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GREECE
Mykonos - Free Visit |
Mykonos
Depending on the weather and the traffic in port, our ship anchors
in front of Myconos port or nearby, at the cape of Tourlos. In
the latter case, there is a local coach service free of charge,
taking you from Tourlos to the city of Mykonos.Mykonos, "the
St. Tropez of Greece" is the place that many fashion designers
and jewelers have chosen to expand their business. In fact, Mykonos
is preferred by a wide range of tourists for its cosmopolitan
night-life, the golden beaches and its proximity to the island
of Delos which can be reached by boat in 30 minutes time. You
can wander through the narrow and windy roads, see the windmills,
the white little churches (there are about 365 churches in Mykonos)
built by fishermen in thanksgiving for their safe return after
a strong "meltemi" storm. In the main square of the
town there is General's Manto Mavrogenous statue (she armed and
equipped at her own expense two ships during the Greek War for
Independence in the 19th Century and she fought against the Turks
back in 1932). Alternatively you can have a refreshing bath at
one of the popular beaches of Plati Gialo, Agios Stefanos or Psarou,
all accessible by local bus at a range of 6/7 kilometers away.
All of them have changing facilities and small tavernas nearby,
where you can enjoy a light meal by the sea. |
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GREECE
Rhodes
Wednesday, 07.00-18.00
Rhodes and the Acropolis of Lindos
BY AIR-CONDITIONED MOTORCOACH / FOOT (DURATION:
4½ HOURS)
RHO-A € 57.00 |
Rhodes
Lindos
Driving along the picturesque southeastern coastline, scattered
with white-washed villages, arrive at Lindos, the most important
of the three great cities of ancient times. Marvel at this entire
city, guarded by Medieval walls which were constructed by the
Knights of St. John in the 14th Century. Within, stands the ancient
Acropolis of Lindos, on the brink of a precipice 400 feet above
the sea. From the Acropolis, set your sights on the breathtaking
views, which cover the great expanse of the Aegean Sea and St.
Paul's Bay, where the Apostle cast anchor during his historic
voyage to Ephessos. Follow your guide uphill and reach the Great
Staircase which leads from the Hellenistic portico to the Acropolis
and the Temple of Athena. For those that wish to make their way
up by mule, a fee must be paid to the local muleteer. After your
guided tour, enjoy free time to discover this lovely town at your
own pace before meeting backup with your guide at the stated time
and place. Return to Rhodes and enjoy a panoramic drive through
the new part of the city, then on to Mount Smith, where you will
view the ruins of ancient Rhodes, the Temple of Apollo and Diagoras
Stadium. From here, your motorcoach will drop you off at Porte
d'Amboise where you will commence your guided walking tour through
the Medieval city of Rhodes. As you follow your guide, make your
way 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, meeting back up with your motorcoach
at the Marine Gate and returning directly to the ship.
NOTE:
Please note that a strenuous uphill climb is
involved to reach the Acropolis. Comfortable and non-slip shoes
are recommended. A short stop is foreseen at a ceramic workshop
to see how the traditional and world famous Rhodian ceramics are
made. |
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GREECE
Rhodes
Wednesday, 07.00-18.00
Rhodes and the Acropolis of Lindos with Lunch
BY AIR-CONDITIONED MOTORCOACH /FOOT
(DURATION: 8 HOURS) Min. participation: 20 persons
RHO-B € 79.00 |
Rhodes
Enjoy a relaxing drive along the southeastern coastline as you
make your way to Lindos, the most important of the three great
cities of ancient times. On arrival, follow your guide uphill
to explore the Acropolis of Lindos, which overlooks the Aegean
Sea and St Paul's Bay. Marvel at the breathtaking views of the
Aegean Sea and St. Paul's Bay. After your guided tour, enjoy free
time to discover this lovely town at your own pace before meeting
backup with your guide at the stated time and place. From here,
make your way to Stegna Beach, a secluded beach only a short distance
away, where you will be given the opportunity to enjoy a swim
in the crystal clear waters of the Aegean before sitting down
to lunch at a beachfront restaurant. During your buffet lunch,
be entertained by Greek music and folk dancers. After lunch, return
to Rhodes and be dropped off at Porte d'Amboise where you will
commence your guided walking tour through the Medieval city of
Rhodes. As you follow your guide, make your way 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,
meeting back up with your motorcoach at the Marine Gate and returning
directly to the ship.
