- TOTAL TRIP:9 Nights
- COUNTRIES VISITED:Greece
- PLACES VISITED:Athens, Rhodes, Bodrum, Dalyan River, Santorini, Hydra
- DEPARTURE DATES:Dates are Fixed (for the cruise)
A 9-night itinerary spending 2 nights in Athens and a 7-day cruise sailing the Greek isles - Southern Cyclades
Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of Athens and the Greek islands. Visit the famed archaeological site of the Acropolis and then step aboard a 7-day cruise on board the star flyer where the ship reflects its proud heritage in every inch of its polished brass and gleaming brightwork. Discover a new way of sailing where the traditions of the past are happily married to the comforts and the amenities of the present day. These ships are created for luxury-loving guests who love great traditions and romance all in the legendary era of sailing on a beautiful boat.
- Experience Athens and the famous Parthenon/Acropolis
- Enjoy a fun food-walking cultural tour in Athens
- Step aboard the Star Flyer for your 7-day cruise adventure
- Visit Rhodes, Bodrum, Dalyan River, Santorini, and Hydra
- Visit ports untouched by large cruise ships and benefit from unique personalized shore excursions tailored to your interests and likes
- Fixed Dates 2024: Arriving in Athens on July 25, August 15, September 26, 2024
(The stated itinerary departure dates include your arrival on Thursday in Athens and the fixed Saturday cruise sailing.)
This is a tailor-made itinerary that includes a cruise with fixed departure dates.
We can alter this itinerary from accommodations to shore excursions based on individual preferences and recommendations from your travel advisor.
Detailed Itinerary
THURSDAY - Welcome to Athens
Once you arrive in Athens, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to the hotel. The remainder day is free to rest.FRIDAY - Private Tour - Flavors of Athens and the Acropolis
Grasp the history of this ancient metropolis by visiting one of the world's most famous monuments, the Acropolis. Grab a slice of Greek culture and its intriguing cuisine and savor mouth-watering delicacies on an unforgettable cultural and fun food tour.SATURDAY - Athens - Begin 7 Day Star Clipper Cruise
Transfer from the hotel to Piraeus port and board the Star Flyer. Overnight sailing to the cosmopolitan island of RhodesSUNDAY - Star Clipper - At Sea
Various activities are taking place onboard today you will be at sea all day. Each Star Clippers ship offers a traditional and elegant way to see the world. Feel the wind fill the sails and gently carry you from one gorgeous destination to the next. During your time on board, you can choose to relax on a sun lounger or cool off in one of the pools on the top deck, while more adventurous passengers may enjoy the opportunity to climb the rigging or even have a go at steering the ship. Alternatively, you can wander the interior areas of the ship and discover relaxing lounges, and a peaceful library.MONDAY - Star Clipper - Rhodes
Rhodes was known as the island of Roses. Walk through the medieval city enclosed within its walls. Visit squares, museums with rare exhibits, art galleries, churches, Hamam, the Grand Master's Palace, the famous Street of the Knights, and historical buildings. Enjoy the natural surroundings, crystal clear seas, recreational facilities, the bright sun, and the warm hospitality of the Islanders. Or visit Lindos village and see the magnificent acropolis nestling at the foot of a steep rock beautifully surrounded by the archipelagos.TUESDAY - Star Clipper - Bodrum Turkey
Known in ancient times as Halicarnassus, this was the birthplace of Herodotus and the site of King Mausolu's Tomb (4th century BC), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Now it's a beautiful port town with many shops and restaurants.WEDNESDAY - Star Clipper - Visit Dalyan River
A lovely, unspoiled lake teeming with fish, a lush, marshy delta, verdant farmlands, a lazy, reed-fringed river meandering into the sea. Onshore, you can see ruins of the Lycian city of Caunos, with its basilica and fortifications looming over the green marsh where endangered Caretta loggerhead turtles hatch in the spring.THURSDAY - Star Clipper - visit Santorini
An island with a beautiful Caldera formed after a volcanic eruption took place around 1500 BC. Nowadays, Santorini is known for its stunning views, whitewashed houses, and blue-domed churches built on the cliffside. We strongly recommend taking one of our personalized private shore excursions to see the island in complete detail from the perspective of a local.FRIDAY - Star Clipper - Visit Hydra
The island of Hydra is known for its cosmopolitan town with no-wheeled vehicles. The island has beautiful mansions built around 1800 by blockade runners who had made fortunes outwitting the British during the Napoleonic Wars. As there are no cars, it is worth riding the donkey to visit the Monastery of Illias, known for its spectacular views.SATURDAY - Athens Piraeus Port - Airport (or tailor-made extension to visit other islands)
The cruise ship arrives back at Piraeus port in Athens. From the pier, you will take a private transfer to the airport to connect to the USA. Optional extension to visit other islands within Greece.
Map
Trip Itinerary Inclusions
Your journey will be fully tailored to your schedule, interests, and budget.
Here below are the essential inclusions and must-see trip activities that we recommend as a start.
