Cruise Holidays

A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step. – LAO TZU

28 MAY – 23 JUNE • 27 DAYS

NEW ZEALAND – SINGAPORE one night Singapore

Day 1: Departing New Zealand today on Singapore Airlines, our first port o’ call on this great adventure is Singapore, where we’ll stay for one night before continuing to our grand destination Istanbul!

Day 2: SINGAPORE – ISTANBUL

ISTANBUL three nights Istanbul

Day 3: Early this morning we arrive in Istanbul. We’ll enjoy a brief orientation tour of the European side of the city with our guide pointing out some of the more significant places of interest, many of which we’ll be returning to over the next few days to experience in depth. Around midday we’ll make our way to our hotel where the remainder of the day is yours to relax and get settled in. Our hotel is perfectly positioned close to many sights within easy walking distance, and the rooftop offers one of the best views in Istanbul over the Blue Mosque and to the Bosphorus beyond.

Day 4–5: Over the next two days we’ll show you some of the greatest highlights of this wonderful city, including the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, Cistern Basilica, Egyptian Spice Market, Grand Bazaar and more. We’ll also have the pleasure of an afternoon cruise on the Bosphorus after an included lunch at a local restaurant.

ISTANBUL – CANAKKALE one night Canakkale

Day 6: A fairly early start this morning as we have some ground to cover heading towards Gallipoli. Arriving around midday we begin our tour at ANZAC Cove before continuing up the hill to Lone Pine Cemetery and of particular importance to New Zealanders, Chunuk Bair, where many of our soldiers from that ill fated campaign are remembered. The area itself is 18kms long and 5 kms wide. We then cross the Dardanelle straight by ferry and will reach our hotel by late afternoon.

CANAKKAKE – IZMIR (VIA TROY) one night Izmir

Day 7: A short trip to start the day today as we head firstly to Troy. Despite popular belief there is more to Troy than just the Trojan Horse. Learn about the multitude of cities built one upon the other. Next stop is Pergamon, travelling via good roads through farm lands and fig plantations where, time permitting, we will stop and give you the opportunity to purchase some of the wonderful produce. Pergamon is located on fertile plains, punctuated by steep hills and the seemingly inaccessible fortress better known as the Acropolis. Rich in archaeological sites and steeped in history there is much to see. From here it is a fairly quiet ride to our overnight stay at Izmir.

IZMIR – EPHESUS – PAMUKKALE two nights Pamukkale

Day 8: Today we visit two stunning sights. Travelling predominantly across fertile farmland we skirt the ancient city of Ephesus and make our first stop at the House of the Virgin Mary. It is believed St John brought Mary to Ephesus after the crucifixion where she spent her remaining years. We continue on to the archaeological sight of Ephesus itself entering the city via the ancient Agora. We walk the famous Marble Road, see the Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, Herakles Gate and the imposing Stadium. We’ll stop for lunch in a quaint country restaurant before embarking on our next highlight of the day Aphrodisias, home to a magnificent theatre, the Temple of Aphrodite and one of the best preserved examples of an early stadium you’ll find. We continue on to Pamukkale arriving late afternoon. Time to enjoy a massage or relax and take in the wonderful facilities on offer at our thermal spa resort before dinner.

Day 9: This morning we visit the ancient Hierapolis to see the famous travertine terraces and pools. After bathing our feet in the soothing thermal springs there is ample time to visit the Agora and the Martyrium of St Philip one of the twelve apostles who was killed here in 87A.D. For those interested in old bones and ornate crypts this afternoon you’ll be fascinated by the elaborate Necropolis (cemetery).

PAMUKKALE – ANTALYA two nights Antalya

Day 10: As we cross the Taurus Mountains and pass pine forests today, we make our way to the sea and one of Turkey’s most archaeologically significant cities, Antalya. Excavations near this area uncovered artefacts dating back as far as 1900 BC. It was also from Antalya that the Knights of St John set sail to Palestine during the Crusades.
Day 11: A day at leisure today. Explore more of Antalya by foot, lay by the pool for a while or perhaps make your way down to the beautiful blue sea for a refreshing swim. Our hotel is perfectly positioned to make the most of this tremendous coastal location.

