12 Day Turkey & Greek Island Cruise
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
Make the most of your cruise and travel independently, with everything organised for you. Your international flights, pre-cruise stay, and cruise are organised so all you have to do is relax and enjoy your time at sea. Of course, there is the option of extending your tour if you don’t want to head straight to the airport upon disembarkation.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
✓ Incredible sightseeing including Istanbul, Gallipoli Battlefields, Troy, Ephesus, Rhodes, Crete, Santorini, Milos, Mykonos and more
✓ 6 Day small group tour of Turkey with a maximum of 8 travellers
✓ 6 Nights accommodation in mostly 4* hotels in Turkey
✓ Professional English-speaking local guide at each city
✓ Transportation in fully air conditioned vehicle
✓ 6 Day cruise on the Aegean Sea with Celestyal Cruises
✓ Onboard unlimited classic drinks
✓ Onboard entertainment & selected shore excursions
✓ Cruise port charges & gratuities
✓ Daily breakfast, 4 lunches and 8 dinners
✓ Istanbul airport arrival transfer
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Istanbul! On arrival to Istanbul airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to settle in and relax.
After breakfast, enjoy a fully guided tour of the only city to span two continents, visiting the Blue Mosque, St Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace (including Hagia Irene) and the Hippodrome.
In the afternoon, you will have the option to join a half day Bosphorous Cruise and cruise between two continents on the stretch of water that separates Europe from Asia.
One of the most emotionally touching places in Turkey, today we visit the WW1 Battlefields of Gallipoli including Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, The Nek, Johnston's Jolly, original trenches and tunnels.
Step back in time as we visit Troy and its famed Trojan Horse, followed by a tour of the magnificent acropolis of Pergamum. Its impressive temples and library made it a renowned cultural and political centre in its time.
Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the site of the Temple of Artemis. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and theatre before continuing to the former Greek village of Sirince, famous for its fruit wines. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey and at the carpet village we learn how the carpets are made by hand and what determines their value.
Today marks the end of your Turkey group trip. You will continue enjoy Kusadasi on your own and explore at leisure. Perhaps take a trip to Guvercinada (Pigeon Island), visit Merymana (House of the Virgin Mary) or simply relax at any of the local beaches. Alternatively, join the below optional tour to Pamukkale.
Optional Tour - Pamukkale
Visit Pamukkale, cotton castles and Heirapolis, including magnificently preserved necropolis, the main steet, gates, thermal baths, the Greco Roman theatre and the Basilica of St. Philippe. Swim in a theraputic bath of hot spring mineral waters. This tour departs at 9am and returns at 7pm.
At the apprpirate time, make your way to Kusadasi port and board your cruise. You can board from 3pm and the cruise will depart Kusadasi by approximately 9pm.
Today, you will wake up in Rhodes. The picturesque island of Rhodes is well known for its beautiful beaches, majestic fortified ruins and its glorious year-round sunshine. Perched high on the clifftop that dramatically rises up from the crystalline waters is the island’s crowning glory: the Acropolis at Lindos. Enjoy a guided tour which also includes a chance to discover the island’s enchanting old town.
As we pull into Heraklion, you have the chance to snap the imposing 16th Century walls of Koules Fortress. Here you can enjoy the calm of the stunning waterfront, explore the Cretan countryside or discover the Palace of Knossos. This spellbinding tour invites you to listen to tales of intrigue and learn about Europe's first civilisation in the Knossos museum. Was the Minotaur half-man or myth? You're about to find out! Continue sailing two Santorini.
The spectacular sweeping scenery of Santorini will simply take your breath away. The romantic Island is dotted with traditional whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches that are clustered over the striking cliffs. It is instantly recognisable as one of the world's most photographed picture-postcard landscapes. The charming villages provide beguiling oasis of tranquility and beauty that will exceed all your expectations.
The magical sun-kissed island of Mykonos invites you to admire its stunning coastline, soft sandy beaches, and rugged rock landscapes. Affectionately known as the “Island of the Winds”, Mykonos is home to the 16th Century windmills that have become iconic landmarks on postcards. The energetic Greek island is well known for its beauty, diverse range of bars, cafes, restaurants and a vibrant atmosphere.
The volcanic origins of the beautiful Greek island of Milos are clearly evident in its complex and bewitching landscape. Here you have the opportunity to explore the dramatically surreal and sculpted looming rock formations that rise out of the crystalline waters and create a stunning coastline. Why not join a local expert to explore the many beauty spots and charming fishing villages
As we pull into the port by 9am, your trip comes to an end. Make your own way to the airport to connect with your ongoing flight.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID -19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID -19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling off period. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7 day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including the reason for cancellation.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Booking On Request
Celestyal Cruises
This cruise is operated by our partners Celestyal Cruises on board their Celestyal Crystal ship. The Crystal is a moderate size-cruise liner with a big ship feel. Spacious, comfortable and complete with a wide range of facilities and services, our friendly team welcomes you onboard for an epic adventure into the idyllic Aegean.
With delectable dining experiences, a full program of entertainment, wellness center, casino, pool and onboard sports activities, we are confident your time aboard with the Crystal will be memorable and exciting. More information on the Celestyal Crystal can be found HERE.
Cabin Inclusion & Upgrades
Interior Stateroom (IA) - Included
Interior Staterooms at deck 2 and 3 (~11 sqm) can accommodate up to 4 persons with 2 lower beds, 3rd/4th berth, bathroom with shower, air condition, telephone, hair dryer, safety deposit box and TV.
Interior Stateroom (IC) - From AUD 349 per person, twin share. Single price on application.
Interior Staterooms at deck 5 and 6 (~11 sqm) can accommodate up to 2 persons with 2 lower beds, bathroom with shower, air condition, telephone, hair dryer, safety deposit box and TV.
Exterior Stateroom (XB) - From AUD 472 per person, twin share. Single price on application.
Exterior Staterooms at deck 3 and 4 (~11 sqm) can accommodate up to 4 persons with 2 lower beds, 3rd /4th berth, bathroom with shower, air condition, telephone, hair dryer, safety deposit box, TV and a window.
Balcony Suite (SB) - From AUD $1845 per person, twin share. Single price on application.
Balcony Suites at deck 9 (~27 sqm) can accommodate up to 3 persons with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed, bathroom with bathtub, air condition, telephone, hair dryer, safety deposit box, TV, refrigerated mini bar and a balcony.
To enhance your journey, we are offering you the following optional activity (prices are per person).
Kusadasi (Day 6) - Guided tour of Pamukkale - AUD $130 per person
Thi tour can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Please note that you must select your optional tour no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on -tour is subject to availability
COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be affected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard.
Single Supplement
A Single Supplement is available on this tour. Select 'book now' and choose 1 passenger to show the single supplement for this tour.
Triple Share
Not Available
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including, e -tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
The Turkey land tour portion of this trip has a maximum of 8 travellers. The size of the cruise section depends on cruise line capacity.
Tour Style
Escorted - The Turkey section of this trip (Day 1 to Day 6) is an escorted small group tour. The cruise portion of this tour runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by expert ship's staff and by local leaders during off shore excursions.
Children
Children must share a room with parents at all times and are charged the same price as adults.
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