Highlights |
Package Includes
- Flights NYC-Istanbul, Athens-NYC
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
- Airline fuel surcharges
- 12 nights accommodations
- All transfers
- 26 meals: 12 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 9 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager (Days 2-3 and 9-12)
- Entrance fees per itinerary
Special Features
- Grand Bazaar, Istanbul
- Greek style informal cruising
- Greek Islands of Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete and Santorini
- Archeological site of Olympia and Delphi
- Meteora
- Acropolis in Athens
Also Available
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Itinerary |
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DAY 1, Thursday - Depart the USA
Depart the USA for Turkey. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey
DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Istanbul
Arrive and transfer with assistance to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. This evening, attend a welcome briefing at the hotel
Overnight: Istanbul
DAY 3, Saturday - Istanbul City Tour, Embark Cruise
Morning at leisure. This afternoon enjoy a half day tour into the heart of Istanbul City, including visits to St. Sophia, the great Byzantine basilica built in the 6th century, and the world-famous Blue Mosque. Continue to the Roman Hippodrome, the ancient site of chariot races and competitive athletic events, before a final stop to visit the renowned Grand Bazaar, the world's largest covered market, featuring over 58 streets and more than 4000 shops. This evening embark your cruise. The ship will remain docked overnight in Istanbul
Optional: Half Day Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise with Spice Market (AM)
Overnight: Cruise (Istanbul)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4, Sunday - Day at Leisure in Istanbul, At Sea
Spend the morning and afternoon at leisure in Istanbul. Sail for Mykonos at 7:00 pm
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5, Monday - Afternoon in Mykonos
The afternoon and evening are at leisure in Mykonos. Aside from Mykonos' landmark windmills and whitewashed homes, the island is most famous for its unique architecture, particularly the Paraportiani (molded) church, first begun in 1475, and Delos, one of Greece's oldest archaeological sites. Sail for Patmos at midnight
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6, Tuesday - Morning in Patmos, Afternoon in Kusadasi
Enjoy breakfast on board and the morning at leisure in Patmos (Greece) from 7:00 am to 10:30 am. The afternoon is at leisure in Kusadasi (Ephesus, Turkey) from 2:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Renowned for its beaches and attractive view of the Aegean, Kusadasi is near to several historical sites including Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis and the House of the Virgin Mary. Next, Sail to Rhodes
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7, Wednesday - Full Day in Rhodes
Enjoy a full day at leisure on the island of Rhodes (Greece), the largest island of the Dodecanese archipelago, from 7:00am to 6:00 pm. Explore the island's medieval Old Town, preserved in and around the walls of a Venetian castle, built by the 14th-century Knights of St. John. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Citadel of Rhodes is located at the far northern end of the island and is considered one of the best preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean. Sail early this evening for Crete
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Thursday - Morning in Crete, Evening in Santorini
Arrive this morning in Agios Nikolaos (Crete, Greece) at 7:00 am. Perhaps take a half day tracing the footsteps of the artist El Greco on this island, independently. Around noon, cruise to Santorini and enjoy an evening on Santorini Island from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, an island known throughout the world for its sandy beaches, colorful sunsets, and whitewashed buildings along the sea-cliffs
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9, Friday - Disembark Cruise, Sightseeing en route to Olympia
Disembark in Piraeus at 6:00 am and depart Athens via the scenic coastal road to the Corinth Canal to visit the amphitheater of Epidaurus, still used today. Then, continue via Nauplion to Mycenae, the heartland of Greek mythology. Visit the archaeological site known as the "Treasury of Atreus," and the Tomb of Agamemnon, built around 1250 B.C. From here, drive the Central Peloponnese Peninsula, whose primary cities were Corinth and Sparta in classical times, through to the towns of Tripolis and Megalopolis. Continue to Olympia, birthplace of the first Olympic Games
Overnight: Olympia
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10, Saturday - Olympia Archaeological Site Tour
