4
DAY AEGEAN CLASSIC CRUISE ITINERARY
Aegean
Classic Round Trip from Athens World Renaissance, Odysseus.
In just four days you will cruise through breathtaking waters to some the most enchanting destinations in the world. This is the ideal introduction to the jewels of the Aegean. * Weather Permitting / Disembarkation by tenderboats |
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Round
Trip from Athens
* Disembarkation by tenders, weather permitting.
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Piraeus
(Athens) |
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Mykonos,
Greece |
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Kusadasi
(Ephessos), Turkey |
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Patmos,
Greece |
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Rhodes,
Greece |
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Heraklion
(Crete), Greece |
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Santorini,
Greece |
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HERAKLION (CRETE), GREECE The Palace of Knossos & Archaeological Museum Enjoy a drive from the Venetian lion-guarded port of Heraklion town to Knossos (approximately 30 minutes), once the capital city of the prehistoric Minoan civilization, and thought to be the basis for the original Labyrinth housing the mythological Minotaur. Follow your guide in order to visit a portion of the excavated and partially reconstructed Palace of King Minos, as well as the surrounding area. The Palace houses the Hall of the Royal Guard. Decorated with frescoes and shields, the Hall of the Double Axes, the King's Chamber housing the alabaster throne amidst paintings of griffins and lilies and the Queen's Apartment, adorned with murals of dolphins and spirals reminding us of the legend of the Labyrinth, also viewing beautiful courtyards & shrines. Return to your motorcoach and drive to the city of Heraklion where you have the choice to either enjoy a guided tour through the extraordinary Archaeological Museum, viewing the unique original items from the Minoan culture or spend free time in town to browse at the shops. Afterwards, return to the port by your motorcoach in time for ship's departure.
TAKE NOTE!
Entrance fees to the Archaeological Museum are included. The use of a flash in the Museum is strictly forbidden. The King's Chamber and the Queen's Apartment maybe closed due to temporary restoration.
Exploring Crete Your tour begins from the Venetian lion-guarded port of Heraklion and having a scenic drive through the city to the famous wine producing of Peza, south of Heraklion. Driving through breathtaking landscape of countryside and vineyards as old as Minoan times on your way to your first stop, a modern winery, were you will see the updated procedures of wine making and sample some of the delicious Cretan wines. Your 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 of Crete, dating to the Minoan period 16th century BC. Your tour continues through the island's hilly countryside where olive groves and vineyards existed from as far back as 4000 years. Arriving to the village of Archanes, which is situated 10km south of the Palace of Knossos, the quaint market town of Archanes has many restored sandstone houses dating from the Turkish period. At a local taverna in the villages' tree-shaded square, you can sample an assortment of Cretan snacks and locally produced wine along with mingling with many of the locals themselves. Free time to browse will be given before the return drive to the port of Heraklion and the ship.
Ephessos & The House of the Virgin Mary Begin your tour with a Drive through the colorful and bustling town of Kusadasi and along the coastal highway until you 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 resided to after the crucifixion and is believed to have spent her last days. Despite the many controversies, the Christian World still favors this belief and the site, has been officially sanctioned by the Vatican for pilgrimage. Continue on to the site of 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 excavated cities 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 of Ephessos, where St. Paul preached, which is the largest theatre in antiquity having a capacity of 24,000. Walk back to your motor coach along the Arcadian Way, which is where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession as newlyweds. 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.
Ancient Ephessos Begin your tour with a Drive through the colorful and bustling town of Kusadasi and along the coastal highway until you 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 resided to after the crucifixion and is believed to have spent her last days. Despite the many controversies, the Christian World still favors this belief and the site, has been officially sanctioned by the Vatican for pilgrimage. Continue on to the site of 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 excavated cities 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 of Ephessos, where St. Paul preached, which is the largest theatre in antiquity having a capacity of 24,000. Walk back to your motor coach along the Arcadian Way, which is where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession as newlyweds. 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.
PATMOS, GREECE The Monastery of St. John & Grotto Depart the port of Scala and enjoy a short journey 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, exceptional in its architecture. View the courtyard, the Monks' dinning room and the old bakery before you visit the main church noting its outstanding frescoes and interior decoration. Next, see the priceless ecclesiastical treasures housed in the beautiful but small museum: books and manuscripts, mosaics, icons, splendid medieval textiles and vestments as well as jewelry. Return to your motorcoach to continue on to the nearby Grotto of the Apocalypse, where above stands the church of the Apocalypse, a sub-unit of the main Monastery. Walk down the steps to visit the Grotto of the Apocalypse. Here you will 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 honor of the Trinity. Afterwards, drive back to the port of Scala and enjoy some free time in this quaint and picturesque harbor.
TAKE NOTE!
