Mediterranean Cruise & Greek Islands
September 4-17, 2008

Overview
Itinerary
Ports of Call

Overview (Return to top)

This 12-day cruise combines the many pleasures of the Greek Isles with fascinating Dubrovnik and mysterious Istanbul. Your voyage will begin in the world-class city of Athens where you will have time to visit some of the city's gems such as the Acropolis, the Parthenon and Constitution Square. After calling on Dubrovnik, enjoy stops in Corfu, Katakolon, Santorini, Delos,  Mykonos, Rhodes and wonderful Kusadasi before concluding your voyage in epic Istanbul where you will spend a full day and night before disembarking. The islands of Greece are gorgeous set amidst the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy friendly people, exotic food and an incredible collection of history, art and architecture.

Our vessel will be the 684-passenger Oceania m/s Nautica, a luxurious mid-size ship boasting the finest cuisine at sea, designed by celebrity chef Jacque Pepin.

Amenities on this upscale but casual vessel include lavishly-appointed staterooms with Tranquility Beds. Enjoy a variety of enrichment programs  such as port-related lectures, cooking classes and various demonstrations. Enjoy the fully-equipped and modern health center and the sublime Mandara Spa. Finally, you will be treated to exceptional personal service.

Priced from $3,299
Alumni Travel Group

For reservations or additional information, contact:
Jan Breitman [jbreitman@alumni.iastate.edu]
Iowa State University Alumni Association
Fisher-Nickell Hall
Ames, Iowa 50011-1370

Phone: (515) 294-6526 direct or (877) ISU-ALUM toll-free
Fax: (515) 294-9402

Itinerary (Return to top)

Day 1 
Depart USA

Day 2 
Istanbul, Turkey

Day 3 
Istanbul, Turkey

Day 4 
Cruising The Dardanelles

Day 5 
Kusadasi, Turkey

Day 6 
Rhodes, Greece

Day 7 
Delos, Greece and Mykonos, Greece

Day 8 
Santorini, Greece

Day 9 
Katakolon, Greece

Day 10 
Corfu, Greece and Sarande, Albania

Day 11 
Dubrovnik, Croatia

Day 12 
Crusing the Ionian Sea

Day 13 
Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Day 14 
Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Ports of Call (Return to top)

Istanbul  
Indulge your eyes and senses in this magnificent city astride two continents. Visit beautiful Topkapi Palace, the awesome St. Sophia and the impressive Blue Mosque. Cruise the Bosphorus to see the city and its surroundings from another perspective. Visit one of the many museums, stroll through the spice market and the famous Grand Bazaar

Kusadasi
Meander through the ruins of ancient Ephesus and marvel at the famed Library of Celsus, the huge amphitheater, the marble roads with their chariot marks, the amazing mosaic sidewalks and the superb, rarely opened Terrace Houses. Or, journey to three monumental cities of antiquity – Priene, Miletus and Didyma, renowned for their majestic temples and impressive, beautifully preserved stadiums.

Rhodes
Enjoy a walking tour of the old fortified city and stand in awe of the impressive Grand Master’s Palace. See where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood and savor the charm of this remarkable walled town. Or drive along the scenic coast to Lindos. Enjoy the whitewashed little town and climb to the ancient acropolis, its temples and wonderful views.

Delos
Stroll through the amazing remnants of ancient temples on this uninhabited island, one of the most revered sanctuaries of antiquity. The legendary birthplace of Apollo, it was once a religious center for all of the Aegean. See the silent marble lions still on guard, the splendid mosaic floors in the temples dedicated to Apollo and feel its enduring power.

Mykonos
Enjoy wandering through the narrow, winding streets of this delightful seaside village with its whitewashed houses, flowers and brightly painted shutters and doors. Stand beneath the windmills on the hill and visit the Archeological Museum and an old bakery still using a wood-burning stove and in operation since the 15th century!

Santorini
Visit the beautiful whitewashed hilltop towns of Oia and Fira and their breathtaking views of the caldera below. See the stunning artifacts in Fira’s museum, including recent finds from the excavation of Akrotiri and visit a winery. Stroll through the winding streets with fantastic views around every corner.

Katakolon  
Visit ancient Olympia where the Olympic Games began in 776BC and stroll around this deserted Sanctuary, admiring the temples, altars and treasuries, and stand on the ground where ancient athletes practiced before competing. Or enjoy a pleasant drive through the countryside past quaint villages to a local vineyard and sample the wines, local cheeses and other foods.
  
Corfu
Immerse yourself in this beautiful island of glorious scenery and beaches, serene monasteries, beautiful palaces, traditional mountain towns and Corfu’s lovely old Venetian quarter. Or learn to prepare traditional Greek dishes at a local restaurant and feast on the results.

Sarande  
This ancient city is the gateway to the ruins of Butrint which has an impressive amphitheater where gladiators fought and Christians were offered to the lions. There are remnants of an early monastery and Christian Basilica with mosaic floors as well as fascinating inscriptions on the theater. Many eras are represented, from the original Greek settlement to paleo-Christian basilicas and a baptistry. Natural and man-made disasters emptied the city; over five centuries it became buried under silt and vegetation and only re-discovered in the early 1900s. This amazing cultural treasure with its ramparts, acropolis, agora, amphitheater, temples, public baths and private residences has been excavated and brought back to life almost intact over the past 50 years.
  
Dubrovnik
Enjoy a walk through this famous walled medieval city and its exquisite Venetian monuments. See the Franciscan monastery and explore the Rector’s Palace and the Cathedral. Or explore the countryside with a visit to lovely Cavtat, an enchanting seaside resort that began life as a Greek and then Roman colony. Then visit a local family in a Konavle Valley village and enjoy their hospitality over a traditional welcome of brandy and figs with a serenade by local musicians.

Athens
Climb up the magnificent Acropolis and stand in awe of the Parthenon, the beautiful temples and the view over Athens stretched out before you. See city highlights including the new and old Olympic stadiums. Journey to Cape Sounion and the temple to Poseidon overlooking the sea or visit ancient Corinth and the narrow Corinth Canal cut through miles of solid rock.