GREEK ISLAND CRUISE 3 Days | Mykonos | Samos | Patmos | Crete | Santorini

CRUISE DETAILSMykonos | Samos | Patmos | Crete | Santorini

Cruise companyEF uses Celestyal Cruises (formerly known as Louis Cruises) for all of our Greek Island cruises. The name of your cruise ship will be available approximately two weeks prior to your departure.

Accommodations and amenities Cabins on the ship are smaller than normal hotel rooms. Each cabin has air conditioning and a private bathroom. Groups should expect to stay in lower-level cabins, which may be interior facing. All student travelers will be accommodated in triples or quads. Twin and single cabins are available with a rooming upgrade. Amenities on the ship may include restaurants, pool, casino, library, Internet access, exercise room, live entertainment and a discotheque.

Meals and drinksYour cruise includes all meals, with full American breakfasts (6 a.m. to 9 a.m.), lunch buffets (noon to 2 p.m.), tea on deck (5 p.m.), and buffet-style and seated dinners (6:45 p.m. or 7:45 p.m.). Travelers with food allergies should alert their Tour Consultant at least four weeks prior to departure. Drinks are not included, although travelers can purchase a drink package at the beginning of the cruise.

– All-inclusive, non-alcoholic beverages approx. €39– All-inclusive approx. €66 (Available to travelers ages 21 and older.

Passport required to verify age.)

DressWhile the dress code on-board is mostly casual, some evening activities may require semi-formal attire. Additionally, most cruises include a Greek Night, where travelers are encouraged to dress in blue and white.

Payments on-boardThe currency used on-board is the Euro (€). A mandatory shipboard account is opened for each traveler at the beginning of the cruise. A credit card or €50 deposit is required in order to open an account (debit cards or personal checks are not accepted). All on-board expenses including shore excursions, gift shop purchases, etc. are charged to your shipboard account. Upon disembarkation, travelers may settle their accounts using MasterCard, Visa or American Express credit cards or cash.

TippingGratuities for cruise staff are included in your EF program price. Your Tour Director will be with you throughout the cruise. With this in mind, please make sure to recognize this service and tip accordingly. We recommend $6 per person per day.

Shore excursionsVarious shore excursions are available throughout the cruise, and feature incredible sights that perfectly complement your comprehensive itinerary. We are now including the Mykonos Round-Trip Shuttle Shore Excursion for all of our travelers on the 3-day cruise. Through EF, you have the opportunity to purchase one of two Shore Excursion Packages. The 2 Island package includes visits to Samos: Vathi, Heraion and Pythagorion and the Minoan Palace of Knossos for $141. The 3 Island package visits the same islands plus Oia Village for $212 (these excursions are detailed on the following pages).

Additional excursions, which are also detailed on the following pages, are offered by the cruise company and must be booked through Celestyal Cruises while on-board the ship. Here are a few things to keep in mind when participating on an excursion:

– Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.– For visits to religious sites, bare shoulders and shorts

are not permitted.– Bring water.

Itinerary detailsPORT DAY ARRIVAL DEPARTUREPiraeus Fri Embark 11 a.m.Mykonos Fri 6 p.m. 11 p.m.Samos Sat 5:15 a.m. 1:45 p.m.Patmos Sat 4 p.m. 9 p.m.Heraklion Sun 7 a.m. 11:30 a.m.Santorini Sun 4:30 p.m. 9 p.m.Piraeus Mon 6 a.m. Disembark

Itineraries are subject to change.

Legend

Religious sites

Moderate walking

Extensive walking

MYKONOSOne of Greece’s Cyclades Islands, Mykonos was ruled by the Venetians in the 13th and 14th centuries, and was later under Turkish occupation. Today, the quaint, winding streets of the Old Town are perfect for browsing trendy boutiques and crafts shops.

Mykonos round-trip shuttle service (now included as part of your cruise)Includes: Travel by shuttle busTime: 3 hours

Mykonos (also known as Hora) is located just 1½ miles from your dock. You can take a round-trip shuttle there and explore the island’s largest town on your own. Brilliant, whitewashed architecture is around every corner, including the iconic Mykonos windmills and the Church of Panagia Paraportiani, one of the most famous structures in Greece. Be on the lookout for Three Well Square (Tria Pigadia), where a local legend states that an unmarried woman who drinks from each of the wells will soon find a husband.

