choice. We will make every effort to clear your space in a timely way so that you can join us on tour. You do not need to send any deposits for waitlists. When we clear your space, we'll contact you immediately by phone or email, and if you still wish to travel, we will arrange for deposits or payments at that time. We regret that we cannot accept waitlists beyond 35 days prior to departure. If you see "sold out" next to the dates you wish to reserve or waitlist, please note that this departure is now closed, including waitlist possibilities.

Already Booked? Print and complete your Tour Registration Form (PDF).

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* Some tour prices reflect an early booking discount on select dates. Prices 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.