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Discovery Journey to Greece and Turkey 2008
With 7-day cruise! Visit Istanbul and its Blue Mosque
Follow the footsteps of St. Paul & St. John, Visit the home of Virgin Mary
Discover the wonders of Patmoss, Kasadasi, Rhodes, Heraklion, Santonini!
And of course Athens and its pre-historic ruins and remnants
October 2-11, 2008 $2867
Download Application form
For Educational activities contact Dr. George Palamattam;gp@discoveryjourney.org
Tentative Itinerary |
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October 2, 2008, THU, Take your AlItalia flight to discover Greece and Turkey! |
October 3, 2008, FRI, WELCOME TO ATHENS, GREECE! Upon arrival you will be met by an English speaking representative and transfer to the port of PIRAEUS to start your 7-Day Golden Classic Cruise onboard the M/S CRISTAL of Louis Cruises W/ 2 FREE CAT. UPGRADE, FROM THE MIN. INS. TO CAT.DA
Leave Piraeus, Greece at 18:00 |
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October 4 SATURDAY, Istanbul, Turkey; arrive at 18:00; Evening stroll Istanbul on your own |
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October 5 SUNDAY, Istanbul, Turkey; depart at 18:00
Optional Excursion: Highlights of Istanbul - lunch on board (IST – 02); 8.5 hrs, Euros 84
Begin the excursion with a sightseeing drive through the business centre of the modern city, across the Galata Bridge, along the banks of the Golden Horn and under the Byzantine Aqueduct of Valens. On the way, you can see the Süleymaniye Mosque, dedicated to Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. Continue around the mighty city walls, which once protected Constantinople from the many invasions and attacks it suffered over the centuries. In the Old City, the first visit will be to the Byzantine Hippodrome, which was once one of the largest chariot race arenas in the Byzantine Empire. Visit the Sultanahmet Mosque, where large groups of pilgrims start their pilgrimage to Mecca. It is decorated with 21.000 blue Iznik tiles from where it gets its name, the “Blue Mosque”. Walk to the world famous monument of Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine Church of Divine Wisdom, where you can see the superb mosaics and the marble decorations. Return to the ship for lunch on board. After lunch continue the tour with a visit to the Topkapi Palace, the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans. See the famous treasury and the “Spoonmaker’s Diamond”, the 7th biggest diamond in the world. Visit the kitchen buildings, displaying the third richest collection in the world of Chinese and Japanese porcelain.
During the tour you will also have the opportunity to get a cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibition of oriental carpets and jewellery |
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October 6, MONDAY, Mykonos, Greece, arrive at 15:00 and depart at 24:00
Buy a bus ticket and explore on your own; many places within walking distance in this place known as Little Venice
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October 7, TUESDAY, Patmos, Greece; arrive 07:00, depart 10:30
Optional Excursion: St. John’s Monastery & Grotto of the Apocalypse (PAT - 01); 2 hrs; Euros 47
Depart from the port of Scala and enjoy a short drive to the village of Chora, where the monastery of St. John is built within the walls of a strong fortification. As you walk uphill towards the entrance of the monastery marvel at this magnificentstructure,whichwasbuilt900 years ago. View the courtyard, the monks’ dining room and the old bakery before you visit the main church noted for its outstanding frescoes and interior decoration. Next, visit the small museum where priceless ecclesiastical treasures, books, manuscripts, mosaics, icons, splendid medieval textiles, vestments and jewellery are housed. Return to your motorcoach and continue to the nearby Grotto of the Apocalypse and the Monastery of the Apocalypse above it. Walk down the steps to the Grotto of the Apocalypse. Here you will see the niches in the wall that mark the pillow and ledge used as a desk by the author of the Book of the Revelation and the crack in the rock made by the voice of God honouring the Holy Trinity. Afterwards, drive back to the port of Scala and enjoy some free time in this quaint and picturesque town.
REMARKS: Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties
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October 7, TUESDAY, Kusadasi, Turkey, Arrive at 14:30, depart at 20:30
Optional Excursion: Ephesus & the House of Virgin Mary (KUS - 01) – Complementary, need to pay $15 entrance to house of Mary
Drive through the colourful town of Kusadasi to reach Mt. Koressos. Situated in a small valley, the humble chapel lies on the site of the little house where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days. Despite the many controversies, the Christian World still favours this belief and the site has been officially sanctioned by the Vatican for pilgrimage. Continue on to Ancient Ephesus accompanied by your guide walk through the Magnesian Gate which is the entrance to the ancient city of Ephesus. Your guided walking tour will take you through one of the most magnificent excavations in the world. See the Odeon (concert hall), the Fountain of Trajan, the steam-heated Baths of Scolastika, the Temple of Hadrian and the Latrians, the Library of Celsus and The Great Theatre, the largest one in antiquity with a capacity of 24.000 seats where St. Paul preached. Walk back to the coach along the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession. While driving back to Kusadasi and just outside Ephesus, view the Basilica of St. John, which was erected over his grave in the 6th century A.D. by Emperor Justinian.
Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time in Kusadasi or get a cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibition of oriental carpets and jewellery.
REMARKS: Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties
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October 8, WEDNESDAY, Rhodes, Greece, arrive at 07:00 and depart at 18:00
You may join a “Rhodes and Lindos Combined” tour for Euros 50 or an “Old City and Philerimos tour for Euros 45.
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October 9, THURSDAY, Heraklion, Greece, arrive at 07:00 and depart at 12:00
Optional Excursion: Knossos Palace & Heraklion City (HER – 02) 3.5 Hrs E (Euros) 57)
Crete is the largest and the most rugged of the Greek islands. It is also the home of the great Minoan Civilization and the mythological home of Zeus. After a short drive through the town of Heraklion the tour will arrive at the Knossos excavations. Here, Sir Arthur Evan’s archaeological discoveries revealed a civilization dating back to 4000 B.C., when a great empire flourished on the island of Crete. Based on the wealth of artefacts that were found, Evans theorized that this was the site of the ancient Minoan Kingdom. These findings will be viewed in detail, as your guide will lead you on a journey of discovery to learn of the sophisticated culture that flourished thousands of years ago on this island. The Palace, decorated with frescoes and shields houses the Hall of the Royal Guard, the Hall of the Double Axes, the King’s Chamber with the alabaster throne, the Queen’s Apartment, beautiful courtyards and shrines. Having visited this remarkable site your coaches will take you to the heart of Heraklion where you will be given some free time to explore its beauties combining the facilities of a modern city with the unique Greek islands’ ambience. You will then re board your motor coach for the return journey to the Venetian lion-guarder port of Heraklion to rejoin your ship.
REMARKS
Walking in the archaeological site of Knossos will be on uneven gravel surfaces. Passengers may not be allowed to enter the site with big bags/rucksacks.
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October 9, Thursday Santorini, Greece; Arrive 17:00 and depart, 21:00
Optional Excursion: Thira & Oia Village (SAN - 01) ; 3 hrs ; Euros 51
Driving along the road you will have the unique opportunity to admire the panoramic view of the Aegean sea and the neighbouring islands. A unique sight is the various layers of lava that can be seen on the face of the rock, each layer being another phase of the activity of the volcano. Built on the Caldera rim, Oia Village is an excellent example of Cycladic architecture. Accompanied by your guide, explore the village walking along the cobble-stone streets and the white washed houses with blue shutters where one gets the impression that they are a beautiful travel poster. The tour will then proceed to the town of Thira, an attractive town perched on the Caldera rim. Here, you will have time to stroll along the lanes of the little town or relax over a coffee as you gaze down upon Kamenes, the two black volcanic islets in the Caldera bay. A short cable car ride will take you down to the pier to rejoin the ship.
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October 10, 2008, FRIDAY: Sail back to Piraeus, Athens, arrive at 06.00. Upon disembarkation you will be met and transferred to take the Half Day Athens City Tour, to the Acropolis and museums with R/T transfers to the hotel. This tour will introduce you to the most important sights of the city. You will see the temple of the Olympian Zeus, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Pan Athenaeum stadium. After the tour you will be transferred to the 4 star superior TITANIA Hotel – www.titania.gr "an urban oasis nestled in the historic and commercial center of Athens between Syntagma and Omonia, the city's major squares. With its legendary hospitality, the completely renovated Titania Hotel features 385 contemporary guestrooms and suites; a majestic lobby with an exquisite white marble floor inlaid with mosaics; state-of-the-art conference facilities; the award-winning rooftop Olive Garden Restaurant replete with olive grove, a stunning panorama of the city and a breathtaking view of the Acropolis." Stay in a double room with breakfast daily for an overnight stay. Balance of day at leisure. (B)
Optional Excursion: In the Evening: 8:00pm, take the Athens By Night Tour ($85); including a traditional dinner with wine in a typical Greek taverna in the historic district of Plaka with live music and folkloric dances
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October 11, 2008, SATURDAY Transfer to the airport to fly back home!
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Optional Italian Extension $856 pp |
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October 11, 2008 Sail back to Piraeus, Athens. Upon disembarkation you will be met and transferred to the Athens Airport to fly to Rome! Upon your arrival you will be met and transferred to the 3 Star Arcadia Hotel. The Hotel Arcadia is located 20 minutes far from Rome's historical center, only few minutes from the roman ruins on Via Appia Antica and from one of the most famous Shopping Malls of the city. Stay in double rooms with breakfast daily for 3 nights. October 10,11,12.
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October 12, 2008 Take the Half-Day Ancient Rome City Tour. Visit all the best-known sites of ancient Rome, including the Colosseum (outside), the Roman Forum, the Capitoline Hill, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Your guide will not only educate you on the history, politics, and architecture of the Eternal City, but will also make the life and times of ancient Rome come to life on a stage second-to-none in the world. Make the unparalleled experiences of gladiators, emperors, slaves, Vestal Virgins, senators, merchants, god and godnesss your own. Balance of day at leisure.