Visit the archaeological site of Olympia, including the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the ancient stadium, and the Archaeological Museum, where Greek works of art such as Nike of Paionios and terracotta statues date to 5th century B.C. Drive north through the plains of Eliad and Achaia, crossing the Corinth Strait via a cabled bridge from Rion to Antirion. Pass the towns of Nafpactos and Itea en route to the city of Delphi, home of the ruins of the Tholos Temple
Overnight: Delphi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11, Sunday - Delphi Archaeological Site Tour, Travel to Kalambaka
In the morning, visit the excavated site and museum of Delphi, where you will find the sacred Omphalos, once kept in the Adyton of Apollo's Temple, along with the Kourus Statues, Kleobis and Viton, and the 32 foot high Sphinx of Naxos, sitting on an Ionic column (circa 560 B.C.). Continue to the small town of Kalambaka, situated amidst smooth sandstone cliffs in the foothills of Meteora
Overnight: Kalambaka
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12, Monday - Meteora Sightseeing, Return to Athens
Visit Meteora, meaning "suspended in the air," with its mystical monasteries nestled perilously close to the edge of the bizarre rock formations. View exquisite specimens of Byzantine art, and then continue past Thermopylae, arriving in Athens in the early evening
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 13, Tuesday - Athens City Tour
Your morning tour of Athens includes visits to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Panathenian Stadium, the ruins of the Temple of Zeus and the Acropolis. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in Athens
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 14, Wednesday - Return to the USA
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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Optionals |
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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| Half Day Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise with Spice Market |
Day #3 |
01 Apr 2010 - 31 Oct 2010 $99
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Depart from the hotel for a visit to the famous Spice Market of Istanbul. Afterwards, board a ferry for a delightful Bosphorus cruise. No stay in Istanbul would be complete without this traditional and unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus, the winding straits separating Europe and Asia. The humble fishing villages and suspension bridges set against the dramatic outline of the Strait exemplify the newest link between the East and West.
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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Rates & Hotels |
Step 1: Select Your Choice of Cabin & Hotel Plans Step 2: Click a Date to Book Online
OR: Click here to create your own flexible vacation
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*Not Included:
Airport taxes & fees, port taxes of $222, Turkish ports embarkation fee of $30, shore excursions, and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.
Stanley Hotel Athens is included when you select an Inside Cabin. Amalia Hotel is included when you select a Standard Outside Cabin. Royal Olympic Hotel is included when you select a Superior or Deluxe Outside Cabin. Choose your cabin category and hotel in Athens above in the "Select Your Cabin Category"
Click here for Ports of Call information
Entry Requirements:
US citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond travel dates.
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| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. | |
| Passports and Visas | It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies.
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Entry Requirements:
US citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond travel dates.
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| Trip Preparation | A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement.
| Louis Cruises - Please refer to Louis Cruises' Conditions of Carriage, which can be found at http://www.louiscruises.com/coc
| | Health Information | Check with your personal physician for the latest overseas travel health information, or contact the Center for Disease Control’s travelers’ hotline at 404-332-4559, web site www.cdc.gov.
| | Climate & Clothing | Greece - Spring: 60°F-80°F; Summer: 85°F-95°F; Autumn: 60°F-80°F; Winter: 40°F-50°F Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather coat. On cruises, informal dress is the general rule though on formal nights, a cocktail dress for women and a suit or coat and tie for men is required. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).
Greece Average Temperatures: http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/mediterranean/default.aspx#greece-weather
| Turkey - Spring: 50°F-65°F; Summer: 70°F-90°F; Autumn: 55°F-75°F; Winter: 40°F-55°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather coat. Some religious sites do not allow shorts or sleeveless shirts.
