Greek Isles and Ephesus

Take a journey to the cradle of Western civilization and the classical world from October 14 – 22, 2024 on an Aegean voyage exploring the treasures and mythical landscapes of ancient Greece and Turkey. Cruise round-trip from Athens with alumni, friends, and explore the fabled islands of antiquity aboard the five‑star Le Bougainville.

Call on Delos, Mykonos, Pátmos, and Rhodes—ancient destinations steeped in myth and history—along with Santorini. Sail Turkey’s sun‑drenched coast to visit Ephesus, the most spectacularly preserved Greco‑Roman city in the world. Tour the scenic wonder of Meteora, where 14th and 15th century Orthodox monasteries crown soaring sandstone cliffs. Walk through the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus, where the history of early Hellenic and Roman natural healing practices are engraved onto the ancient stelae. Learn more about Turkey and the contemporary Island Life® forum on the Greek Isles, where you will meet and engage with local residents during the best time of the year.

Shared with cosponsoring associations, this program includes all accommodations, meals, and daily excursions. Request your reservation online today while space and early booking savings are available. Please contact the Georgetown Travel Society at GeorgetownTravelSociety@Georgetown.edu or 866-525-8664 for more details.

Dates and Rates:

Trip Dates: October 14 – 22, 2024
Rates: $5,215 – $16,195 per person based on double occupancy. Taxes are an additional $450 per person.

Traveling solo? Stateroom Categories 6, 7 and 8 may be reserved by single travelers at 160% of the per person double price (per person rate x 1.6),  or please contact us to inquire about any possible roommate options

Request your reservation online today while space and early booking savings are available. Please contact the Georgetown Travel Society at GeorgetownTravelSociety@Georgetown.edu or 866-525-8664 for more details.

Itinerary:

Day 1 – Depart home city

Depart on independently scheduled flights to Athens, Greece

Day 2 – Athens, Greece

Arrive in Athens, the birthplace of democracy and home to many of history’s greatest philosophers and poets, from Socrates to Herodotus. Embark Le Bougainville and enjoy dinner on board this evening.

Day 3 – Volos / Meteora

Arrive in Volos and enjoy an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora. One of the most important complexes of Greek Orthodox monasteries, they are built on natural sandstone massifs and date to the 14th and 15th centuries. Originally the only access to the monasteries was by means of long ladders, which could be drawn up when not in use, or by a basket or net suspended on ropes. Steps have now been cut out in the rock face and there is a modern road servicing the main monasteries, which is how we will reach these remarkable structures. Attend the Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner this evening.

Day 4 – Delos / Mykonos

This morning, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delos—the legendary birthplace of Artemis and Apollo. Walk along the Sacred Way to the Sanctuary of Apollo, a spectacularly rich archaeological site with remains of three separate temples from the 5th and 6th centuries B.C. See the legendary Terrace of the Lions, dedicated to Apollo, where hand‑carved marble statues guarded the island for nearly 2,600 years. After lunch on board the ship, explore the island of Mykonos, where according to ancient legend, its craggy hills and clefts were formed from the petrified bodies of giants defeated by Hercules.

Day 5 – Kusadasi, Turkey for Ephesus

Arrive in Kusadasi and drive to Ephesus, a vast archaeological site of Greek, Roman and Byzantine ruins including the restored and reconstructed Celsus Library and the Great Theater. Visit the Terrace Houses and the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, which showcases artifacts that were retrieved from Ephesus during excavations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries—including the famous statue of Artemis.

Day 6 – Patmos, Greece

On the island of Patmos, tour the Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. John, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Cave of the Apocalypse, where St. John the Apostle most likely wrote the Book of Revelation in 95 A.D. This afternoon, meet and engage with local residents who will discuss daily life on the islands during the Island Life® forum.

