Delights of Turkey and Greece w/Cruise

The following itinerary explains in more detail about this unforgettable holiday to this wonderful part of Turkey and Greece.

7 Nights/8 Days

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Inclusions

Ÿ

breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7

dinners

Ÿ Cruise Beverage package

includes 2 soft drinks / 2

coffees or tea /2 alcoholic

beverages or 2 glasses of

wine or 2 glasses of beer / 2

small bottles of water per

adult / per day

Ÿ Transportation by A / C deluxe

46 seater motor coach

Ÿ Professional guide will be

available throughout the tour

Ÿ Tips to hotels, restaurants

and on board the cruise ship

Ÿ Local, service and port taxes

throughout the tour

Specified meals includes 7 Ÿ We take care of return

international flights from the

UK

Ÿ Hotel accommodation

throughout the tour at 5 star

hotels

Ÿ Internal flight from Istanbul

to Izmir on the second day

Ÿ 3 Nights Greek Islands

Cruise with Celestyal Cruise

with the respective cabin

type

Ÿ Sightseeing tours uncovering

the history and culture of

Turkey (refer to itinerary)

Ÿ Internal flight from Kayseri

Airport to Istanbul on the

seventh day

Ÿ Entrance fees for each

specified museum in the

itinerary

UK - ISTANBUL

Day 1

Itinerary exclusively designed for Citrus Holidays

Day 2

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It gives us great pleasure to welcome you

to the enchanting city of Istanbul. Arrive at

the airport, where you’ll be welcomed by

our host and swiftly transferred to the

hotel.

When it comes to Istanbul, there is

no better way to describe the power of

Turkey’s largest city than with the words of

Napoleon himself; “Constantinople! … It is

the Empire of the world!” Since its

foundation as Byzantium around 660BC,

Istanbul has moved through history like a

rolling stone turning over and under the

bumpy surface of antiquity. The city has

gathered up a past so rich and so dense,

that you will be mesmerised by such

dazzling treasures.

The golden kiss of Asia and Europe,

Istanbul is where the two lovers embrace,

amidst a backdrop of imperial splendours,

from the splendid Hagia Sophia to the

stately home of the sultans, Topkapi

Palace. Dinner at the hotel.

OVERNIGHT IN ISTANBUL

ISTANBUL - IZMIR - KUSADASI - PATMOS

“The isles of Greece where Delos rose

and Phoebus sprung” – Lord Byron, poet

After breakfast, you will travel by

road to Ataturk Airport before boarding

your flight to Izmir. From Izmir, enjoy a

transfer to the sublime port of Kusadasi,

where your cruise ship is waiting to moor

you into the heart of the Aegean Islands.

Itinerary exclusively designed for Citrus Holidays

Day 3

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This fascinating three nights cruise is an

added gem, giving you the chance to

discover the natural beauty and

archaeological brilliance of five delightful

islands!

Welcome on board!

You will enjoy some of the most

breathtaking views of the sea, as you

cruise along the turquoise waters to the

port of Patmos, “Jerusalem of the

Aegean.” The arrival of St. John the Divine

in 95 AD cemented the island’s religious

significance. While in exile, he received a

vision and voice of God so powerful that

the walls of his cave cracked into three

fissures. Here you can visit the Cave of the

Apocalypse, where the Book of Revelation

was dictated.

A mystical light caresses the island’s

whitewashed houses that look like

disciples looking up towards the Monastery

of St. John.

CRETE - SANTORINI

Morning arrival in Heraklion, on the island

of Crete, just three miles from the Palace

of Knossos. Even without the legends of a

ferocious Minotaur, the sprawling palace

with its imposing columns, the Great Court

and audience chambers is a magnificent

complex.

Constructed during the peak of

Minoan civilisation (2000-16000 BC), King

Minos occupied the palace and,

Founded in 1088, the fortress-like

monastery contains an incredible collection

of religious treasures. Stroll along the

labyrinthine streets built to confuse the

pirates, listen to the wind rushing down

the alleys and feel the sun warming your

cheek, as you pass by a red scooter

propped against a white house with pale

blue shutters. Return to the cruise ship for

dinner.

