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| KNOSSOS
PALACE & ARCHAELOGICAL MUSEUM Crete is the largest and the most rugged of the Greek islands. It is also the home of the great Minoan Civilization and the mythological home of Zeus. After a short drive through the town of Heraklion the tour will arrive at the Knossos excavations. Here, Sir Arthur Evan's archaeological discoveries revealed a civilization dating back to 4000 BC, when a great empire flourished on the island of Crete. Based on the wealth of artifacts that were found, Evans theorized that this was the site of the ancient Minoan Kingdom. These findings will be viewed in detail, as your guide will lead you on a journey of discovery to learn of the sophisticated culture that flourished thousands of years ago on this island.The tour will continue to the Museum of Heraklion which houses the treasures from the findings of Knossos and not only,since Crete had more city states like Phaestos, Zakros and others less known. |
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| A
TASTE OF CRETE Your tour begins from the Venetian lion-guarded port of Heraklion and having a scenic drive through the city to the famous wine producing of Peza, south of Heraklion. Driving through breathtaking landscape of countryside and vineyards as old as Minoan times on your way to your first stop, a modern winery, were you will see the updated procedures of wine making and sample some of the delicious Cretan wines. Your drive continues through rural villages to the village of Archanes, the municipality in the area. On the way a photo stop is made at Vathypetro to view one of the oldest farmhouses of Crete, dating to the Minoan period 16th century BC. Your tour continues through the island's hilly countryside where olive groves and vineyards existed from as far back as 4000 years. Arriving to the village of Archanes, which is situated 10km south of the Palace of Knossos, the quaint market town of Archanes has many restored sandstone houses dating from the Turkish period. At a local taverna in the villages' tree-shaded square, you can sample an assortment of Cretan snacks and locally produced wine along with mingling with many of the locals themselves. Free time to browse will be given before the return drive to the port of Heraklion and the ship. |
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| ISTANBUL
BY NIGHT Take part in the entertainment and night life at one of the finest nightclubs of the city. Depart by motor coach and take a short drive through the illuminated streets of Istanbul before you arrive at the Kervansaray Night Club, a well-known Istanbul establishment. Enjoy a variety of Turkish specialties while you are entertained by Turkish musicians, belly dancers and folk dancers, performing dances from different regions of Turkey. At the end of the show, join in, as familiar and favourite songs are sung. Re-board your motor coach and continue your sightseeing by night before taken back to your ship. |
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| HIGHLIGHTS
OF ISTANBUL/ LUNCH ON-BOARD Begin your excursion an orientation drive through the business centre of the modern city, across the Galata Bridge, along the banks of the Golden Horn and under the Byzantine Aqueduct of Valens. On the way, see the Süleymaniye Mosque, dedicated to Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. You will continue around the mighty city walls, which once protected Constantinople from the many invasions and attacks it incurred over the centuries. In the Old City, your first visit will be to the Byzantine Hippodrome, which was once one of the largest chariot race grounds of the Byzantine Empire. Visit the Sultanahmet Mosque, where large groups of pilgrims commenced their pilgrimage to Mecca. It is decorated with 21,000 blue Iznik tiles naming it the "Blue Mosque". Walk to the world famous monument of Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine Church of Divine Wisdom, where you can marvel at the superb mosaics and the marble decorations. Then, return to your ship for lunch on board. Afterwards, walk through the immense gardens to visit the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans. See the famous treasury section with "Spoonmaker' Diamond", the 7th biggest diamond in the world. Enter the kitchen buildings, today displaying the third richest collection in the world of Chinese and Japanese porcelain. |
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| HIGHLIGHTS
OF ISTANBUL WITH LUNCH Begin your excursion an orientation drive through the business centre of the modern city, across the Galata Bridge, along the banks of the Golden Horn and under the Byzantine Aqueduct of Valens. On the way, see the Süleymaniye Mosque, dedicated to Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. You will continue around the mighty city walls, which once protected Constantinople from the many invasions and attacks it incurred over the centuries. In the Old City, your first visit will be to the Byzantine Hippodrome, which was once one of the largest chariot race grounds of the Byzantine Empire. Visit the Sultanahmet Mosque, where large groups of pilgrims commenced their pilgrimage to Mecca. It is decorated with 21,000 blue Iznik tiles naming it the "Blue Mosque". Walk to the world famous monument of Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine Church of Divine Wisdom, where you can marvel at the superb mosaics and the marble decorations. Afterwards, walk through the immense gardens to experience typical Turkish cuisine in Konyali Restaurant. After the lunch, your tour will continue with the visit of the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans. See the famous treasury section with "Spoonmaker's Diamond", the 7th biggest diamond in the world. Enter the kitchen buildings, today displaying the third richest collection in the world of Chinese and Japanese porcelain. |
