ATHENS CITY TOUR & ACROPOLIS
BY AIR-CONDITIONED MOTORCOACH / FOOT 
DURATION: 4 HOURS 
MINIMUM: 20 PERSONS

Take a short drive to Athens, the cradle of the Europe's earliest civilization. For twenty-five centuries, the panorama of this city is dominated by the rock "The Acropolis". After a short drive past many of the city's marina's and along the city's main Avenue of Syngrou, walk uphill to visit the Acropolis and see the principal buildings: the Propylaia, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the magnificent Parthenon. During your visit, you will also have some free time to admire the spectacular views from this point of Athens. Continue with a panoramic tour of the city, where you will view the Olympieion (the Temple of Olympian Zeus) from the 6th Century BC, one of the largest Corynthian style temples in Greek history and Hadrian's Arch (2nd Century AD), which divided the Greek city from Hadrian's new Roman city. Arriving at Syntagma Square (Constitution Square), see the Royal Palace, built for Otto I of Bavaria and the present day Parliament. In front of the Palace stands the Monument of the Unknown Soldier where two soldiers (Evzoni) stand guard continuously in the traditional war uniform. Drive further along and pass the University, Academy and Library before arriving at the Stadium, which stands on the site of the Ancient Stadium laid out under Lycurgus in the 4th Century BC and rebuilt in 1896 on its original plan for the modern Olympic Games. Drive again via Syngrou Avenue to return to Piraeus and the ship.
                                                                    TAKE NOTE!

• Due to extensive uphill walking in order to reach the Parthenon, comfortable and non-slip shoes are recommended.

• Please note that the archaeological site of the Acropolis will be explored for approximately two hours on foot.

• Steep stairs, uneven and slippery surfaces as well as uphill walking will be involved, therefore, this excursion is not suitable for guests with walking disabilities.

ISTANBUL NIGHT LIFE WITH DINNER
BY AIR-CONDITIONED MOTORCOACH 
DURATION: 4 HOURS 
MINIMUM 20 PERSONS

Join us in an evening of traditional Turkish cuisine and entertainment at one of Istanbul's finest nightclubs, located in the new city. Depart by motor coach and take a short drive through the illuminated streets of Istanbul before you arrive at the Kervansaray Night Club, a well-known Istanbul establishment. Enjoy a variety of Turkish specialties whilst 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, as familiar and favorite songs are sung. Re-board your motorcoach and continue your sightseeing by night before being taken back to the port, and the ship.

DINING IN MAGNIFICENT ISTANBUL
Duration (hrs):3 ½ hr Afternoon tour 
MINIMUM 25 PERSONS

Meet your guide at the port for an evening to remember with dinner in the fishing village of Kumkapi located in the old city. This area has a long tradition as the center of entertainment for many years.
First you will drive along the Bosphorus Sea and stop at the famous Fish Market. It is a bustling place with many many fish merchants. A definite site to see….
Next you will continue to the Kumkapi District to taste the famous Turkish Cuisine. In this area there are many seafood restaurants that serve the best fish from the local market.
We have chosen a wonderful restaurant for you to relax and enjoy the food and surroundings. During your dinner you will have the chance to taste the wonderful selection of "Meze" appetizers to start and a local dinner to follow, ending with Turkish
deserts. You will also experience the "Fasil" street singing groups that stroll the streets
throughout the district. They recreate the music of the 18th and 19th century Ottoman times.
At the end of the evening it is time to return to the ship. On the way back you will see the magnificent city of Istanbul by night with all the famous monuments lit up. You will agree it is a night to remember.

HIGHLIGHTS OF ISTANBUL
By air-conditioned motorcoach / foot 
Duration: 7 hours 
MINIMUM 20 PERSONS

