TURKEY AND GREECE (03 NTS CRUISE)

Welcome to Türkiye, a country with a unique history and culture, where you will experience an extraordinary vacation. A new world of experiences awaits you, where the differences of East and West are combined in one country.

Arrive by international flight at the spectacular Istanbul Airport (IST). Opened in April 2019, today it is the largest in Europe, and one of the largest in the world. After disembarking, passing through immigration and baggage claim, you will proceed to our meeting point at departure gate 8. After this, meet our drivers for the transfer to the hotel. Arrival and accommodation. Free time to rest. 

Note: In case you do not find our representatives at the meeting point, you should contact our emergency number.

Breakfast. Free day. Possibility to take the optional excursion: “PEARLS OF THE GOLDEN HORN AND BOSPHORUS” Departure at approx. at 08:00 (time to be confirmed by the guide) (includes lunch in a typical restaurant): Visit the old Jewish quarter in Balat, the Greek quarter in Fener and contemplate the magnificent views of the “Golden Horn”; then visit St. George's Cathedral, main patriarchate of the Greek Orthodox Church; continuation to the Suleymaniye Mosque, designed by the Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan and boasting the largest dome of all the mosques in Istanbul. We head to the Spice Bazaar, a place with special charm for its color and aroma, the place par excellence to buy teas, herbs, nuts, typical sweets and of course spices; Culmination with a boat ride across the Bosphorus, the strait that divides the city between Europe and Asia, we will appreciate the wonderful views of the Ottoman fortresses, palaces, villas and bridges that connect both sides of this city. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Note: The order of the days of the excursions in Istanbul can be reversed according to the operating conditions, such as number of participants, weather, traffic or closing days of the monuments.

Breakfast. Free day. Possibility to take the optional excursion “JEWELS OF CONSTANTINOPLA” (includes lunch in a typical restaurant): Departure at approx. at 08:00 (time to be confirmed by the guide) for an excursion in the historical center of the city, where you will be able to observe the variety of vestiges of the different empires that shaped the current Istanbul: the Roman Hippodrome, the center of Constantinople's social life for thousands of years where you will also see the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Obelisk of Constantine and the German fountain; the Blue Mosque, with its more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles brought from Iznik; enjoy a panoramic view of Hagia Sophia, built in 537 as an architectural marvel that has served as a church, mosque and also a museum. From the outside, the structure impresses with its massive dome, which was an amazing technical achievement in its time and remains one of the largest domes in the world. We continue with the majestic Topkapi Palace, home of the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years, we will visit the beautiful royal gardens, the kitchens, the royal treasure rooms. Discover the mysterious Harem, where the Sultan's wives and children lived, famous for its luxurious decoration. We continue to the church of Aya Irini, a Byzantine church that was not converted into a mosque and finish our tour in the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world where bargaining is a tradition. Return to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel. Note: For the entrance to the Hagia Sophia consult supplement.

Breakfast "lunch-box" and early departure (approx. at 6:00 - time to be confirmed by the guide) towards Ankara for a panoramic visit of the capital of Türkiye and the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder of the Republic. On the way to Cappadocia, you can see the Salt Lake, where you will stop to take pictures in this spectacular place, then visit a Caravanserai, lodging of the time of the Silk Road. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.

Breakfast. Departure approx. at 08:00h to visit this wonderful region with its fascinating and original landscape formed by volcanic lava more than 3 million years ago. Starting with the Göreme Open Air Museum, a monastery with chapels carved in volcanic rocks and decorated with 13th century frescoes. Moving on to the region's breathtaking valleys with their “otherworldly” landscapes, you will appreciate views of the symbols of the region's geological formations, the famous “Fairy Chimneys”. A stop will be made to enjoy the incredible and extensive panoramic view of some of the famous volcanic rock valleys with spectacular formats. Continuation to the subway city of Cappadocia, one of the many impressive engineering works built by ancient local communities to protect themselves from attacks throughout history. At the end of the tour, visit to a carpet center to learn about the artisanal production of these pieces that are true treasures, and to a center of precious stones, jewelry with exclusive designs of the region. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.

Optional programs in Cappadocia: “TURKISH NIGHT” Presentation of folkloric dances in a typical cave with local drinks; “JEEP SAFARI” adventure through the mystical valleys of the region with stops to take the best pictures; “BALLOON RIDE” early in the morning to admire one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth.