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| SCENIC
BOSPHORUS CRUISE Commence your tour with a short orientation drive through the modern city of Istanbul, crossing the Galata Bridge en route to the Golden Horn. The impressive Suleymaniye Mosque, built by Turkish architect Sinan and dedicated to Sultan Suleyman The Magnificent, can be viewed en route. At the Golden Horn, take a short walk to the Cruise Boat Station where your private boat will be waiting for your enchanted trip on the Bosphorus. You will sail past Dolmabahce and Ciragan Palaces built on the European shore, glide under the Bosphorus Bridge and past Beylerbeyi Palace, Anatolian Fortress and Kanlica on the Asian shore. You will have the chance to take great photographs cruising between these two continents. |
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| SECRET
TREASURES OF ISTANBUL WITH LUNCH This tour is designed to give the guests an impression on the best and the most famous monuments in Istanbul remaining from Byzantine Empire era. Depart from the pier for an interesting tour of Istanbul with a city orientation drive through the business centre of the modern city, across the Galata Bridge, along the banks of the Golden Horn and under the Byzantine Aqueduct of Valens. On the way, see the Suleymaniye Mosque dedicated to Sultan Suleyman the magnificent, built by the famous Turkish Architect, Sinan. Arrive at Chora Museum. This 11th century church of St. Savior in Chora is the most important Byzantine monument in Istanbul after the St. Sophia museum. It displays a collection of fourteenth century frescoes, gold-inlaid mosaics and some of the World's finest Byzantine paintings. Afterwards drive along the ancient Byzantine city walls to arrive at the Byzantine Hippodrome where the chariot races and celebrations in honour of the emperors once took place during Byzantine Empire era. Visit the ancient church of St.Sergius and Bachus which belonged to the monastery of Hormisdas and was built as the result of a vow sworn by Justinian when he was on the point of being executed for conspiring against his predecessor. The church is very unique in shape as it is an irregular quadrilateral in which is inscribed an octagon formed by the pillars supporting the dome. The tour will continue with an Underground Cistern, consisting of a network of waterways built as far back as the third century BC, to protect the city against long sieges. Continue to Balat area, another historical area of Istanbul for lunch at Fener Kosku, an old historical Greek building. After the lunch, you can visit The Patriarchate which is located just 50 mts. away from your restaurant or you can relax walking along the Golden Horn. Then, drive to Rustem Pasha Mosque, located at Eminonu close to Spice Market. This Mosque was built by Sinan in 1550 for Rustem Pasha, a grand vizier who married one of the daughters of Suleyman the Magnificent. Inside and on the facade you see some beautiful Iznik faience. The mihrab completely covered with faience tiles and the mimbar are particularly striking. |
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| EPHESUS
& THE HOUSE OF VIRGIN MARY Drive through the colourful town of Kusadasi to reach Mt. Koressos. Situated in a small valley, it is here where you will visit the humble chapel which lies on the site of the little house where The Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days. Despite the many controversies, the Christian World still favours this belief and the site has been officially sanctioned by the Vatican for pilgrimage. Continue on to Ancient Ephesus and accompanied by your guide, walk through the Magnesian Gate which is the entrance to the ancient city of Ephesus. Your guided walking tour will take you through one of the most magnificent excavations in the world. See the Odeon (concert hall), the Fountain of Trajan, the steam-heated Baths of Scolastika, the Temple of Hadrian and the Latrians, the Library of Celsus and The Great Theatre, where St. Paul preached, which is the largest theatre in antiquity having a capacity of 24,000 people. Walk back to your motor coach along the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession. While driving back to Kusadasi and just outside Ephesus, view the Basilica of St. John, which was erected over his grave in the 6th Century AD by the Emperor Justinian. Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time in Kusadasi. |
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| ANCIENT
EPHESUS Through the colourful town of Kusadasi, drive along the coast to reach Ephesus, famous in antiquity for its Temple of Diana - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - and later the home of St. John. During the years of the Roman Empire, the Greek port of Ephesus became the greatest city in Asia Minor. Upon arrival at Ephesus follow your guide to enter this ancient site through the Magnesian Gate. Discover innumerable monuments including the Forum, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the Thermal Baths of Scolastika and the Great Theatre built in the Greek era and reconstructed in the Roman period, which is still noted for its remarkable acoustics. View the symbols all around and marvel at the fact that one is still able to read the inscriptions in the ancient Greek language. Walk back to your motor coach along the Arcadian Way, where once Mark Anthony and Cleopatra rode in procession. As you drive back to Kusadasi, on a hill above Selcuk, just outside Ephesus, view the Basilica of St. John, which was erected over his grave in the 6th Century AD by the Emperor Justinian. Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time for shopping in Kusadasi. |
