5 DAY / 4
NIGHT
JEWELS OF THE AEGEAN
2012 EXCURSION PROGRAM
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HERAKLION,
GREECE
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Knossos Palace
(HER – 02) Half day
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 B.C., when a
great empire flourished on the island of Crete. Based on the wealth of
artefacts 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 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. Having visited this remarkable site your coaches will take
you back to the Venetian lion-guarded port of Heraklion to rejoin your
ship.
REMARKS
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.
A Taste of Crete (HER – 04) Half day
The tour begins from the
Venetian lion-guarded port of Heraklion with a drive through the city to
the famous wine producing area of Peza, south of Heraklion. The drive is
through breathtaking landscape of countryside and vineyards as old as
Minoan times. The first stop is a modern winery, where you will see the
updated methods of wine making and sample some of the delicious Cretan
wines. The 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 in Crete, dating to
the Minoan period 16th
century B.C.. The tour
continues through the island’s hilly countryside where olive groves
and vineyards existed from as far back as 4,000 years. Arriving at the
village of Archanes, which is situated 10 km south of the Palace of
Knossos, you will visit the quaint market town of Archanes characterised
by many restored sandstone houses dating from the Turkish period. At a
taverna in the village’s tree-shaded square, you will sample an
assortment of Cretan snacks and locally produced wine, and have a chance
to mingle with many of the locals themselves while listening to typical
Greek live music. You will have free time to browse before the return
drive to the port of Heraklion and the ship.
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KUSADASI,
TURKEY
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Ephesus & the House of Virgin Mary
(KUS – 01) Half day
Drive through the colourful
town of Kusadasi to reach Mt. Koressos. Situated in a small valley, the
humble chapel 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 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, the largest
one in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats where St. Paul
preached. Walk back to the 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 A.D. by Emperor Justinian. Before returning to the ship, get a
cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibition of oriental carpets,
jewellery or leather goods.
REMARKS
Tour not
suitable for passengers with walking difficulties.
Ancient Ephesus
(KUS – 02) Half day
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 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 the 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 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 A.D. by Emperor Justinian. Before returning to the ship, get a
cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibition of oriental carpets,
jewellery or leather goods.
REMARKS
Tour not
suitable for passengers with walking difficulties.
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MYKONOS,
GREECE
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Mykonos Walking Tour
(MYK – 01) Half day
Mykonos is world famous. It
is the most cosmopolitan of the Greek Islands and attracts many visitors
from all over the globe, including large numbers of artists and
intellectuals. Your coach will take you to “Hora” the island’s
capital where you will enjoy a walking tour in the narrow cobbled
streets of the town, passing by chic boutiques, elegant nightclubs and
white–washed houses until 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
Louis Theoxenia Hotel, you will enjoy the atmosphere while drinking your
refreshment accompanied by Greek ‘meze’. You will return then to
Mykonos Town (Hora) from where you will take the ship’s shuttle
service back to the port to meet your ship.
REMARKS
During the low season the refreshment will take place in a local tavern.
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PATMOS, GREECE
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St. John’s Monastery & Grotto of the Apocalypse
(PAT – 01) Half day
Depart
from the port of Scala and enjoy a short drive 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 built 900 years ago.
View the courtyard, the monks’ dining room and the old bakery before
you visit the main church noted for its outstanding frescoes and
interior decoration. Next, visit the small museum where priceless
ecclesiastical treasures, books, manuscripts, mosaics, icons, splendid
medieval textiles, vestments and jewellery are housed. Return to your
motor coach and continue to the nearby Grotto of the Apocalypse and the
Monastery of the Apocalypse above it. Walk down the steps to the Grotto
of the Apocalypse. Here you will see the niches in the wall that mark
the pillow and ledge used as a desk by the author of the Book of the
Revelation and the crack in the rock made by the voice of God honouring
the Holy Trinity. Afterwards, drive back to the port of Scala and enjoy
some free time in this quaint and picturesque town.
REMARKS
Tour not
suitable for passengers with walking difficulties.
Scenic Island Tour
(PAT – 02) Half day
An
interesting scenic island tour has been designed for those passengers
who prefer to discover the beauties of Patmos from the comfort of an
air-conditioned motor coach. Start the tour from the port of Scala and
drive to the central part of the island “Chora” which is the
location of the Majestic Byzantine Monastery of St. John the Divine,
built in 1088. Your sightseeing will first bring you to the Grotto of
the Apocalypse, and then to the windmills of Chora, once upon a time the
landmark of all Aegean Islands, from where you will enjoy a beautiful
view and have the chance to take photos. Afterwards, continue around the
island to see its landscape of outstanding natural beauty comprising of
rocky hills, dozens of tongues of land reaching out into the sea,
tranquil beaches and many picturesque inlets. Before arriving at the
port, a stop of 10 minutes is made at the square at Kambos in the north
part of island. 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 of the
town.
