7 Day Eclectic Aegean

With the Bosphorus Strait dividing two continents, Europe and Asia, this is one cruise that’s truly unique. You’ll set sail by private tender boat to glide over the jet blue waters of the Bosphorus so that you can take in the city and its iconic skyline from both angles. As you weave your way between traditional fishing boats and ferries, you’ll soon see the Orient and Occident emerging. Keep a lookout for the glamorous 19th century Dolmabahçe Palace and the former Ottoman palace of Çırağan, now a luxury hotel, on the European riverbank. And on the Asian side, the summer residence of the sultans, Beylerbeyi Palace, as well as the Anatolian Castle medieval fortress and magnificent Kanlica Villa all soon come into view. Then, back on dry land, you can stretch your legs with a stroll around the labyrinthine Spice Market. Try haggling for souvenirs, or simply browse the myriad of goods on offer.

Dig a bit deeper into the history and legacy behind three of Istanbul’s most fascinating sites on this half-day excursion. First up is the Mosque of Sultan Ahmed, or Blue Mosque, and one of the most characteristic sights in the city skyline. Its needle-like minarets are something to behold, and inside you’ll see the grave of Sultan Ahmed I who ordered the construction of the mosque. Next it’s over to the Hagia Sophia, first built as the Orthodox cathedral of Constantinople to later become an imperial mosque and now a museum; the interior and domed ceilings are as captivating as its history. Afterwards, the tour heads to the Cistern of Philoxenos, or the Sunken Palace, to visit this incredible subterranean reservoir. It features 336 marble columns towering 14 metres high that all add to its special atmosphere. At the end of the chamber you’ll be able to spot two column bases displaying the mythological Medusa head.

Prices

Adults: $91, Children: $68

Over the course of approximately nine hours, this tour will bring Istanbul’s rich picking of landmarks and legacies to life. Step into the Old City to the Hippodrome of Constantinople – a once popular meeting place to watch chariot racing – to see the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column, Walled Obelisk and German Fountain. Then, you’ll pick up the pace and head to the Blue Mosque, the most beautiful in all the city, and the exquisite Hagia Sophia, symbol of Istanbul. After lunch in a local restaurant, you’ll spend the first part of the afternoon exploring the rooms, courtyards and collections in Topkapi Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and lavish residence of Ottoman sultans. To end the tour, you’ll have plenty of free time to get lost in amongst the maze of lanes and stalls of the Grand Bazaar. Try haggling for souvenirs, or simply browse the myriad of goods on offer.

Prices

Adults: $153, Children: $99

Kavala balances its modern urban spaces with beautiful beaches and lush green hinterlands. The city is home to a number of monuments from the first and second millennia after Christ, many of which are today pilgrimage sites. Highlights St. Lydia Purpuraria: Lydia was the first Christian convert in Europe. A Church-Baptistery and an open-air Baptistery by the riverside are located where her holy baptism took place, similar to the ones preserved in the early Christian basilicas in Philippi. PHILIPPI: The archaeological site will feature a guided tour through the excavations, marveling at the upper and lower parts as well as the Forum, the Walls, the two Basilicas and the Theatre. Your guide will also point out the traditional prison, which once held St. Paul and St. Sylas. St. Paul’s Monument: Commemorating the location where St. Paul set foot on the European Continent during his second missionary journey, establishing a thriving Christian church in the nearby city of Philippi.

Prices

Adults: $0, Children: $0

This is a fascinating half day, step back in time. Vergina was the first ancient capital of the Greek Kingdom of Macedonia and we have the privilege of visiting the Royal Tombs. The most important tomb is that of Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great. We will be accompanied into the museum by our guide to look at some of King Philip’s most important possessions, including the king’s shield and gold-trimmed breast plate. Legend has it that the golden chest containing the king’s bones was washed with wine and wrapped in purple cloth. We will find out how this was unearthed before being able to discover it for ourselves. Also on display are gold diadems of unparalleled artistry, lavish wall paintings and a golden wreath of oak leaves. This is also the site of an extensive royal palace and one of the most important museums in Greece. The area was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status as “an exceptional testimony to a significant development in European civilisation.”

