10 nights. Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, Turkey

Day 1

ravenna, italy

Departure: 17:00

Ravenna is the capital city of the Province of Ravenna. The city was the heart of the Byzantine Exarchate of Ravenna until the invasion of the Franks in 751, after which it became the seat of the Kingdom of the Lombards. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTION • Basilica of Sant' Apollinare Nuovo - explore the entire building and its stunning mosaics. If you're a fan of ancient churches and intriguing architecture, this is a must-visit. • For those interested in historical figures, the city also houses Dante's Tomb. • Sant' Apollinare in Classe, it is renowned for its extraordinary mosaics. • Basilica of San Vitale is filled with mosaics and is considered a significant monument in Western art history. • Mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

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Day 2

dubrovnik, croatia

Arrival: 10:00 - Departure: 23:59

George Bernard Shaw referred to Dubrovnik as "the pearl of the Adriatic, a paradise on earth", and indeed, it might be one of the most stunning cities you'll ever witness. Predominantly constructed and long occupied by the Venetians, Dubrovnik exudes a regal charm and remarkable architectural harmony that attracts thousands of tourists every summer. Established in the 7th century, Dubrovnik was nestled amidst a vast oak forest, from which it derived its name. Take a stroll along the ancient city walls for panoramic views of the old town and the nearby coast. Just before leaving the old town through the western gate, make a right turn to visit the Franciscan Monastery and tranquil cloisters. Right at the entrance is Europe's oldest pharmacy, established in 1371. In the northern corner of the old city lies the Dominican Cloister and Museum, housing a polyptych by Titian. The majestic Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is situated in the heart of Poljana Marin Držić and its treasury is open for visits; look out for the artwork by Raphael. Dubrovnik boasts warm, crystal-clear waters; don't just admire it from afar, take a plunge. The adventurous can dive and sunbathe along the rocks or swim around the city walls while others marvel from above. Dubrovnik's formidable battlements shine in the early morning light, but by early afternoon, the sea's pristine blue waters lure you away from the city and its tourist noise. If you can handle the crowd, you might also discover a slice of paradise.

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Day 3

bar - montenegro

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 18:00

Bar is a seaside town in southern Montenegro. Bar serves as the hub of Bar Municipality, and is a significant seaport in Montenegro. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Stari Bar (Old Town Bar). • Bar Fortress. • The Oldest Olive tree in the world. Aged between 2000 and 2500 years old. • Port of Bar. • Beaches in Susanj.

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Day 5

athens (piraeus), greece

Arrival: 05:30 - Departure: 17:00

Here is the text adapted into standard American English: Piraeus is a port city in the region of Attica, Greece. Piraeus is located within the Athens urban area, about 5 miles (8 kilometers) southwest of downtown Athens (the municipality of Athens), along the east coast of the Saronic Gulf. According to the 2011 census, Piraeus had a population of 163,688 within its administrative limits, making it the fifth-largest municipality in Greece and the second-largest within the urban area of the Greek capital, after the municipality of Athens. The municipality of Piraeus and four other suburban municipalities form the regional unit of Piraeus, sometimes called the Greater Piraeus area, with a total population of 448,997. It is part of the Athens urban area. Piraeus has a long recorded history dating back to ancient Greece. The city was founded in the early 5th century BC, when this area was chosen to become the new port of classical Athens and was developed as a model harbor, concentrating all of Athens’s import and transit trade. During the Golden Age of Athens, the Long Walls were built to fortify Athens and its port (Piraeus). As a result, it became the main harbor of ancient Greece but declined gradually after the 3rd century BC. It grew again in the 19th century, after Athens was declared the capital of Greece. In the modern era, Piraeus is a large, busy city and an integral part of Athens. It is home to the country’s largest harbor and has all the characteristics of a major maritime and commercial-industrial center. The Port of Piraeus is the main port of Greece, the largest passenger port in Europe, and the second-largest in the world, serving about 20 million passengers annually. With a throughput of 1.4 million TEUs, Piraeus ranks among the top ten European ports for container traffic and is the leading container port in the Eastern Mediterranean. The municipality hosted events in both the 1896 and 2004 Summer Olympics held in Athens. The University of Piraeus is one of the largest universities in Greece and has the country’s second-oldest business school, as well as the oldest academic department in the field of finance.