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Vathi, Heraion, and Pythagorio (€69 or part of one of the EF Shore Excursion Packages)Includes: Breakfast; travel by motorcoach; walking tour; entrance to Samos wine museum and Heraion siteTime: Approximately 5 hours

Upon disembarking the ship, enjoy breakfast before an orientation walk through the town of Vathi. Here, you’ll see the bustling main square, St. Spyridon church and the town hall. Afterwards, visit the Samos Wine Museum to view wooden casks from the early 20th century as well as traditional wine making tools and exhibits. Continue to the archaeological site of Heraion, a large sanctuary to the goddess Hera. The site was designated a joint UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the nearby Pythagoreion, an archaeological site containing ancient Greek and Roman monuments.

You’ll then return by bus to Pythagorio village, namesake of the ancient Greek philosopher and scientist, Pythagoras. Encircled by crystal clear waters and white sand beaches, Pythagorio provides classic postcard views of life along the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy a walking tour through the narrow streets and alleyways before enjoying free time to explore the town on your own.

SAMOSRuled by legend and beauty, Samos is located in the eastern Aegean Sea. This picturesque Greek island is known as the home of Pythagoras, the father of mathematics, and the legendary birthplace of Hera.

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St. John’s Monastery and Grotto of the Apocalypse (€49)Includes: Travel by motorcoach; walking tourTime: Approximately 2 hours

Depart from the port of Scala and enjoy a short drive to the village of Chora, where the Monastery of St. John is built within the walls of a strong fortification. As you walk uphill toward the entrance of the monastery, marvel at this magnificent Byzantine structure, which was built 900 years ago. View the courtyard, the monks’ dining room and the old bakery before you visit the Byzantine Church of St. John, noted for its outstanding frescoes and interior decoration. Next, visit the small museum where priceless books, manuscripts, mosaics, icons and textiles are housed. Continue on to the Grotto of the Apocalypse and the Monastery of the Apocalypse above it. Walk down the steps to the Grotto where you will see the niches in the wall that mark the pillow and ledge used as a desk by the author of the Book of the Revelation. The crack in the rock is said to be made by the voice of God honoring the Holy Trinity. (Visitors wearing shorts may not enter the Monastery or Grotto. Female visitors to the Monastery must wear clothing that covers their shoulders. Also, a strenuous uphill walk is required to reach the Monastery.)

Agriolivado Beach (€15)Includes: Travel by motorcoachTime: Half day

Disembark the ship and travel by motorcoach to Agriolivado, one of the most beautiful, picturesque and clean family beaches located at the northern part of the village of Scala. There you can swim in crystal-clear waters and relax on the tranquil beach for approximately two hours. Your motorcoach will then bring you back to the port of Scala, where you can either return to the ship or enjoy a casual stroll around the picturesque port town.

Patmos Countryside Tour (€47)Includes: Travel by motorcoachTime: Approximately 2 hours

An interesting scenic island tour designed for those travelers who prefer to discover the beauties of Patmos from the comfort of a motorcoach. Start the tour from the port of Scala and drive to Chora in the central part of the island. Your sightseeing will first bring you to the Grotto of the Apocalypse, and then to the windmills of Chora, once upon a time the landmark of all Aegean Islands, from where you will enjoy a beautiful view and have the chance to take photos. Afterward, continue around the island to see its beautiful landscape of rocky hills, tranquil beaches and picturesque inlets. After this excursion through the island, the tour will conclude in the port of Scala where you will enjoy some free time in the picturesque town; you may wish to stop at the Arion Café, the oldest and most beautiful café in town. (Visitors wearing shorts may not enter the Monastery or Grotto. Female visitors to the Monastery must wear clothing that covers their shoulders. Also, a strenuous uphill walk is required to reach the Monastery.)

PATMOSReunited with Greece in 1948, Patmos is one of the 12 Dodecanese Islands that extend off the western coast of Turkey. Despite many centuries of foreign rule, Patmos has long retained its Greek language and culture.

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Minoan Palace of Knossos (€53, or as part of one of the EF Shore Excursion Packages)Includes: Travel by motorcoach; walking tourTime: 3 hours

Enjoy a short drive through the Venetian lion-guarded port of Heraklion to the Knossos excavations. Here, Sir Arthur Evan’s archaeological discoveries revealed a civilization dating back to 4000 B.C., when a great empire flourished on the island of Crete. Based on the wealth of artifacts that were found, Evans theorized that this was the site of the ancient Minoan Kingdom. These findings will be viewed in detail, as your guide leads you on a journey of discovery to learn of the sophisticated culture that flourished thousands of years ago on this island. The Palace, decorated with frescoes and shields houses the Hall of the Royal Guard, the Hall of the Double Axes, the King’s Chamber with the alabaster throne, the Queen’s Apartment, beautiful courtyards and shrines. Finally, your coach will take you back to Heraklion to rejoin your ship. (Walking in the archaeological site of Knossos will be on uneven gravel surfaces. Passengers may not be allowed to enter the site with big bags/backpacks.)