Prices

Adults: $0, Children: $0

This is a remarkable, historic, full-day excursion combining the glories of Pella with those of Vergina, and it includes lunch overlooking the stunning Aliakmon Valley. We begin with a 45-minute drive by air-conditioned motor coach to Pella, the birthplace of Alexander the Great and the second capital of ancient Macedonia. Alexander, Emperor in the 4th Century BC, was undefeated in battle and is widely considered one of history’s most successful military commanders. For 250 years Pella was the cultural centre of the Ancient Greek world and as the seat of the royal family, enjoyed its greatest prosperity during the reign of Alexander. Archaeological excavations have uncovered public buildings and luxurious private homes with intricate marble-floor mosaics along with a plethora of delicate clay figurines and vases. We have the opportunity to view these and many other treasures before heading to the city of Veria where we will enjoy a three-course lunch will be served at a local restaurant overlooking the immense Aliakmon Valley. Our next stop is Vergina, where we visit the tomb of King Philip II of Macedonia. Dating from 335 BC, the bones of the king are covered with a golden wreath of oak leaves. Also here are the king’s iron helmet and a cache of weapons. As well as King Philip’s tomb and personal effects, we will see well-preserved examples of large-scale classical painting and numerous carved, painted steles of ordinary citizens. We have an hour’s drive by coach back to the ship.

Prices

Adults: $0, Children: $0

Thessaloniki is the second city of Greece and the capital of Macedonia. It has a fascinating and colourful history with evidence of Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman remains and it was the richest city in the Byzantine Empire. It is a glorious blend of beauty, history, and culture, framed by vast and stunning sea views and is considered to be Greece’s cultural capital. Our panoramic tour begins along the waterfront boulevard to Aristotelous Square, named for Macedonia’s leading philosopher Aristotle. We will see Thessaloniki’s most famous sight, the White Tower, part of the lower city’s original fortification which has also served as a prison. We hear the fascinating narrative by our guide as we take in many of the city’s highlights including, the Gallerius Arch, the Rotunda, and numerous neo-Classical buildings. We visit the 5th century St. Demetrius’ Cathedral as well and stop up to the Upper Town for sweeping views of the city with Mount Olympus and the Thermaic Gulf in the background.

Prices

Adults: $0, Children: $0

Seeing really is believing when it comes to the monasteries of Meteora, where after a drive through the countryside from Volos, your eyes will be drawn to the sky as these giant rocks appear out of nowhere. This full day excursion takes you to Meteora to explore the unique geology and landscape of the area with its colossal stones that reach 400 meters in height. At their feet you’ll find the sleepy village of Kastraki, but look up and the UNESCO-listed monastic complex of Meteora is a true surprise. Their spiritual energy is soul-stirring, and out of 30 historical monasteries, six are still in use and open to the public, including the monasteries of Rousanou, Varlaam, Holy Trinity, St Stephen, St Nicholas Anapausas and Great Meteoron. Their exquisite frescoes are a sight to behold, and so are the panoramic views from the top.

Prices

Adults: $105, Children: $74

Mt Pelion – the mythical land of centaurs – is as beautiful as its fables. Known as the mountain where the gods celebrated weddings and beauty contests, it will appeal to all your senses. This half-day excursion features the traditions and culture of Volos and Pelion with a journey into the hills and to villages suspended in time. You’ll drive to one of the most delightful villages, Makrinitsa, located 700m above sea level, where you’ll leave the coach to wander around its narrow lanes flanked by old houses. Known as the ‘balcony of Mt Pelion’ it affords sweeping panoramas down to Volos and beyond. And each house is built to make the most of the splendid views of the gulf. At the main square, platia, you’ll be able to soak up its otherworldly charm surrounded by plane trees, a tiny church and trickling fountain. Then, make the most of some free time to stroll around the village more, visit the museum or simply sit back in the square with a freshly-brewed coffee in your hand.

Prices

Adults: $80, Children: $49

First you head up to Megalochori village, one of the most authentic and unspoiled villages of the island with its distinctive architecture and character.

We will continue on to the east, in the background, you will have settlements like Kamari and Monolithos, while you will pass through Fira, the small traditional villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli with delicate architecture and beauties, to eventually arrive at the settlement of Oia. During the entire route, to the west you will have before your eyes the lace-like caldera, the little islands of Thirasia, Palea and Nea Kameni and an unsurpassable panoramic view. In Oia you will have plenty of time to stroll through the marble-paved alleys, to gaze at the adorably cute shops, to take pictures, to become acquainted with the characteristic buildings, carved into the rocks and the unusual captains’ manors, the settlement Ammoudi at the foot of the caldera… After your curiosity has been sated of the area which is characterized as being of “exceptional natural beauty”, your return begins...

