Ajaccio – Ajaccio & Tasting – Half day £tba Code: AJC-01 Leaving the port, you will drive through the centre of Ajaccio, arriving for a stop at the place d’Austerlitz-Casone to admire the imposing copy of Napoleon’s statue (Les Invalides/Paris) representing his victories and achievements. You will then continue along the coast to the northern tip of the Gulf of Ajaccio, stopping to admire the “bloody” islands with the beautiful, well-preserved 16th century Genoese tower. After driving back into Ajaccio, the walking tour starts with a visit to the Cathedral, then through the old Genoese town past Napoleon’s birth place “Casa Bonaparte” finishing in the Place Foch with the Napoleon and four lions fountain. From here it is just a short walk through the market Place back to the ship (300m). During the tour you will enjoy a typical Corsican “Spuntinu” tasting of Corsican specialities and a glass of wine. Note: The Cathedral may be closed to the visits at any time of the day. In this case, the guide will explain from outside.

Genoa – Genoa City Tour – Half day £tba Code: GOA-01 Depart from the pier by coach with the local guide and drive along the famous Via Gramsci to the centre of the town. From the coach you will see the famous Aquarium of Genoa, built in 1992, in front of Palazzo San Giorgio, once the seat of the Captain of People and the first bank in Italy. You will reach Columbus' House and here you will leave the coach for a stroll in the historic centre to visit St Lawrence Cathedral, the atrium of Ducal Palace and St Jesus Church where it will be possible to admire two paintings by Rubens. The Piazza de Ferrari, the heart of the town, is dominated by a wonderful bronze fountain and overlooked by the Carlo Felice Theatre. Afterwards you will proceed by coach up to the hill of Carignano for a panoramic view over the centre.

Genoa – Portofino – Half day £tba Tour: GOA-02 Depart with a local guide by coach to Rapallo (about 40 minutes drive), then along the Via Aurelia, the Roman "Golden Sun Road" towards Santa Margherita to board the boat to Portofino. The brief cruise (about 10 minutes) will provide great views of the Promontory of Mount Portofino, the bay of Portofino and the beautiful village, with its typical coloured houses overlooking the square and the tiny port. After visiting the Church of St George, where the relics of the Saint are preserved, you will have some free time to discover Portofino’s hidden alleyways quiet corners. The boat will then take you back to Santa Margherita where the coach will be awaiting to transfer you back to the ship. Note: This tour is subject to sea conditions - if the sea is rough it will not be possible to reach Portofino. There may be difficulties for the wheelchair-users to board the boat.

Istanbul – Highlights of Istanbul – Full day with lunch £tba Code: IST-03 We with 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, you will see the Süleymaniye Mosque, dedicated to Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. You will continue around the mighty city walls, which once protected Constantinople from many invasions over the centuries, to the Old City. Here, you will walk through the gardens of Topkapi Palace to experience typical Turkish cuisine in Konyali Restaurant. After lunch your tour will continue with a visit to 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 kitchens, displaying the world’s third richest collection in of Chinese and Japanese porcelain. Continue your visit 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 it’s on to the Byzantine Hippodrome, once one of the largest chariot arena in the Byzantine Empire. Visit the Sultanahmet Mosque, decorated with 21,000 blue Iznik tiles after which it is known as the “Blue Mosque”. Your excursion will end with a trip to the exotic Spice Market which is full of colours and aromas to tantalise your senses. Note: The restaurant venue may be substituted with another one of the same standard. Shoulders and knees must be covered while visiting the Mosque and shoes must be removed.

Istanbul – Bosphorus Cruise & Bazaars – Half day £tba Code: IST-02 Start 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 Süleymaniye Mosque, built by Turkish architect Sinan and dedicated to Sultan Süleyman The Magnificent, can be viewed on the way. At the Golden Horn, take a short walk to the Cruise Boat Station where your private boat will be waiting for your 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. There are great photographic opportunities as you cruise between these two continents. After the cruise, continue your tour with the visit to the Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar) which is one of the oldest bazaars in the city and is full of colours and aromas to tantalise your senses.

