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Turkey In-depth with Greek Isles & Turkish Shores (Caledonian Sky)

Turkey In-depth with Greek Isles & Turkish Shores (Caledonian Sky)

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Description

Turkey In-depth with Greek Isles & Turkish Shores 19 day Small Ship Cruise.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
These once-in-a-lifetime moments allow you to experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Give your holiday a personal touch with a choice of included sightseeing or dining options

Please note: 21/08/21 departure is 17 days long.

Trip Name
Turkey In-depth with Greek Isles & Turkish Shores (Caledonian Sky)
Days
19
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 90 metres Passenger Capacity: 114 (in 57 suites) Built: 1991 / refurbished 2012 The MS Caledonian Sky accommodates a maximum of 114 passengers in 57 spacious outside suites. Many have walk-in wardrobes and some feature tub baths. There will be seven categories of suites and sixteen suites will have private balconies. For those familiar with the MS Island Sky she will feel like a second home, although there are some differences. The dining room, lounge, Lido Deck and bar are all similar. However, the ‘Club’ on the MS Caledonian Sky has been transported to the very top deck. Here, there is a library and bar which leads out on to a lovely forward deck. The ‘Club’ has wonderful views with ceiling to floor windows. If you like the MS Island Sky, we are sure you will also approve of her sister. And, of course it is important that we offer the very best of facilities. However, equally as important are the staff on board whether they are the vessel’s crew or our own expedition staff. Noble Caledonia’s reputation has been built on providing the very best in all areas. Their crew of 74 not only offer an excellent service they are also noted for their kindness and attention to detail. A well run ship with a warm atmosphere is what we are known for, and it is because most of our crew have been with us for many years that we are able to engender such an atmosphere. Your Suite Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. The passenger accommodation is arranged over four decks and all suites have outside views. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring a country style wash basin, hot towel rack and vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower and/or bath tub. Facilities in the suites also include walk-in or spacious wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool or desk, mini-fridge, flat screen television, telephone, programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Your space The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. In addition there is the Club Lounge on the Panoramic Deck which features a bar. The onboard travel library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. Outside there is a rear Lido deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade. On the top deck there is a further observation and sun deck with bar service and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. There is also a small gymnasium onboard and hairdressers with appointments made on request. Your dining With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the quality of cuisine will be of a consistent superior quality. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, our accomplished chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast, a buffet-style lunch and dinner are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. With sufficient notice, most diets can be catered for on board. For your comfort, safety and security The vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilisers to minimise the ship’s motion. The Captain and officers operate an open-bridge policy that allows passengers onto the bridge at most times with the exception of arrival and departure from port and during times of complicated navigation. Here you can check the ship’s progress by charts and learn more from the officers about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical information and estimated times of arrival and departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to outside decks only. Gratuities Unlike many other cruise vessels, onboard the MS Caledonian Sky you do not need to worry about tipping staff as we have included them in your holiday price. In addition we tip all their guides and drivers along the way, thereby taking away the hassle of always having to remember to have some small change with you.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Arrive Athens
Welcome to Greece! Once you’ve arrived in Athens, we’ll transfer you to your hotel. Tonight, you’ll be treated to an authentic dining experience.Stay: Two Nights, InterContinental Athenaeum Athens or similar
