Delights of Turkey and Greece w/Cruise
The following itinerary explains in more detail about this unforgettable holiday to this wonderful part of Turkey and Greece.
7 Nights/8 Days
citrusholidays.com
Inclusions
Ÿ
breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7
dinners
Ÿ Cruise Beverage package
includes 2 soft drinks / 2
coffees or tea /2 alcoholic
beverages or 2 glasses of
wine or 2 glasses of beer / 2
small bottles of water per
adult / per day
Ÿ Transportation by A / C deluxe
46 seater motor coach
Ÿ Professional guide will be
available throughout the tour
Ÿ Tips to hotels, restaurants
and on board the cruise ship
Ÿ Local, service and port taxes
throughout the tour
Specified meals includes 7 Ÿ We take care of return
international flights from the
UK
Ÿ Hotel accommodation
throughout the tour at 5 star
hotels
Ÿ Internal flight from Istanbul
to Izmir on the second day
Ÿ 3 Nights Greek Islands
Cruise with Celestyal Cruise
with the respective cabin
type
Ÿ Sightseeing tours uncovering
the history and culture of
Turkey (refer to itinerary)
Ÿ Internal flight from Kayseri
Airport to Istanbul on the
seventh day
Ÿ Entrance fees for each
specified museum in the
itinerary
UK - ISTANBUL
Day 1
Itinerary exclusively designed for Citrus Holidays
Day 2
citrusholidays.com
It gives us great pleasure to welcome you
to the enchanting city of Istanbul. Arrive at
the airport, where you’ll be welcomed by
our host and swiftly transferred to the
hotel.
When it comes to Istanbul, there is
no better way to describe the power of
Turkey’s largest city than with the words of
Napoleon himself; “Constantinople! … It is
the Empire of the world!” Since its
foundation as Byzantium around 660BC,
Istanbul has moved through history like a
rolling stone turning over and under the
bumpy surface of antiquity. The city has
gathered up a past so rich and so dense,
that you will be mesmerised by such
dazzling treasures.
The golden kiss of Asia and Europe,
Istanbul is where the two lovers embrace,
amidst a backdrop of imperial splendours,
from the splendid Hagia Sophia to the
stately home of the sultans, Topkapi
Palace. Dinner at the hotel.
OVERNIGHT IN ISTANBUL
ISTANBUL - IZMIR - KUSADASI - PATMOS
“The isles of Greece where Delos rose
and Phoebus sprung” – Lord Byron, poet
After breakfast, you will travel by
road to Ataturk Airport before boarding
your flight to Izmir. From Izmir, enjoy a
transfer to the sublime port of Kusadasi,
where your cruise ship is waiting to moor
you into the heart of the Aegean Islands.
Itinerary exclusively designed for Citrus Holidays
Day 3
citrusholidays.com
This fascinating three nights cruise is an
added gem, giving you the chance to
discover the natural beauty and
archaeological brilliance of five delightful
islands!
Welcome on board!
You will enjoy some of the most
breathtaking views of the sea, as you
cruise along the turquoise waters to the
port of Patmos, “Jerusalem of the
Aegean.” The arrival of St. John the Divine
in 95 AD cemented the island’s religious
significance. While in exile, he received a
vision and voice of God so powerful that
the walls of his cave cracked into three
fissures. Here you can visit the Cave of the
Apocalypse, where the Book of Revelation
was dictated.
A mystical light caresses the island’s
whitewashed houses that look like
disciples looking up towards the Monastery
of St. John.
CRETE - SANTORINI
Morning arrival in Heraklion, on the island
of Crete, just three miles from the Palace
of Knossos. Even without the legends of a
ferocious Minotaur, the sprawling palace
with its imposing columns, the Great Court
and audience chambers is a magnificent
complex.
Constructed during the peak of
Minoan civilisation (2000-16000 BC), King
Minos occupied the palace and,
Founded in 1088, the fortress-like
monastery contains an incredible collection
of religious treasures. Stroll along the
labyrinthine streets built to confuse the
pirates, listen to the wind rushing down
the alleys and feel the sun warming your
cheek, as you pass by a red scooter
propped against a white house with pale
blue shutters. Return to the cruise ship for
dinner.
