Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey Ephesus, Turkey
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
DAY 11 • Kalymnos • Sponge fishing discussion Explore Kalymnos today, beginning at a local a sponge workshop owner where you’ ll meet the 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 Asclepieion, 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 village’ s mosque. Later, your ship sets sail for Symi.
Meals: B, L, D | M / V Arethusa
DAY 13 • Symi, Greece • Captain’ s Farewell Dinner 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. This evening, 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. Next, we’ ll visit the 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
SUMMER CRUISE DEPARTURE
See the full deck plan for the M / V Arethusa on page 362.
8 / 3 / 26— 3 Exclusive Activities
Enjoy the summer season in Turkey and the Greek Islands with exclusive activities including a Whirling Dervish performance, a scenic dinner cruise in Istanbul, and more.
Want to know more? Find the full itinerary and dates & pricing at www. oattravel. com / art
272 Turkish Coastal Voyage: Greek Islands, Istanbul & Athens