Day 2 - Day 2 Athens
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™View the Corinth Canal from above, or learn the secrets of Greek cuisine during an engaging and tasty cooking class.Today, discover Athens’ legacy of Greek antiquity with a guide on a sightseeing tour. Enjoy lunch at leisure, before selecting a sightseeing experience.
Day 3 - Day 3 Athens, Embark Ship
Visit the Acropolis of Athens, an ancient citadel situated high above the city. Here, see the incredible Parthenon, Propylaia, Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike. Continue to the New Acropolis Museum and view its magnificent galleries, including the Gallery of the Slopes, which houses finds from the ancient sanctuaries that were founded on the slopes of the Acropolis. Later, transfer to your small ship and be welcomed aboard. This evening, begin your adventure with a glass of sparkling and a relaxed dinner.Stay: Nine Nights, MS Caledonian Sky
Day 4 - Day 4 Milos
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™Perhaps join a discovery of this volcanic isle with a guide. A scenic drive overlooking the Gulf of Milos transports you to the striking lunarscape of Sarakiniko Beach before continuing to Plaka. Take a stroll past whitewashed houses, cobblestone lanes and bougainvillea flowers spiralling the walls. Your final stop is the port fishing village of Pollonia. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to take it easy, we’ll transfer you to the crystal-clear waters of Paliohori Beach. You’ll be ushered to a shaded area under a beach umbrella with a drink in hand.Drop anchor in Adamas where you’ll be whisked to the Isle of Milos’ harbour town by Zodiac. Enjoy a choice of sightseeing here. Break for lunch back on board with the luxury of time, this afternoon, to immerse yourself in local culture, thanks to a scheduled late departure.
Day 5 - Day 5 Mykonos
Enjoy a full day dedicated to an easygoing discovery of the isles of Mykonos and neighbouring Delos. First up this morning, skim across the water to nearby Delos, aboard local boats. The entire island is a World Heritage-listed site and the birthplace of Greek god Apollo, according to mythology. With a guide, explore the archaeological sites and museum of one of Greece’s most historic sites. Lunch is then back on board your ship, ahead of an afternoon enjoying the island of Mykonos. Known for its glamorous summer party scene, Mykonos is also an idyllic spot to see iconic thatched windmills and discover the island’s cultural charm on a stroll through Mykonos Old Town. We’ve set aside time for you to shop or relax by the sea this afternoon.
Day 6 - Day 6 Naxos, Koufonisia
It’s all about island discoveries today. Begin with an early arrival on the isle of Naxos, to explore the main port Naxos Town, and the old villa houses of Halki. Later, there’s time for another island hop, as you enjoy lunch back on board and a cruise to the nearby island of Koufinisia. Here, make the most of the chance to jump in a Zodiac and enjoy a swim.
Day 7 - Day 7 Nisyros, Symi
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™In the port of Mandraki, perhaps wander through its whitewashed streets and visit the cliffside monastery of Panagia Spilanior or visit the archaeological museum. Alternatively, drive to the Polyvotis volcano. Learn of the Greek legend surrounding this landmark and walk into the volcano’s caldera.Today takes you to the volcanic island of Nisyros where you can choose your activity. Later, continue to the island of Symi, which enjoys an old-world glamour and neoclassical architecture, a legacy of Italian rule almost a century ago. A local guide shows you around town, including Gialos Harbour with its pastel-shaded houses, ancient monastery and Customs House. With a late departure, use this time to explore the streets.
Day 8 - Day 8 Kos
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™Beyond the island’s sweeping sandy beaches, you may like to taste your way through the local honey production process at a nearby factory, before sitting down to sample local loukamades (Greek honey donuts). Alternatively, see Kos by bike, exploring some of its most prominent classical landmarks including the Tree of Hippocrates, the site where, legend has it, the ‘father of medicine – Hippocrates’ first taught his students. You’ll also see the island’s open-air Roman theatre and sleek marina.Kos welcomes you today with a choice of sightseeing options.
Day 9 - Day 9 Kuşadası, Ephesus
From the port of Kuşadası, drive to the ancient city of Ephesus today. One of the best preserved classical cities of the Eastern Mediterranean, Ephesus is a stunning, partially excavated site, complete with iconic wonders and impressive architecture. Broad streets are lined with impressive buildings including the Library of Celsus.
Day 10 - Day 10 Lesbos
