SmallShips.travel | MS Europa 2 Piraeus-Istanbul EUX1429

Sunset on Santorini: Piraeus (Athens), Greece - Istanbul, Turkey

MS Europa 2 Voyage 1429 - September 27 - October 4, 2014

The Greek islands and Turkey are the focus of a relaxing late summer’s week on board the EUROPA 2. Santorini is inviting with its picture-book views and a stroll through winding streets or a boat trip* along the caldera. The Venetian fort on Rhodes is also impressive, whilst the Mediterranean scents on a walk* through olive groves are enticing. On a Jeep safari* or boat trip*, you will be introduced to the various landscapes on the island of Samos before heading via Dikili and Lemnos and through the Dardanelles to Istanbul, the Turkish city straddling two continents.

Highlights of this cruise:

Idyllic sunset over the legendary island of Santorini.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Pergamum*, the cultural site from the Hellenstic period.

Istanbul: the lively and bustling city on two continents.

On board: sirtaki, ouzo and the sea – an unforgettable Greek night.

*These arrangements are not covered by the cruise price. The on-shore activities listed are in the planning stage. Subject to changes

Day 1 - Piraeus (Athens)/Greece, departure at 9:00 pm

Take your leave from Piraeus with one last look back at the sea of lights .

Day 2 - Thira/Santorini/Cyclades/Greece - 10:30 am - Midnight

The first highlight of your cruise will be the picture-book panorama of Santorini. For centuries, mules have been carrying people up to Thira – but the cable car is a more comfortable way to make the journey. The narrow streets of Megalochori and Pyrgos* are a great place to stroll around. As you walk past the whitewashed houses with blue domed roofs, take the time to look at the views over the island. Discover the “Pompeii of the Aegean” at the Minoan settlement of Akrotiri*, which was buried in lava and ash as a result of a volcanic eruption around 3,500 years ago. The excavations will allow you to see what life must have been like in this long-lost culture. You can also experience some unforgettable impressions from the water: a boat trip takes you along the caldera* to the most beautiful places to drop anchor before a truly unforgettable experience awaits – the atmospheric sunset.

Day 3 - Rhodes/Dodecanese/Greece, 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm

The sunny island of Rhodes provides the spectacular setting for the next day of your holiday: make your own individual tour of discovery of the historic town centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or take yourself along the east coast to Lindos* – a little gem with the second-largest acropolis in Greece rising above it. On a hike* through olive groves and vineyards, you can follow typical Mediterranean scents, whilst you can enjoy the sunshine, sand and sea* on the gentling sloping Tsambiki beach – the sun loungers are already waiting for you.

Day 4 - Pythagorion/Samos/Greece - 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Ancient chestnut trees, picturesque vineyards and bubbling sources: Samos is a delightful place and Pythagorion is the ideal starting point for getting to know the natural beauties and local history on an island tour*. The Jeep safari*, which takes you right across Samos, promises to be an exciting adventure, whilst a boat trip* is more relaxing: drop anchor in some hidden bays and dive into the crystal-clear waters.

Day 5 - Dikili/Turkey, 8.00 – 18.00 hrs

The next morning, set out from Dikili to explore a lost empire: the excavations of Pergamum* – either with the Asclepion* or with the Archaeological Museum* – are testament to the size and glory of the former royal city.

Day 6 - Myrina/Lemnos/Greece - 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

Passage through the Dardanelles Strait, 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm

One of the best-kept secrets of the Aegean is Lemnos. On this volcanic island can be found the ruins of a Venetian castle in Myrina. From here, you can explore further afield, visiting Poliochni and Moudros*. Or you can walk through the beautiful scenery of the charming village of Kondias*. Following a passage through the Dardanelles, your cruise comes to an end in Istanbul.

Day 7 - Istanbul/Turkey, arrive at Midnight - overnight on board

Whether at Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque or the covered bazaar, the city formally known as Constantinople will impress you on a city tour* – even more so if you view the sprawling city on the Bosphorus from a helicopter*. Alternatively, take a boat excursion to the nine Princes’ Islands – they are in a world of their own and a perfect way to round your cruise.

Day 8 - Istanbul

Disembarkation

Category	Cabin Type	Prices Per Person in USD
0	Guaranteed Veranda/Ocean Suite¹	$4,560
1	Veranda/Ocean Suite	$5,260
2	Veranda/Ocean Suite	$5,740
1-2	Veranda/Ocean Suite for single occupancy	$7,140
3	Veranda/Ocean Suite	$6,330
4	Veranda/Ocean Suite	$6,600
3-4	Veranda/Ocean Suite for single occupancy	$8,490
5	Veranda Suite	$7,140
6	Spa Suite	$10,640
7	Spa Suite	$10,910
8	Grand Suite	$10,640
9	Grand Suite	$10,910
10	Grand Penthouse Suite	on request
11	Owner Suite	on request
12	Family apartment (2x20 m²)	$6,600
13	Grand Suite, equiped for disabled guests	$9,290
14	Additional bed for 3rd person	$3,640

¹ You pay only the guaranteed price for double occupancy shown here. Accommodation will be provided in a Veranda/Ocean Suite of Category 1 to 4, subject to availability. If you book a combination of several cruises in a guaranteed Veranda/Ocean Suite, it will be necessary to change suites after each individual cruise. Continuous occupancy of the same suite throughout the cruises is not possible. You will receive your exact suite number on board at the beginning of the cruise (limited allotment).

² If you book your cruise 210 days (approx. 7 months) or earlier prior to departure, you will receive an early booking discount of 5% on the cruise-only price (catalogue price minus surcharge for travel arrangements to cruise departure point and from cruise arrival point as well as share of fuel costs (ship)).