Istanbul – Flavours & Treasures of Istanbul – Half day £tba Code: IST-03 After 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, we continue around the mighty city walls, which once protected Constantinople from the invasions 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 arenas of the Byzantine Empire. Visit the Sultanahmet Mosque, decorated with 21,000 blue Iznik tiles after which it is known as 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. Your excursion will end with a trip to the exotic Spice market which is full of colours and aromas to tantalise your senses. Note: Shoulders and knees must be covered while visiting the Mosque and shoes must be removed.

Katakolon – Excursion to Olympia – Half day £tba Code: KAT-01 A 40-minute drive from Katakolon brings us to the ancient city of Olympia, dedicated to the father of the gods - Olympian Zeus - and birthplace of the Olympic Games. Enter the famous archaeological site of Olympia and marvel at the Temple of Hera, in front of which burns the Olympic Flame during modern-day Olympics. See the Temple of Zeus, where the Golden and Ivory statue of Zeus (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) was housed and the original Stadium and Bouleuterion, where once competitors swore an oath to obey the rules. Follow your guide and walk a short distance to the world-famous Archaeological Museum of Olympia where you can admire many priceless exhibits, including the marble statues of Zeus and Hermes, carved by the ancient Greek sculptor Praxiteles. Afterwards, enjoy a short stop at the town of Olympia where you will have free time before returning to the ship. Note: Passengers may not be allowed to enter the site with big bags/rucksacks.

Marseilles – Panoramic Tour of Marseilles – Half day £tba Code: MRS-01 The port of Marseilles has been pre-eminent for 2,600 years and its maritime adventure and rapid expansion in the 19th century are evoked in the Old Port. The large historic buildings representing many political and religious symbols which tell the story of the city can be seen on this excursion: Saint Victor Abbey, Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica, the cathedrals, Palais Longchamps and the famous Old Port with The Canebière. You can also see the exceptional site of the Corniche and the Frioul islands. Superb sea views can be seen everywhere in this maritime city.

Marseilles – Aix en Provence – Half day £tba Code: MRS-02 Aix is a town of water and culture, its history having been shaped by its spas and by the arts. Whether in the narrow streets of the old town, the pediments of mansions or in the surrounding countryside, the glorious past of Provence’s former capital has been well preserved. Aix en Provence is also the town of the tempestuous writer Mirabeau and famous painter Paul Cézanne. You could start by visiting University Square and St Sauveur Cathedral. A few yards away, there are 12th-century cloisters and, further on, the magnificent Town Hall and the Clock Tower with its splendid astronomical clock. You then continue to reach Cours Mirabeau, an elegant avenue lined with plane trees and café. Take time to stroll around the pedestrian streets, taste the famous Calissons and relax on the shaded café terraces. Note: The coach journey from Marseilles to Aix en Provence is around 40 minutes.

Messina – Taormina – Half day £tba Code: MES-01 Depart by coach with a local guide to Taormina - around 50 km away (journey time around 25 mins) - which is perched on a terrace overlooking the sea and has a delightful medieval character. On arrival you will leave the coach and start a walking tour, during which you will admire (outside) the 15th-century Gothic Corvaja Palace. Afterwards you will visit (inside) the impressive Greek Theatre, reconstructed in Roman style in the 2nd century AD. From the upper tiers spectacular views reveal majestic Mt Etna, Europe's largest and still active volcano. Before returning to the ship, you will have some free time to explore at leisure. Note: Taormina is completely pedestrianised.

Messina – Mount Etna – Half day £tba Code: MES-02 After leaving the pier by coach with a local guide, you will drive the scenic road to Mt Etna (journey time around 2 hours) - Europe’s largest active volcano. The slopes soar up to over 3,296m and are covered with scores of cones and craters. You will have the chance to admire breathtaking views but, of course, the major attraction is the crater and the remnants of the awe inspiring streams of lava. Later you will drive back to Messina and the ship. Note: The tour to Mount Etna is subject to weather conditions and the permission must be given by the local authorities.