- Private Transfer from Athens airport to the hotel
- Hotel taxes and service charges
- Two nights' accommodations in Athens, including breakfast
- Private fun food walking tour and a visit to the famed Acropolis
- Private Transfer from Athens hotel to the port
- 7-day cruise onboard the Star Flyer and on half-board
- Private transfer from Athens port to Athens airport
- Local representation 24/7
- We offer optional private shore excursions for each destination port visited.
Accommodation
Your itinerary, accommodations, and cabin category are based on your requirements, budget, and your travel advisor's trip assessment and recommendations.
- About the Cruise:
The Star Clipper has a choice of Owners Cabin & Deluxe Cabin and then Cabin Categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. All cabins are outside cabins, and various categories are based on the size of the cabin.
The Star Clipper is a modern cruise ship in every way, created for luxury-loving passengers who also love the traditions and romance of the legendary era of sailing ships. The Star Flyer is 379 feet long, carrying just 166 guests in pampered comfort.
Life aboard is blissfully relaxed, much like traveling on a private yacht. You’ll never feel confined on the Star Flyer. The ship offers spacious accommodations and expansive teak decks with ample space and not one but two swimming pools. You’ll find that these ships provide more outdoor space per passenger than most conventional cruise ships. The décor of Star Clipper is reminiscent of the grand age of sail. All-Star Clippers ships feature open-seating dining in an elegantly appointed dining room, our convivial indoor-outdoor Tropical Bar and Piano Bar, and an Edwardian-style library where a Belle Époque fireplace glows with a warmth that reflects the friendliness and enthusiasm of Star Clippers’ hospitable officers and crew.
- Your choices for Athens accommodations are from 3-star, 4-star, 5-star hotels, boutique hotels, bed and breakfasts.
- The appropriate accommodations that fit your requests will be included in your itinerary/quote.
- Because we value quality, we do not work with hotels that are less than 3-stars
- Pricing of the itinerary depends on hotel type and cabin category type.
- Our direct collaborations help us receive the best pricing possible and the most competitive pricing.
Below is a guideline for a customized package excluding international flights:
- 5-star: USD $600 - $1,000+ per person per day
- 4-star: Minimum USD $500 per person per day
- 3-star: Minimum USD $350 per person per day
Popular Questions
- How long have you been in business?
Asimina Tours was established since 2005 and has been in business for 16 years.
- Where are your travel advisors and Asimina Tours located?
Asimina Tours physical location and our headquarters are located in the state of Maryland and all transactions take place in the United States.
Our travel advisors are home-based. Thanks to the internet we are able to travel and can work virtually as well. Don't be surprised if you talk to your travel advisor that may be located in either the USA or Canada or even Greece or Italy or Turkey. Regardless of location, we are very proud to be an American based tour company conducting business in the USA.
- When I call Asimina Tours is it a local US phone number?
Regardless of where our travel advisors are located when you call Asimina Tours you call the United States to either our toll free eight hundred number or our local Maryland phone number.
Toll Free: 877 833-3454
Local Maryland Phone Number: 301 789-2388 and then your agents extension - When is a good time for me to get in touch?
It's best to set a phone appointment with your travel advisor at a time that mutually benefits both. In addition for group travel, we can also set up a conference call to include different parts of the country (USA/Canada) so we can have a group discussion as well.
Communication for Asimina Tours is very important to ensure that we have a good feel of what you are looking to experience and to share with you what best fits your travel needs.
- Which hotels or accommodations do you recommend?
Once your travel advisor assesses your needs and creates your travel itinerary quote all details of your accommodations, their websites, types of rooms etc. will be included.
Unlike many travel companies we are not restricted to a handful of preselected and pre-negotiated hotel choices to create pre-packaged vacations.
We work with the majority of the hotels “directly” and in some instances we may have favorite hotels that we may recommend.
Our direct collaborations help us receive the best pricing possible and it builds our brands’ trust and acknowledgement which ultimately concludes in our clients personal and best service! - Why no pricing on your website?
Do you prefer 5-star luxury resorts or smaller boutique hotels? Perhaps you’d like to mix things up with a simple hotel in one area but then follow that up with a few days of pampered self-indulgence in more luxurious surroundings? What about activities? You may like more activities in one location or less in another. As you see not one trip is alike therefore we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all types of itineraries with pre-arranged activities hotels and pricing. The beauty of a tailor made vacation is created ideally just for you at your travel budget!
- Are your prices competitive?
Yes because we work with the majority of our suppliers directly therefore eliminating third parties and earning competitive rates.
- What is the currency for price quotes?
All prices of all quotes are in USD
Because of the euro being volatile we use an average euro exchange rate to create your tailor-made travel packages. The trip quotes are proposed to you in USD as they are already converted for you. All transactions take place in the USA eliminating questions about pricing and all prices are in USD. A price quote is valid for 7 days from the time of proposal because of the fluctuation of the currency. Upon a deposit, the price of the quote is locked eliminating any further changes to the pricing of your itinerary.
- Can you make trip adjustments after the first quote?
