4 Day Shore Excursion Description

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. 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 asthe '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 19thCentury 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 bigbags/rucksacks.

Leaving the port of Piraeus, 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. 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 decades of planning and years of construction, the Acropolis Museum in Athens opened in an ultra-modern new building on June 20, 2009. Located at the foot of the Acropolis, the new museum displays statues, reliefs and artifacts from the Parthenon and other sites on the Acropolis. The Acropolis Museum narrates to the visitors some of its own special archaeological stories about the light and invites them to discover them amongst the Museum's collections. Stories that show the relationship between the ancients and natural light. Stories about the age-old myths with which humans endeavoured to interpret the perpetual succession of day and night. Stories about their faith in the power of sunlight to regulate human affairs. Stories about the transformation of this power into art.

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.

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. The House of the Virgin (Meryemana in Turkish), located in a nature park between Ehesus and Seljuk, is believed to be the last residence of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus. The peaceful site is sacred to both Christians and Muslims, and is visited by many tourists and pilgrims. Before returning to the ship, get a cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibition of oriental carpets, jewellery or leather goods.

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. 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.

Ephesus terrace houses are located on the hill, opposite the Hadrian Temple. Also called as "the houses of rich", important for the reason give us information about family life during the Roman period. They were built according to the Hippodamian plan of the city in which roads transected each other at right angels. There are six residential units on three terraces at the lower end of the slope of the Bulbul Mountain. The oldest building dates back into the 1C BC and continued in use as residence until the 7C AD. Ephesus and Terrace Houses are covered with protective roofing which resembles Roman houses. The mosaics on the floor and the frescos have been consolidated and two houses have been opened to the public as a museum. They had interior courtyards (peristyle) in the center, with the ceiling open. They were mostly two-storied, upper stores have collapsed during time. On the ground floor there were living and dining rooms opening to the hall, and upstairs there were bedrooms and guest rooms. The heating system of the terrace houses were the same as that in baths. Clay pipes beneath the floors and behind the walls carried hot air through the houses. The houses also had cold and hot water. The rooms had no window, only illuminated with light coming from the open hall, so that most of the rooms were dim. The excavations of the terrace houses started in 1960. The restoration of the two of the houses have been finished and can be visited today. Before returning to the ship, get a cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibition of oriental carpets, jewellery or leather goods

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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

After disembarking the vessel join your coach and drive to one of the most beautiful, picturesque and clean family beach of the island, called "Agriolivado" located at the northern part of the village of Skala.

There you can enjoy swimming in crystal clear waters and relax on the sandy beach for approximately two hours. Rejoin your motor coach which will bring you back to the port of Skala, where you can either return to the vessel or enjoy a casual stroll around the picturesque port town Skala.

Situated in the wild foothills of Mount Atavyros the atmospheric village of Emponas has been home to the Emery

winery since the 1920s and is also famous for its folk dancing and festivals. Although the village is popular for organized Greek nights, Emponas has maintained its traditional ways. On the north-western shore of Rhodes, close To the promontory of Agios Minas (the Ancient Mylantio) lies the third of The island's ancient cities - Kamiros. Kamiros was one of the three large Doric cities of the island, which united with Ialyssos and Lindos in the 5th century B.C. to create the powerful city - state of Rhodes. There we can visit the Doric Temple of Appollo, the Fountain House, the Agora, the Peribolos of the Altars which container dedications to various dieties. Although it was established by the Dorians, it seems like the first inhabitants of the area must have been Achaeans, as the ruins of an ancient Mycenaean necropolis close to the village of Kalovarda reveal. Kameiros was basically an agricultural society which produced oil, wine and figs. During the city's golden era of the 6th century, it was the first Rhodian city to cut its own coins. Kameiros has been often compared to Pompeii, something which is not correct since Kameiros did not fall into decline because of a natural disaster. Its decline, like the decline of Ialyssos, was the result of the gradual abandonment by its residents, who decided to move to the city of Rhodes, which as mentioned above, was established in 408 B.C.

In 1929 archaeologists localized the ruins of the ancient city, and the excavations which brought it back to life continued till the end of World War II. The motive to start the excavations was the accidental discovery of some ancient graves, as well as the name of the area, which was Kampeiros, and which had been reforested by the time. The findings which had been revealed by the excavations, which are very rich and important, have been taken to the British Museum and the Louvre. We hope that some day these archaeological treasures will be given back in order to be exposed to the public by the archaeological museum of Rhodes.

we will return back to the ship for Lunch and we shall continue heading at the Old Town. On arrival at the Old Town of Rhodes, you shall continue your tour on foot, following your guide through the narrow, cobblestone streets and visit the Grand Masters palace. The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes is a palace in the town of Rhodes,. The site was previously a Byzantine citadel that functioned as a headquarters and fortress. The palace was built in the 14th century by the Knights of Rhodes who occupied Rhodes from 1309 to 1522. After the island was captured by the Ottoman empire, the palace was used as a fortress. The original palace was largely destroyed by an ammunition explosion in 1856. When the Kingdom of Italy occupied Rhodes in 1912, the Italians rebuilt the palace in a grandiose pseudo-medieval style as a holiday residence for Victor Emmanuel of Italy and later for Benito Mussolini, whose name can still be seen on a large plaque near the entrance. On 10 February 1947, the Treaty of Peace with Italy, one of the Paris peace treaty, determined that the recently-established Republic of Italy would transfer the Dodecanese to the Greek Kingdom. In 1948, Rhodes and the rest of the Dodecanese were transferred as previously agreed. The Greeks converted the palace to a museum.

