Aegean Cruise Tour Itinerary - Kumuka Worldwide

Aegean Cruise Tour Itinerary
REF: EU57
VERSION: 15

Duration:	5 days - Athens to Athens
Countries Visited:	Greece - Turkey
Age Guide:	18-55 years
Max Group Size:	16
Transport:	Private Vehicle or Taxi, Cruise Ship, On Foot
Accommodation:	Hotel (1 Night), Cruise Ship (3 Nights)
What's Included:	Escorted Tour - Local Guide in Athens, Cruise Ship Crew - All Meals Aboard Cruise Ship - All Surcharges, Port Fees, Taxes and Crew Tips - Transfers between Athens Hotel & Cruise Ship
Local Payment:	NO LOCAL PAYMENT
Highlights:	Greece - Athens - Aegean Cruise - Mykonos - Patmos - Santorini - Turkey - Kusadasi
Optional Highlights:	Greece - Shore Excursions - Patmos Island Tour - Monastery of St John & Grotto - Santorini Sailing & Volcano - Santorini Island Tour & Oia Village - Turkey - Ancient Ephesus
Meeting Point	Zafolia Hotel 87-89 Alexandras Av 114 74 Athens Greece Tel: +30 210 6449 002 Kumuka or your agent can assist in booking pre tour accommodation for you at this hotel.
Introduction:	A relaxing cruise to Greece and Turkey to visit some captivating island destinations. Get up each day aboard the cruise ship to the exquisite view of the clear blue Aegean seas. Visit the resort town of Kusadasi in Turkey with its colourful bazaar, and the beautiful Greek Islands of Mykonos, Patmos and Santorini. Mykonos, with its white washed houses and scenic windmills is a cosmopolitan island worth exploring, and Patmos is an island steeped in history and mythology. Our last island stop is Santorini with its dramatic landscape and picturesque architecture, a fitting end to our Aegean Cruise, before finishing our tour back in Athens.
Day 1:	Athens. Today is a joining day. The pre departure meeting will be held at the meeting point at 6pm. The Local Guide will run through the cruise details and you will be able to meet your fellow travellers. Please note that if you arrive at the hotel before your room is ready you will be able to leave your luggage with hotel reception. Rooms are on a twin share basis (single room supplements available at time of booking).
Day 2:	Athens, Board Cruise Ship, Sail to Mykonos, Overnight to Kusadasi (Turkey). After breakfast we transfer to the port. Boarding commences at 9am, with a departure time of 11.00am. The cruise ship has plenty of amenities, including pool, spa, beauty salon, gym, sauna, hot tubs, bars, lounges, internet cafe and casino. Today we sail to the beautiful island of Mykonos, with its scenic windmills, and whitewashed houses. We are scheduled to arrive in the early evening, and you have a few hours to explore the island. Wander through the labyrinthine whitewashed streets that are speckled with boutique shops and cafés, or just sit seaside with a cocktail in hand at Little Venice. Mykonos Walking Tour (Euros 50 pp - 3 hours). Mykonos is world famous. It is the most cosmopolitan of the Greek Islands and attracts many visitors from all over the globe, including large numbers of artists and intellectuals. Your coach will take you to “Hora” the island’s capital where you will enjoy a walking tour in the narrow cobbled streets of the town, passing by chic boutiques, elegant nightclubs and whitewashed houses until reaching Alefkandra. Alefkandra is a charming corner of Hora, known also as the “Venice” of Mykonos. The houses are built on the sea, with wooden balconies that evoke Venice. These were built from the mid. 18th Century onward and were homes of wealthy merchants and captains. At Louis Theoxenia Hotel, you will enjoy the atmosphere while drinking your refreshment accompanied by Greek ‘meze’. You will return then to Mykonos Town (Hora) from where you will take the ship’s shuttle service back to the port to meet your ship. At 11pm the ship sets sail overnight for Turkey. Accommodation is in standard inside cabins. Upgrade to outside cabins is possible on payment of a supplement (prices on request) - and subject to availability. Please note that the majority of cabins on the cruise ship are twin share. Double cabins will be requested for couples - but these cannot be guaranteed.
