8
DAY / 7 NIGHT
"HIGHLIGHTS
OF GREECE
AND
TURKEY
"
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 music. You will have free time to browse before the return drive to the port of Heraklion and the ship.
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ISTANBUL,
TURKEY
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Istanbul by Night (IST – 01) Half day
Take part in the entertainment and night life at one of the finest night clubs in the city. Depart by motor coach and after a short drive through the illuminated streets of Istanbul you will arrive at one of the best known Night Club of Istanbul. Enjoy a variety of Turkish specialties while you are entertained by Turkish musicians, belly dancers and folk dancers, performing dances from different regions of Turkey. At the end of the show, join in the singing of popular and favourite songs. Board your motor coach and continue your sightseeing by night before returning back to the ship.
Highlights of Istanbul - lunch on board (IST – 02) Full day
Begin the excursion with a sightseeing drive through the business centre of the modern city, across the Galata Bridge, along the banks of the Golden Horn and under the Byzantine Aqueduct of Valens. On the way, you can see the Süleymaniye Mosque, dedicated to Sultan Süleyman The Magnificent. Continue around the mighty citywalls, which once protected Constantinople from the many invasions and attacks it suffered over the centuries. In the Old City, the first visit will be to the Byzantine Hippodrome, which was once one of the largest chariot race arenas in the Byzantine Empire. Visit the Sultanahmet Mosque, where large groups of pilgrims start their pilgrimage to Mecca. It is decorated with 21,000 blue Iznik tiles from where it gets its name, the “Blue Mosque”. Walk to the world famous monument of Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine Church of Divine Wisdom, where you can see the superb mosaics and the marble decorations. Return to the ship for lunch on board. After lunch continue the tour with a visit to the Topkapi Palace, the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans. See the famous treasury and the “Spoonmaker’s Diamond”, the 7th biggest diamond in the world.
During the tour you will also have the opportunity to get a cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibition of oriental carpets, jewellery or leather goods.
REMARKS
Shoulders and knees must be covered while visiting the Mosque and shoes must be removed.
Highlights of Istanbul (IST – 03) Full day with lunch
Begin the excursion with a drive through the business centre of the modern city, across the Galata Bridge, along the banks of the Golden Horn and under the Byzantine Aqueduct of Valens. On the way, you can see the Süleymaniye Mosque, dedicated to Sultan Süleyman The Magnificent. Continue around the mighty city walls, which once protected Constantinople from the many invasions and attacks it suffered over the centuries. In the Old City, the first visit will be to the Byzantine Hippodrome, which was once one of the largest chariot race arenas in the Byzantine Empire. Visit the Sultanahmet Mosque, where large groups of pilgrims start their pilgrimage to Mecca. It is decorated with 21,000 blue Iznik tiles from where it gets its name, the “Blue Mosque”. Walk to the famous Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine Church of Divine Wisdom, where you can admire the superb mosaics and the marble decorations. Time for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans. See the famous treasury and the “Spoonmaker’s Diamond”, the 7th biggest diamond in the world. During the tour you will also have the opportunity to get a cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibition of oriental carpets, jewellery or leather goods.
REMARKS
Shoulders and knees must be covered while visiting the Mosque and shoes must be removed.
Scenic Bosphorus Cruise (IST – 04) Half day
Start the tour with a short drive through the modern city of Istanbul, crossing the Galata Bridge en route to the Golden Horn. The impressive Süleymaniye Mosque, built by Turkish architect Sinan and dedicated to Sultan Süleyman The Magnificent, can be seen on the way. At the Golden Horn, take a short walk to the Cruise Boat Station where your private boat will be waiting for your exciting trip on the Bosphorus. You will sail past Dolmabahce and Ciragan Palaces built on the European shore, glide under the Bosphorus Bridge and past Beylerbeyi Palace, Anatolian Fortress and Kanlica on the Asian shore. You will have the chance to take amazing photographs sailing between these two continents.
Secret Treasures of Istanbul (IST – 05) Full day with lunch
This tour is designed to give you a glimpse of the best and the most famous monuments in Istanbul remaining from the Byzantine Empire era. Depart from the pier for an interesting tour of Istanbul with a city sightseeing drive through the business centre of the modern city, across the Galata Bridge, along the banks of the Golden Horn and under the Byzantine Aqueduct of Valens. On the way, you can see the Süleymaniye Mosque dedicated to Sultan Süleyman The Magnificent, built by the famous Turkish Architect, Sinan. Arrive at Chora Museum. This 11th Century church of St. Savior in Chora is the most important Byzantine monument in Istanbul after St. Sophia museum. There is a collection of 14th Century frescoes, gold-inlaid mosaics and some of the World’s finest Byzantine paintings. Continue with a drive along the ancient Byzantine city walls to the Byzantine Hippodrome where the chariot races and celebrations in honour of the emperors, once took place during the Byzantine era. Visit the ancient church of St. Sergius and Bachus which belonged to the monastery of Hormisdas and was built as the result of a vow made by Justinian when he was on the point of being executed for conspiring against his predecessor. The tour continues with a visit to an Underground Cistern, consisting of a network of waterways built as far back as the 3rd Century B.C., to protect the city against long sieges. Continue to Balat area, another historical part of Istanbul, for lunch at the restaurant. After lunch, visit The Patriarchate which is located just 50 m away from the restaurant or just relax strolling along the Golden Horn. Drive to Rustem Pasha Mosque, located at Eminonu close to the Spice Market. This Mosque was built by Sinan in 1550 for Rustem Pasha, a grand vizier who married one of the daughters of Süleyman The Magnificent. Inside and on the façade you can see some beautiful Iznik faience. The Mihrab, completely covered with faience tiles and the Mimbar are particularly striking.