OVERNIGHT IN BOARD
Itinerary exclusively designed for Citrus Holidays
citrusholidays.com
according to mythology, his wife gave birth
to a half-man, half-bull creature that lurked
in the palace’s labyrinth preying on human
sacrifices. Excavations began in 1899 by
the British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans,
who “restored” the palace. Vivid
imaginations conjure up the excited men
and women crowded around the court,
cheering the bloodthirsty bull that
thundered past.Fall in love with the unsurpassed beauty of
Santorini! Among the Aegean’s most
outstanding sights are the stupendous
cliffs of Santorini rising 900 feet from a
half-moon caldera. Also known as Thira,
Santorini is an island of extremes. In 1450
BC this volcanic island erupted, shaping the
land into a huge upside down C. Sailing
slowly into the sparkly water-filled crater
that was once the heart of the volcano, you
can easily see how this islet blew apart. On
land, weave through the unique
architecture, in the Cycladic style, with low
whitewashed cubical houses and tinted
with volcanic ash; follow the winding lanes
cutting through the thick volcanic tephra;
Arriving in the delightful port city of
Piraeus, you can take the short journey to
Athens to discover the city’s ancient sites.
The poet John Milton called Athens
“the eye of Greece, mother of arts and
eloquence,” and it was here in the 5th
century BC that the artistic genius of the
ancient Greeks took its stance. From the
dawn of civilisation to the dramatic
achievements of democracy, Athens has for
centuries stood at the forefront of
innovation. City of immortal power and
mysterious goddesses, from the
archaeological splendours of the Acropolis
to the classical remains of the Ancient
Day 4
SANTORINI - ATHENS - MYKONOS
stroll along the red, white and black sand
beaches where you will almost certainly
find the fabled lost city of Atlantis. Return
to the cruise ship for dinner.
OVERNIGHT ON BOARD
Itinerary exclusively designed for Citrus Holidays
citrusholidays.com
Crossing the Aegean Sea, look back at the
white sugar cubed houses of Mykonos as
your voyage continues on its path of
uncovering the history and culture of
Day 5
MYKONOS - KUSADASI - PAMUKKALE
Turkey on land. After leaving the Greek
Islands, we cross to the port of Kusadasi,
from where you will behold some of the
most phenomenal sites of ancient history.
Ephesus showcases the heritage of the
Romans with the largest collection of well-
preserved ruins in the eastern
Mediterranean. Your tour starts with the
library of Celsus, built in 117AD as a
monumental tomb for the governor of
Asia. Your stop along the way is equally
spectacular - built before 138AD, the
magnificent Temple of Hadrian crowns
Curetes Street with its opulent Corinthian
columns and the statue of the goddess of
victory. Then on to the Theatre, which is
considered to be the largest outdoor stage
in the ancient world, and a chance to
explore the Odeon, built in the 2nd century
AD.
After lunch, continue to the “Cotton
Castle” of Pamukkale for a very special day
of magical delights. You will never forget
the surreal sight of the Travertine terraces,
which look like a snow covered slab of
glittering ridges. Dipping your feet into the
hot springs, you will feel like you have
dropped through the hole of an iceberg
into the warm turquoise waters of the
tropics!
Agora, Athens brings to life this “Golden
Age” of western civilisation. The
architectural masterpiece, the Parthenon is
the iconic Greek experience and is one of
the world’s most famous buildings. Cannot
be missed!
Glamorous, trendy and exotic all
encapsulate perfectly our final island
destination, Mykonos. There is no better
way to end your Aegean quest than with a
stroll around the vibrant tavernas and
trendy shops. The windmills overlooking
the main town from a high hill and the
churches sprinkled throughout the land all
vie for your attention. During your visit,
why not venture out to the monastery or
simply stroll along the classy oceanfront
before sitting down to a romantic drink?
Return to the cruise ship for dinner.
OVERNIGHT STAY ON BOARD
Itinerary exclusively designed for Citrus Holidays
citrusholidays.com
Our tour also includes the privilege of
visiting the unearthed treasures of
Hierapolis, one of the famous centres of
Asia Minor. Founded at the beginning of
the 2nd century BC by by Eumenes II, King
of Pergamum, the ancient city is home to
wonderful ruins. Sightseeing includes
exploring the renowned Necropolis and
Basilica. Continue to the Theatre, a 3rd
century AD architectural gem and the
fascinating temple of Plutonium, “Pluto’s
Gate”. Return for dinner at the hotel.
OVERNIGHT STAY IN PAMUKKALE
Day 7
CAPPADOCIA - ISTANBUL
After breakfast, your stay in Cappadocia
includes a full day excursion with lunch,
exploring the region’s renowned valley.