NOTE:
Towels will be supplied by the ship and should
be returned after use. A short stop is foreseen at a ceramic workshop
to see how the traditional and world famous Rhodian ceramics are
made.The order of sites visited may change in order to avoid overcrowding
of motorcoaches and tourists. Umbrellas and sun-beds will be available
on the beach for use. Changing facilities, rest rooms and showers
are located in the restaurant and on the waterfront. |
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GREECE
Patmos
Tuesday, 16.00-21.00
St. John's Monastery & the Grotto of Revelations
BY AIR-CONDITIONED MOTORCOACH /FOOT
(DURATION: 2 HOURS)
PAT-A € 41.00 |
Patmos
Depart the port of Scala by motorcoach and enjoy a short drive
up to the Monastery of St. John, which has been magnificently
built within the walls of a strong fortification. As you follow
your guide and walk uphill towards the entrance of the Monastery,
marvel at this impressive structure which was built 900 years
ago. View the courtyard, the Monks' dining room and the old bakery
before visiting the main church with its outstanding frescoes
and interior decoration. Your next point of interest is the beautiful
but small museum which houses priceless ecclesiastical treasures
such as books and manuscripts, mosaics, icons, splendid medieval
textiles and vestments as well as jewellery. At the end of your
visit, return to your motorcoach and continue on to the nearby
Grotto of the Apocalypse, where above stands the church of the
Apocalypse, a sub-unit of the main Monastery. Take care as you
walk down the steps to visit the Grotto! Once inside, see the
silver niches in the wall, that mark the pillow and ledge used
as a desk by the author of the Book of Revelations as well as
the three-fold crack, made by the Voice of God, emphasizing the
honour of the Trinity. After this splendid glory, return to the
port and the ship.
NOTE:
Bare shoulders & shorts are not permitted
in the Monastery, please consult the Pursers' Office for the correct
dress code. Passengers that have difficulty in walking are advised
that a strenuous uphill climb is involved to reach the Monastery. |
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GREECE
Patmos
Tuesday, 16.00-21.00
Patmos Scenic Tour
BY AIR-CONDITIONED MOTORCOACH /FOOT
(DURATION: 2½ HOURS)Minimum Participation: 30 persons
PAT-B € 30.00 |
Patmos
For those of you wishing to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery
that Patmos has to offer, then this tour is designed especially
for you. Depart the charming little port of Scala by motorcoach
and accompanied by your guide, enjoy a picturesque drive from
the port to the south end of the Island. Passing by the idyllic
fishing village of Grikos, arrive at the Evangelismos Nun's Monastery,
where you will have the opportunity of visiting the main Church
and its magnificent surroundings. From here, make your way to
the heart of Patmos, Chora, a unique village with white houses
, built in the typical Aegean style. Here you will have a short
photo shop, marvelling at the beautiful panoramic views offered.
Don't forget your camera!Your tour will then take you to the north
side of the Island in order to reach the unspoiled rural village
of Kampos. Upon arrival, depart your motorcoach and make your
way to the central square, where you will be offered a light refreshment
accompanied by a traditional local sweet. Afterwards, return to
your motorcoach and drive directly back to the port. |
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TURKEY
Kusadasi
Tuesday, 07.00-12.00
Ancient Ephessos
BY AIR-CONDITIONED MOTORCOACH /FOOT
(DURATION: 3 HOURS)
KUS-A € 51.00 |
Kusadasi
Depart the thriving town of Kusadasi and drive along the coast
and through the flourishing countryside in order to reach Ephessos,
famous in antiquity for its Temple of Diana - one of the Seven
Wonders of the Ancient World - and later the home of St. John.
As you arrive at Ephessos, disembark your motorcoach and enter
the ancient site through the Magnesian Gate. Continue on, following
your guide as you marvel at the innumerable monuments such as
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 eminent for
its remarkable acoustics. Observe the symbols all around and marvel
at the fact that one is still able to read the inscriptions in
the ancient Greek language. As your guided tour comes to an end,
walk back to your motorcoach along the Arcadian Way, where once
Mark Antony and Cleopatra rode in procession. Driving back to
Kusadasi, on a hill above Selcuk, just outside Ephessos, view
the Basilica of St. John, which was erected, over his grave in
the 6th Century AD by the Emperor Justinian. And just downhill,
lies the site of the famous Temple of Diana, today in ruins. Before
returning to the ship, enjoy free time in Kusadasi to shop for
every conceivable item, such as carpets, jewelry, local souvenirs,
leather goods and Turkish delights. |
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TURKEY
Kusadasi
Tuesday, 07.00-12.00
The House of Virgin Mary & Ephessos
BY AIR-CONDITIONED MOTORCOACH /FOOT
(DURATION: 3½ HOURS)
KUS-B € 57.00 |
Kusadasi
Depart the thriving town of Kusadasi and drive along the highway
in order 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 Ephessos and accompanied by your Turkish guide,
walk through the Magnesian Gate, which is the entrance to the
ancient city of Ephessos. 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 motorcoach along the Arcadian
Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession.