REMARKS
Shoulders and knees must be covered while visiting the Mosque and shoes must be removed.
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IZMIR, TURKEY
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Izmir City Tour (ISM – 01) Half day
Izmir is Turkey's third largest city, with an inhabited area of more than 12,000 km2 and a population of over 3 million. It has always been famous for its port, which is one of the most important in the country for trade and exports of dried figs, sultanas and hazelnuts, and at first glance looks like an extremely modern city. But traces of Izmir's ancient past will appear before your eyes in all their magnificence amidst the skyscrapers and concrete apartment blocks. Indeed, right in the heart of the city you can admire the remains of the ancient agora, built during the Roman period by the Emperor Marcus Aurelius in 178 B.C.. It was used for political gatherings and elections by the representatives of the Roman government, but was also the main commercial area of the city. Your local guide will show you the only two-storey agora known to scholars: the first floor was reserved for wholesale trade, with workshops, cooling cisterns and warehouses for goods, whilst the second floor was designed for political meetings and retail trade. Many of the exhibits on display at Izmir's New Archaeological Museum, another remarkable stop on your itinerary, were discovered in the agora. The Museum's three large galleries (dedicated to statues, objects and ceramics respectively) are equipped with a modern lighting system that will guide you through the numerous precious exhibits on an evocative journey through history.
Pergamum (ISM – 02) Half day
Depart from the port of Izmir for an itinerary of great historical interest which will take you, in more or less 1 ½ hours, to Pergamum. The main centre, together with Alexandria, of the Hellenistic civilisation in the East and capital of the Roman province of Asia, Pergamum enjoyed over three centuries of economical prosperity which resulted in exceptional cultural and artistic development. It is possible to appreciate the ability of Greek and Roman architects in developing this challenging location to the urbanistic requirements of a great capital city. You will visit the "ASKELEPION" complex built to honour ASCLEPIO, god of medicine (ESCULAPIO for the Romans), former place of worship and therapeutical centre among the most celebrated in the ancient world. After a short drive you will board the cable car and where en-route you will enjoy an awesome scenery. You will then reach the ACROPOLIS which dominates the surrounding plain from a height of 275 m. Originally fenced by three walls, of which few traces remain, on this rocky spur many temples, palaces, public and private buildings were erected. After this wonderful visit you will re-board the cable car and reach the parking lot. Return to Izmir and the ship.
Ephesus & the House of Virgin Mary (ISM – 04) Half day
Board you coach and drive to the House of Virgin Mary. Situated in a small valley 75 minutes drive from Izmir, 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. Before returning to the ship, get a cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibition of oriental carpets or leather goods.
REMARKS
Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties.
Ancient Ephesus (ISM – 03) Half day
Board your coach and set out for the ancient city located approximately 1 hour drive from Izmir. Reach the ancient Ephesus. Famous in antiquity for its temple of Diana, 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 Magnesia 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. Before returning to the ship, get a cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibition of oriental carpets 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.
Delos Apollo Sanctuary (MYK – 03) Half day
Delos, once a Sacred Island, is the legendary birthplace of the Sun God Apollo and his twin sister Artemis. For 500 years, tiny Delos was the religious & commercial hub of the entire Aegean. Today, the only remaining inhabitants are the keepers of its treasured ruins. Depart from the port of Mykonos by boat, and sail along the western coast of the island, through Diles & Rhenia Islands, to the ancient harbour of Delos where you begin the guided walking tour. First you see Agora and beyond it, the Sacred Way, which leads to the Temple of Apollo. Next, you see the remains of a Hellenistic Quarter with its harbour, water house and luxurious villas, such as the House of Cleopatra, the House of the Dolphins, the House of the Masks, the House of Dionysos, and many other interesting buildings. Note the architecture and the mosaic floors, which have survived over 2,500 years. Continue and admire the spectacular Avenue of the Lions, where five Naxian marble lions from the 7th Century B.C. crouch, vigilantly guarding the now dry sacred lake. Re-board the boat for the return journey to Mykonos town. Here you will have the chance to walk along the cobblestone streets of this famous island with its numerous shops, cafés and restaurants before you return to the port to re-join the ship.
REMARKS
Please note that the cruise from Mykonos to Delos is approx. 45 minutes. Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties and it is subject to sea conditions.
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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. 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.
