Ancient Ephesus

KUS-A

 3 h

Air-Conditioned Motorcoach / Foot

 

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 conceiveable item, such as carpets, jewellery, local souvenirs, leather goods and Turkish delights.

Take Note!
Due to extensive walking, comfortable and non-slip shoes are recommended.

House of Virgin Mary and Ephesus

KUS-B

31/2 h

Air-Conditioned Motorcoach / Foot

 

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 conceiveable item, such as carpets, jewellery, local souvenirs, leather goods and Turkish delights.

 

Take Note!
Due to extensive walking, comfortable and non-slip shoes are recommended.

Traditional Turkish Baths *

KUS-C

3 h

Air-Conditioned Motorcoach
Minimum Participation: 20 persons

 

One thing not to miss out on whilst visiting Turkey, is a visit to a local Turkish Bath, otherwise known as a “hamam”. Like the harem, this Roman and Byzantine tradition was adopted and then perfected by the Selcuk Turks. It was not merely a place where believers could fulfill the Islamic precept of cleanliness, but was also a place where one could mingle, socialize and gossip! The Turkish Bath that you will visit today is one of the newest Turkish baths in Kusadasi, located only 4km outside of the center of Kusadasi. Upon arrival, you will be taken into the dressing room where you will be cloaked with a “pestamal”, a colourful checked wrap as well as “takunya” wooden clogs. From here, you will be taken to the “Gobek Tasi”, a large round stone which graces the center of the hararet (baths), where you will warm up for approximately 15 minutes. Afterwards, enjoy a sauna, followed by a rubbing and then a massage with foam before being taken to a hot steamed bath in order to wash yourself down. After this amazing experience, you will gather in the “saloon” where you will be given a new “pestamal” accompanied by a glass of hot apple tea. Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time in Kusadasi to shop for every conceiveable item, such as carpets, jewellery, local souvenirs, leather goods and Turkish delights.

Patmos

 

 

 

St John Monastery and Grotto of Revelations

PAT-A

 2 h

Air-Conditioned Motorcoach / Foot

 

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.

 

Take 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.

Patmos Scenic Tour

PAT-B

21/2 h

Air-Conditioned Motorcoach / Foot

 

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, you will first enjoy a visit to the Grotto of the Apocalypse. 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 visit, you will then 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 stop, marvelling at the beautiful panoramic views offered. Don’t forget your camera! Your drive will then take you south of the island, passing by the idyllic fishing village of Grikos, then onto the northern side of the island, to the 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, your motorcoach will take you back to the port.

 

 

 

 

The Palace of Knossos

HER-A

 3 h

Air-Conditioned Motorcoach / Foot

 

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.

 

Take 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.

CretAquarium

HER-D

 3 h

Air-Conditioned Motorcoach / Foot
Minimum Participation: 30 persons

 

Venture to the underwater depths of the Mediterranean Sea where both children and adults of all ages alike, will be enchanted by the CretAquarium and it’s magnificent creatures. Depart the port of Heraklion and drive along the eastern coastal road, arriving at CretAquarium. Occupying roughly 5.000 m2, CretAquarium is part of the building complex “Thalassocosmos” operated by the Hellenic Center for Marine Research (HCMR). Accompanied by your guide, enjoy a comprehensive visit of up to four thousand marine organisms, housed in 32 tanks, specially designed and constructed containing 1.6 million litres of seawater, and visible to the public through 300 m2 of glass and/or transparent acrylic materials. There are fifty viewing points, which allow the visitor to observe these living sea creatures in their natural habit, as well as special cameras, which allow you to see the “hidden” spots in specific tanks. For those wishing further information on various organisms, there are also “touch screen” information points. Such species to be seen are the Short Snouted SeaHorse, the Moon Jellyfish, the Sandbar Shark, the European Lobster, and the Yellowtail Clownfish. At both the entrance and exit of the aquarium there is also a coffee shop and central meeting point, for those wishing. After this spectacular visit, return to your motorcoach and make your way back to the Port of Herakalion and the vessel.

 

Santorini

 

 

 

Oia Village and Fira Town

SAN-B

 31/2 h

Boat / Air-Conditioned Motorcoach / Foot / Cable Car

 

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.

 

Take Note!
In unfavorable weather conditions, this excursion will commence from Fira Town, instead of Athenios harbour. Due to extensive walking, comfortable and non-slip shoes are recommended.

The Volcanic Tour and the Hot Springs *

SAN-C

 31/2 h

Boat / Air-Conditioned Motorcoach / Foot / Cable Car
Minimum Participation: 30 Persons

 

Directly from the vessel, you will board a traditional little boat and sail through the deep blue waters of the Caldera in order to arrive at the lava islet, otherwise known as “Nea Kameni”. Upon arrival at Erinia cove, follow your guide as you climb the slopes of the dome of “Nea Kameni”. The path to the top of the dome is for its entire length traced out over volcanic sand lava fragments and bombs from the 1570 – 1573 eruptions. On both sides of the path, note the volcanic bombs, which are actual fragments of lava, that were ejected in a molten state and cooled very rapidly as they travelled through the air, thus acquiring a fusiform shape. As you reach the top, marvel at the magnificent views, which can be seen from every angle. Your climb down the volcano will be that of the same route. Afterwards, you will be given free time to swim in the Hot Springs. You will then return to Athenios Port where your motorcoach will take you up to Fira Town, the picturesque capital of Santorini. 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.

 

Take Note!
It is recommended that you remain on the designated path in order to avoid the danger of provoking landslips or rockslides, for in many places the lava blocks are precariously balanced. Passengers are advised to take along with them, sunhats, sunglasses, beach towel and sturdy shoes. It should be noted that passengers that have difficulty in walking are advised that a strenuous uphill climb is involved in order to reach the top of the volcano.