Venetian Heraklion and the Archaeological Museum (€53)Includes: Travel by motorcoach; city tour; museum entrance; free timeTime: Approximately 3½ hours

Departing from port by bus, enjoy a 45-minute tour of Heraklion, the largest urban center in Crete, the capital of the region and the economic hub of the island. The first European civilization, the Minoan civilization, flourished on this land 5,000 years ago. The city is also the commercial and scientific center of the island. It has a strategic geopolitical position in the southeast basin of the Mediterranean Sea, connecting three continents and many different cultures. Continue with a visit to the archaeological museum, which contains the most important artifacts from the Minoan civilization. Afterward, enjoy free time for shopping in Heraklion center before returning to port.

Experience the Cretan Countryside (€53)

Includes: Travel by motorcoach; winery tour; local visits; free timeTime: Approximately 3½ hours

The tour begins from the Venetian lion-guarded port of Heraklion with a drive south through the city to the famous wine-producing area of Peza. Drive through breathtaking landscapes of countryside and vineyards as old as Minoan times. The first stop is a modern winery, where you will see the updated methods of making delicious Cretan wines. The drive continues through rural villages and includes a photo stop in Vathypetro to view one of the oldest farmhouses of Crete, dating back to the 16th century B.C. Arrive in the quaint market town of Archanes, which has many restored sandstone houses dating back to the Turkish period. At a local tavern in the village’s tree-shaded square, you can sample an assortment of Cretan snacks while mingling with many of the locals. Enjoy free time before the return drive to the port of Heraklion and the ship.

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CRETE (HERAKLION)Said to be the birthplace of Zeus, Crete is Greece’s largest island with a culture and history of its own. Docking at the central port of Heraklion, you can explore some of ancient Greece’s most interesting archaeological sites as well as the stunningly situated Tomb of Kazantzakis, honoring the influential 20th-century writer Nios Kazantzakis.

Oia Village (€57, or as part of an EF Shore Excursion package)Includes: Travel by motorcoach; walking tourTime: Approximately 3 hours

Admire the panoramic view of the Aegean Sea and the neighboring islands on your way to Oia Village. First you will head up to the monastery of Prophet Ilias for a breathtaking view before continuing north. You will see various layers of lava fixed on the face of the rock, each being another phase of the activity of the volcano. You will pass through Fira, as well as the traditional villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli before arriving in Oia. Built on the Caldera rim, Oia Village is an excellent example of Cycladic architecture. Walk along the cobblestone streets and explore the village, known for its white-washed houses with blue shutters. You will have free time to walk along the marble-paved alleys and poke around in the cute shops.

Santorini Sailing and Volcano (€57)Includes: Travel by motorcoach; motorboat cruise; walking tour; free time; cable car rideAvailable April to September Time: Approximately 3 hours

Enjoy a motorboat cruise around the active crater of Nea Kameni islet. Sail along the strange formations of its volcanic shores, where black lava rocks and white pumice are combined beautifully with the red color of lava. Take a walk to the top of the volcanic island where sulfur is spewed into the air by one of the craters. Enjoy this surreal landscape as your guide narrates the creation and history of the volcano and the last eruption leading to the destruction of the island of Santorini. The tidal wave created by the eruption was of such an immense magnitude, it destroyed the thriving city of Knossos on the island of Crete. As you enter the narrows of the two lava islets, Palea and Nea Kameni, the color of the water changes from dark blue to sulfur green. In the distance, admire the breathtaking sight of Fira town with its white-washed houses clinging precariously on the rim of the Caldera. Take time to swim in the warm waters heated by hot springs on the sea floor. Your excursion ends in Fira, where your guide will show you the way to the cable car and you will make your own way back to the ship. You may wear your swimwear under your clothes or you may wish to change on-board the boat. It is recommended to bring a towel and sunscreen.

SANTORINISantorini is often considered the quintessential Greek Island, and for good reason. Its iconic whitewashed houses perched on steep hillsides and its landscapes of plunging cliffs and black-sand beaches make it one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations.

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