Virgin Voyages Turkey and the Great Greek Isles Getaway

A further overnight hotel stay. Athens received a make-over for the 2004 Olympics. There is lots to see here such as the Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple of Poseidon and Athena, Odeon Herodus of Atticus and the Theatre of Dionysos.

Make your own way to the nearby Port of Piraeus to embark the ship.

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

Overnight on board in port. Where east meets west straddling the Bosphorous Strait. Visit either Asia Minor or Europe in one city, check out the Blue Mosque and St Sophia - its twin, haggle in the Grand Bazaar, visit Topkapi palace and try out an invigorating Turkish Bath

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

Mykonos (part of the Cyclades chain of Islands) is also frequently visited by many cruise ships for its Greek charm and upmarket cosmopolitan atmosphere – plus there are some excellent beaches.

Part of the Dodecanese chain of islands and situated close to the Turkish coast. Rhodes is the largest of this 12 islands chain where the Colossus is once said to have stood straddling Mandraki Harbour next to the ancient walled city of Rhodes Town. Rhodes Old Town is an ancient walled city with its cobbled streets and history that dates back to the crusades and the Knights of St John. Visit the Acropolis of Rhodes, Temple of Apollo, Palace of the Grand Master, Modern Art Gallery and perhaps have a flutter in the casino. There is so much more to Rhodes such as Efta Piges (7 Springs Park) with its ancient underground aquifer and fresh water lake, the Roman Spa at Kalithea, picturesque Lindos, tiny hill top white washed churches, olive groves and wonderful beaches.

The most popular port of call on any cruise itinerary is the photographer’s paradise of Santorini. This volcanic island is made up of a crescent shaped Caldera which is the edge of an ancient volcano . Ancient legend suggests that this was the site of the lost city of Atlantis – when the volcano erupted the centre of this island disappeared in to the sea leaving the remnant known as Santorini.

The ship docks at Souda Bay just across the headland from China on the north-western end of Crete. Crete is the southernmost and largest of the Greek Islands. The major port of call is the Capital Heraklion in the centre of the Island. This is close to the ancient Palace of Knossos and the Minoan civilisation from 4000 years BC. Knossos is home to the ancient myth of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth . During world War II Crete was the last bastion of the Greek resistance when the locals helped Allied troops escape South through the Samaria Gorge as German paratroopers invaded from Souda Bay. Here you will high snow-capped mountains, an incredible 12km hiking trail through the Samaria Gorge and ancient Lassithi Plateau with its windmills and the birth-place of Zeus.

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

Disembark the ship by 12noon at the Port of Piraeus and make your way to the airport for your flight home.