ANTALYA – KONYA one night Konya

Day 12: We climb the Taurus Mountains again today and view some of the prettiest scenery in Turkey.
Our destination is Konya, origin of the “Whirling Dervishes” of Mevlana.

KONYA – CAPPADOCIA two nights Cappadocia

Day 13: Today we travel across the Anatolian Plain heading towards Cappadocia, along the way stopping at one of the many Caravanserai on this road. The Caravanserai marks the route the camel caravans took on the ancient Silk Road. We’ll also see how silk is transformed from the raw material into carpets! We arrive in Cappadocia by midday. This is a region that words just cannot do justice to. Dotted with fairy chimneys, underground dwellings and monasteries carved out of hillsides. Entire cities exist underground, some as deep as 12 floors down!

Day 14: For those who have elected to, we start the day early with an incredible flight over the sparse plains and fairy chimneys of the Urgup/Goreme region in our Hot Air Balloon. Following champagne to celebrate and a good breakfast we then have time to wander through the marvellous dwellings of the Goreme Open Air Museum, complete with well preserved fresco’s and evidence of early civilization in true ‘Tuff’ construction

CAPPADOCIA – ISTANBUL – ATHENS two nights Athens

Day 15: This morning we make our way to Kayseri to join our flight to Istanbul and then on to Athens, where we arrive late afternoon. After dinner we’ll take a leisurely walk from our hotel for those who have the inclination and energy, before retiring in preparation for an exciting day tomorrow.

ATHENS

Day 16: Today we’ll see some of the highlights of this famous Olympic city including the original Olympic Stadium, the Acropolis and temple of Nike plus many points of interest along the way. This evening to really immerse ourselves in the Greek way of living we’re going out to dinner where we’ll be entertained by local singers and musicians and enjoy a wonderful traditional Greek meal accompanied by fine wines. You may even like to try a drop of genuine ouzo.

Day 17: Today is yours at leisure to explore on foot. Walk, shop, sit back with an espresso in the Plaka the choice is yours. We recommend you visit the fantastic Acropolis Museum located at the foot of the Acropolis and only a 5 minute walk from our hotel. Later this afternoon we’ll join our cruise ship the Celebrity Equinox at the port of Piraeus to begin our fabulous 7 night cruise.

CELEBRITY EQUINOX 7 NIGHT CRUISE

Days 17–24: There’s only one way to experience a number of beautiful Islands in the azure waters of the Aegean, in absolute comfort, unpacking only once with every imaginable amenity at your fingertips, and that’s by cruising. This year we’ve chosen the Celebrity Equinox with a choice of rooming options from an ocean view through to a verandah stateroom or suite. Boasting over sixteen different bars and dining options, a European inspired shopping gallery, a spa and fitness centre and a vast array of entertainment from morning till night there’s sure to be something to please every taste and desire. Now you can enjoy craft beers and comfort food in the new Gastrobar, or fresh, frozen cocktails on the pool deck at Slush, and when you’ve finished walking around on hard ground for the day come back to the ship and feel grass beneath your feet at the Lawn Club as we sail out to sea.

ISTANBUL – SINGAPORE one night Singapore

Day 25: Upon arrival in Singapore early this morning we will be transferred to our hotel, where (subject to availability) we’ll be able to check in ahead of normal time to take advantage of almost two full days here. There are an immense number of things to see and do, not to mention some excellent shopping, plenty of interesting galleries and museums, or if you prefer to just relax our hotel is one of the best equipped in which to do so.

SINGAPORE – CHRISTCHURCH

Day 26: Time for some last minute shopping, sightseeing or relaxing beside the pool. Late afternoon we’ll be transferred to the airport for our flight to Christchurch

Day 27: We arrive in Christchurch this morning, full of memories of time spent with new found friends, experiences beyond expectation and a greater appreciation for this wonderful part of the world.