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| DELOS
APOLLO SANCTUARY Delos, once a Sacred Island, is the legendary birthplace of the Sun God Apollo and his twin sister Artemis. For 500 years, tiny Delos was the religious & commercial hub of the entire Aegean, today, the only remaining inhabitants are its treasured ruins and their caretakers. Depart from the port of Mykonos by boat, cruising along the western coast of Mykonos, through Diles & Rhenia Islands to the ancient harbour of Delos where you will begin your guided walking tour. You will first see Agora and beyond it, the Sacred Way, which leads you to the Temple of Apollo. Next, view the remains of a Hellenistic Quarter with its harbour, water house, luxurious villas, such as the House of Cleopatra, the House of the Dolphins, the house of the Masks and the House of Dionysos, as well as remains of other notable quarters. Note the architecture and mosaic floors, which have survived over 2500 years. Continue on and marvel at the spectacular Avenue of the Lions, where five Naxian marble beasts from the 7th Century BC crouch, vigilant guardians of the sacred lake, standing dry today. You'll then re-board your boat for the return journey to Mykonos Town. Here you'll have the chance to walk along the cobblestone streets of this famous island with the numerous shops, cafes and restaurants before you take the available shuttle service for your return to the port to re-join your ship. |
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| MYKONOS
BY NIGHT WITH DINNER & SHOW Mykonos is world famous. It is the most cosmopolitan of all Greek islands and attracts many visitors from all over the globe, including large numbers of artists and intellectuals. Your coaches will take you to Hora the island's capital where you'll enjoy a walking tour in the narrow cobbled streets of the town, passing by chic boutiques, elegant nightclubs and white-washed houses till reaching Alefkandra. Alefkandra is a charming corner of Hora, known also as the Venice of Mykonos. The houses are built on the sea, with wooden balconies that evoke Venice. These were built from the mid 18th century onward and were homes of wealthy merchants and captains. At one of the famous restaurants of Alefkandra you'll enjoy the sunset on Mykonos island while drinking your refreshment accompanied by Greek meze. You'll return then to Mykonos Town (Hora) from where you'll take the ship's shuttle service back to the port to meet your ship. |
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| ST.
JOHN'S MONASTERY & GROTTO Depart the port of Scala and enjoy a short journey to the village of Chora, where the monastery of St. John is built within the walls of a strong fortification. As you walk uphill towards the entrance of the monastery marvel at this magnificent structure, which was build 900 years ago, exceptional in its architecture. View the courtyard, the monk's dining room and the old bakery before you visit the main church noting its outstanding frescoes and interior decoration. Next, see the priceless ecclesiastical treasures housed in the beautiful but small museum: books and manuscripts, mosaics, Icons, splendid medieval textiles and vestments as well as jewelry. Return to your motorcoach to continue on to the nearby Grotto of the Apocalypse, where above stands the Monastery of the Apocalypse, a sub-unit of the main monastery. Walk down the steps to visit the Grotto of the Apocalypse. Here you will see the silver niches in the wall that mark the pillow and ledge used as a desk by the author of the Book of the Revelation as well as the three-fold crack made by the voice of God emphasizing the honor of the Holy Trinity. Afterwards, drive back to the port of Scala and enjoy some free time in this quaint and picturesque harbor. |
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| SCENIC
ISLAND TOUR An interesting scenic island tour has been designed for those guests who prefer to discover the beauties of Patmos within the comfort of your air-conditioned motorcoach. Commending your tour from the port of Scala you will drive to the dominating central part of the island â01CChoraâ01D which is the location of the Majestic Byzantine Monastery of the St. John the Divine, built in 1088. Your sightseeing will first bring you to the Grotto of the Apocalypse, then to the windmills of Chora, once upon a time the landmark of all Aegean islands. Enjoy the view, take photos and continue your drive to visit the new active convent of Evangelismos (Annunciation) in the south part of island, which has a significant number of nuns who follow the traditions. Afterwards, continue your drive around the island to see its landscape of outstanding nature beauty comprised of rocky hills, dozens of tongues of land reaching out into the sea, tranquil beaches and many picturesque inlets. Before you arrive at the port, we will halt for 10 minutes at the square of Kambos located in the north part of island. Ending your tour in the port of Scala you may enjoy some free time in this quaint and picturesque little harbor. |
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| RHODES
