Greece & Turkey, Hotel/Cruise/9 Nights, From $1,540

The Real Deal A round-trip seven-night cruise from Athens; breakfast and one other meal daily; house wine, beer, soft drinks, and juice with lunch or dinner; coffee, tea, and mineral water all day; and two pre- or post-cruise nights in Athens with a half-day sightseeing tour, from $1,540 per person—plus port charges of $230.

When June 19, 26, Aug. 21, 28, Sept. 4, 11, 18, Oct. 2, 2009.

The Fine Print The $750 discount is reflected in the starting rate. Airfare is not included. Port charges are an additional $230 per person. Based on double occupancy only. Take an additional 30 percent off for a third passenger in a category C cabin. Read these guidelines before you book any Real Deal.

Book By No deadline; based on availability.

Contact Variety Cruises, 800/319-7776, varietycruises.com.

Why It's a Deal A Kayak search for similar Aegean Sea cruises in late June came up with a lowest fare of $999 for a seven-night Greek Isles and Turkey sail (Royal Caribbean). For an additional $541, the Variety Cruises package covers a seven-night sail, plus two nights in Athens at a four-star hotel and a half-day sightseeing tour of the Greek capital. If price is your overriding concern, an alternative like Royal Caribbean is a better bet as you could likely book a two-night stay at the same Athens four-star hotel and a city tour for around $350 per person. But keep in mind that each cruise line has its own personality. With Variety, you get an intimate, yacht-like cruising experience with upscale amenities from a company that specializes in Greece and the Mediterranean. Also consider that this special presents a savings of $750 per person off the company's regular rates for this cruise.

Itinerary Set sail in Athens from Marina Zeas. The first stop is Mykonos, followed by Kusadasi, Turkey. Overnight in Samos, Greece, docked at the port. Visit Lipsos or Arki islets before arriving in Patmos. Next up is Santorini, where you'll take a cable car to Fira. Then sail to a beach and stop for a swim at an undisclosed destination (it's a surprise) before proceeding to Folegandros. Continue to Koundouros Bay, Kéa, for one last swim before returning to Athens. You'll enjoy a farewell dinner and spend the night aboard the ship before disembarking in the morning to explore Athens.

Lodging Either before or after the cruise, two nights in Athens at the Ledra Marriott overlooking the Acropolis. Seven nights aboard the 22-cabin yacht-like Harmony G in a category C cabin on the lower deck, has twin or a queen-size bed, two large portholes, and basic amenities. You can stay on the main deck for an additional $500 for seven nights in a category B cabin with two twin-size beds or from $800 for seven nights in a category A cabin, also with two twin beds. There's a bar, indoor and outdoor lounge areas, a sundeck, and a dining room with large windows located on the main deck.

More Optional excursions are available throughout the cruise itinerary. For example: a visit to Delos, in myths the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis ($75 per person) and an excursion to Ephesus archaeological site ($75 per person).

Before You Go For up-to-date information about the area, visit the official tourism website of Greece and Turkey. You'll need a visa to enter Turkey, which will cost an additional $20 and can be purchased at the port of entry.

MORE DEALS BY:

Destination: USA and Canada | Europe | Caribbean | Mexico and Central America | South America | Asia | Africa | Australia and New Zealand

Interest: Cruises | Romance | Resorts | Shopping | Food and Drink | Islands | Adventure | National Parks

Lifestyle: Family | Hip and Trendy

Price: $0-$500 | $501-$1,000 | $1,001-$2,000 | $2,001+

Have you booked a Real Deal? Tell us how it went at RealDeals@BudgetTravel.com.

>> All Real Deals

RELATED STORIES:

• Secret Hotels of the Greek Isles

• Trip Coach: Greek Island-Hopping and Mythology

• Ditch the Crowds: Southwest Crete

• Girlfriend Getaways: Ultimate Guide to Cruising