GREEK ODYSSEY WITH 7-DAY TURKEY, EGYPT & ISRAEL CRUISE

16 days incl. travel, or 15 days from Athens to Athens (6512)

Vacation Overview

Greece is a fascinating country with a long history and many traditions. This vacation features the major sights, starting in Athens with its Acropolis and lively Plaka quarter dotted with cafés and archaeological findings. Discover Meteora with its extraordinary monasteries built on rock formations; ancient Delphi, site of the Delphic Oracle; and Olympia, site of the first Olympic Games. Test the acoustics at the Epidauros Theater, and explore Mycenae, where Agamemnon’s golden mask was found. Cross the Corinth Canal and return to Athens for the conclusion of your Greek adventure.
This tour also includes a 7-day cruise to Turkey, Egypt, Israel, and some of the Greek Islands. For more information, check the detailed itinerary.

Map

6512

Itinerary

Day 1

Fri. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2Sat. ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE

Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to start exploring the Greek capital. Later, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers and maybe join them in an optional evening out.

Day 3Sun. ATHENS–KALAMBAKA

This morning’s included sightseeing features the highlights of Athens with a visit to the Acropolis. In the afternoon, after bypassing Lamia into Thessaly and by way of Trikala to Kalambaka, spend the night in the vicinity of Meteora, which will be visited tomorrow. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4Mon. KALAMBAKA–METEORA–DELPHI

A short drive to Meteora, which is a cluster of monastic buildings perched in an unforgettable manner on a set of rising rock formations. Your included visit is certainly the day´s highlight. Later, retrace your steps southwards to reach Delphi for an overnight. (Breakfast)

Day 5Tue. DELPHI–OLYMPIA

Included morning sightseeing in Delphi, in ancient times known as the “Navel of the Earth.” Located five minutes from the village, the ancient site, backed by imposing Mount Parnassus, is in one of the most beautiful natural settings in the country. Sightseeing will guide you along the Sacred Way to see the Temple of Apollo, some of the treasures, and the theater. This afternoon, follow the Gulf of Corinth through Nakpaktos to Antirion over the new spectacular bridge towards Olympia for an overnight. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 6Wed. OLYMPIA–EPIDAURUS–NAUPLIA

The original home of the Olympic Games first held in 776 BC, Olympia was a sacred precinct to the god Zeus, whose temple once housed one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This morning’s included sightseeing takes in the ancient stadium where the games were held and the temples of Zeus and his wife, Hera. Later, travel across the mountains of Arcadia, passing through Tripolis before entering the Argolis, land of Greek myths and legends. Stop awhile to visit the Epidaurus theater, which can still seat 14,000 spectators. Overnight in Nauplia on the Argolic Gulf. (Breakfast)

Day 7Thu. NAUPLIA–MYCENAE–CORINTH CANAL–ATHENS

This morning, visit the imposing ruins of the site of Mycenae with a Local Guide (entrance fees included), the ancient city Homer called a “city rich in gold.” It was here that the Golden Mask of Agamemnon was unearthed, along with many other treasures that matched exactly Homer’s descriptions in the Iliad. Enter the city by the magnificent Lion’s Gate and stroll up to Agamemnon’s Royal Palace. Then to the Corinth Canal for a brief stop before continuing to Athens for two overnights. (Breakfast)

Day 8Fri. ATHENS–PIRAEUS (Embarkation)

Evening embarkation in Piraeus. Cruise overnight towards Istanbul. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Days 9-14Sat. to Thu. Istanbul, Mykonos, Ashdod (Israel), Port Said (Egypt), Alexandria (Egypt), Aghios Nikolaos (Crete)


(B,L,D daily)

Day 15Fri. PIRAEUS (Disembarkation)–ATHENS

After an early breakfast on board, disembark at Piraeus and return to Athens. The remainder of the day is free to catch up on last-minute shopping or explore the city. (Breakfast)

Day 16Sat. ATHENS

YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (Breakfast)

BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS WITH US

Learn more about booking an air-inclusive vacation - the reasons why include, you'll receive free airport transfer on published dates and your air will be coordinated with your vacation.

AIRPORT TRANSFER TIMES

View details and pricing on airport transfer times and extra nights. Learn more about what's included with your vacation and how you can personalize it.

