Come and meet Europe’s glorious past on its home ground on an ALL-INCLUSIVE Greek Holiday
In addition to staying in the “Cradle of Civilization,” Athens, you will tour the Greek Island with stops in the Crusaders’ stronghold of Rhodes; the Island-Nation of Crete with its treasures spanning centuries from Minoan to Byzantine times; Stroll through Santorini, the most dramatic island of the Aegean plus the fun and relaxation of cruising and more.
This tour includes just about everything you need on your trip – flights, accommodations, cruising, sightseeing, entertainment, a casino, every meal but two lunches, all drinks while cruising and enjoying the sites of one of the most beautiful parts of Europe. In other words, there will be very little, if any, additional out-of-pocket expenses.
ITINERARY
Day 1- Saturday, April 8: Depart Montauk & East Hampton
Depart Montauk and also East Hampton for your ride to JFK to board over overnight flights to Athens.
Day 2- Sunday, April 9: Arrive Athens (D)
Upon arrival in Athens, we will be met and after Immigration & Customs, transfer to our hotel. As our accommodation will not be ready this early in the morning, we will start our sightseeing tour of the capital of Greece. This tour will combine modern Athens featuring the city’s ancient sites such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Constitution Square, the Panathenian Stadium (sight of the first modern Olympic Games), the Roman Temple of Olympian Zeus and l earn about ancient Athens. Then explore the Acropolis of Athens and see the world-famous Parthenon temple. Afterwards our accommodations should be ready for check in and some time to relax before our welcome dinner at a typical taverna in Plaka.
Day 3- Monday, April 10: Start your Cruise to Mykonos (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we leave Athens and head for the port of of Piraeus to board our cruise ship and depart at 1pm. We have lunch onboard as we sail the blue waters of the Aegean Sea. Our destination is Mykonos. Arrival is about 6pm and we have some free time to walk around this port town known for its lovely countryside, iconic windmills, sea breezes and shopping. Dinner on board at your leisure before departing at 11 pm for overnight sailing.
Day 4- Tuesday, April 11: Cruise the Greek Islands to Kasudasi & Patmos (B/L/D)
Morning arrival in Kusadasi, on the far western part of Turkey and the county’s most popular cruise destination. Here we have a sightseeing tour of a place that has been a center of art and culture since some of the earliest recorded history, and has been settled by many civilizations since being founded in 3000 BC. Kusadasi is considered one of the finest is resort town on the Aegean coast. We depart about 1pm for Patmos, Many believe John the Apostle wrote the Book of Revelations in a mountainside grotto where he heard the voice of God. Further up the mountain, within the white walls of Hora, the monastery founded in his honor in 1088 stands sentinel above this verdant island. We have a few hours here for walking around and independent exploration before dinner.
Day 5- Wednesday, April 12: Cruise the Greek Islands to Rhodes (B/L/D)
Morning arrival in Rhodes and after breakfast, we have a tour of this archaeological jewel. Rhodes has been a favorite Mediterranean resort since the days of Julius Caesar and Cicero. We visit the Temple of Athena, crowning the acropolis in a spectacular setting overlooking the whitewashed Old Town and the blue/green Aegean. We see the fortified town that features one of Europe’s best preserved medieval cities including the Streets of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Master. After lunch on board, we have some time on our own before we depart at 6pm.
Day 6- Thursday, April 13: Cruise the Greek Islands to Heraklion (Crete) and Santorini (B/L/D)
This morning’s arrival is in Heraklion (Crete). Heraklion is an ancient Venetian port and the fascinating capital of Crete. Greece’s largest island is a paradise of secluded beaches, hiking trails, rivers and archaeological marvels. Time to explore on your own as well as shop. Re-board the ship for lunch as you arrive in Santorini. Its incredible cliffs rise from the blue waters of the Aegean toward the azure sky. Here we have a tour to explore the Akrotiri Village excavations, the beautiful hilltop village of Fira, the island’s unique capital and relax in a café watching the sunset before dinner and our departure at 9 pm and set sail back to Athens.