Day 3:	Kusadasi, Turkey then Patmos. Overnight sail to Santorini. We arrive into Kusadasi early in the morning with time to explore until midday, or the chance to take an optional shore excursion. Ancient Ephesus Shore Excursion (Euros 65 pp - half day). Drive through the colourful town of Kusadasi, and along the coast to reach Ephesus, famous in antiquity for its Temple of Diana - one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World – and later the home of St. John. During the years of the Roman Empire, the Greek port of Ephesus became the greatest city in Asia Minor. Upon arrival at Ephesus, follow your guide to enter the ancient site through the Magnesian Gate. Discover innumerable monuments including the Forum, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the Thermal Baths of Scolastika and the Great Theatre built in the Greek era and reconstructed in the Roman period, which is still noted for its remarkable acoustics. View the symbols all around and marvel at the fact that one is still able to read the inscriptions in the ancient Greek language. Walk back to your coach along the Arcadian Way, where once Mark Antony and Cleopatra rode in procession. As you drive back to Kusadasi, on a hill above Selcuk, just outside Ephesus, view the Basilica of St. John, which was erected over his grave in the 6th Century AD by the Emperor Justinian. Before returning to the ship, get a cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibition of oriental carpets, jewellery, or leather goods. Please Note! Due to some walking at certain sites, comfortable and non-slip shoes are recommended At noon we commence our sail to Patmos arriving at about 1600pm. Disembarkation is by tender boats (weather permitting). Explore on your own, or join one of the optional shore excursions. Patmos Island Tour. (Euros 45 pp - half day). An interesting scenic island tour has been designed for those passengers who prefer to discover the beauties of Patmos within the comfort of the air-conditioned motor coach. Starting your tour from the port of Scala, you will drive to the central part of the island "Chora", which is the location of the Majestic Byzantine Monastery of St. John the Divine, built in 1088. Your sightseeing will first bring you to the Grotto of Apocalypse, and then to the windmills of Chora, once the landmark of all Aegean islands. Enjoy a beautiful view and the opportunity to take photos. Afterwards, continue around the island to see its landscape of outstanding natural beauty comprising of rocky hills, dozens of tongues of land reaching out into the sea, tranquil beaches and many picturesque inlets. Before arriving at the port, a stop of 10 minutes is made at the square at Kambos in the north part of island. The tour ends at the port of Scala to enjoy free time in the quaint and picturesque little town. A refreshment or a coffee will be offered at Arion Café, the oldest and most beautiful café of the town. Please Note! Modest dress is required in the Religious Sites, no bare shoulders and knees must be covered. There is a strenuous uphill climb involved to reach the site Monastery of St John & Grotto of Apocalypse (Euros 55pp - 2.5 hrs). Departing from the port of Scala you will 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 towards the entrance of the monastery marvel at this magnificent structure which was built 900 years ago, exceptional in its architecture. View the courtyard, the Monks' dining room and the old bakery before you visit the main church noting its outstanding frescoes and interior decoration. Next, visit the small museum where the priceless ecclesiastical treasures, books, manuscripts, mosaics, icons, splendid medieval textiles and vestments as well as jewellery are housed. Return to your motor coach to continue on to the nearby Grotto of the Apocalypse. Here 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 Revelations and the crack in the rock made by the voice of God honouring the Holy Trinity. Afterwards, drive back to the port of Scala and enjoy some free time in this quaint and picturesque harbour. Please Note! Modest dress is required in the Religious Sites, no bare shoulders and knees must be covered. Please watch your step when visiting the Grotto of Apocalypse. There is a strenuous uphill climb involved to reach the site. Tour timeline may vary Please Note: Shore excursions are NOT included in the tour cost. All shore excursions may be booked and paid for locally. Prices are a guide and may be subject to change. Back on the ship we set sail at 9pm heading to the island of Santorini.
