
Istanbul Istanbul by Night - 3.5hrs £62 - child £32 Code: IST-01
Depart by coach and, after a short drive through the illuminated streets of Istanbul, you will arrive at one of the city’s best-known nightclubs. Enjoy a variety of Turkish specialties while you are entertained by Turkish musicians, belly dancers and folk dancers. At the end of the show, join in the singing of popular songs. Board your coach and continue your sightseeing by night before returning to the ship.
Istanbul Highlights of Istanbul/Lunch on board - 8.5hrs £71 - child £37 Code: IST-02
Begin the excursion with a sightseeing 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 can see the Süleymaniye Mosque, dedicated to Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. In the Old City, you will visit the Byzantine Hippodrome, once one of the largest chariot-race arenas in the Byzantine Empire. Visit the Sultanahmet Mosque, decorated with 21,000 blue Iznik tiles from where it gets its name, the ‘Blue Mosque’. Walk to the world famous Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine Church of Divine Wisdom, to see the superb mosaics and marble decorations. Return to the ship for lunch on board. After lunch continue the tour with a visit to the Topkapi Palace, the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans and home to the 7th biggest diamond in the world. Visit the kitchen buildings, with a magnificent collection of Chinese and Japanese porcelain. During the tour you will also have the opportunity to see an exhibition of oriental carpets and jewellery.
Istanbul Highlights of Istanbul with Lunch - 9hrs £80 - child £41 Code: IST-03
This excursion has the same itinerary as the one above but includes lunch in the Konyali Restaurant, where you’ll enjoy typical Turkish cuisine. Please note: The restaurant venue may be substituted with another one of the same standard.
Istanbul Scenic Bosphorus Cruise - 4.5hrs £42 - child £20 Code: IST-04
Start the tour with a short drive through the modern city of Istanbul, crossing the Galata Bridge en route to the Golden Horn, passing the Süleymaniye Mosque. At the Golden Horn, take a short walk to the cruise boat station to join your private boat for the exciting trip on the Bosphorus. You will sail past Dolmabahce and Ciragan Palaces 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 amazing photographs sailing between these two continents.
Istanbul Secret Treasure of Istanbul with Lunch - 8.5hrs £43 - child £21 Code: IST-05
This tour is designed to show you the most famous monuments in Istanbul. Depart from the pier, 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, passing the Süleymaniye Mosque. Arrive at Chora Museum in the 11th century church of St. Saviour to see a collection of 14th century frescoes, gold-inlaid mosaics and some of the world’s finest Byzantine paintings.Continue with a drive along the ancient city walls to the Byzantine Hippodrome where the chariot races once took place. Visit the ancient church of St Sergius and Bachus en-route to the Underground Cistern - a network of waterways built as far back as the 3rd century BC to protect the city against long sieges. Continue to the Balat area for lunch at a typical Turkish restaurant. After lunch, visit The Patriarchate or just relax strolling along the Golden Horn. Drive to Rustem Pasha Mosque, built by Sinan in 1550 for the grand vizier Rustem Pasha.
Mykonos Delos Apollo Sanctuary - 3.5hrs £40 - child £20 Code: MYK-03
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 the keepers of its treasured ruins. Depart from the port of Mykonos by boat and sail along the western coast of the island to the ancient harbour of Delos to begin the guided walking tour. First you see Agora and, beyond it, the Sacred Way, which leads to the Temple of Apollo. Next, is the remains of a Hellenistic Quarter with its luxurious villas with mosaic floors which have survived over 2,500 years. Continue and admire the spectacular Avenue of the Lions before reboarding the boat for the return journey to Mykonos Town. Here you will have the chance to walk along the cobblestone streets of this famous island with its numerous shops, cafés and restaurants before you return to the port to re-join the ship. Please note: The cruise from Mykonos to Delos is approximately 45 minutes. The rest of the excursion is not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties.