Sprawling across the centre of Turkey, the
lunar landscape looks like it has been lifted
out of a Salvador Dali painting. From afar,
the valley appears like an Egyptian mirage
with its tiny pyramids jutting out of the dry
ground. Volcanic eruptions that took place
millions of years ago formed these conical
shapes. The weather conditions have
scraped away at the volcanic rock creating
the soft stone, “tufa”. These fairy chimneys
are the tip of a mysterious underground
world of secret caves and labyrinths. Early
Christians made these pyramids their
sanctuary after escaping persecution from
the Romans and prowling Muslims. They
sculpted the rock into underground cities,
cave chapels and monastery cells.
Your included sightseeing will visit
the Goreme Open Air Museum, Castle of
Uchisar, Underground City of Kaymakli, and
Pasabag. You will be truly captivated by
these magical stories about the conquests,
lost crops and holy wars.
After an early breakfast we set off for
Cappadocia with a visit to the Sultan Han
caravanserai en route. This roadside inn is
impressive, with its elaborate portal framed
by towering walls and a courtyard
surrounding the rooms that served as a
refectory, hamam and chambers. Following
lunch, visit the green-domed mausoleum
dedicated to Sufi mystic and poet,
Day 6
PAMUKKALE - KONYA - CAPPADOCIA
Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, to observe the
museum and former monastery of the
Whirling Dervishes.
Your drive to Cappadocia takes a
scenic route via a Dali panorama of
towering stalagmites. Check into your hotel
for dinner.
OVERNIGHT IN CAPPADOCIA
Itinerary exclusively designed for Citrus Holidays
After the tour we will continue to Kayseri
Airport to catch our flight to Istanbul.
Return to the hotel for dinner.
Unique Moments invites you to taste
the full spectrum of traditional cuisine
amidst the customs of village life. Enjoy a
warm welcome before proceeding to the
most beautiful interior with views
overlooking the valley’s soul-stirring
scenery. Marvel at the arched ceilings,
opulent furnishings and Cappadocia rugs
decorated in a rainbow of colours and
intricate patterns. Sit down to a delicious
lunch where you will experience a way of
life where every succulent meal is a
celebration of Turkish life.
OVERNIGHT IN ISTANBUL
After breakfast, your adventure concludes
with a half day of sightseeing in one of the
most dynamic and enchanting cities in the
world: Istanbul! Your tour begins with a
wander through the atmospheric Grand
Bazaar, the largest in the world, with more
than 5,000 shops and stalls crammed into
60 streets. The marketplace is bustling and
packed with sellers beckoning you into their
stalls with thimbles of aromatic apple tea or
a puff of a hookah pipe.
From here we continue to the
Egyptian Spice Market, a lively bazaar
which has been fuelling Istanbulites’ spice
cravings since 1660! Savour the exotic
smells of the spices and herbs before
nibbling on slices of fruit.
Day 8
ISTANBUL - UK
Do not leave Istanbul without dipping your
hand into a box of exquisite handmade
Turkish delights!
Make the most of Istanbul’s cultural
offers with our Unique Moments service.
For the ultimate Turkish indulgence, we
have arranged for guests to enjoy traditional
coffee at the Historical Coffee Roaster
located in the Grand Bazaar. Caffeine fiends
will be treated to different varieties of thick
coffee served in traditional silver teapots -
The most luxurious taste of Turkey!
The Turks have a resoundingly sweet
tooth. You will follow the locals to Karakoy
Gulluoglu, a traditional baklava shop, which
will fuel sugar cravings. Choose from a
variety of wedge-shaped gems whose
heaving surfaces are covered with a
sprinkling of emerald green crushed
pistachios. On first bite, the explosion of
the light, crumbly layers shattering amid the
sweet syrup will have you craving for more!
After lunch, it is time to head home
with a box of baklava tucked into your
suitcase before flying back to the UK from
Ataturk Airport.
BOARD YOUR FLIGHT HOME
citrusholidays.com
Where you’ll stay
citrusholidays.com
City Hotel Room Type Meal PlanNo.of nights
Istanbul Holiday Inn City Istanbul Standard Room Half board 1
Cruise Celestyal Cruise-Olympia Inside or Full board 3
Pamukkale Spa Hotel Colossae Thermal Standard Room Full board 1
Cappadocia Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel Classic Room 1
Istanbul Holiday Inn City Istanbul Standard Room Half board 1
Outside Cabin
Full board
Exclusions and Terms
citrusholidays.com
Ÿ Drinks and meals which are not listed in the itinerary
Ÿ Shore Excursions during cruise
Ÿ All personal expenses
Ÿ Tips to the tour guide and driver.