Vacation Highlights

INCLUDED FEATURES

Visits to Epidaurus, Meteora, Kalambaka

Notes:

  • Shore excursions can be booked on board. Please allow for a total cost of approximately EUR.345 per person if you plan to participate in all excursions offered. We also recommend that you plan to spend about EUR.63 per person for gratuities to the service personnel on board.
  • Port taxes of approximately US$240 are included in the Cosmos price.
  • Please check visa requirements for Israel, Turkey and Egypt with your local consulates; responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS

Peloponnese, Mount Parnassus, Arcadian Mountains, Corinth Canal, Rion-Antirion Bridge

INSIDE VISITS

Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.

GUIDES

Local Guide for city sightseeing in Athens, Delphi, Olympia, Mycenae. Professional Tour Director while touring.

STANDARD INCLUDED FEATURES

Learn more about transportation, hotels, and other standard included features offered.

Accommodations

MEALS - (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner

Buffet breakfasts (B); lunches (L); dinners (D) as detailed in the tour description

HOTELS - (F) First-Class (ST) Superior Tourist-Class (T) Tourist Class

Athens Acropolis Select (F), Kalambaka Famisi (ST), Delphi Acropole (ST) or Parnassos (ST), Olympia Olympia Palace (F), Nauplia Rex (ST)

TRANSPORTATION

Scheduled transatlantic flights and airport transfers in Athens if Cosmos issues the air tickets. Touring by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach.
Tours 6510 and 6512: Cruise in fully air-conditioned inside cabins with private shower and toilet; supplement for outside cabins are listed under Dates & Prices; all port taxes are included.

Optional Excursions

Here's a list of optional excursions you can enjoy during your vacation. Whether it's a special dinner, a local show or a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional excursions are a wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further. Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.

Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, days of operation, group interests, and general feasibility for your vacation. The approximate value listed gives you a good, general idea of what you can expect to pay but may vary once you are on your vacation. Some information provided might be in a foreign currency; you can use our online currency converter for exchange rate information.

CITY: Athens

Greek Show
A short coach drive takes you to an authentic Greek night club, situated in Pireaus. This nightspot provides excellent food and service, with non stop entertainment including traditional dances in costumes (you will be invited to join in), live orchestra and singers. After the show finishes return to your hotel by coach.
Approximate value: EUR €55 per person

Aegean Cruise
Visit three Greek islands and enjoy lunch on board your modern cruise ship. Visit the Saronic islands of Aegina, Poros and Hydra. On Hydra there are no cars, the only means of transportation is by donkey.
Approximate value: EUR €83 per person

A Taste Of Athens
First by coach into the centre of Athens where you will pick up the "train" which will take you at a leisurely pace for about 20 minutes around the old part of Athens, the "Plaka" - a good way to get a first impression of the layout, shops and points of interest. Re-board your coach to continue to a Taverna for a Greek feast with unlimited local wine. On the way back to the hotel view the illuminated Acropolis.
Approximate value: EUR €53 per person

CITY: Shore Excursion

Highlights Of Istanbul
Begin the excursion with a drive through the business centre of the modern city. Continue around the mighty city walls. 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, the Sultanahmet Mosque 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. 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. During the tour you will also have the opportunity to get a cultural taste of Turkey with an exhibition of oriental carpets, jewelry or leather goods.
Approximate value: EUR €94 per person

Highlights Of Istanbul+Lunch
Begin the excursion with a drive through the business centre of the modern city. Continue around the mighty city walls. 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, the Sultanahmet Mosque 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, then through the large gardens to Konyali Restaurant and experience typical Turkish cuisine. After lunch continue the tour with a visit to the Topkapi Palace, the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans. During the tour you will also have the opportunity to get a cultural taste of Turkey with an exhibition of oriental carpets, jewelry or leather goods.
Approximate value: EUR €105 per person

Istanbul By Night
A short drive through the illuminated streets of Istanbul you will arrive at one of the best known Night Club of Istanbul. Enjoy a variety of Turkish specialties while you are entertained by Turkish musicians, belly dancers and folk dancers, performing dances from different regions of Turkey. At the end of the show, join in the singing of popular and favorite songs.
Approximate value: EUR €75 per person

Mykonos-Apollo Sanct Of Delos
Delos, once a Sacred Island, is the legendary birthplace of the Sun God Apollo. Depart by boat, to the ancient harbor of Delos where you begin the guided walking tour. See Agora and the Sacred Way, which leads to the Temple of Apollo and the remains of a Hellenistic Quarter with its harbor and many interesting buildings. Continue and admire the spectacular Avenue of the Lions, vigilantly guarding the now dry sacred lake.
Approximate value: EUR €48 per person