Mykonos Mykonos by Night with dinner & show - 3.5hrs £57 - child £44 Code: MYK-02
Internationally famous for its hot, endless summer days and sultry sleepless party nights where crowds dressed in the latest fashion or wearing as little as possible for comfort, gyrate in rhythm to the sounds of music spreading like a wave across the white washed narrow streets of town. Experience an unforgettable evening ashore with dinner in a local Greek tavern, full of colour and ambience. Enjoy authentic native dishes and wine. For your entertainment, a folklore presentation will take place during dinner. Join the revelry and partake in the dancing or simply clap your hands in rhythm to the music.
Patmos St John’s Monastery & Grotto - 2hrs £41 - child £25 Code: PAT-01
Depart from the port of Scala and drive to Chora to see the monastery of St John, built900 years ago. View the courtyard, the monks’ dining room and the old bakery before the main church with its outstanding frescoes and interior decoration. We continue to the nearby Grotto and Monastery of the Apocalypse, where you will see the crack in the rock made by the voice of God honouring the Holy Trinity. Return the port of Scala and enjoy some free time in this quaint and picturesque town. Please note: Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties.
Patmos Scenic Island Tour - 2.5hrs £28 - child £19 Code: PAT-02
Designed for those passengers who prefer to discover the beauties of Patmos from the comfort of an air-conditioned coach. Depart the port of Scala and drive to the central part of the island to see the majestic Byzantine Monastery of St John the Divine, built in 1088. You will also see the Grotto of the Apocalypse and the windmills of Chora - a famous Aegean landmark. Afterwards, continue around the island to see its landscape of outstanding natural beauty comprising of rocky hills, tranquil beaches and many picturesque inlets. The tour ends at the port of Scala to enjoy free time in the quaint and picturesque little town. A refreshment or a coffee will be offered at Arion café, the oldest and most beautiful café in the town.
Kusadasi Ancient Ephesus - 3hrs £47 - child £32 Code: KUS-02
Drive through the colourful town of Kusadasi and 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 Roman Empire, Ephesus became the greatest city in Asia Minor. On arrival at Ephesus, you will have a guided tour of the 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. Walk back to your coach along the Arcadian Way, where once Mark Anthony and Cleopatra rode in procession. On the drive back to Kusadasi, you will see the Basilica of St. John, which was erected over his grave in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time in Kusadasi or get a cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibition of oriental carpets and jewellery. Please note: Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties.
Kusadasi Ephesus & the house of the Virgin Mary - 3.5hrs £50 - child £34 Code: KUS-01
Drive to Mt Koressos, where a humble chapel marks the site of the house where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days. Continue on to Ancient Ephesus for a guided walking tour of the ancient city (rest of tour as above). Please note: Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties.
Rhodes Rhodes & Lindos Combined - 5hrs £43 - child £22 Code: RHO-01
Drive along the picturesque south-eastern coastline, dotted with white-washed villages, to Lindos, one of the most important cities of ancient times, guarded by medieval walls constructed by the knights of St John in the 13th century. Within them 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 of St Paul’s bay where the apostle cast anchor during his historic voyage to Ephesus. After a guided tour of the Acropolis, enjoy some free time in Lindos village before joining the coach for the return to Rhodes city. Enjoy a panoramic drive through the new part of the city before continuing to Mount Smith to see the ruins of ancient Rhodes, the Temple of Apollo and Diagoras Stadium. Afterwards you will have a guided walking tour of the medieval city of Rhodes. Please note: The journey from Rhodes to Lindos is approximately 50 minutes.
Rhodes Old City & Philerimos - 4hrs £39 - child £24 Code: RHO-02
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 to see 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, return to Rhodes and begin a guided walking tour of the old walled city to the Porte d’Amboise. The pleasant walk passes through the Marine Gate before you return to the ship.