Breakfast. Departure approx. at 06:00h (time to be confirmed by the guide) to Pamukkale to visit the ancient Hierapolis and the Cotton Castle, a true natural wonder, a giant waterfall, stalactites and natural pools. The name “Hierapolis” is derived from Greek and means “sacred city”, referring to the numerous temples and religious sites that existed in the city. One of the most notable aspects of Hierapolis was its famous theater, which had a capacity to hold thousands of spectators and is still largely preserved today. The city gained recognition as a popular spa and healing destination due to its natural hot springs and white calcareous pools. These mineral-laden waters created stunning natural terraces and waterfalls known as “Pamukkale”, Turkish for “cotton castle”. Pamukkale and Hierapolis are on the UNESCO World Heritage list together due to their historical importance and natural beauty. The region is also known for its cotton production, and we will have the opportunity to learn about locally made textile products. Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight.

Breakfast. Departure at approximately 08:00h (time to be confirmed by the guide) to visit the House of Mary, located on a nearby hill. This place is revered for being the last resting place of the mother of Jesus, who, according to Christian tradition, spent her last years in Ephesus under the care of the apostle John. Today, the house is an important pilgrimage site for both Christians and Muslims, who consider it a sacred site. We will pass through Selçuk, for a panoramic tour of this city that has a rich history, appreciating the Ottoman castle, the Basilica of St. John and the Temple of Artemis that has consecrated Ephesus as an important religious and cultural center of antiquity. We will continue the visit in a showroom specialized in leather pieces, where you can see high quality products, made with sheepskin and famous for their light pieces. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.

Note: Accommodation may be in Izmir or Kuşadasi depending on the season.

Breakfast. Early transfer to the port* and free time until boarding time at 18:00 h, where you must go through migration** and check in presenting your respective passports to embark on a wonderful 4 days/3 nights full board cruise, we will start sailing to our first destination Pireus (Athens). 

→ Cruise schedules and itineraries are subject to change without notice depending on weather and operating conditions.

→ This itinerary starting from PIRAEUS (ATHENS) with embarkation time 18.00 departing from Cesme, will be operated from May 29 to August 31, 2025. 

For the following operation dates of MIRAY Cruise: March 20 to May 25, 2025 and September 04 to October 16, 2025 departing from Kusadasi, embarkation time will be 12.00 and as first stop will include PATMOS Island.

→ May 25, 2025 embarkation date departing from Kusadasi will have disembarkation in Cesme and August 31 embarkation date departing from Cesme will have disembarkation in Kusadasi.

*Passengers will not have a guide during the transfer to and within the cruise ship; however, they will have assistance on board and, if they wish to take optional excursions offered by the cruise ship, these will include a guide.

** Please consult your visa conditions for entry to the respective countries (Greece and return to Türkiye).

Breakfast. Arrival in Athens at 7:00 am. Possibility of optional excursions to the magical city of Athens, which is the capital of Greece and the largest city in the country, with a population of approximately 4,000,000 inhabitants. The city, home to magnificent monuments revered by the ancient Greek gods and the cradle of ancient Hellenic and Greek culture, was once the center of economics, politics, social life and philosophy. Athens, named after the most important goddess of mythology, Athena, is known as the first city to establish democracy. Departure at 12:00 to Mykonos. Mykonos is an island of the Cyclades group in the Aegean Sea. It is popularly known for its summer party atmosphere. Beaches such as Paradise and Super Paradise have bars where music booms. The huge dance clubs attract famous DJs from all over the world and often stay open until after sunrise. Iconic landmarks include a row of 16th-century windmills, which sit on a hill above Mykonos Town. Departure to Santorini.

Breakfast. Arrival in Santorini at 09:00 a.m., famous for its spectacular views. Opportunity for an optional excursion to see Santorini, the southernmost island of the Cyclades archipelago, located in the southern Aegean Sea. In 1500 BC, the island and surrounding islets were formed as a result of a major volcanic eruption. Plato is believed to have referred to this catastrophe in a monument about the continent of Atlantis. 

The blue-domed churches are the most characteristic features of Santorini. During additional excursions organized by Miray Cruises (upon request), you can view the entire island from the mountains of St. Elias, which is the highest point of the island, visit the unique villages of Oia and Fira, enjoy the sea on the beaches covered with volcanic sand and, in the village of Megalochori, taste wine made from grapes indigenous to the island. Departure at 17:00 pm to Kusadasi.

Breakfast. Arrival at Çesme/Kusadasi port in Türkiye at 06:00. Disembark the cruise ship and transfer to Izmir airport (ADB) for departure flight.