Iconic Aegean Summer Cruise
From Athens Lavrio To Mykonos, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Patmos, Heraklion Crete, Santorini - 3 Nights

Package Details

Overview

Our magical Iconic Aegean cruise delivers a packed schedule and takes you to no fewer than six enchanting destinations in the romantic Aegean Sea. Embark on a fascinating journey as you glide through emerald waters to unravel the mystery of history, take in breathtaking landscapes and discover iconic landmarks. This remarkable voyage invites you to experience the Mediterranean lifestyle, sample authentic Greek cuisine and visit iconic locations.

Details

FRIDAY: ATHENS (LAVRIO) – MYKONOS, GREECE
Embark on the 3-day cruise and sail to Mykonos at 13:00. Lunch on board. Arrive at 18:00 in Mykonos and enjoy your evening walking and exploring the pebbled streets of the cosmopolitan Chora and have a coffee in “Little Venice”. Sail for Kusadasi, Turkey at 23:00. Dinner & overnight on board ship.

SATURDAY: KUSADASI, TURKEY – PATMOS, GREECE
At 07:00 our cruise-ship docks at Kusadasi in Turkey, the starting point for the included guided excursion to visit the ancient city of Ephesus, where the Apostle Paul preached and lived for three years (Acts 18:19-21). Free time for souvenir shopping in Kusadasi before we set sail at 13:00 for Patmos, Greece. Lunch on board. At 16:30 arrival in Patmos (disembarkation by tender-boats, sea & weather permitting). It is here that the Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation (Rev 1:9). Don’t miss an optional guided visit to St. John’s Monastery and the Grotto of the Apocalypse. Sail to Heraklion, Crete at 21:30. All meals and overnight on board.

SUNDAY: HERAKLION, CRETE – SANTORINI, GREECE
At 07:00 arrive in Heraklion Crete (Acts 27:7-13). Enjoy the included guided excursion to visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos, first European civilization and the legendary home of the Minotaur (half bull and half man). At 12:00 noon sail to Santorini. Lunch on board. Arrive at 16:30. (Disembarkation by tender-boats, sea & weather permitting). Join the optional guided excursion to visit the beautiful and picturesque village of Oia where you can see the famous blue domed churches, or take the cable-car up to the town of Fira, perched high on the rim of the ancient volcano. Free time for taking photos, browsing, shopping and enjoying the breathtaking view of the caldera. Sail for Piraeus at 21:30. All meals and overnight on board.

MONDAY: LAVRIO (ATHENS), GREECE
At 06:00 arrive at the port of Lavrio. Disembark after breakfast.

Inclusions

HOUSE OF VIRGIN MARY & ANCIENT EPHESUS (Half Day)
Travel back in time to the ancient Greco-Roman era and explore the UNECSO-listed ruins of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Eastern Mediterranean. Our half-day tours also takes you to the House of the Virgin Mary which is shrouded in mystery and legend.

Ephesus is Turkey’s most cherished archaeological asset and was once home to the Temple of Artemis. Considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this incredible structure boasts more than one hundred marble columns that stand 56 feet tall. It takes very little imagination to see how the temple would have looked a formidable sight in its heyday.

The city of Ephesus was a powerful and influential region of the Roman Empire and was visited by many iconic historical figures including Cleopatra, Mark Antony and John the Apostle. Join us for a half-day to discoed the majestic city they travelled for weeks to reach.

MARY IN EPHESUS? THE MYTH AND THE MYSTERY
Local legends claim the Virgin Mary accompanied John on his voyage to Ephesus, commemorated by the House dedicated to the biblical Mother of Christ. Although there is evidence that John lived and died in Ephesus, it is unknown whether Mary joined him here.

Join our specialist tour guide for this fascinating tour to follow in the footsteps of important historical figures and unravel the mystery of Mary together with the tales of Anne Catherine Emmerich, a German nun that had visions of Mary in Ephesus and is said to have experienced a stigma.

ANCIENT EPHESUS THROUGH THE AGES – HELLENISTIC AND ROMAN
Enter the ancient ruins of Ephesus and walk in the footsteps of Christian emissaries including the apostle Paul and John, and the Virgin Mary. Ephesus was a pivotal center of commerce and spirituality in its heyday, and remains one of the best-preserved classical cities in the eastern Mediterranean.

Second, only to Rome in size and power, this enigmatic city was highly influential in shaping the history of Greece, Asia Minor, and the emerging Christian culture. As you stroll through the marble streets and mosaic-paved sidewalks, it’s impossible not to imagine how incredible the city would have appeared in its full glory.

Admire the stunning façade of the Celsus Library, the incredible Houses of the Patricians, Odeon and Agora, and the beautiful Temple of Hadrian. You will also have the opportunity to explore the local shops and bargain for finely handcrafted merchandise such as carpets, leather goods, and souvenirs, etc.

 

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