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Day 6

santorini, greece

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 17:00

Created by a massive volcanic eruption that is believed to have inspired the legend of Atlantis, Santorini is the most visually stunning island in the Aegean Sea. The island is essentially the outer edge of a submerged volcano, with its entire eastern coast consisting of a series of small towns situated on tall hills. Fira, the island's dramatically located capital, is perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea. Fira, along with the Parthenon, is one of the most recognized images of Greece. Its narrow streets are filled with souvenir shops, charming boutiques, and numerous jewelry stores. It is home to two beautiful churches, the Greek Orthodox and the Catholic Cathedral of St John the Baptist, as well as a small local museum. Fira also boasts a vibrant nightlife, with excellent restaurants and bars, and a few nightclubs. The city itself is a spectacle, especially at sunset. Another great spot to watch the sunset is the town of Ia, a small village perched on the rocky point of land at the northern tip of the island, 300m above the sea. The beaches in Santorini are unique compared to other Greek beaches due to their distinctive geographical features. Red and black volcanic pebbles cover the shores of Santorini's beaches, and steep cliffs create a scenic atmosphere. The most famous of these beaches is the Red beach, while Perissa, Kamari, and Perivolos are also very popular. Santorini is a truly magnificent destination. The placement of some of its main towns along the cliff-top edge of the caldera is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful sights in the world. The buildings seem to defy gravity as they cling to the cliffs and are stacked one on top of the other like a pile of sugar cubes. The sandy, multicolored beaches are just the cherry on top.

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Day 7

rhodes, greece

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 17:00

Rhodes is the biggest of the Dodecanese islands in terms of land size and is also the historical capital of the island group. Administratively, the island is a separate municipality within the Rhodes regional unit, which is part of the South Aegean region. The main town of the island and the seat of the municipality is Rhodes. It is situated northeast of Crete, southeast of Athens, and just off the Anatolian coast of Turkey. Rhodes is also known as The Island of the Knights. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Asklipio Inland from Kiotari. Inside the small church, there are intriguing exhibits that honor the continuity of the healing cult from ancient times to a modern midwife and nurse. • Cape Prasonisi. This is the southernmost point of Rhodes. A sand bar connects a peninsula to the main island. • Castle with acropolis over Lindos. • Castle of Kastellos. • Castle of Monolithos. • Epta Piges. • Filerimos Hill. This site features medieval remains, a monastery, and a chapel. • Kamiros. This site features ancient ruins. • Tsambika Peak. • Rhodes Old Town - Palace of the Prince Grand Master. - Street of Knights. - Fortifications. • Valley of the Butterflies.

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Day 8

ephesus (kusadasi), turkey

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 16:00

Kusadasi is a seaside resort town located in the Aydin Province of Aegean Turkey. It's a favored destination for tourists, known for its numerous beaches and as Turkey's most active cruise port. Many cruise ship passengers visit the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most significant and well-preserved Greco-Roman sites in Turkey. There are several appealing beaches both to the south and north of Kusadasi. All these beaches are commercialized with hotels surrounding them. To the south of Kusadasi, you'll find the Ladies Beach, Lost Paradise Beach, and the Long Beach. Kusadasi serves as the entry point to Ephesus, an intriguing ancient city that features baths, gyms, an acoustic theater, temples, arches, and much more. The Roman Ruins at Ephesus are truly breathtaking. Within the town, you can visit the City Walls, Kaleiçi Camii, the Öküz Mehmet Pasha Caravanserai, and the Guvercin Adası peninsula. Kusadasi is one of Turkey's more cosmopolitan and vibrant resorts.