Day 4:	Santorini, Overnight Sail to Athens. We arrive into Santorini early, and several shore excursions are available. Options include: Santorini Sailing & Volcano (Euros 60pp - half day). Enjoy a cruise (or motorboat) 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 colour of lava. Take a walk to the top of the volcanic island where sulphur 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 your caique enters the narrows of the two lava islets, Palea and Nea Kameni, the colour of the water changes from dark blue to sulphur 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 will end 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. Please Note! The hike up the volcano is considered steep, challenging, and strenuous. Rubber-soled, closed-toe shoes are essential for this tour. We also recommend light dress, comfortable enclosed flat shoes, hat, sunglasses and bottled water. You will see that donkeys are made available to descend to Scala. However, we are very concerned for the welfare of the Santorini donkeys and the cruise ship has teamed up with the charity, The Donkey Sanctuary, to help try to improve their working and living conditions. As well as this, for our guests own safety, you are advised that descending to Scala on mule back may be uncomfortable as the animals lean forward at a considerable angle due to the very steep incline. On this basis we kindly ask you to use the cable car or to walk instead. Oia Village Excursion (Euros 60 pp - half day). Driving along the road you will have the unique opportunity to admire the panoramic view of the Aegean Sea and the neighbouring islands. A unique sight is the various layers of lava that can be seen on the face of the rock, each layer being another phase of the activity of the volcano. Built on the Caldera rim, Oia Village is an excellent example of Cycladic architecture. Explore the village walking along the cobble-stone streets and the white washed houses with blue shutters where one gets the impression that they are a beautiful travel poster. Your excursion will end 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 Please Note! You will see that donkeys are made available to descend to Scala. However, we are very concerned for the welfare of the Santorini donkeys and the cruise ship has teamed up with the charity, The Donkey Sanctuary, to help try to improve their working and living conditions. As well as this, for our guests own safety, you are advised that descending to Scala on mule back may be uncomfortable as the animals lean forward at a considerable angle due to the very steep incline. On this basis we kindly ask you to use the cable car or to walk instead. The ship sets sail at 9pm for Athens.
Day 5:	Athens. The ship sails into Piraeus Port (Athens) arriving at about 6.30am with disembarkation by 7.30am. The tour ends with a transfer back to the finishing hotel. If you are flying out from Athens today, you may prefer to make your own way directly to the airport. Please note that accommodation in Athens is NOT included today, but post tour accommodation can be booked if you wish to spend additional time in Athens at the end of the tour.
Finishing Hotel:	Zafolia Hotel 87-89 Alexandras Av 114 74 Athens Greece Tel: +30 210 6449 002 Kumuka or your agent can assist in booking post tour accommodation for you at this hotel.
Please Note:	Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals, public holidays, and ferry schedules. However, we shall endeavor to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs smoothly.
Whats not included:	All optional excursions, visas, tips and meals unless otherwise stated in the itinerary.

Pre Departure Information Follows


Insurance:	Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment and repatriation. It is also very important that your insurance policy is relevant to the Kumuka style of travel. Kumuka offers a specially negotiated insurance policy specifically tailored to adventure travel. As well as providing substantial cover for medical emergency, cancellation and curtailment, personal luggage, money and valuables and legal expenses, this insurance will also provide cover for the adventure activities you may choose to undertake whilst on tour. Please call us on the Kumuka free phone number 0800 068 8855 (UK only), or on 1300 667 277 in Australia, for further information. No client will be allowed on tours without suitable insurance. If you have already arranged insurance elsewhere, please be aware that many of the optional activities such as bungy jumping or water rafting may not be covered on your policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. At the start of your tour you will be asked to present your original policy document and complete an insurance information form. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you do not have travel insurance you will be asked to purchase travel insurance.
Passport:	Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate. Your passport must be valid for six months after the END of your tour, and must have one blank page for each country to be visited.
Visa Requirements:	It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Europe trip. Country entry regulations change daily, http://www.kumuka.com/ provides you with visa information. Please consult your relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. Visas cannot be obtained once you have started your tour, and during the peak summer months it can take longer than normal to get visas, please allow extra time to do this. EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR.
Medical Information and Vaccinations:	Vaccinations: No vaccinations are compulsory in Europe however you may need additional inoculations so please contact your G.P or a travel medical centre for further information. We also recommend: A dental check-up prior to travelling. That you know your blood group in case of emergency. That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking. You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details. A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.
Climate:	For detailed climate information see www.kumuka.com. Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything!
Security:	Europe, like the rest of the world, is no stranger to theft. You must exercise extreme care with wallets, cameras and other valuables especially in towns or busy tourist areas. We advise that you make copies of your passport, credit cards, airline tickets and your insurance policy and that you keep a careful note of both used and unused traveller’s cheque numbers. At times when you are unable to store your valuables in safety deposit boxes in hotels we recommend that you carry some sort of money belt or hidden pouch for safekeeping of valuable items.
Money:	We recommend an average of €40-50 per day. This of course depends on your own spending habits, the number of optional excursions you wish to take and the amount of additional snacks, souvenirs and drinks you wish to buy along the way. Be aware that some countries are more expensive than others and that if you are travelling through several your expenses will vary enormously. Similarly there will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget. We advise that you carry a mixture of cash mainly Euros and credit/debit cards with you on your trip. Credit cards are accepted virtually everywhere in Europe. They can also be used to obtain money from ATMs. You should make sure you know your PIN number. ATM cards can be used widely in Europe. Again, you will need your PIN. Your bank will provide you with more details. Euro cheques are now valid for all EU countries except the UK, Switzerland, Hungary and the Czech Republic. The Euro has come into effect as a cash currency from 2002 Travellers cheques are difficult to cash and always have a transaction fee applied..