& LINDOS COMBINED Drive along the picturesque south-eastern coastline, scattered with white-washed villages, to Lindos, one of the most important of the three great cities of ancient times. See how this entire city is guarded by medieval walls which were constructed by the knights of St. John in the 13th century. Within stands the ancient Acropolis of Lindos, on the brink of a precipice 400 feet above the sea. From the Acropolis, marvel at the breathtaking views covering the great expanse of the Aegean Sea and St. Paulâ019s bay, where the apostle cast anchor during his historic voyage to Ephesus. Proceed on foot uphill, to the great staircase leading from the Hellenistic Portico to the Acropolis and Temple of Athena. Should you wish to make your way up by mule, a fee must be paid to the local muleteer. After your guided tour of the Acropolis, enjoy some free time on your own in Lindos village before meeting up with your motorcoach. Return to Rhodes city to enjoy a panoramic drive through the new part of the city before continuing to Mount Smith where you will view the ruins of ancient Rhodes, the Temple of Apollo and Diagoras Stadium. Afterwards your motorcoach will drop you off at Porte d'Amboise were you will commence your walking tour through the medieval city of Rhodes. Follow your guide through the northern part where once lived the knights and their attendants. View the Palace of the Knights and continue your walk down Chevaliers Road in order to meet up with your motorcoach at the marine gate and return back to the ship. |
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| OLD
CITY & PHILERIMOS Drive along the medieval walls to the summit of Mount Smith, the Acropolis of ancient Rhodes. From the tumbled massive pillars of the Temple of Athena, the view encompasses the nearby Temple of Apollo, the stadium of Diagoras and the port, once protected by the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The drive continues across the island to Philerimos. The summit of Philerimos was the site of Ialysos, one of the three ancient cities of Rhodes. Later remains include the restored Byzantine church of our Lady of Philerimos, a chapel with 15th century frescoes, and the ruined Castle of the Knights. After the visit and some free time, you return to Rhodes and begin a guided walk of the old walled city to the Porte D`Amboise. It will be a pleasure to stroll the street of the Knights with its medieval buildings, winding alleys, towers, turrets and emblazoned facades. You will then visit the impressive Grand Masterâ019s Palace and have the chance to see among others the superb mosaics. Following your pleasant walk, you will pass through the marine gate to meet up with your motorcoach and return to the ship. |
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| LINDOS
WITH LUNCH BY THE BEACH Enjoy a relaxing drive along the southeastern coastline as you make your way to Lindos. On arrival, follow your guide and proceed on foot uphill to explore the Acropolis of Lindos, which overlooks the Aegean Sea and St. Paul's bay. Marvel at the breathtaking views. Afterwards, time will be given to discover this lovely town at your own pace before meeting up again with your guide at the stated time and place. Continue to Hotel Blue Sea, a modern luxury hotel, where you will be able to swim either in the crystal clear waters at the beach in front of the hotel or in the swimming pool, and have a buffet lunch with a variety of traditional Greek dishes. At your disposal are the hotel's changing facilities and sun beds. Return to Rhodes and drive alongside the walls of the medieval city stopping at Port d'Amboise where you will commence your stroll through the old town. Walk down Chevaliers Road and view the Palace of the Knights and the medieval houses of the knights. Continue on the pass by the hospital of the Knights of St. John, before meeting up with your motorcoach at the marine gate to return back to the ship. |
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| THIRA
& OIA VILLAGE Driving along the road youll have the unique opportunity to admire the panoramic view of the Aegean sea with the neighbouring islands. A unique sight is also the various layers of lava that one can see on the face of the rock, each layer being another phase of the activity of the volcano. Built on the Caldera rim, Oia Village is an excellent example of Cycladic architecture Accompanied by your guide explore the village walking along the cobble-stone streets and the white washed houses with blue shutters where one gets the impression that they are living in a beautiful travel poster. The tour will then proceed to the town of Thera, an attractive town perched on the Caldera rim. Here, you will have time to stroll along the lanes of the little town or relax over a coffee as you gaze down upon Kamenes, the two black volcanic islets in the Caldera bay. A short cable car ride will take you down to the pier to rejoin your vessel. |
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| SANTORINI
SAILING & VOLCANO Enjoy a cruise around the active crater of Nea Kameni islet. Sail along the peculiar formations of its volcanic shores, where black lava rocks and white pumice are combined beautifully with the red color of lava. Take a walk to the top of the volcanic island where sulphur is spewed into the air by one of the craters. Enjoy this surreal landscape as your guide narrates the creation and history of the volcano and the last eruption leading to the destruction of the island of Santorini. The tidal wave created by the eruption was of such an immense magnitude, it destroyed the thriving city of Knossos on the island of Crete. As your caique enters the narrows of the two lava islets, Palea and Nea Kameni, note the changing colors of the water from dark blue to sulphur green. In the background, admire the breathtaking sight of Fira Town with its white washed houses clinging precariously on the rim of the Caldera. Take time to swim in the warm waters heated by Hot Springs on the sea floor. Sail to Athinios port, where your motorcoach will take you to Fira Town, the island's capital where the tour ends and you will have free time to walk around on your own or shop. |
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Paxi, Sifnos, Sikinos, Simi, Skiathos, Skopelos, Skyros, Syros, Tilos,
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Ikaria, Ithaka, Ios, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kassos, Kos, Kythira, Kimolos,
Kea, Kythnos, Alonyssos, Parthenon, Acropolis.