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October 13, 2008 Take the Half-Day Vatican City Tour.
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October 14, 2008 You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight back home.
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PRICE: $2867
Includes
- International flights
- Basic Tour, $2140, Air Tax $465; port Tax, $190; Fuel Surcharge $72
Private A/C Motorcoach, Transfers, Sightseeing as indicated above, Professional English-speaking guides, Entrance Fees, Mels per itinerary, Air Tax, Port Tax, Fuel Tax.
- Price does NOT include
1. Beverages during meals
- 2. Personal expenses of any nature
- 3. Gratuities to tour guides (we suggest $2 per day for guides & $1 per day for drivers) or Gratuities for cruise ($8pp per day which is expected by the end of the cruise)
Proposed Excursions ($387, not included in price above)
1) Knosos Palace and Heraklion City tour HER - 02: Euro 54 = $88 USD
2) Highlights of Istanbul with lunch on board IST - 03: Euro 95 = $139 USD
3) Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Complementary
4) St. John’s Monastery and Grotto of the Apocalypse PAT -01: Euro = $76 USD
5) Tira & Oia Village tour SAN -01: Euro 51 = $84 USD
See descriptions above Total $387
- You may upgrade Cruise cabin to Outside Superior - CAT. B, at $299pp, optional
- TRAVEL INSURANCE, From: $179 pp, optional
- You may join the optional 3-day extension to Rome: Oct 11-14; $856, includes 3 nights at Hotel Arcadia, half-day Ancient Rome City tour, and Half-day Vatican city tour.
PAYMENT POLICY / CANCELLATIONS
1) Cancellation and trip insurance are available, through Trip Assured. Coverage:
Trip cancellation & interruption Trip Cost - Up to $20,000
Trip delay $1,000
Baggage & travel document $1,500
Baggage delay $200
Medical Expense / Emergency Asst.
Accident & sickness Medical Exp. $50,000
Accidental death & dismemberment $100,000
TRIP CANCELLATION INTERRUPTION INSURANCE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!!
2) All cancellations should be submitted in writing to our group manager. In the event that your reservation is canceled up to 120 days prior to departure date, only a $200pp handling fee will be assessed by Aegean in order to cover communication and other expenses, and any additional fees that may be imposed by the cruise lines and hotels.
Cancellations received up to 60 days prior to departure are subject to additional fees that may be imposed by the cruise lines and hotels.
Up to 60 Days Prior: Deposit is nonrefundable
60-45 Days Prior: 30% of total cost (if ticket is refundable)
45-25 days 40% of total cost. (if ticket is refundable)
24- or less days 100% of ticket & tour price.
About the Ship
Louis Cruise Lines is proud to announce the acquisition ( in 2007) of the M/V Opera (soon to be renamed) at a cost of US$ 49 million. This new addition to our fleet reaffirms our commitment in the Greek island cruise market, with an excess of 6.000 berths per week for the 3 & 4-day cruise program alone. Yesterday’s acquisition of the M/V Opera follows the charter of the M/V Ruby operating 3 & 4-day cruises ex Piraeus until July 2007. M/V CRISTAL is a luxury cruise ship of modern design, with a cruising speed of 19 knots, featuring an array of amenities, with all the comforts of an upscale vessel, to satisfy the needs of our discerning clientele. She can carry 1.278 passengers in 483 spacious staterooms and suites. Her 318 outside staterooms, most with large windows and some with balconies, and 165 inside spacious staterooms, all above sea level, are fitted with attractive furnishings, individually controlled air-conditioning, ample closet space, shower or bath tub, toilet, TV, telephone and hair dryers, amongst other amenities. Most outside staterooms are fitted with mini bars and several cabins are two room suites offering in-room meeting facilities for 6-8 persons. Additionally, M/V Opera features various restaurants and dining areas, a large double tiered show lounge, a large number of bars, spa facilities, beauty salon, outdoor swimming pool with a retractable glass cover, casino and large duty free shop area. Meeting and conference facilities are also available for groups of up to approximately 100 people. This technologically advanced cruise ship was built to comply with the US Coast Guard requirements and sanitation standards of US Public Health. The Opera under the name "Leeward" of NCL operated in the US from 1995-99.
For your reference we have listed below some preliminary details and have also attached a low resolution photos of the vessel and cabin descriptions. Additional information and photos along with deck plan and ship’s specifications will be shortly available:
Built: 1992 Refurbished: 2002
Gross Tonnage: 25.611 Length: 161,78m or 531' ft. Breadth: 25,2m or 83' ft.
Draught: 5,92m or 20' ft. Maximum Cruising Speed: 21 knots
Stabilizers: Yes U.S. Coast Guard & U.S. Public Health Fitted
Passenger Decks: 9 Total Cabins: 483 Total Outside Cabins: 318
Total Inside Cabins: 165 Passenger Maximum Capacity: 1.278
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