Istanbul , Turkey Ephesus , Turkey
DAY 9 • Kusadasi • Ephesus • Carpet weaving conversation
Head to Ephesus , one of the greatest relics of antiquity , and visit the site of the Temple of Artemis . Since 1992 , Grand Circle Foundation has been contributing to its preservation and excavation . Later , visit a local carpet cooperative for lunch and insights into crafting hand-woven Turkish carpets .
Meals : B , L , D | M / V Arethusa
DAY 10 • Patmos • Monastery of St . John Explore the Greek island of Patmos , where St . John the Evangelist is said to have dictated the Book of Revelation . Visit the Orthodox Monastery of St . John , as well as the Cave of the Apocalypse , where St . John lived and worked .
Meals : B , L , D | M / V Arethusa
ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHT
On Day 6 , make the most out of your Turkish adventure with an extra night in Çanakkale , recently added to this itinerary
DAY 11 • Kalymnos • Sponge fishing discussion Meet a sponge workshop owner and a marine biologist to hear both sides of the issue of Kalymnos ’ sponge fishing industry and its impact on the area ’ s delicate ecosystem . Then , set off on a tour of the island of Kalymnos , known for its majestic mountains , including a visit to the Traditional House museum , for a glimpse into how people lived on this island in ages past .
Meals : B , L , D | M / V Arethusa
DAY 12 • Kos • Bodrum , Turkey • A Day in the Life of a Turkish village
Today we ’ ll join a tour of Kos , which features the remains of the Asclepeion , an ancient temple and healing center . During our visit , you are welcome to wander through the ruins that were discovered in 1902 . In Bodrum , we ’ ll journey to Kizilagac to experience A Day in the Life of a Turkish village . We ’ ll split into smaller groups to visit local farms and glimpse everyday life in rural Turkey , including a visit to the villages mosque . Later , your ship sets sail for Symi .
Meals : B , L , D | M / V Arethusa
DAY 13 • Symi , Greece This morning we ’ ll dock at the Greek island of Symi , considered one of the most beautiful in all of Greece . You ’ ll have time to explore the island , dotted with multicolored homes and ornate churches clinging to cliffsides . After some time on your own , we ’ ll head back to our ship to continue cruising for Rhodes . After a brief orientation tour , we ’ ll say goodbye to our captain and crew over a Farewell Cocktail and Dinner .
Meals : B , L , D | M / V Arethusa
DAY 14 • Rhodes • Disembark ship • Athens After disembarking the ship in Rhodes , soak up the historical splendor with a visit to the Palace of the Grand Master , a veritable “ fortress within a fortress ,” which served as a last line of defense for the crusading Knights . Then visit to the city ’ s Jewish Quarter , to learn about the long and poignant past of Rhodes ’ Jewish community . Later , fly to Athens .
Meals : B , D | Cypria Hotel or similar
DAY 15 • Athens
A tour of Athens includes the ancient Acropolis and the slopes of the Acropolis in the Plaka district , the oldest part of the city . This area contains many archaeological sites , including the famous Tower of the Winds that is a part of the ancient Roman Agora . Tonight , enjoy a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant .
Meals : B , D | Cypria Hotel or similar
DAY 16 • Return to U . S . Transfer to the airport for your flight home , or begin your Ancient Greece : Athens & the Isle of Crete post-trip extension .
Meals : B
See the full deck plan for our 50-passenger M / V Arethusa on page 122 .
For full itinerary details , visit www . oattravel . com / art
32 Turkish Coastal Voyage : Greek Islands , Istanbul & Athens