OVERNIGHT IN BOARD

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according to mythology, his wife gave birth

to a half-man, half-bull creature that lurked

in the palace’s labyrinth preying on human

sacrifices. Excavations began in 1899 by

the British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans,

who “restored” the palace. Vivid

imaginations conjure up the excited men

and women crowded around the court,

cheering the bloodthirsty bull that

thundered past.Fall in love with the unsurpassed beauty of

Santorini! Among the Aegean’s most

outstanding sights are the stupendous

cliffs of Santorini rising 900 feet from a

half-moon caldera. Also known as Thira,

Santorini is an island of extremes. In 1450

BC this volcanic island erupted, shaping the

land into a huge upside down C. Sailing

slowly into the sparkly water-filled crater

that was once the heart of the volcano, you

can easily see how this islet blew apart. On

land, weave through the unique

architecture, in the Cycladic style, with low

whitewashed cubical houses and tinted

with volcanic ash; follow the winding lanes

cutting through the thick volcanic tephra;

Arriving in the delightful port city of

Piraeus, you can take the short journey to

Athens to discover the city’s ancient sites.

The poet John Milton called Athens

“the eye of Greece, mother of arts and

eloquence,” and it was here in the 5th

century BC that the artistic genius of the

ancient Greeks took its stance. From the

dawn of civilisation to the dramatic

achievements of democracy, Athens has for

centuries stood at the forefront of

innovation. City of immortal power and

mysterious goddesses, from the

archaeological splendours of the Acropolis

to the classical remains of the Ancient

Day 4

SANTORINI - ATHENS - MYKONOS

stroll along the red, white and black sand

beaches where you will almost certainly

find the fabled lost city of Atlantis. Return

to the cruise ship for dinner.

OVERNIGHT ON BOARD

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Crossing the Aegean Sea, look back at the

white sugar cubed houses of Mykonos as

your voyage continues on its path of

uncovering the history and culture of

Day 5

MYKONOS - KUSADASI - PAMUKKALE

Turkey on land. After leaving the Greek

Islands, we cross to the port of Kusadasi,

from where you will behold some of the

most phenomenal sites of ancient history.

Ephesus showcases the heritage of the

Romans with the largest collection of well-

preserved ruins in the eastern

Mediterranean. Your tour starts with the

library of Celsus, built in 117AD as a

monumental tomb for the governor of

Asia. Your stop along the way is equally

spectacular - built before 138AD, the

magnificent Temple of Hadrian crowns

Curetes Street with its opulent Corinthian

columns and the statue of the goddess of

victory. Then on to the Theatre, which is

considered to be the largest outdoor stage

in the ancient world, and a chance to

explore the Odeon, built in the 2nd century

AD.

After lunch, continue to the “Cotton

Castle” of Pamukkale for a very special day

of magical delights. You will never forget

the surreal sight of the Travertine terraces,

which look like a snow covered slab of

glittering ridges. Dipping your feet into the

hot springs, you will feel like you have

dropped through the hole of an iceberg

into the warm turquoise waters of the

tropics!

Agora, Athens brings to life this “Golden

Age” of western civilisation. The

architectural masterpiece, the Parthenon is

the iconic Greek experience and is one of

the world’s most famous buildings. Cannot

be missed!

Glamorous, trendy and exotic all

encapsulate perfectly our final island

destination, Mykonos. There is no better

way to end your Aegean quest than with a

stroll around the vibrant tavernas and

trendy shops. The windmills overlooking

the main town from a high hill and the

churches sprinkled throughout the land all

vie for your attention. During your visit,

why not venture out to the monastery or

simply stroll along the classy oceanfront

before sitting down to a romantic drink?

Return to the cruise ship for dinner.

OVERNIGHT STAY ON BOARD

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Our tour also includes the privilege of

visiting the unearthed treasures of

Hierapolis, one of the famous centres of

Asia Minor. Founded at the beginning of

the 2nd century BC by by Eumenes II, King

of Pergamum, the ancient city is home to

wonderful ruins. Sightseeing includes

exploring the renowned Necropolis and

Basilica. Continue to the Theatre, a 3rd

century AD architectural gem and the

fascinating temple of Plutonium, “Pluto’s

Gate”. Return for dinner at the hotel.

OVERNIGHT STAY IN PAMUKKALE

Day 7

CAPPADOCIA - ISTANBUL

After breakfast, your stay in Cappadocia

includes a full day excursion with lunch,

exploring the region’s renowned valley.