Turkey Average Temperatures: http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/mediterranean/default.aspx#turkey-weather
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| E-tickets | Most airlines now require that we provide e-tickets in place of paper tickets. At check-in, you should be ready to provide your e-ticket itinerary and ticket numbers, as well as identification (valid passport) to the agent. In a few cases where e-tickets cannot be issued, you will receive your tickets in a paper form.
| | Airline Flights | Please check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time to allow for security steps. Passengers connecting from another point within the USA may check their luggage through to their final destination, and although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, you must ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, you must have the airlines responsible make alternate arrangements on your behalf as Gate 1 has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed for you.
Flight schedule changes are common and may occur anytime until departure. Therefore it is the responsibility of each passenger to reconfirm their flights 72 hours prior to departure for all flights.
| | Airline Luggage Restrictions | Most international airlines are consistent with regard to the number and weight of the pieces you may check and bring onboard. Domestic carriers however, typically on small aircraft, differ. Therefore, we suggest that you check in advance if you are concerned about size or weight restrictions. Many airlines have begun to apply charges for checked bags. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies. Airline policies vary and may change at any time. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any excess luggage/ weight charges levied by an airline.
| | Airline Seats | Airline seats are confirmed whenever possible. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only. Even when seats are pre-assigned however, we recommend that you contact the carrier one to two weeks prior to departure to reconfirm your seats. In many cases there are equipment changes after your initial booking which can cause airplane seating reconfiguration.
| | Airline Tickets | Most airline tickets are issued using special fares which cannot be changed or canceled without incurring additional cost. Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases they will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets.
| | Code-share Flights | Many airlines participate in alliances and special agreements with other airlines which permit passengers to travel from one point to another using more than one carrier. While your ticket may indicate that you are flying with one carrier (eg: Delta), you may find that you are actually seated in a plane belonging to another carrier (eg: Alitalia). Please review your airline itinerary carefully to determine which airline you should go to for check-in; if your flight is operated by a carrier other than the primary airline indicated on the itinerary, your itinerary will state "Flight Operated by (Airline)." If you have any concerns regarding which airline to check-in with, you may contact the airline directly or Gate 1 Travel for clarification.
| | Luggage | All Gate 1 tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to airline handling charges of up to $100 per piece. As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers.
| Louis Cruises - Please label your luggage clearly with your name and cabin number.
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| Arrival Procedures | Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher.
| Greece - If you have purchased international airfare and/or transfers from Gate 1, please complete immigration formalities and claim your luggage. You will be met by our local representative after you pass through customs. Look for someone holding a Gate 1 Travel sign. If you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, please call the Gate 1 emergency phone number at 6932 9198 21 (local number).
In case of amended flight(s) or emergency, or for a late hour arrival, please contact the Gate 1 emergency number at 6932 9198 21 (local number). When calling from the United States, dial 011 30 6932 9198 21; when calling from anywhere in Europe, dial 00 30 6932 9198 21. Once you have started traveling, the only way we can be advised of an amended flight itinerary is for you to call.
| | What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed | Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, overseas or in the USA, the better we can respond. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon your return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services.
| | Departure Procedures | If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.
| | Transfers | Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date.
Escorted tour programs include transfers, providing you have purchased airfare from Gate 1 to arrive and depart on the scheduled tour dates. If you are traveling independently, you may purchase the transfers from Gate 1 or contract your own method of transportation to the hotel or cruise ship. The cost of a transfer will generally be more expensive than hiring a taxi as the pre-arranged transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or a 'dead-leg'. Additionally the driver may have to wait at the collection point for up to an hour.
| Airport to City Center Public Transportation Options in Athens
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Metro service between the Athens Airport and the city center has been suspended due to construction. The Suburban Rail Line will operate as usual during this time.
The Suburban Rail Line train runs every 30 minutes between the airport and Larissa Train Station (closest stop to the Oscar Hotel). Journey time is 45 minutes. The cost is 8 Euro per person one way.
A taxi from the airport to Athens city center costs approximately 30 Euro per taxi during the day. Between midnight and 6 a.m., this cost is approximately 45 Euro.