Yes, we make the adjustments within reason. After your quote it may take up to 2 times maximum to adjust your trip. If more adjustments need to take place then the non-refundable plan 2 go fee will be requested and a $100 per adjustment fee will be applied to your itinerary/quote.
- Are there fees involved on a trip quote?
We are proud to offer you our professional expertise for your tailor-made travel to ensure your travels are as seamless and trouble-free as possible. A non-refundable plan-to-go fee of $375 is included in your itinerary/quote and is not associated with commissions. Depending on the itinerary/quote, the non-refundable plan-to-go fee may be requested to be paid upfront before sending an itinerary/quote.
Our custom tour services are tailored to your interests and personal schedule and are not part of a pre-packaged tour. These are fee-based services, which include individualized tour planning and communication. The plan-to-go fee covers our associated costs and the time we invest in researching all available possibilities to make your vacation the most enjoyable.
Your itinerary quote and invoice also indicate the plan-to-go fee.
- How do you get paid?
We earn our income by negotiating special net rates as a wholesale tour company with the hotels and suppliers. Our pre-negotiated wholesale contracts allow us to receive competitive pricing. Due to the volume and our excellent financial relationship with our suppliers our clients benefit from the competitive rates plus our service. We in turn earn our commission and the hotels and suppliers get their services sold as well. It's a win/win/win for everyone.
- Can I get a price breakdown of my quote?
We are a Travel Operating Company providing complete tailor-made land packages and are bound by confidentiality agreements with our suppliers. We do not itemize services. This is a standard practice in the travel industry, whether it’s a pre-packaged group tour or a custom tailor made package as in your case. We act as your one-stop shop, so you don’t have to go through the trouble of searching and booking and paying each aspect of your trip separately.
With your itinerary/quote, we do provide hotel web links and the types of rooms quoted so you can at have an idea about hotel costs which account for the majority of your itinerary/quote. In addition, we regularly check that the overall price/quote is competitive with online rates. When comparing prices, keep in mind that our prices already include taxes and fees and are in USD (dollars). Some hotels sometimes offer special online deals that may be fully non-refundable and fully pre-paid in advance. In such cases, if you wish to qualify for such restrictive rates please advise your travel advisor.
Lastly, when you book through Asimina Tours you also receive top notch customer service that you would not get via other online agencies.
This includes
* Expert advice pre-trip planning
* 24X7 phone support should any problems arise during your travel
* Due to our long-term volume relationships with hotels and suppliers, if last-minute upgrades are available, you will get a better chance at free upgrades! - How do I book my trip?
Once you discuss your travel plans with your travel advisor you will receive an itinerary quote. Once you have done all the necessary adjustments and you are in agreement with everything the next process is the booking process.
* Your itinerary is "on request" basis until you advise your travel advisor that you are ready to book.
* Your travel advisor will then confirm all services prior to a deposit
* Once all services are confirmed then a 25% deposit is required
* When the deposit is received you'll receive all reconfirmations and a date of final payment which is 60 days prior to your trip
* 60 days prior to your trip you'll make your final payment
* Approximately 3 weeks prior to your trip you'll receive your electronic travel documents.
* You'll set up a time to discuss your travel documents and to answer any questions prior to your travels
* While you are traveling you have 24/7 support from your travel advisor
* Our job is not complete until you return back to the USA with rave reviews! - Do I earn points if I book through you?
Asimina Tours is classified as a TRAVEL COMPANY with an MCC CODE of 4722
This means that the way we are “coded” on the credit card processors system we are classified as a TRAVEL COMPANY providing travel information and booking services.
This means that when you pay by credit card your purchase will be acknowledged as a “TRAVEL PURCHASE” which means that depending on your credit card agreement you may be eligible to earn points.
- Now that all is paid what’s next?
60 days prior to your trip you'll make your final payment.
* Approximately 2 - 3 weeks prior to your trip you'll receive your electronic travel documents
* Electronic travel documents include: Your itinerary, Your Invoice, Electronic Ticket Receipts, Local Destination Information, Our favorite restaurant recommendations
* You'll set up a time to discuss your travel documents and to answer any questions prior to your travels
* While you are traveling you have 24/7 support from your travel advisor
* Our job is not complete until you return back to the USA with rave reviews! - Do you offer travel insurance?
Insurance is very important to cover your trip investment in case of trip cancellation or interruption. We offer Travelex travel insurance:
TRAVELEX GET A QUOTEWhen you visit this web-page you may insert your information
* The departure dates should be the dates of travel starting from the USA
* You’ll insert your ages and state of residency
* The trip cost per person in which you may add the cost of the airline tickets so this way you could be covered for air/land.Once you enter all this information you’ll be taken to the next page which will show you the various plans and their details.
Once you purchase travel insurance you’ll receive an e-mail with all the details or your purchase.
How does it work?
- Your travel advisor will “listen” to your trip ideas, expectations and what you envision your trip to be.
- We will then share with you firsthand knowledge of your destination and will offer recommendations of what works best for you!
- A trip quote is created and personalized just for you! Adjustments of your trip may be done accordingly.
- Once you book your trip you’ll have 24/7 support up until your return with rave reviews!