Mykonos – Island Tour & Myconian aperitif – Half day £tba Code: MYK-09 The coach departs from Tourlos, for a drive to a vantage point overlooking the city where a panoramic view reveals the magic of Mykonos. On the way you will see the beautiful beaches of Ag Ioannis, Ornos and Kalafatis before arriving at the village of Ano Mera. In the heart of Mykonos, this is a traditional Greek village with its famous Monastery which will be visited during the tour. “Hora” is the island’s capital where you will enjoy a walking tour in the narrow cobbled streets of the town, passing chic boutiques, elegant nightclubs and whitewashed houses until reaching Alefkandra, known as the "Venice" of Mykonos. The houses are built on the sea, with wooden balconies that evoke Venice. At Louis Teoxenia Hotel, you will enjoy the atmosphere while drinking a refreshment accompanied by Greek “meze”. You will then board your coach to return to the ship, or have some free time in Mykonos centre before returning to the port using the ship’s shuttle service.

Piraeus – Athens City Tour and Acropolis – Half day £tba Code: PIR-01 This tour is an introduction to the splendour of the Golden Age of Athens and the modern 21st century city. On arrival in Athens you visit the Acropolis on which stands the Parthenon, the symbol of classical architecture. From the top of the Acropolis you can admire the ancient theatre of Herodes Atticus with its remarkable acoustics. Leaving the Acropolis, the tour takes you by the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by the “evzones” dressed in their traditional costume, the Parliament and the Panathinaikon Stadium where the first Olympics of modern times were held in 1896. Your drive continues by the Library, the Academy and the University, three buildings representing 19th century architecture blended with the classical influence. The tour then passes by Omonia Square, the commercial centre of the city and Syntagma Square, the business, and cultural centre. There will be time during the tour for you to browse and do a little shopping at the stores located at the base of the Acropolis. Note: The visit to the Acropolis involves walking up (and down) 80 steep steps. Passengers may not be allowed to enter the site with big bags/rucksacks.

Piraeus – Athens & the picturesque Plaka – Half day £tba Code: PIR-03 Leaving the port of Piraeus, the coach takes the coastal road leading to the city that hosted the 2004 Olympic Games. In Athens, the city sightseeing starts with a drive past the Temple of Zeus, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by the “evzones” dressed in their traditional costume, the Parliament and the Panathinaikon Stadium where the first Olympics of modern times were held in 1896. Your Athens’ city sightseeing ends at a leading café at the foot of the Acropolis, from where you can view the majestic monuments of the amazing Acropolis while enjoying your refreshment. The tour continues to the old part of the city - called Plaka - where you can explore its mainly pedestrian streets with picturesque houses, shops and numerous cafés. After free time in Plaka, you will board your coach for the return journey to Piraeus port. Note: The Acropolis will only be viewed from a distance. The Plaka area will be explored on foot. A refreshment or a coffee will be offered at a café located at the base of the Acropolis.

Santorini – Thira & Oia Village – Half day £tba Code: SAN-01 The drive from the harbour provides a superb panoramic view of the Aegean Sea and the neighbouring islands. Oia Village is an excellent example of Cycladic architecture. Accompanied by your guide, explore the village walking along the cobblestone streets and the whitewashed houses with blue shutters. The tour will then visit Fira, an attractive town perched on the Caldera rim. Here, you will have time to stroll along the lanes or relax over a coffee as you gaze down upon Kamenes, the two black volcanic islets in the Caldera Bay. A short cablecar ride will take you down to the pier to rejoin the ship.

Santorini – Santorini Sailing & Volcano – Half day £tba Code: SAN-02 Enjoy a cruise (on motorboat) around the active crater of Nea Kameni islet. Sail along the strange formations of its volcanic shores, where black lava rocks and white pumice are combined beautifully with the red colour 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 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, the colour of the water changes from dark blue to sulphur green. In the distance, admire the breathtaking sight of Fira town with its whitewashed 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. Continue your tour to the town of Fira. A short cablecar ride will then take you down to the pier to rejoin the ship. Note: The tour is subject to weather conditions. It is recommended to bring your swimsuit and a towel.