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| Hotels | | Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two single beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal standard. | | Hotel Check-in/ Check-out | | Check-in time is usually 4pm or later. Check-out time is 12 noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism | We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel to and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs.
| | Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) | Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for checkin. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents.
| | Shopping | Shopping in a foreign country can be a wonderful experience. We do include a few stops at recommended popular shops on every escorted tour, intended to enhance your cultural experience. As you explore the country independently, you may find fantastic, one-of-a-kind merchandise. You may get terrific bargains. However, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
| Greece - Greece offers an array of boutique shopping. Along with traditional handicrafts, honey, and olive oil, Greece is famous for its production of high-end, designer footwear and other fashion accessories. Shops generally have different business hours than in the United States, opening at 9:00, closing in the mid afternoon, and sometimes reopening for a few hours in the evening, from about 5:30 to 8:30. Most major department stores and boutiques are closed on Sunday.
| | Currency | We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you're visiting before you leave the U.S. It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most U.S. ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash or travelers checks, exchange them at banks where the rate is more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus.
| Greece - The Euro is the currency of Greece.
| Turkey - The Turkish Lira is the currency of Turkey.
| Louis Cruises - The Euro is the currency used aboard the ship. Please note that while calling at port, other currencies may be used depending on the country being visited.
The Turkish Lira is the currency of Turkey.
The Egyptian Pound is the currency of Egypt.
| | Purchasing Tours Locally |
On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them.
Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below.
This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information.
http://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional
| Turkey - Payment can be made by cash US$ or Turkish Lira, or by credit card if the amount to be charged is $200 or greater.
| | Credit Cards | While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.
| | Gratuities | This is a matter of personal discretion. You may use the following as a guideline:
- Tour escort (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide):
$6 or $7 per person per day - *Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage):
$3 per person per day - *Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program):
$2 per person per half day of sightseeing (2-3 hours) - *River Cruises:
$6 or $7 per person per day as indicated by each cruise line (see details regarding European River Cruises) - *Private car tours(small groups of 2-14 passengers):
$12 to $16 per person per day for each day of sightseeing - *Hotel Porter:
$1 per bag per person - *Wait staff:
$1.50 per person (lunch or dinner) - *Chamber maid:
$1 per person per day
Tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour escort or phone our local office. Numbers have been provided in your documents for your convenience.
| Greece - Service charges are generally included in restaurant bills. If you feel like you received particularly good service, you may leave an additional gratuities. Also, it is customary to leave coins totaling around one Euro for the busboy.
| Turkey - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge.
| Louis Cruises - An amount of 8 Euro (approx. US$10), per person, per day for passengers above 16 years of age will be charged directly to your account. This amount is distributed among all cabin and restaurant personnel. The amount of gratuity may be adjusted by filling out a Passengers Gratuities Change Form. These forms are available at the reception desk from the second day of cruise and until payment is settled.
Please note that individual gratuities are not permitted on board.
| | On-board Cashless System - Louis Cruises | You will receive an Access Card, which will serve as both your boarding pass and onboard charge card. Sign it upon receipt and store it securely as you would any other charge or identification card.
There is a cashless system on board. All on board expenditures (in the bar, restaurant, shop, etc.) are charged to your Access Card, and cash is not accepted at any of the ship's outlets. Your card's limit can be extended by verifying a credit card at Reception . At the end of your cruise, the closing invoice will be presented for settlement. Payment can be made by cash, credit card (American Express, VISA, MasterCard, Diners Club) and traveler's checks. Personal checks are not accepted.
Children's Access Cards may be restricted by taking them to Reception for re-encoding with a reduced limit.