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Day 9

thessaloniki, greece

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 16:00

Thessaloniki, one of the oldest major cities in Europe and the second largest city in Greece, spans twelve kilometers within a basin formed by low hills that overlook a bay leading into the Thermaikos Gulf. It is a bustling city and one of the most significant trade and communication hubs in the Mediterranean. The devastating fire of 1917 destroyed a significant portion of the city's historic center, and further damage was inflicted by a major earthquake in 1968. However, there are still numerous examples of the city's rich history and diverse cultures, although they are hidden amidst the post-1917 development. This mix of architecture has resulted in an incredible fusion of styles that are distinctly Thessaloniki. Roman monuments stand next to modern university campuses, modernist buildings face medieval churches, and Ottoman structures will soon top the tunnels of Thessaloniki's latest addition, the subway. The city authorities have made significant efforts to preserve the state of the cultural heritage, and it can be assumed that more will be done to ensure that it remains a permanent part of the city's landscape and that it is well explained and accessible to both locals and visitors. However, the greatness of Thessaloniki is not solely in its standing structures. This city is truly vibrant, and not just in terms of heavy traffic or extensive construction. The people here enjoy expressing themselves publicly, and it's difficult to spend time here without witnessing the authentic and indigenous culture of the city. Plateia Aristotelou hosts open-air concerts during the summer, but there are also spontaneous gatherings that provide visitors with a glimpse into the lives of ordinary Salonicians. Students often gather in front of the Rotunda to play their guitars at night, and the Roman Agora occasionally hosts plays or shows organized by various groups in the city. Every two years, this cultural blossoming takes the form of the biennale of contemporary art, a highlight of the city's artistic community's calendar. Byzantine churches, Roman constructions, Muslim buildings, modern architecture, vibrant nightlife, and stunning beaches define Thessaloniki. As the second largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki combines over 2,300 years of history with all the amenities and excitement that a modern European city can offer a visitor.

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Day 10

istanbul, turkey

Arrival: 12:00 - Departure: 00:00

Istanbul's historical significance and its incredible cultural and architectural legacy can be attributed to its ideal strategic location, spanning the Bosphorus straits that divide Europe and Asia Minor. Throughout most of its 2,500-year history, the city (initially known as Byzantium, then Constantinople, and since 1930, Istanbul) has been a cultural melting pot. Today, its population of over 13 million is predominantly Turkish, with many of its residents being recent migrants from rural Turkey, drawn by the prospect of employment and career opportunities in this dynamic, rapidly expanding city. Although Istanbul is no longer the capital of the country, it remains Turkey's economic and cultural hub - a status emphasized by its designation as a European City of Culture in 2010 and the UNESCO World Heritage recognition of many of its key landmarks. These range from breathtaking Ottoman mosques and Byzantine churches and catacombs, to the pillars of Hellenistic temples and the remnants of enormous medieval city walls. However, Istanbul offers more than just Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. A rapidly growing economy has led to a thriving arts and music scene, with an abundance of new bars, clubs, private art galleries, restaurants, and designer fashion stores.

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Day 11

istanbul, turkey

Arrival: 08:00

Istanbul's historical significance and its incredible cultural and architectural legacy can be attributed to its ideal strategic location, spanning the Bosphorus straits that divide Europe and Asia Minor. Throughout most of its 2,500-year history, the city (initially known as Byzantium, then Constantinople, and since 1930, Istanbul) has been a cultural melting pot. Today, its population of over 13 million is predominantly Turkish, with many of its residents being recent migrants from rural Turkey, drawn by the prospect of employment and career opportunities in this dynamic, rapidly expanding city. Although Istanbul is no longer the capital of the country, it remains Turkey's economic and cultural hub - a status emphasized by its designation as a European City of Culture in 2010 and the UNESCO World Heritage recognition of many of its key landmarks. These range from breathtaking Ottoman mosques and Byzantine churches and catacombs, to the pillars of Hellenistic temples and the remnants of enormous medieval city walls. However, Istanbul offers more than just Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. A rapidly growing economy has led to a thriving arts and music scene, with an abundance of new bars, clubs, private art galleries, restaurants, and designer fashion stores.

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