Rhodes Lindos with lunch by the beach - 8hrs £62 - child £33 Code: RHO-03
Drive alongside the walls of the Medieval city stopping at Porte D’Amboise where you start your stroll through the old town, passing hospital of the Knights of St John before meeting up with your coach at the Marine Gate for the drive along the south eastern coastline to Lindos. On arrival, you will be able to explore the Acropolis of Lindos overlooking the Aegean Sea and St Paul’s Bay. Afterwards there is free time to discover this lovely town at your own pace before joining your guide to continue to the Louis Colossos Hotel, a modern luxury hotel where you will be able to swim either in the crystal clear waters of the sea in front of the hotel or in the swimming pool. A buffet lunch with a variety of traditional Greek dishes will be served in the hotel. You can use the hotel’s changing facilities and sunbeds. The return to the ship will include a short visit to a ceramic factory. Please note: he journey from Rhodes to Lindos is approximately 50 minutes. Clients will have to bring their own beach towel.
Agios Nikolaos Knossos Palace & Agios Nikolaos City - 4hrs £46 - child £32 Code: AGH-02
Crete - the largest and the most rugged of the Greek islands - is home of the great Minoan Civilisation and the mythological home of Zeus. Driving along the North coast we get to Heraklion, then the Knossos excavations. Here, Sir Arthur Evan’s archaeological discoveries revealed a civilisation dating back to 4000 BC, when a great empire flourished on the island of Crete. The Palace, decorated with frescoes and shields, houses the Hall of the Royal Guard, the Hall of the Double Axes, the King's Chamber with the alabaster throne, the Queen's Apartment, beautiful courtyards and shrines. The tour will continue to Agios Nikolaos where, in a small lake known as ‘Voulismeni’ legend has it that the goddess Athena used to take her bath. The picturesque site has many open-air cafés and restaurants and you'll have free time to explore at leisure before returning to the ship. Please note: The journey from St Nicholas to Heraklion is approximately 1 hour. Walking in the archaeological site of Knossos will be on uneven gravel surfaces. Passengers may not be allowed to enter the site with big bags/rucksacks.
Agios Nikolaos A Taste of Crete - 4hrs £43 - child £22 Code: AGH-02
Leaving St Nikolas, capital of Eastern Crete, your coach will drive you to a local olive oil farm to see the traditional production of olive oil, wine & raki. You will continue to the town of Elounda, renowned for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and located in a sweeping natural bay. The combination of the landscape and the sea is something you will never forget! On arrival you will be welcomed with a raki, the traditional drink of Crete, and ‘meze’ at a local hotel where you will also have the chance to enjoy traditional Cretan music and dance performed by local entertainers. You will then have free time to relax on a beautiful beach with crystal clear blue waters. Return to the ship.
Agios Nikolaos Spinalonga - 3.5hrs £42 - child £21 Code: AGH-03
Leaving St. Nicholas, you will enjoy wonderful views of both Mirabelo and Elounda Bay. At the north-west entrance of the bay lies the island of Spinalonga, with its well preserved Venetian Fortress, which until 1957 was a leper colony. After visiting Spinalonga you will continue to St Nicholas and the lake where, according to mythology, the goddess Athena used to bathe. You'll have free time to explore at leisure before returning to the ship.
Santorini Thira & Oia Village - 3hrs £44 - child £28 Code: SAN-01
On this drive you will see a unique panoramic view of the Aegean Sea and the neighbouring islands, showing the layers of volcanic lava on the rock face. Built on the Caldera rim, Oia Village is an excellent example of Cycladic architecture with cobbled streets and white-washed houses with blue shutters - a picture straight from a travel poster. You will continue to the town of Fira, perched on the Caldera rim with free time to explore at leisure. A short cable-car ride will take you to rejoin the ship.
Santorini Sailing & Volcano - 3hrs £41 - child £22 Code: SAN-02
Enjoy a cruise around the active crater of Nea Kameni islet, where strange formations of volcanic red and black lava rocks are beautifully combined with white pumice. Take a walk to the top of the volcanic island where sulphur escapes into the air from one of the craters. Enjoy this surreal landscape as your guide narrates the creation and history of the volcano’s last eruption which destroyed the island of Santorini. 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.You will be able to swim in the warm waters heated by hot springs on the sea floor. Continue to the town of Fira where a short cable car ride will then take you down to the pier to rejoin the ship. Please note: It is recommended that you bring your swimsuit and a towel.