Local Customs:	Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe. Please consider covering shoulders and knees when entering a church or monastery in both Greece and Italy.
Books and Reading Material:	You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.
Luggage and Personal Equipment:	How much should I take? - Please bring lightweight walking shoes or sandals, and a day sac. Pack essentially for hot conditions - Because of limited luggage space on transport, we must limit each passenger to ONE main suitcase or frameless backpack and one day bag. Your main bag must not weigh more than 20 kg’s. - A frameless or internally framed backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles. - A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. - We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards travellers checks etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes. TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!!
Personal Effects:	We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many hotels there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where this is possible. Personal Effects: Camera, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Music CDs/Ipod, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen.
Language:	English will be widely spoken in the major tourist attractions of the main cities. Take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.
Food:	In Athens breakfast is included, and the cruise is on a full board basis. Greece has one of the healthiest cuisines in the world, with its Mediterranean flavours and the abundance of olive oil. The nature of this tour is to allow you freedom to choose any of the myriad selections of tasty and nutritious meals on the menu.
Time:	For detailed information see www.timezoneconverter.com or www.timeanddate.com
Photography:	All types of camera film are readily available in Europe; however, it is often cheaper to purchase it in your country of origin or through duty free. As a guideline, most people use approximately one to two rolls of 36 per week. Fast film (200-400 ASA) may be useful at times and black & white film is nice to use for portraits of local people. A zoom lens is also useful. Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission. You will notice a high presence of military installations in Greece, since military service is compulsory for every Greek male from the age of 18. It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders and of any of the military structures such as watchtowers, as they are all active military zones.
Accommodation:	We have put a lot of thought and effort into locating the most appropriate type of accommodation for each tour. It will always be clean, comfortable and of a good standard. Accommodation is in tourist class hotels or guesthouses, and in cabins on the cruise ship.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation:	All our tours begin with a pre-departure meeting when you meet your tour leader, and fellow travellers. If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you. If you would like to stay in Athens for a few extra nights at the end of your tour, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you as well. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. (All rates per person per night and subject to availability). Please be aware that accommodation availability can fill very quickly especially during high season and recommend that you book this as soon as possible.
Staying in Touch:	Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this: Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad. Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use. Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!
Tour Feedback:	Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com
Tipping:	Tipping is a way of life and very much expected. For many tipping is a means of supplementing their wage and is a normal part of payment for goods and services. Be sure to keep small denomination notes or coins on you to avoid embarrassment. It is customary to tip for services received, however, not compulsory. Your tour guide will be able to recommend a general figure for the services that you will receive. Tipping of Tour Guides and Drivers - This is at your discretion. You may consider tipping your tour guide and driver, as an expression of your satisfaction for their efficiency and service, in making your tour as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Please note, however, that in your tour cost, tipping for cruise staff has been included, as this is a compulsory charge.
Optional Activities:	Kumuka endeavours to offer optional activities available locally during tours with selected ground handlers to make your tour more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners are selected for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. Whereas, Kumuka has developed a travel insurance policy to cover all activities offered during your journey, Kumuka cannot be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by third parties. On our website www.kumuka.com you will see a list of excursions, museums and monuments available at your expense on all European tours. Please note that these are intended as a guide only and prices and availability cannot be guaranteed. Prices are in Euros. Your tour guide will be able to assist you in planning and organising any optional excursions. The list on our website is by no means complete. There will be many other optional activities available. We strongly advise if you are entitled to a student card that you obtain one prior to departure - many museums and galleries in Europe offer substantial student discounts.
Drug Policy:	Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.
Contact Details:	KUMUKA WORLDWIDE UK OFFICE Hillswood Business Park 3000 Hillswood Drive Chertsey KT16 0RS Tel: +4420 7937 8855 Fax: +442075043782 Email: sales@kumuka.com www.kumuka.com AUSTRALIAN OFFICE Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492 Email: sales@kumuka.com.au www.kumuka.com.au
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This tour is operated by Kumuka Worldwide. Information given in all brochures, leaflets and dossiers is given in good faith by the company, and is based on the latest information available at the date of publication. The company reserves the right to change any of the facilities or vehicles described in the brochure without becoming liable for compensation or refund.

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