Day 7- Friday, April 14: Back to Athens (B/D)
Morning arrival in Lavrion, where our coach meets us to drive back to Athens. After checking into our hotel, we have the rest of the day for independent strolling, shopping and exploring. In the evening, we have our farewell dinner in a tavern with a night view of the illuminated Acropolis.
Day 8- Saturday, April 15: To NYC – Tour ends (B)
Depart Athens on your flights back to JFK where after Immigration & Customs, we head back to the East End.
Your Tour Includes:
* Round trip transportation from the East End to JFK
* Round trip flights to Athens
* Airport transfers
* Accommodations for 2 nights in Athens
* A 5-Day/4-Night Greek Island cruise on board the cruise ship “SS Nefeli”
* Breakfast every day in Athens
* Welcome and Farewell dinners in Athens at local restaurants and tavernas
* Breakfast, lunches, dinner and afternoon tea while cruising
* ALL DRINKS on board the cruise including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Extra Features:
* Sightseeing tour of Athens
* Sightseeing tour of Kusadasi
* Sightseeing tour of Rhodes
* Sightseeing tour of Santorini
* Inboard Entertainment including a Casino
* Use of the Fitness Center
Our Cruise Ship
The SS Nefeli is especially designed for Greek Island cruising. Whether you are relaxing beneath the stars or having the time of your life in the night club, you will experience authentic Greece with all your senses. Because it is a medium sized vessel, it cannot be compared to the Caribbean Mega ships like Carnival, but it does allow you access to all the hidden gems the Mediterranean has to offer.
Our Cruise Ship Features
Outside Staterooms: Your cozy Outside stateroom, while small is an entire experience of Greek hospitality, where you can do whatever you please, Porthole, twin beds, air conditioning, private bathroom, hair dryer, TV and safety deposit box They are designed to be the ideal personal space while at the same time the cabin stewards with their flawless personalized service make sure you have everything you need.
Note: you can upgrade your ”XA” stateroom to a little larger “XD” stateroom for $109 pp more. See pricing section.
Dining Experience:
Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, you participate in the time-honored Greek tradition of sitting down for a feast with friends. Every dish fresh, with the finest local and imported ingredients. Prior to each cruise they purchase quality meats, dairy products, fruits and vegetables. They do this both to provide you with the freshest, most authentic, healthiest ingredients possible and to honor our homeland and its culture and customs. The cruise includes three complete meals every day. Breakfast is International, with a Greek touch and includes fresh-baked rolls, muffins and Danish pastries. At lunch and dinner, choose from dozens of appetizers, salads, soups, and traditional, International or Greek dishes, all prepared for your delight. All this followed by a variety of decadent cakes, rich ice creams and fresh fruits. There also is afternoon tea every day on all of our ships.
Our cruise is packed with fun, excitement and full of laughter. There’s always something to do for everyone, and activities are a great way to spend time with the people you love and to meet your fellow passengers.
You can try your luck at the Casino and e Enjoy a specialty cocktail while you play blackjack, poker, roulette or our slots — all day and night. Celestyal Cruises is known for its fantastic on board entertainment: there’s always something to do for everyone that begins bright and early, first thing in the morning, continues all day, and right into the evening. There’s always something to do on board, even if all you want to do is sit down with a close friend and play backgammon set (they also have checkers, chess and other board games). Check the daily program for live classical piano concerts, duet performances, dance classes (including Greek dancing) and talent shows. The days on board are packed with fun and excitement, carefree and full of laughter.
Once evening arrives you’ll probably find yourself in one of the lounges, a delicious cocktail in hand, listening to a performance of classical music, the sun seeping into the Aegean through the window beside your table, another wonderful day reaching its brilliant finale, another thrilling night on board about to begin. And Nighttime Is the Right Time. “Kalo vradi.” Good evening. What better way to throw yourself into the Greek experience than with authentic Greek music and dancing? You will feel the magic of a night at a taverna on board – you will be unable to resist the call of the bouzouki, and you’ll soon find yourself on one of our dance floors.