Modest Dress is required in the Holy Places,
No Bare shoulders and knees must be covered. Please watch your
step when visiting the Grotto of Apocalypse. Guests that have
difficulty in walking are advised that a strenuous uphill climb
is involved to reach the Monastery. An interesting scenic island tour has been designed for those guests who prefer to discover the beauties of Patmos within the comfort of your air-conditioned motorcoach. Commencing your tour from the port of Skala you will drive to the dominating 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 windmills of Chora, once upon a time the landmark of all Aegean islands. Enjoy the view, take photos and continue to visit the new active convent of Evangelismos (Annunciation) in the south part of the island, which has a significant number of nuns who follow the traditions. Afterwards, continue your drive around the island to see its landscape of outstanding natural beauty comprised of rocky hills. Dozens of tongues of land reaching out into the sea tranquil beaches and many picturesque inlets, before you arrive to the village of Kambos located in the north part of the island, where you will be welcomed with a refreshment and a traditional local sweet. Ending your tour in the port of Scala you may enjoy some free time in this quaint and picturesque little harbor.
Rhodes & Lindos Excursion Leaving the harbor area, you will drive along the picturesque eastern coastline, scattered with white-washed villages, until you reach Lindos. (A drive of approximately 45 minutes). This enchanting site of the most important of the three great cities of ancient times is guarded by the medieval walls constructed by the Knights of St. John in the 13th century. Within stands the ancient Acropolis of Lindos on the brick of a precipice 400 feet above sea level. From the Acropolis you will stand in awe with the breathtaking views of the great expanse of the Pelagus and St. Paul's Bay, which is where the Apostle himself cast anchor during his historic voyage to Ephessos. You will proceed, on foot, up the Great staircase leading from the Hellenistic portico to the Temple of Athena, considered the most worshipped temple of the Ancient Greek World. After your visit to the Acropolis there will be some time for shopping in the interesting little shops that line the narrow streets of this attractive village. You will rejoin the motorcoaches and drive back to the town of Rhodes where you will commence your walking tour of the Old Medieval City of Rhodes at the Port d'Amboise and stroll through the Medieval Old City, down through Chevaliers Road and view the Palace of the Knights of St. John not to mention the medieval houses of the Knights. Continue on and pass by the Hospital of the Knights of St. John, before meeting back up with your motor coach at the Marine Gate.
A short stop is foreseen at a ceramic workshop to see how the traditional and world famous Rhodian ceramics are made. There will be strenuous uphill walking to visit the Acropolis of Lindos and to return to parking lot.
Drive along the medieval walls to the summit of Mount Smith, the Acropolis of Ancient Rhodes. From the tumbled massive pillars of a Temple of Athena, the view encompasses the nearby Temple of Apollo, the Stadium of Diagoras and the port, which was 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 remains include the restored Byzantine Church of Our Lady of Philerimos, a chapel with 15th century frescoes and a ruined castle of the Knights. After the visit and free time, you will return to the Old City of Rhodes and begin a guided walk of the Medieval walled city to the Porte d'Amboise. It will be a pleasure to stroll the Street of the Knights with its medieval buildings, winding alleys, towers, turrets and emblazoned facades. Then visit the impressive Grand Masters Palace and have the chance to see, among others, the superb mosaics. After your pleasant walk, pass through the Marine Gate to meet up with your motorcoach and return to the ship.
There will be easy and flat walking involved in the Old Town.
Depart with your motorcoach from the harbor of
Rhodes and drive alongside the walls of the Medieval city and
Mandraki Harbor where once stood the 27 meter Bronze statue of
the Colossos of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the Ancient
World. Commence your walking tour at Port d'Amboise where you
will stroll through the Medieval Old City, down through Chevaliers
Road and view the Palace of the Knights of St. John not to mention
the medieval houses of the Knights. Continue on and pass by the
Hospital of the Knights of St. John, before meeting back up with
your motorcoach at the Marine Gate.
Towels will be supplied by the ship and should be returned after use. Hotel facilities, umbrellas and sun-beds will be available on the beach for 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.
SANTORINI, GREECE Island Tour & Oia Village Sailing into the Caldera of Santorini is like floating inside a giant open-air geological museum. Oia Village is the crowning glory of peace and tranquility. Built on the northern tip of the Caldera rim, it is here where many artists have been inspired due to its magnificent location. As you will see for yourself, it has "out of this world" views of the Caldera, the island itself, and many of the broken off islands surrounding the Caldera and Aegean Sea. Enjoy a short trip by boat to Athineos Harbor where you will meet up with your motorcoach and guide. Drive uphill along the rocky sides of the Caldera and pass through many traditional villages in order to reach the listed settlement and unique village of Oia, with its typically Cycladic architecture and its houses perched on the cliffs edge like seagulls poised for flight on this dramatic cliff-side. Accompanied by your guide, walk through the village along cobble-stoned streets marveling at the breathtaking panoramic views and admiring the traditional architecture. Enjoy free time on your own, where you may either wander through the many art galleries available or perhaps relax over a coffee. At the specified place and time, meet back up with your guide and make your way to Fira, the capital town of the island, built on the center of the Caldera rim. Enjoy the town at your own leisure and return to the small pier of Scala by cable car or mule, where the vessel's tendering service awaits to take you back to your ship.
TAKE NOTE!
This excursion will commence from Fira Town, instead of Athenios harbor, in unfavorable weather conditions.
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