Istanbul, a city built on the shores of two continents, Europe and Asia, holds the ellaborate remains of Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman Empires which have bequieved the city with architectural treasures, creating a spectacular skyline. Alow Royal Olympic to use their expertise as they guide you through a city which they have specialized in for more than 4 decades.
Experience an unforgettable orientation drive through the business center 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, see the Suleymaniye Mosque, dedicated to Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, built by the famous Turkish architect, Sinan. Your orientation drive will continue around the mighty city walls, which once protected Constantinople from the many invasions and barbarian attacks over the centuries. See the Fortress of the Seven Towers before driving along the coastal road of the Marmara Sea in order to arrive at the most important tourist area of Istanbul. Your first visit will be to the Byzantine Hippodrome, one of the largest chariot race grounds of the Byzantine Empire. It is here, where the soldiers revolted against their emperor, shouting out the name of their victory goddess "Nike". From here, make your way to the Sultanahmet Mosque. Visit this Grand Mosque, from where large groups of pilgrims commenced their pilgrimage to Mecca. It is decorated with 21,000 blue Iznik tiles gaining its name today, the "Blue Mosque". Your next visit will be the world famous Agia Sophia, the church of Divine Wisdom and once the biggest church of the Christian world. Marvel at the unique mosaics and marble decorations before returning to the ship where lunch will be served. After lunch, visit the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans and see the famous treasury section including the 7th biggest diamond in the world, the "Spoonmaker's Diamond". Visit the kitchen buildings, today displaying the third richest collection in the world of Chinese and Japanese porcelain. End your tour near the exotic Grand Bazaar with a carpet demonstration and the opportunity to purchase a wide variety of carpets, kilims, goold leather goods, souvenirs, carpets. At the stated time and place, return to your motorcoach which will take you directly back to the ship.
                                                             TAKE NOTE!

• The order of sites visited may change in order to avoid overcrowding of motorcoaches and people..

• Bare shoulders, shorts & shoes are not permitted in the Mosques, please consult the Pursers' Office . 

• Due to some walking at certain sites, comfortable and non-slip shoes are recommended.

HIGHLIGHTS OF ISTANBUL WITH LUNCH
BY AIR-CONDITIONED MOTORCOACH / FOOT 
DURATION: 8 HOURS
MINIMUM 20 PERSONS

This excursion has been designed for those Passengers who wish to experience typical Turkish cuisine. The sites visited will be those as stated in IST-002, however instead of having lunch onboard the ship, you will be taken to a first class restaurant, "Konyali", located in the grounds of Topkapi Palace with a lovely view of the Marmara Sea. Here, enjoy a typical Turkish meal, before continuing your afternoon sightseeing excursion.

SCENIC BOSPHORUS CRUISE
By air-conditioned motorcoach / Boat 
Duration: 4 ½ hours
MINIMUM 20 PERSONS

Commence your tour with a short orientation drive through the modern city of Istanbul, crossing the Galata Bridge en route to the Golden Horn. The impressive Suleymaniye Mosque, built by Turkish Architect Sinan and dedicated to Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent can be viewed en route. At the Golden Horn, take a short walk to the Cruise Boat station where your private boat will be waiting for your enchanted trip on the Bosphorus. Running between the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea, both former lakes during earth's geological changes, Bosphorus is twenty two miles long and considered one of the most important waterways in the world. The straits were former river valleys, flooded by the rising level of the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
In the early centuries Bosphorus witnessed the passage of many heroes, mythological figures, sea faring Greeks, warlike tribes and armies. Jason and the Argonauts on his quest to retrieve the Golden Fleece and the Persian King Darius who built a pontoon at the narrowest point of the straits to cross into the European side are two of the famous people of antiquity who had already sailed or crossed the Bosphorus. 
Marvel at the architectural masterpieces lining the shores of the channel, built during different historical periods, enhancing the natural beauty of the Asian and European shores. Sail past Dolmabahce Palace and Ciragan Kempinski Palace, built on the European shore, glide under the Bosphorus Bridge, your cruise continues past Beylerbeyi Palace, the Anatolian Fortress and Kanlica, built on the Asian shore. You will have the opportunity for great photographs and the feeling of being "sandwiched" between two continents, so close to both shores, is totally overwhelming! After which meet your motorcoach and be transferred back to the old city of Istanbul. 
End your tour near the exotic Grand Bazaar with a carpet demonstration and the opportunity to purchase a wide variety of carpets, kilims, goold leather goods, souvenirs, carpets. At the stated time and place, return to your motorcoach which will take you directly back to the ship.
                                                            TAKE NOTE!

• Seasonal clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

• For your convenience, the boat is equipped with bathroom facilities, covered areas as well as open deck space. Rest rooms are also available inside the Grand Bazaar area.