Ashod-Modern Jerusalem
A panoramic drive will take you to Jerusalem, giving you the chance of catching a glimpse of old and new Israel. The tour will continue to Bethlehem, where you will have lunch in an oriental restaurant, followed by free time to stroll around. The main site to visit will be the Church of the Nativity, built over the cave that tradition marks as the birthplace of Christ, and is considered sacred by followers of both Christianity and Islam.
Approximate value: EUR €97 per person

Secret Treasures of Istanbul
This tour is designed to give you a glimpse of the best and the most famous monuments in Istanbul remaining from the Byzantine Empire era. First an interesting tour of Istanbul with a drive through the business centre of the modern city. Continue with a drive along the ancient Byzantine city walls. Visit the ancient church of St. Sergius and Bachus. The tour continues with a visit to an Underground Cistern and to Balat area, another historical part of Istanbul, for lunch at a restaurant. After lunch, drive to Rustem Pasha Mosque, located at Eminonu close to the Spice Market.
Approximate value: EUR €60 per person

Pyramids Of Giza & Lunch
Depart from the city of Port Said to Africa's largest city, the teeming metropolis of Cairo. Your first stop will be at Tahrir (Liberty) Square to visit the National Archaeological Museum and acquaint yourself with Egypt's ancient history, on the banks of the River Nile a cruise boat awaits to sail you on the same timeless waterway traversed by Pharaohs, Queens and Nobles thousands of years ago. Enjoy a buffet lunch as you glide past Cairo's waterfront landmarks. After lunch drive to the Giza Plateau, where the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza still stand. Continue down the valley where the guardian of this mortuary complex, the mighty Sphinx lies watching the passage of time. Visit a Papyrus Institute where the art of paper making from reeds discovered by the Ancient Egyptians will be demonstrated.
Approximate value: EUR €99 per person

Saladin Citadel & Sakkara
Depart Port Said for Africa's largest city, Cairo. Your first stop will be at the Citadel of Saladin and the Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali. Drive southwards to Egypt's first capital Memphis with its ancient cemetery of Sakkara. After visiting the complex continue to one of the Mastabas (funerary chambers) built nearby. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant. Visit a Papyrus Institute to see the process of paper making from reeds. The exotic and colourful Khan El Khalili Bazaar is a shopper¿s paradise and a photographer¿s dream. Bargaining is an art and expected when you are negotiating a purchase!
Approximate value: EUR €99 per person

A Taste Of Crete
The tour begins from the Venetian lion-guarded port of Heraklion with a drive through the city to the famous wine producing area of Peza, south of Heraklion. The first stop is a modern winery, then journey continues through rural villages and hilly countryside, with a photo stop to view one of the oldest farmhouses. The tour continues through the island's. At the quaint market town of Archanes, you can sample an assortment of Cretan snacks and locally produced wine, while listening to typical Greek live music.
Approximate value: EUR €52 per person

Nazareth Galilee
A pleasant drive will take you from the port to the picturesque hills of Nazareth. You will Visit St. Gabriel Church and Mary's Spring. The church is located over an underground spring that according to Eastern Orthodox belief is where the Virgin Mary was drawing water at the time of the Annunciation. Your second stop will be Jardenit, place of baptizing of the first Christians, where you will have a guided visit. Lunch break in a typical restaurant. Then drive through ancient Tiberias to Capernaum, a settlement on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Here where you will see the ancient synagogue and the House of St. Peter. The Mount of the Beatitudes will be your next stop with the Byzantine church.
Approximate value: EUR €97 per person

Scenic Bosphorus
Start the tour with a short drive through the modern city of Istanbul. The impressive Suleymaniye Mosque can be seen on the way. Then board on a boat for your exciting trip on the Bosphorus. You will have the chance to take amazing photographs sailing between the European shore and the Asian shore.
Approximate value: EUR €55 per person

Dates and Prices

View the following dates and prices to find just the right date for your vacation. Below you'll find the date you'll depart, the date the vacation starts and date you'll return.

Once you've selected your date, you'll move to the next step to get an airfare quote and to begin booking your vacation. When you book your flights with us, you'll find we offer competitive and hassle-free airfares, plus you'll receive free airport transfers, flights coordinated with vacation dates and you'll avoid strict Internet terms and conditions.

The price listed does not include your airfare. Once you click "Book Now", you will be able to receive an air quote.