Sprawling across the centre of Turkey, the

lunar landscape looks like it has been lifted

out of a Salvador Dali painting. From afar,

the valley appears like an Egyptian mirage

with its tiny pyramids jutting out of the dry

ground. Volcanic eruptions that took place

millions of years ago formed these conical

shapes. The weather conditions have

scraped away at the volcanic rock creating

the soft stone, “tufa”. These fairy chimneys

are the tip of a mysterious underground

world of secret caves and labyrinths. Early

Christians made these pyramids their

sanctuary after escaping persecution from

the Romans and prowling Muslims. They

sculpted the rock into underground cities,

cave chapels and monastery cells.

Your included sightseeing will visit

the Goreme Open Air Museum, Castle of

Uchisar, Underground City of Kaymakli, and

Pasabag. You will be truly captivated by

these magical stories about the conquests,

lost crops and holy wars.

After an early breakfast we set off for

Cappadocia with a visit to the Sultan Han

caravanserai en route. This roadside inn is

impressive, with its elaborate portal framed

by towering walls and a courtyard

surrounding the rooms that served as a

refectory, hamam and chambers. Following

lunch, visit the green-domed mausoleum

dedicated to Sufi mystic and poet,

Day 6

PAMUKKALE - KONYA - CAPPADOCIA

Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, to observe the

museum and former monastery of the

Whirling Dervishes.

Your drive to Cappadocia takes a

scenic route via a Dali panorama of

towering stalagmites. Check into your hotel

for dinner.

OVERNIGHT IN CAPPADOCIA

Itinerary exclusively designed for Citrus Holidays

After the tour we will continue to Kayseri

Airport to catch our flight to Istanbul.

Return to the hotel for dinner.

Unique Moments invites you to taste

the full spectrum of traditional cuisine

amidst the customs of village life. Enjoy a

warm welcome before proceeding to the

most beautiful interior with views

overlooking the valley’s soul-stirring

scenery. Marvel at the arched ceilings,

opulent furnishings and Cappadocia rugs

decorated in a rainbow of colours and

intricate patterns. Sit down to a delicious

lunch where you will experience a way of

life where every succulent meal is a

celebration of Turkish life.

OVERNIGHT IN ISTANBUL

After breakfast, your adventure concludes

with a half day of sightseeing in one of the

most dynamic and enchanting cities in the

world: Istanbul! Your tour begins with a

wander through the atmospheric Grand

Bazaar, the largest in the world, with more

than 5,000 shops and stalls crammed into

60 streets. The marketplace is bustling and

packed with sellers beckoning you into their

stalls with thimbles of aromatic apple tea or

a puff of a hookah pipe.

From here we continue to the

Egyptian Spice Market, a lively bazaar

which has been fuelling Istanbulites’ spice

cravings since 1660! Savour the exotic

smells of the spices and herbs before

nibbling on slices of fruit.

Day 8

ISTANBUL - UK

Do not leave Istanbul without dipping your

hand into a box of exquisite handmade

Turkish delights!

Make the most of Istanbul’s cultural

offers with our Unique Moments service.

For the ultimate Turkish indulgence, we

have arranged for guests to enjoy traditional

coffee at the Historical Coffee Roaster

located in the Grand Bazaar. Caffeine fiends

will be treated to different varieties of thick

coffee served in traditional silver teapots -

The most luxurious taste of Turkey!

The Turks have a resoundingly sweet

tooth. You will follow the locals to Karakoy

Gulluoglu, a traditional baklava shop, which

will fuel sugar cravings. Choose from a

variety of wedge-shaped gems whose

heaving surfaces are covered with a

sprinkling of emerald green crushed

pistachios. On first bite, the explosion of

the light, crumbly layers shattering amid the

sweet syrup will have you craving for more!

After lunch, it is time to head home

with a box of baklava tucked into your

suitcase before flying back to the UK from

Ataturk Airport.

BOARD YOUR FLIGHT HOME

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Where you’ll stay

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City Hotel Room Type Meal PlanNo.of nights

Istanbul Holiday Inn City Istanbul Standard Room Half board 1

Cruise Celestyal Cruise-Olympia Inside or Full board 3

Pamukkale Spa Hotel Colossae Thermal Standard Room Full board 1

Cappadocia Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel Classic Room 1

Istanbul Holiday Inn City Istanbul Standard Room Half board 1

Outside Cabin

Full board

Exclusions and Terms

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Ÿ Drinks and meals which are not listed in the itinerary

Ÿ Shore Excursions during cruise

Ÿ All personal expenses

Ÿ Tips to the tour guide and driver.