SECRET TREASURES OF ISTANBUL
By air-conditioned motorcoach / foot 
Duration: 7 hours
MINIMUM 20 PERSONS

This tour is designed to give the guests an impression on the best and the most famous monuments in Istanbul remaining from Byzantine Empire era.

Depart from the pier for an interesting tour of Istanbul with a city orientation drive through the business center of the modern city, across the Galata Bridge, along the banks of the Golden Horn and under the Byzantine Acueduct of Valens. On the way, see the Suleymaniye Mosque dedicated to Sultan Suleyman the magnificent, built by the famous Turkish Architect, Sinan. Arrive at the Byzantine Hippodrome where the chariot races and celebrations in honor of the emperors once took place during Byzantine Empire era. Then visit the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, completed in 1616, and a triumph of harmony, proportion and elegance. The mosque was a part of a complex, which consisted of a mosque, tombs, fountains, kitchens, and a bath. Its colorful 260 windows enables the sunlight to reach inside reflecting on the 21000 blue iznik tiles covering the walls giving the mosque an unusually blue-lighted interior from which it gets is name: "The Blue Mosque". The tour will continue at the Roman Underground Cistern, or Yerabatan Cistern. It was built by Justinian in the 6th century as a water reservoir to protect the city against long sieges. It is 70 meters wide and 140 meters long, with a capacity of 80,000 cubic meters of water. It has 336 beautiful columns that support the cistern, two of which are carved with the head of the Medusa on the plinth, Inside you can enjoy classical music in the background, view the many illuminated columns, watch the fishes in the water or throw the typical coin in to make a wish. After this interesting visit it is time for lunch in one of the local restaurants. After lunch visit the Chora Museum. The 11th century church of St. Savior in Chora is the most important Byzantine monument in Istanbul after the St. Sophia museum. It displays a collection of fourteenth century frescoes, gold-inlaid mosaics and some of the World's finest Byzantine paintings. Afterwards drive along the ancient Byzantine City walls to arrive to the outside area of the exotic Grand Bazaar with a carpet demonstration and the opportunity to purchase a wide variety of carpets, kilims, gold, leather goods, souvenirs, and carpets. At the stated time and place, return to your motorcoach which will take you directly back to the ship.

EPHESSOS & THE HOUSE OF THE VIRGIN MARY
BY AIR-CONDITIONED MOTORCOACH / FOOT
DURATION: 3 ½ HOURS
MINIMUM 20 PERSONS

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, you will visit the humble chapel, which lies on the site of the little house where The Virgin Mary resided 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 with 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. Dust 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
BY AIR-CONDITIONED MOTORCOACH / FOOT 
DURATION: 3 HOURS
MINIMUM 20 PERSONS

Patmos - Greece

• 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.

RHODES & LINDOS EXCURSION
BY AIR-CONDITIONED MOTORCOACH / FOOT 
DURATION: 4 ½ HOURS
MINIMUM: 20 PERSONS

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. The ancient Acropolis of Lindos within stand on the brink 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 cast anchor during his historic voyage to Ephesus. 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 motor coaches 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.
                                                                    TAKE NOTE!

• 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.

• There will be easy and flat walking involved in the Old Town.
• A short stop is foreseen at a ceramic workshop to see how the traditional and world famous Rhodian ceramics are made.

• 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.

THE PALACE OF KNOSSOS & ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
BY AIR-CONDITIONED MOTORCOACH / FOOT
DURATION: 3 HOURS 
MINIMUM: 20 PERSONS

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.

ISLAND TOUR & OIA VILLAGE
BY BOAT / MOTORCOACH / CABLE CAR / FOOT 
DURATION: 3 ½ HOURS 
MINIMUM: 20 PERSONS

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.

SANTORINI SAILING & VOLCANO 
BY CAIQUE / MOTORCOACH 
DURATION: 3 ½ HOURS 
MINIMUM: 25 PERSONS

• Descending to Skala on mule back may be uncomfortable, as the animals lean forward at a considerable angle due to the very steep incline. The stepped way is littered with animal droppings resulting in a strong odor being noticeable during the entire descent.
• A strenuous uphill/downhill walk is involved to reach the crater.
• We recommend light dress, comfortable enclosed flat shoes, hat, sunglasses and bottled water.
• You may wear your swimwear under your clothes or should you wish to change on board the caique, please note you will be using the rest rooms for changing. Do not forget your towel and sunscreen.