Departure
Details
Departure
Date
Tour
Start Date
Return
Date
Land/Cruise
Price Only
Status
9/17/2010 9/18/2010 10/2/2010 $2,499.00 Please Call
10/1/2010 10/2/2010 10/16/2010 $2,409.00 Please Call
Popular Departure 10/15/2010 10/16/2010 10/30/2010 $2,409.00 Book Now!
Early Booking* 4/1/2011 4/2/2011 4/16/2011 $2,239.00 Book Now!
Early Booking* 4/15/2011 4/16/2011 4/30/2011 $2,239.00 Book Now!
Early Booking* 4/29/2011 4/30/2011 5/14/2011 $2,395.00 Book Now!
Early Booking* 5/13/2011 5/14/2011 5/28/2011 $2,395.00 Book Now!
Early Booking* 5/27/2011 5/28/2011 6/11/2011 $2,395.00 Book Now!
Early Booking* 6/10/2011 6/11/2011 6/25/2011 $2,395.00 Book Now!
Early Booking* 6/24/2011 6/25/2011 7/9/2011 $2,265.00 Book Now!
Early Booking* 7/8/2011 7/9/2011 7/23/2011 $2,265.00 Book Now!
Early Booking* 7/22/2011 7/23/2011 8/6/2011 $2,265.00 Book Now!
Early Booking* 8/5/2011 8/6/2011 8/20/2011 $2,265.00 Book Now!
Early Booking* 8/19/2011 8/20/2011 9/3/2011 $2,265.00 Book Now!
Early Booking* 9/2/2011 9/3/2011 9/17/2011 $2,499.00 Book Now!
Early Booking* 9/16/2011 9/17/2011 10/1/2011 $2,499.00 Book Now!
Early Booking* 9/30/2011 10/1/2011 10/15/2011 $2,409.00 Book Now!
Early Booking* 10/14/2011 10/15/2011 10/29/2011 $2,409.00 Book Now!
Popular Departure - due to itinerary and time of year, this departure historically sells out quickly. Early booking is encouraged.
The above prices are per person in twin inside cabins.

Upgrade per person to outside cabin tour 6514:
$120

Supplement for single room on land and single occupancy of inside cabin on Greek cruise:
$855

Reduction for triple room on land and triple occupancy of inside cabin on Greek cruise:
$175

* Indicates that this departure and vacation is available for 2011 early booking. 2010 saw the lowest prices to Europe in recent history. Get this vacation on the books and save by paying 2010 prices for your 2011 European vacation. Price protection only applies to those tours that currently offer 2011 dates and prices and only with full, per person deposit. All tours will be open for 2011 bookings in the Fall of 2010. Vacation upgrades and/or additions will not be available for early booking, as well as, any extra pre- or post-night pricing until the Fall of 2010. With the exception of Journeys Club coupons, future travel promotions are not applicable and are not retroactive on early bookings.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS & EXTRA NIGHTS
View details and pricing on airport transfer times and extra nights. Learn more about what's included with your vacation and how you can personalize it.

US$ Price Details

Our Volume Buying Power Saves You Money!
-We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city.
-Additional accommodations before or after your vacation may be available at our low prices.

Additional Information:
-Departure/arrival taxes and fares from other cities will be advised at the time of booking.
-Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.

Guaranteed air-inclusive prices:
Air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional $250 non-refundable deposit is required for air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e., air-inclusive vacation.) However, once your airfare is confirmed and Cosmos has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.

We also accept your reservation on a land-only basis:
While booking your vacation air-inclusive gives you various advantages, you can also choose the land-only option. But remember, airlines’ special fares generally apply to very brief periods. (Our low air-inclusive fares apply throughout the year.) Plus, to get these “deals” you often are required to pay full fare at the time of booking.

Taxes & fees
Taxes and fees are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full land and air deposit are received.

Applicable Taxes and Fees (Airfare & Charges Not Included in the Price)

Air-Inclusive Vacations
Air-inclusive prices provided online include a September 11th fee up to $10, passenger facility charges of up to $18, Federal domestic flight segment fees of up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government imposed fees between $200-$375 depending on your itinerary. The total airfare price, the base airfare price, and the applicable government taxes and fees are broken-out line-by-line and shown while booking online and on the invoice after your travel is booked.

Not Included In Your Vacation Price (Air-Inclusive, Land-Only or Cruise-Only)
Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities: port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships’ crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); additional excursions and activities not listed as 'included' in the itinerary; airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection premiums; excess baggage fees; and all other items of a personal nature.