Day 7 – Rhodes / Lindos

Dock in Rhodes at the wall of Rhodes Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a stop at its ancient port—where the mighty Colossus of Rhodes statue stood before it was destroyed by an earthquake in the third century B.C. Explore the medieval old town as it was built by the Order of St. John, which occupied Rhodes from the early 14th century through the 16th century. Visit the Palace of the Grand Masters, a formidable Gothic castle that houses a treasure trove of art, furniture, and icons from that era.

You will be able to choose from two activities this afternoon. One is an excursion to the ancient village of Lindos to see its Church of Panagia and clifftop Acropolis. At a height of 535 feet, this iconic site offers breathtaking views and photo opportunities of the entire village, including its medieval castle, sandy beaches, and charming whitewashed, sugar-cube houses. Alternatively, you may opt to indulge in an afternoon at leisure in Rhodes. Enjoy a traditional Greek folklore show with local musicians and dancers, followed by dinner on board the ship this evening.

Day 8 – Santorini

Be on deck as the ship cruises into the port of Santorini, beneath which some believe to be the legendary lost city of Atlantis. From the port we will drive to the southern end of the island for a guided tour of the newly reopened excavations of Akrotiri—a unique archeological site that dates to prehistoric times. Tour these spectacular Minoan ruins, held intact by layers of pumice and ash for over 3,500 years. Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, which houses finds excavated from Akrotiri. Continue to the town of Fira, renowned for its whitewashed buildings, stunning views, and vibrant energy, for some free time to explore. You may also choose to descend by cable car to the pier for the short ride back to the ship.

Day 9 – Athens / Return to home city

Arrive in Athens this morning. Disembark and continue on the Thebes and Delphi Post‑Program Option or transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

 

Inclusions:

• Transfer options with luggage handling abroad for participants whose arrival(s)/departure(s) coincide with the scheduled group transfer(s).
• Experienced, English-speaking local guides for included excursions.
• Gratuities to local guides and drivers on included excursions and transfers.
• Complimentary bottled water in your Suite or Stateroom and on excursions.
• Hospitality desk aboard ship.
• Experienced team of Professional Travel Directors at your service.
• Complimentary use of an audio headset during guided excursions.

Highlights:

• Visit up to 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcasing the culture and architecture of ancient
  Greece and Turkey.
• Call on islands steeped in myth and history—Delos, Mykonos, Patmos, Santorini, and Rhodes.
• Walk through legendary ruins of Ephesus, Turkey, and the UNESCO-inscribed Meteora.
• Exclusive Island Life® forum with local residents who will discuss contemporary living.
• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delos—the legendary birthplace of Artemis and Apollo—
  and walk along the Sacred Way to the Sanctuary of Apollo. Also see the legendary Terrace of the Lions, where hand-carved marble statues have guarded the island for nearly 2,600 years.
• Arrive in Kusadasi, Turkey, and drive to Ephesus, a vast archaeological site of Greek, Roman,
  and Byzantine ruins.
• In Patmos, visit the Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. John and see the Cave of the Apocalypse, where St. John the Apostle most likely wrote the Book of Revelation in A.D. 95.
• Dock in Rhodes at the wall of Rhodes Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the
  14^th-century Palace of the Grand Masters.
• Be on deck as the ship cruises into the port of Santorini, beneath which some believe to be the legendary lost city of Atlantis, to tour the Minoan ruins of Akrotiri.

Not included:
 Airfare; Taxes; passport fees; visas and fees for obtaining visas; personal expenses such as laundry and telephone calls; accident/sickness, trip cancellation, and baggage insurance; gratuities to ship and hotel personnel; optional sightseeing excursions; excess baggage charges on aircraft; local departure air taxes; airfare and associated local taxes*, airport facility taxes and federal inspection fees not listed int he “included features” section of the program brochure; transfers and baggage handling to/from airport/hotel on day(s) of arrival and/or departure if you are arriving earlier or later and/or departing earlier or later that scheduled group transfer(s); meals and and alcoholic beverages not listed as Included ; and all other services not specifically mentioned in the complete program terms and condition at https://www.gohagantravel.com/terms