While driving back to Kusadasi and just outside Ephessos, view
the Basilica of St. John, which was erected over his grave in
the 6th Century AD by the Emperor Justinian. And just downhill,
lies the site of the famous Temple of Diana, today in ruins. Before
returning to the ship, enjoy free time in Kusadasi to shop for
every conceivable item, such as carpets, jewelry, local souvenirs,
leather goods and Turkish delights. |
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GREECE
Heraklion
Thusrday, 07.00-11.30
Palace of Knossos
BY AIR-CONDITIONED MOTORCOACH /FOOT
(DURATION: 3 HOURS)
HER-A € 54.00 |
Heraklion
From the Venetian lion-guarded port of Heraklion town, enjoy a
short drive to Knossos, once the capital city of the prehistoric
Minoan civilization, and thought to be the basis for the original
Labyrinth housing the mythological Minotaur. Upon arrival, follow
your guide and visit a section of the excavated and partially
reconstructed Palace of King Minos, as well as the surrounding
area. Housed in the King's Palace is the Hall of the Royal Guard,
decorated with frescoes and shields, the Hall of the Double Axes,
and the King's Chamber, housing the alabaster throne amidst paintings
of griffins and lilies. And of course, the Queen's Apartment,
adorned with murals of dolphins and spirals reminding us of the
legend of the Labyrinth. After this extensive visit, return to
your motorcoach and drive back to Heraklion. Before returning
to the ship by motorcoach, enjoy a guided tour of the extraordinary
Archaeological Museum, viewing the unique items from the Minoan
culture or, for those that do not wish to do so, enjoy free time
in the town, browsing at the many shops available.
NOTE:
Those passengers wishing to visit the Archaeological
Museum must pay their own entrance fee. The use of a flash in
the Museum is strictly forbidden. The King's Chamber and the Queen's
Apartment are presently closed due to planned restoration. |
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GREECE
Heraklion
Thusrday, 07.00-11.30
Discover Cretan Lifestyle
BY AIR-CONDITIONED MOTORCOACH /FOOT
(DURATION: 4 HOURS) Min. Participation: 20 persons
HER-B € 54.00 |
Heraklion
Depart the port of Heraklion and enjoy a leisurely drive south,
through olive groves, vineyards and numerous picturesque villages
in order to reach the historical village of Asites, situated in
an area surrounded by mountains and gorges. Your morning will
consist of a visit to a honey factory, the village's Orthodox
Church, a local distillery where they produce the traditional
"Tsikoudia" and a workshop where hand-made copper bells
are made for the sheep. Free time will be allow you to walk around
the small alleys on your own, where one can admire the traditional
architecture and experience the hospitality of the villagers.
Before your morning ends, you will be invited into one of the
local houses, where the owners will offer you home made sweets
accompanied by Tsikoudia. After this memorable visit, your motorcoach
will drive you back to the port.
NOTE:
Those passengers wishing to visit the Archaeological
Museum must pay their own entrance fee. The use of a flash in
the Museum is strictly forbidden. The King's Chamber and the Queen's
Apartment are presently closed due to planned restoration. |
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GREECE
Santorini
Thurday, 16.30-21.00
Oia village & Fira Town
BY BOAT/MOTORCOACH/CABLE CAR/FOOT
(DURATION: 3½ HOURS)
SAN-A € 41.00 |
Santorini
Your destination this afternoon is Oia Village, the crowning glory
of peace and tranquility. Built on the northern part of the caldera
rim, it has been the inspiration of many artists due to its magnificent
location, and superb views of the caldera, the rest of the island
itself and the Aegean Sea. Leave the vessel and by local tender,
be taken to Athenios Harbour where you will board your awaiting
motorcoach. Drive uphill along the rocky sides of the caldera
and pass through an array of traditional villages before reaching
the unique village of Oia, with its architecture typically Cycladic
and its houses resembling "bird nests" tucked away into
the dramatic cliff-side. Follow your guide, and along cobble-stoned
streets, walk through the village, marvelling at the wonderful
panoramic views as well as the traditional architecture. Enjoy
time in Oia on your own, perhaps by wandering through the many
art galleries available or just relaxing over a cup of coffee.
At the specified time and place, meet back up with your guide
and make your way to Fira, the picturesque capital of Santorini,
built on the caldera rim. Here, enjoy free time on your own before
making your way to the small pier of Scala by cable car or mule,
where tenders will take you back to the ship.
NOTE:
In unfavourable weather conditions, this excursion
will commence from Fira Town, instead of Athenios harbour. |
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Ports
Of Call