Enjoy a drink while DJs spin the best contemporary sounds, both Greek and international. Get to the pool deck or at any of our well-appointed bars and lounges for a cold beer, a glass of wine, or a specialty cocktail or coffee. Try our Santorini whites, like assyrtiko, dry and fruity, and athiri, which is slightly aromatic, or our Peloponnesian wines, like white Moschofilero, with its aroma of roses and violets and spice, and Agiorghitiko, a dry aromatic red. Enjoy a chilled glass of ouzo, the famous anise-flavored liqueur of Greece, or have the bartenders’ spectacular Skinos cocktails, delicious one-of-a-kind concoctions with mastiha, a liqueur made from the mastic bushes of Chios.
Services Onboard
The Spa & Health Club Want to improve your health and fitness while cruising? Start your day with one of the exercise and stretching programs. Looking for a workout? Head over to the gym Two of the most relaxing places on earth are a comfortable cruise ship at sea and a modern spa designed to be the most lovely, harmonious, relaxing space possible! Why not take a few hours out of one of your magical, sunlit days on board and enjoy the kind of deep, refreshing relaxation that comes with an expert massage or deep beauty treatments? Make an incredible vacation even more unforgettable at the wonderful spa. Or simply stroll onto the sports deck for ping pong or a game of pickup basketball.
Internet & Wi-Fi – Your cruise ship is equipped with Internet access, so you can always get in touch with your loved ones or take care of any business needs. They also offer tablets for rental for you to access the Internet. They also offer on board Wi-Fi services (satellite permitting) at a charge.
Shop ‘til You Drop On board Shopping is like being transported to the hottest European outlets. You’ll be dazzled by an immense array of products at exceptionally competitive prices, from tobacco and alcohol to souvenirs. From designer clothes and jewelry, to perfume and cosmetics. And every purchase you make on board is duty free. Shops often have special offers and fashion shows, and each member of the helpful staff will assist you in finding whatever you want or need.
Professional Hairdressing Services on Board – Just because you are traveling, there’s no reason you can’t feel well-coiffed and glamorous every day. Your cruise ship is equipped with a professional salon staffed by expert hairdressers, stylists, manicurists and pedicurists and stocked with the best products. .
Please Read the Terms and Conditions for this Tour
** Bonus! SAVE! You will receive a 5% discount if ALL payments are made by check or money order. This discounted price is noted below in red.
*Special No Interest + No Payments for 6 Months Plan Now Available!
RMC Travel now offers the “PayPal Credit” Plan (Click here for details)
PRICE PER PERSON
Per Person in Double Occupancy room:
$2,839 via check or money order
$2,989 via credit card
Per Person in Triple Occupancy room: (limited cabins available)
$2,699 via check or money order
$2,839 via credit card
Per Person in Single Occupancy Room:
$3,399 via check or money order
$3,519 via credit card
Add to above costs:
U.S. airline facility, security, taxes and Surcharge $393 ($414 via credit card)
Cruise Port Charges and taxes $197 ($207 via credit card)
Prepaid Gratuities onboard the cruise and also for guides, etc. $68 ($72 via credit card)
Optional Upgrade from XA to XD Stateroom:
Upgrade at $119 pp ($125 via credit card)
INITIAL DEPOSIT
$350 ($369 by credit card) Non-Refundable deposit due on or before November 28 to hold space. Thereafter Reservations are on Request
FINAL PAYMENTS: Due on or before February 1, 2017
If you have already registered online and require access to the PayPal payment page, click here.
Travel Insurance
RMC Travel highly recommends the purchase of Trip Cancellation/Interruption Travel Insurance, and we therefore provide you with an easy way to contact RMC’s preferred insurance provider, Allianz Global Assistance. If you need additional information or have questions, please call Allianz directly at 800-284-8300, and refer to code F025323.