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCEEnjoy an after-hours tour of the Museum of Olive Oil Production, with an authentic dinner and a folk dance show.Lesbos has been a favoured haunt of artists and poets for generations, inspired by the island’s most famous inhabitant, the ancient Greek lyric poet Sappho. The island is also regarded as the source of the nation’s best ouzo, an aniseed-flavoured aperitif. Spend today in the island’s port of Mytilene, known for its churches, museums and ‘ouzeries’. Tonight, we’ve arranged a Signature Experience.
Day 11 - Day 11 Çanakkale
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™Discover the city of Troy, immortalised by the Greek epic poet Homer. Or, the harbour city of Assos, both brimming with archaeological finds and Greek mythology.Experience Anzac history during a morning on Turkey’s Gallipolli Peninsula. View memorials that pay tribute to those who fought in World War I. Later, this afternoon delivers a choice of which ancient city you would like to discover. Tonight join fellow guests at a farewell dinner back on board.
Day 12 - Day 12 Istanbul, Disembark Ship
Welcome to Istanbul, where you’ll spend the day discovering Turkey’s capital city. Visit the Blue Mosque, aptly named for the colour of the tiles that adorn its interior. See St Sophia Museum and the underground Basilica Cistern. After lunch explore the Grand Bazaar.Stay: Two Nights, Istanbul, Pera Palace Hotel or similar
Day 13 - Day 13 Istanbul
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™Perhaps visit Topkapi Palace, which was once the residence of Ottoman sultans, before visiting the Spice Market. Or visit the Chora Museum, which depicts biblical events through mosaics. Another option is to take a relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus.Today, choose your sightseeing experience. After lunch explore the Grand Bazaar.
Day 14 - Day 14 Istanbul, Cappadocia
This morning, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your included flight to Cappadocia, a historical region and home to 36 underground cities. After lunch, explore the troglodyte caves of Kaymakli Underground City, which date back to Hittite times, around the 12th century BC. They did not open for tourism until 1964. Later, see the pigeon houses (dovecotes) of Pigeon Valley. Tonight, dine at a local restaurant.Stay: Two Nights, Argos in Cappadocia or similar
Day 15 - Day 15 Cappadocia, Göreme
Join a guided discovery of the Göreme Open Air Museum and its rock-hewn churches. Continue to the Pasabag Monks Valley, renowned for its mushroom-shaped rocks, or ‘fairy chimneys’ and cave dwellings. After lunch, visit the town of Avanos, known for its handmade pottery, produced there for millennia. Later, see the uniquely shaped stone pillars of Love Valley. The evening is then yours at leisure.
Day 16 - Day 16 Cappadocia, Konya
On the way to Konya, visit the Sultan Han, which is a 13th-century Seljuk Turkish caravanserai on the Silk Road. These ancient roadside inns were stop-off points for weary travellers and the Sultan Han was one of the most luxurious in its day. Afterwards, visit Galata Mevlevi House, a museum devoted to the Whirling Dervishes. A Sufi religious order that first appeared in the 12th century and which originated in the city of Konya. Later today arrive at your hotel in time for dinner this evening.Stay: Ramada Plaza Konya or similar
Day 17 - Day 17 Konya, Pamukkale
Gaze out over the beautiful landscapes of Lake Eğirdir while travelling to Pamukkale (Cotton Castle) and Hierapolis (Holy City). After lunch, explore the natural springs found within Pamukkale’s white calcium terraces, which have been used as a spa since the 2nd century BC. Travertines (mineral-rich deposits) have built up over millennia to create a surreal snow-white landscape. Close by, traces of the ancient city of Hierapolis are evident in its Greco-Roman ruins. Later, you’ll arrive at your hotel in time for dinner.Stay: Richmond Pamukkale Thermal Hotel or similar
Day 18 - Day 18 Pamukkale, Izmir, Istanbul
This morning, not far from Pamukkale, you’ll spend time exploring the ruins of Aphrodisias. This ancient city’s temple was dedicated to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, and you’ll find some temple pillars are still standing today. Afterwards, we’ll transfer you to Izmir Airport for your included flight back to Istanbul. Spend this evening with fellow guests at a farewell dinner.Stay: Istanbul, Pera Palace Hotel or similar
Day 19 - Day 19 Depart Istanbul
After breakfast we’ll transfer you to Istanbul Airport for your onward flight.
Day 20 - Please note:
Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Discover Athens, Milos & Mykonos
    • Visit Naxos & Kos
    • Explore Lesbos & Çanakkale
    • Enjoy Istanbul, Cappadocia & Konya

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