If you misplace your Access Card, report this immediately to Reception. Otherwise, another person may use the card and you will be liable for their charges. | | Your Safety is Very Important | Every effort has been taken by Gate 1 Travel to ensure your safety. However, it is important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while you're on your trip. Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place. (In case that one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place.) Don't leave valuables laying loose in your room-use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe. If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.
| Louis Cruises - You are on a ship with a high safety standard and reliable crew. In case of emergency, we ask you to follow the instructions of your crew. Swipe your card when you leave and board the ship. This helps ensure your security by allowing the crew to immediately determine if all passengers are on board before continuing the cruise. While in port, please keep your cabin door locked.
| | Cruise Embarkation / Disembarkation | Embarkation commences three hours before the departure time of the vessel. Your passport and cruise voucher should be ready to present to the embarkation staff. The ship's staff collects and holds your passport for the duration of the cruise. A receipt will be given to you and should be presented at the designated time when passport will be returned to you prior to disembarkation. At embarkation you will be issued with your own personal embarkation card which acts as your on board payment card and the security for embarking and disembarking the vessel.
Embarking in Athens:
Piraeus Cruise Terminal: 1, Akti Xaveriou
In order to ensure the prompt departure of vessels from the port of Piraeus, passengers must be at the port of Piraeus no later than one hour prior to the vessel's departure.
Port Agent Main Office Telephone: 30 210 4294280
Disembarking in Athens:
With Gate 1 transfer: Meet Gate 1 representative holding Gate 1 sign after clearing immigration and customs.
Transferring independently: Please note that local taxi service from the cruise port begins around
9:00 a.m. Disembarkation time is generally 7:00 a.m.
Embarking in Istanbul:
Istanbul Cruise Terminal: Ships usually dock in Sali Bazaar, but sometimes they dock in Karakoe. It is advisable to contact the port agent to check the exact location of the ship's docking position, since this is known only a few hours prior to the ship's arrival.
Port Agent Main Office Telephone: 90 212 2475044 66
Disembarking in Istanbul:
Meet Gate 1 representative with a Gate 1 sign tour representative outside the port building after immigration and customs formalities. A Turkish visa is required for those disembarking in
Istanbul for an overnight stay ($20 visa fee is payable to Turkish authorities upon disembarkation).
| | On Your Cruise - Louis Cruises | Attire:
Light weight and preferably cotton clothes, light jacket, light sweater, and comfortable shoes are recommended. Shorts are not allowed and the shoulders must be covered during visits to places of worship.
On board cruise ship: The daytime dress code is casual (shorts and t-shirts for example). Swimsuits are not allowed in public areas or restaurants, except for lunch buffet on deck.
The majority of evenings on board are country club casual. One evening is usually designated "Greek Night" and guests are encouraged to wear blue and white. There may be one formal evening, which will be indicated on the daily program, with suit and tie suggested for gentlemen, and a cocktail dress or pantsuit suggested for women.
Meals and Dietary Restrictions:
Upon embarkation, the Maitre d'Hotel will take your dining room reservation and assign your table. You will have the choice, depending on availability, of main or late sitting. Breakfast and lunch are free-sitting and no reservation is required.
All dietary restrictions, particularly for medical reasons should be advised at time of booking. While every effort will be made to accommodate, Gate 1 cannot guarantee every restaurant will be able to comply to the fullest extent. In general, beverages are not included with meals. Dinners in tour packages are based on set menus and some buffets.
Smoking:
The Dining Room is a non-smoking area. Lounges are divided into smoking and non-smoking sections. Cigar smokers are requested not to smoke in any enclosed areas. Smoking is not permitted in the cabins.
Casino:
The Casino will be open during sailing times only. Guests under the age of 18 are not permitted to enter. Your ship's account card may not be used to play in the casino.
Excursions:
Shore excursions are not included, and can be purchased on board only. Cruise itineraries and ships are subject to change without notice. Furthermore, cruise ships may be chartered and/or departure dates canceled after publication, in which case all moneys will be refunded. Gate 1 takes no responsibility for ship substitutions or
itinerary changes imposed by a cruise line.