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PIRAEUS,
GREECE
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Athens City Tour and Acropolis (PIR – 01) Half day
This tour is an introduction to the splendour of the Golden Age of Athens and the modern 21st Century city. The port of Piraeus itself is one of the finest examples of city planning in antiquity. On arrival in Athens you visit the Acropolis on which stands the Parthenon, the symbol of classical architecture. The entrance to the top of the hill is through the Propylea, the ‘gates’ through which the Panathinea processions used to enter. Built totally of white marble covers an area of 50 m across the whole western face of the Acropolis. Next to them is the temple of Athena Niki also known as the ‘Wingless Victory’. The Parthenon is the main temple, built in honour of Goddess Athena. Her statue decorated the centre of the temple and it was made of ivory and gold. Next to the Parthenon is the smaller Temple of Erechthion with lovely sculptured young maidens supporting the roof of the porch. From the top of the Acropolis you can admire the ancient theatre of Herodes Atticus with its remarkable acoustics. Performances are still held here each summer being the highlight of cultural events in the Eastern Mediterranean. 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.The entire stadium is built of pure white marble. Your drive continues by the Library – the Academy – 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, which is 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.
REMARKS
Physically challenged passengers may join the tour but will have to remain at the base of the Acropolis as the visit to the Acropolis involves approximately 80 steep steps. Passengers may not be allowed to enter the site with big bags/rucksacks.
Athens & the Picturesque Plaka (PIR – 03) Half day
Leaving the port of Piraeus, one of the finest examples of city planning in antiquity, the coach takes the coastal road leading to the city that hosted the 2004 Olympic Games. On arriving in Athens, you start the city sightseeing driving 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. The whole stadium is built of pure white marble. The drive continues by the Library – the Academy – 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, which is the business and cultural centre. Your Athens’ city sightseeing ends at a leading café at the foot of the Acropolis, from where you can view all 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 the free time in Plaka you will board your coach for the return journey to Piraeus port.
REMARKS
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.
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RHODES,
GREECE |
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Rhodes & Lindos Combined (RHO – 01) Half day
Drive along the picturesque south-eastern coastline, dotted 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 them stands the ancient Acropolis of Lindos, on the brink of a precipice 122 m above the sea. From the Acropolis, marvel at the breathtaking views covering the great expanse of the Aegean Sea and St. Paul’s 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 the guided tour of the Acropolis, enjoy some free time on your own in Lindos village before meeting up with your motor coach. Return to Rhodes city and 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 your motor coach will drop you off at Porte d’Amboise, the start of the 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, continue your walk down Chevaliers Road to the Marine Gate and return back to the ship. A short visit to a ceramic factory is included.
REMARKS
Please note that the journey from Rhodes to Lindos is approx. 50 minutes. Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties.
Old City & Philerimos (RHO – 02) Half day
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 sites 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, return to Rhodes and begin a guided walk of the old walled city to the Porte d’Amboise. It is a pleasure to stroll the street of the Knights with its medieval buildings, winding alleys, towers, turrets and emblazoned façades. You will then visit the impressive Grand Master’s Palace and have the chance to see the superb mosaics. The pleasant walk passes through the Marine Gate before you return to the ship.
Butterflies Valley & Walking Tour (RHO – 06) Half day
Depart from the pier and drive along the western side of the island of Rhodes, where lies the Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes), one of the most attractive destinations on the island.
During August, thousands of butterflies of the genus Panaxia overwhelm the valley in order to reproduce. During the rainy period, the Butterflies in the caterpillar stage remain in the Mediterranean thicket feeding on the foliage. As the end of the wet season approaches, towards the end of May, the final stage is concluded and the butterfly in all her perfection makes her appearance in the form recognizable to us all. They move constantly towards areas of highest humidity, always following the "water ways", as the dry period progresses, they finally arrive at the valley.
Driving back to Rhodes Town you will continue your tour on foot, following your guide through the narrow, cobblestone streets. The most imposing building of medieval Rhodes, the Palace of the Grand Masters dominates the end of the Street of the Knights. Built in the 14th Century, it astonishes you with its unique architecture and an unrivalled patina of time. Walking down the Street of the Knights and passing through numerous, colourful shops, you can admire the 15th Century Hospital of the Knights which now houses the Archaeological Museum.
At the end of the walking tour, you may choose to browse on your own a little longer and return to the ship on foot or join your coach to return directly to the ship. The ship is within sight and it takes approximately 10 minutes walking.
REMARKS
It is not allowed to disturb butterflies in any way (i.e. clapping hands, talking loud, etc). The tour does not include inside visit of the Grand Master Palace. The tour will be available only from July to mid September.
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SANTORINI,
GREECE |
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Excursion to Oia Village (SAN – 01) Half day
Driving along the road you will have the unique opportunity to admire the panoramic view of the Aegean Sea and the neighbouring islands. A unique sight is the various layers of lava that can be seen 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. 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 a beautiful travel poster.
Your coach will bring you back to the port of Athinios, where you will embark your tender boat.
REMARKS
It will be possible to remain in Fira and reach the port by cable car. Passengers will have to purchase the ticket at the cable car station.
Santorini Sailing & Volcano (SAN – 02) Half day
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 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, the colour of the water changes from dark blue to sulphur green. In the distance, 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. Your excursion will end in Fira where your guide will show you the way to the cable car and you will make your own way back to the ship.
REMARKS
The tour will be available from April to September and is subject to weather conditions. Please note the water at the hot springs is reddish brown in colour and may stain light coloured swimsuits
