DETAILS
National Trust Tours is PROUD to announce our inaugural Pillars of Pride cruise to ancient Greece and Turkey which explores the iconic stories of antiquity from an often untold LGBTQ+ lens. Journey to the cradle of Western civilization and the classical world on this Aegean voyage exploring stories from antiquity. Join us as the legend of the lost utopian city of Atlantis lives on in Santorini, a crescent-shaped island featuring 1,000-foot-cliffs and a spectacular caldera shaped by a volcanic explosion some 3,600 years ago. Visit the Hellenistic Grand Theater in Ephesus, climb to the acropolis at Lindos, walk the Sacred Way of Delos, and discover ancient Akrotiri—the “Minoan Pompeii.” Featuring special guest speaker Eric Marcus, Executive Director of Making Gay History and a founding board member of the new American LGBTQ+ Museum in New York City
Complimentary alcoholic & nonalcoholic beverages are included throughout the cruise!
- Pricing from
- $5,215
Reserve early and SAVE up to $3,240 per cabin!
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Ocean & Sea Voyages
- Departure Dates
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Oct 7, 2024 - Oct 15, 2024
Airport transfers and luggage handling abroad are only included if air arrangements are booked through Gohagan & Company. If travelers make their own air arrangements, transfers and luggage handling are not included; transfers can be organized through Gohagan & Company and purchased by the traveler.
A non-refundable administrative fee of $300 per person will apply for all cancellations received more than 7 days after booking and before other fees take effect at 120 days:
120 days $300 per person admin fee after 7-day grace period from booking
120 – 91 days 25% of full invoice fare
90 – 61 days 50% of full invoice fare
60 – 31 days 75% of full invoice fare
30 – 0 days 100% of full invoice fare
Separate airfare Terms & Conditions apply
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY
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day 1 & 2
Home City/ Athens, Greece
Depart and arrive the next day in Athens, Greece, and embark the five‑star Le Bougainville.
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day 3
Chania, Crete
Look for Venetian, Ottoman, and Turkish influences in Chania, an ancient city on the western coast of Crete. Here, will you be able to choose from three included tours. Options include a visit to its multicultural Old Town, an excursion to its pristine beaches, or a tour of the impressive Roman cisterns and bath houses of Aptera. Enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner this evening.
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day 4
Santorini
Plan to be on deck as the ship cruises into the port of Santorini, beneath which some believe to be the legendary lost city of Atlantis. Explore the Minoan ruins and newly revealed findings at Akrotiri—a unique archaeological site that has been held intact for over 3,500 years by layers of pumice and ash. Excavations show this amazing city with houses, squares, and workshops was buried during a massive eruption in the 17th century B.C. Our tour concludes in Fira, perched high above sea level.
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day 5
Kusadasi, Turkey for Ephesus
Arrive in Kusadasi and drive to the UNESCO-inscribed Ephesus, a vast archaeological site of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ruins. Enjoy views of rural Turkish villages and a countryside dotted with fig trees on the way to visit these ancient ruins. From there, embark on a walking tour that includes the beautifully reconstructed façade of the Library of Celsus and the finely preserved Great Theatre— built during the Hellenistic Age to hold 24,000 spectators and where Ephesians rioted against the preaching of St. Paul. A traditional barbecue lunch will be served at the Nakkas Weaving Center made with ingredients from the weavers’ gardens. Return to Kusadasi for a classical concert at the Ottoman-era Caravanserai building, built in 1618 as a wayside inn for travelers and merchants.
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day 6
Rhodes/Lindos, Greece
Dock at the wall of Rhodes Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the 14th-century Palace of the Grand Masters— a formidable Gothic castle that houses a treasure trove of art, furniture, and icons from that era. Enjoy lunch on board the ship and embark on an included excursion of your choice. You may opt to climb up to the ancient village of Lindos to see its clifftop acropolis, or visit the Great Hamman, originally constructed in 1558 and one of the few remaining Turkish baths in Rhodes Town. Return to the ship this evening for a lively performance of traditional Greek music and dance as we cruise the Mediterranean.
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day 7
Delos/Mykonos
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delos—the legendary birthplace of Artemis and Apollo. Walk along the Sacred Way to the Sanctuary of Apollo, a rich archaeological site with remains of three temples from the 5th and 6th centuries B.C. See the legendary Terrace of the Lions, dedicated to Apollo, where hand-carved marble statues guarded the island for nearly 2,600 years. After lunch on board the ship, explore the island of Mykonos, where according to ancient legend, its craggy hills and clefts were formed from the petrified bodies of giants defeated by Hercules. Get ready for a night out as we dock overnight at Mykonos with time to experience its legendary nightlife.
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day 8
Day at Sea
Indulge in one of the many luxury amenities offered on board on this blissful day at sea. Whether you choose a spa treatment or opt to unwind with your favorite book in the sunshine, this day is for recharging and reflecting on your adventures so far as we cruise the Aegean Sea. Enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Reception this evening.
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day 9
Athens/Disembark ship/Return to the U.S.
Disembark and continue on the Delphi Post-Program Option or transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Everything you need to know about the tour
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