2008 shore excursion itineraries and rates: http://www.gate1travel.com/cruises/ships/louis_excursions.aspx
Ports:
For information about the ports of embarkation and disembarkation, please visit http://www.gate1travel.com/cruises/portsofcall-east-mediterranean.aspx
Email:
Internet facilities are available on board for a fee that is charged to your shipboard account. | | Local Emergency Phone Numbers | Greece
- General Emergency: 112
- Ambulance/Medical: 166
- Fire: 199
- Police: 100
| Turkey
- Ambulance/Medical: 112
- Fire: 110
- Police: 155; 156 in rural areas
| Louis Cruises
| | Languages | Greece - Greek is the local language. Limited English is generally spoken in tourist areas.
| Turkey - Turkish is the local language. Limited English is generally spoken in tourist areas.
| | Electricity | Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
| Greece - The voltage used is 220 volts.
| Turkey - The voltage used is 220 volts.
| Louis Cruises - The voltage used is 110 or 220 volts, depending on the ship.
110 volts: Aquamarine, Sapphire
220 volts: Coral, Cristal Orient Queen, Aegean Pearl
| | Code of Conduct | Greece - The Greeks are known for their relatively relaxed approach to life with an emphasis on hospitality, similar to other Mediterranean European countries. The Greek Orthodox Church retains a fairly strong cultural influence. In Greece, politics is considered an acceptable topic of discussion in almost any social situation. As a result, people may attempt to draw you into political discussions, which can include the subject of American politics. Keep in mind that regardless of their political views, most Greeks like Americans themselves very much.
Smoking is mostly prohibited in public places except in designated areas. Violations can incur fines. Restaurants have smoking and non-smoking sections, while traditional coffee houses and nightclubs usually allow unrestricted smoking. Casual dress is generally acceptable, though some religious sites require that legs and shoulders be covered.
| Turkey - The common form of greeting is shaking hands, while close friends will sometimes hold hands and kiss cheeks. In Turkey, hospitality is highly valued and people are often quite friendly. Even salespeople may offer tea to customers. If you are comfortable with accepting, you may drink it without any obligation to make a purchase. Casual dress is acceptable, but beachwear should only be worn at the beach or poolside. Smoking is generally permitted except in cinemas, theaters, and on public transportation.
| | Holidays - Greece |
| Holidays 2009 |
| Jan 1 |
New Years |
Jan 6 |
Feast of the Epiphany |
Mar 2 |
Orthodox Shrove Monday |
Mar 25 |
Independence Day |
Apr 17 |
Orthodox Good Friday |
Apr 19 |
Orthodox Easter |
| Apr 20 |
Orthodox Easter Monday |
May 1 |
Labour Day |
| Jun 8 |
Day of the Holy Spirit |
Aug 15 |
Feast of the Assumption |
Oct 28 |
Ochi Day |
Dec 25 |
Christmas Day |
Dec 26 |
Boxing Day |
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All offices, stores and some sites or museums are closed on these days. The Plaka area is open year round, except for the morning of New Year.
| | Holidays - Turkey |
| Holidays 2009 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year's day |
Apr 23 |
National Sovereignty and Children's Day |
May 19 |
Commemoration of Atatürk and Youth and Sports Day |
Aug 30 |
Victory Day |
Sep 19 - 22 |
Ramadan Feast |
Oct 29 |
Republic Day |
| Nov 27-30 |
Kurban Bayrami (Feast of the Sacrifice) |
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| Holidays 2009 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year's day |
Apr 23 |
National Sovereignty and Children's Day |
May 19 |
Commemoration of Atatürk and Youth and Sports Day |
Aug 30 |
Victory Day |
Sep 19 - 22 |
Seker Bayrami (End of Ramazan/Ramadan) |
Oct 28 |
Republic Day |
Nov 27 - Dec 1 |
Kurban Bayrami (Feast of the Sacrifice) |
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