REMARKS Walking in the sites can be on uneven gravel surfaces. Passengers may not be allowed to enter the site with big bags/rucksacks.

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; 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.

Drive along the medieval walls to the summit of Mount Smith, the Acropolis of ancient Rhodes. From the tumbledmassive pillars of the Temple of Athena, the view encompasses the nearby Temple of Apollo, the stadium of Diagorasand the port, once protected by the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. The drivecontinues across the island to Philerimos. The summit of Philerimos was the site of Ialysos, one of the three ancientcities of Rhodes. Later sites include the restored Byzantine Church of Our Lady of Philerimos, a chapel with 15thCentury frescoes, and the ruined Castle of the Knights. After the visit and some free time, return to Rhodes and begina 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 GrandMaster's Palace and have the chance to see the superb mosaics. The pleasant walk passes through the Marine Gatebefore you return to the ship.

Departing from Rhodes Port on f oot we arrive at the Old Town of Rhodes, following your guide through the narrow, cobblestone streets. The famous street of the Knights leads to the Palace of the Grand Masters -the

Most- imposing building of medieval Rhodes with its unique architecture, built in the 14th century. Walking down the street of the Knights, one can admire the Hospital of the Knights which now houses the Archeological Museum.

The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes is a palace in the town of Rhodes,. The site was previously a Byzantine citadel that functioned as a headquarters and fortress. The palace was built in the 14th century by the Knights of Rhodes who occupied Rhodes from 1309 to 1522. After the island was captured by the Ottoman empire, the palace was used as a fortress. The original palace was largely destroyed by an ammunition explosion in 1856. When the Kingdom of Italy occupied Rhodes in 1912, the Italians rebuilt the palace in a grandiose pseudo-medieval style as a holiday residence for Victor Emmanuel of Italy and later for Benito Mussolini, whose name can still be seen on a large plaque near the entrance. On 10 February 1947, the Treaty of Peace with Italy, one of the Paris peace treaty, determined that the recently-established Republic of Italy would transfer the Dodecanese to the Greek Kingdom. In 1948, Rhodes and the rest of the Dodecanese were transferred as previously agreed. The Greeks converted the palace to a museum.

REMARKS Walking in the sites can be on uneven gravel surfaces. Passengers may not be allowed to enter the site with big bags/rucksacks

A short coach journey will bring you to the port of Mandraki, where you will board a local scuba diving boat. The trip to Kalithea Beach (diving area) will take approximately 30 minutes and before you leave, everyone will undergo a small physical test. Once at Kalithea, our experienced instructors will help you with your first dive or direct you to the diving area.

Remarks: To be sold only on board.

Bus Transfer to the most beautiful beach of the island. Tsambika is famous for its sand dunes and cristal clear waters. Tsambika is a very well organized beach offering Umbrellas, Sunbeds, Life guard, Medical center, Cantine., Bars, etc.

Remarks:To be sold only on board.

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.

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 music. You will have free time to browse before the return drive to the port of Heraklion and the ship.

Departure by bus from port and have a city tour for approximately 45 minutes .

"Heraklion" is the largest urban centre in Crete, the capital of the region and the economic centre of the island. The first European civilization, the Minoan civilization, flourished on this land 5000 years ago. The city is also the commercial and scientific centre of the island. It has a strategic geopolitical position in the southeast basin of the Mediterranean Sea connecting three continents and many different cultures." Continue with visit to archaeological museum which contains the most important artifacts from the Minoan civilization. After have free time for shopping in Heraklion center.Return to port

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 thecable car station.



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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

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Departing the ship by local tender you will head for Athinios port where you will meet the guide and begin your Jeep Safari by heading for the FAROS meaning "Light house", at AKROTIRI, the most southern part of the island. After a quick photo stop you will leave the Faros behind and move on to the next destination which is VLYCHADA BEACH. The village of Vlychada is where all the local fishing boats are moored. After a photo stop here we move on to the next destination PERISSA BEACH. This beautiful beach with its black sand which is a fantastic backdrop for the lively beach bars that can be seen all along the beach front. Here you will have the opportunity to stop and enjoy refreshment in one of the many cafes if you feel like or to walk around and stretch your legs before getting back into the jeep to continue to the next stop. The following stop is highest point of the island and offers you the most amazing and dramatic, panoramic view, up at PROFITIS ELIAS. Leaving Profitis Elias and heading down the mountain you will drive through EXO GONIA a small sleepy village. Next stop for photos is KAMARI beach, once a fishing village it is now a hub of life, having been discovered by tourists from all over the world it now hosts many hotels and restaurants and of course, colourful shops. The last village you will visit will be MONOLITHOS, this lovely place remains a little quieter and seems more sleepy that the previous beach of Kamari, but no less beautiful. The final stop on your safari tour will be FIRA TOWN, here you will leave the jeeps behind and follow your guide up to the Metropolis Church of Fira town to end your guided tour and return to the ship by cable car.

REMARKS: To be sold only on board

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