Alum Travel Program: Island Life Greek Isles and Ephesus Sailing the Aegean Sea and the Turquoise Coast

Island Life® Greek Isles and Ephesus
Sailing the Aegean Sea and the Turquoise Coast

9 Days | 8 Nights

Embark on a journey aboard the exclusively chartered Le Lapérouse, an intimate yacht designed for discovery. Cruise the sapphire Aegean Sea, tracing the paths of ancient civilizations and exploring the enduring legacy of Greece and coastal Turkey. Begin in Athens, setting sail for Chania, Crete’s Venetian-influenced port city. Here, choose your experience — delve into the labyrinthine Old Town, uncover archaeological treasures or relax on a beach. Next, glide to iconic Santorini to explore the excavations of Akrotiri, a Bronze Age settlement preserved in volcanic ash, and enjoy time at leisure in Fira, known for its panoramic caldera views. After crossing into Turkey, select to explore the fascinating Ephesus Museum or visit the House of the Virgin Mary, Plus, enjoy a visit to a traditional carpet weaving workshop! Continue to Rhodes, where the UNESCO-listed Medieval City reveals layers of history from the Knights Hospitaller to Ottoman times. Then journey to Delos, the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and one of Greece’s most sacred archaeological sites. Conclude with free time in cosmopolitan Mykonos, known for its whitewashed architecture and vibrant waterfront, before your return to Athens. Enhance your journey with our Pre-Extension in Athens.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Depart Home City

Day 2: Athens, Greece | Embark Le Laperouse

Day 3: Chania, Crete | Akrotiri/Aptera

Day 4: Santorini

Day 5: Kusadasi, Turkey | Ephesus

Day 6: Rhodes, Greece | Lindos

Day 7: Delos | Mykonos

Day 8: Mykonos

Day 9: Athens | Disembark | Return to Home City

Highlights:

Cruise for 7 nights through the Aegean Sea to historic Greek islands and Turkey's Turquoise Coast aboard Le Laperouse.

Visit the preserved prehistoric ruins of Akrotiri and soak in the atmosphere of cliffside Fira, perched on the Aegean Sea.

Gain a deeper connection to the destinations through expert talks as well as traditional Greek and Turkish cultural performances.

Visit 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites: Greek ruins in Delos; awe-inspiring ancient Ephesus, Turkey; and the medieval city of Rhodes.

Included meals | 2 receptions, 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners.

Athens Pre-Tour Extension. (Available at additional cost.)

Program Features:

Your Travel Program

7-night, round-trip cruise from Athens, Greece.

Deluxe motor coach transfers during the Cruise Program.

Welcome and Farewell Receptions.

Complimentary non-premium liquor, house wine, beer, nonalcoholic beverages, and minibar service throughout the cruise; complimentary house wine, beer and nonalcoholic beverages at meals during excursions.

Included meals | 2 receptions, 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners.

Complimentary Wi-Fi access (conditions permitting).

Uncover lovely Santorini, the secrets of prehistoric Akrotiri and the cliffside lanes of Fira, where iconic whitewashed homes and blue-domed churches perch above the sea.

Watch artisans transform silk cocoons into exquisite threads and gather for a Turkish barbecue.

Travel to the storied old town of Rhodes to visit the Palace of the Grand Masters. Active travelers may wish to hike up to the Acropolis of Lindos.

Clap along as performers bring Greek folk traditions to life through lively music, vibrant costumes and spirited dances. You might even find yourself stepping into the circle!

Experience a magical evening inside a historic caravanserai, once a resting place for Silk Road travelers.

Visit the small island of Delos, where Apollo and Artemis were said to be born.

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon on Mykonos, where sun-drenched beaches and chic cafés invite you to relax.

Traveler's Choice

Elevate your experience with a selection of included excursions. Join the excursion of your choice in the following locations:

Chania: Tour the old town, visit nearby beaches or visit the archaeological site of Aptera.

Ephesus: Tour the Ephesus Museum or visit the House of the Virgin Mary and the Basilica of Saint John.

UNESCO

Visit these World Heritage sites:

Ephesus: its elegant Library of Celsus, Grand Theater and luxurious Terrace Houses.

Rhodes and its Old Town, a living fortress layered with centuries of conflict and culture.

Delos: its Sanctuaries of Apollo and Dionysus and Terrace of the Lions.

Always Included

Transfers and luggage handling abroad for passengers who book their air through Gohagan & Company.

Experienced, English-speaking local guides for included excursions.

Gratuities to local guides and drivers on included excursions and transfers.

Complimentary water in your room and on excursions.

Hospitality desk.

Experienced Gohagan & Company Travel Directors at your service.

Complimentary audio headset during guided excursions.

Accommodations:

Le Laperouse

Aboard Le Lapérouse, Ponant’s intimate yacht, you'll enjoy an exclusive, private atmosphere with just a limited number of guests. This beautifully designed ship sails to iconic ports and hidden harbors that only smaller vessels can reach, offering a unique blend of adventure and luxury. Eco-friendly and equipped with innovative technology, Le Lapérouse offers spacious lounges that open to the exterior, enhancing your connection to the sea. The 92 elegantly decorated cabins and suites feature light, calming tones, private balconies, and stunning views. A standout feature of this extraordinary yacht is The Blue Eye, an underwater lounge where you can immerse yourself in the marine world below. Sailing under the French flag, Le Lapérouse promises an intimate, sophisticated journey in an ethnic chic ambiance, offering both comfort and discovery at every turn.

Athens pre-tour Extension

4 Days | 3 Nights

Enhance your journey in Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, during a pre-extension before your cruise. A city tour, featuring entrance into the world-class Acropolis Museum and the Acropolis itself, is included as well as two nights accommodations at the Athens Capital Hotel. An exclusive hospitality desk at your hotel can assist you in planning your free time in the Greek capital.

Contact

To register for this trip, please call 1-800-922-3088.