Welcome to a half-day tour of Plato’s source of inspiration for the legend of Atlantis, the Minoan Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri. During our exploration we will discover ancient treasures exceptionally preserved by the same element which led to the destruction of the Akrotiri civilization - volcanic ash. Dating back to the 4th millennium BC, the archeological site of Akrotiri will simply amaze you with the complexity of the edifices and decorations unearthed here since 1967. Delicate art treasures, including vivid frescos, furniture and vessels, tell magnificent stories of the ancient life and society of the Minoan civilization. We will end our immersion in Santorini’s astounding history with free time in the town of Akrotiri, beautifully located close to the famous Red Beach and overlooking the southeastern side of the island.

Prices

Adults: $91, Children: $68

Our half day boat tour takes you on a unique journey around one of the most photographed landscapes in the world - the island of Santorini. This intimate boat tour will allow you to discover this incredibly romantic island from a unique perspective, getting up close and personal with Santorini’s coarse volcanic silhouette. We will pass by Palea and Nea Kameni, two uninhabited and wholly volcanic islands in the Santorini complex. These islands, made of black lava, present an astonishing landscape, violently moulded by the powerful volcanic eruption of circa 1600 BC which created Santorini’s current scenery. The famous Santorini volcano crater is found on Nea Kameni and a brief walk takes the curious visitor to the edge of the still active crater. The raw power, visible among the rugged landscape, is exceptionally impressive and will fill you with a rush of adrenaline as you peer into its seemingly bottomless darkness. We will end our tour of Santorini with a visit to Palea Kameni’s hot springs, where the healing waters can reach up to 35 degrees celsius. Here you will have a chance to swim to the springs.

Prices

Adults: $85, Children: $52

This jam-packed excursion promises all the highlights of Athens and its history in just half a day. You’ll set off by bus from the port into the center of Athens, where during the panoramic drive you’ll get to gaze up at the Temple of Olympian Zeus and pass by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which sits in front of the Greek Parliament. Our first destination is the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Olympic Games were held in 1896. Next, it’s on to the stylish ‘Trilogy of Athens’ – the University of Athens, National Library and the Academy of Athens – before you reach the Squares of Omonia and Syntagma in the heart of modern Athens. Here you’ll also get a glimpse of picturesque Plaka tucked beneath the Acropolis, and then it’s onwards to Propylaea where the Temple of Athena Nike lies. Last but not least, it’s time for the final highlight of the tour - the iconic Acropolis. You’ll join a guided exploration to see the mighty Parthenon, symbol of the city, closer than ever before and stand on ground that has witnessed centuries of history. From here, you’ll also admire the glorious Odeon of Herodes Atticus before you reach the final stop – the New Acropolis Museum – to uncover and marvel at more famous works from classical antiquity.

*Passengers departing from Piraeus, take the excursion, on the last day of their cruise, after disembarkation.

Prices

Adults: $108, Children: $80

This jam-packed excursion promises all the highlights of Athens and its history in just half a day. You’ll set off by bus from the port into the center of Athens, where during the panoramic drive you’ll get to gaze up at the Temple of Olympian Zeus and pass by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which sits in front of the Greek Parliament. Our first destination is the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Olympic Games were held in 1896. Next, it’s on to the stylish ‘Trilogy of Athens’ – the University of Athens, National Library and the Academy of Athens – before you reach the Squares of Omonia and Syntagma in the heart of modern Athens. Here you’ll also get a glimpse of picturesque Plaka tucked beneath the Acropolis, and then it’s onwards to Propylaea where the Temple of Athena Nike lies. Last but not least, it’s time for the final highlight of the tour - the iconic Acropolis. You’ll join a guided exploration to see the mighty Parthenon, symbol of the city, closer than ever before and stand on ground that has witnessed centuries of history. From here, you’ll also admire the glorious Odeon of Herodes Atticus before you reach the final stop – the New Acropolis Museum – to uncover and marvel at more famous works from classical antiquity.

*Passengers departing from Piraeus, take the excursion, on the last day of their cruise, after disembarkation.

Prices

Adults: $105, Children: $74

For an overview of Athens, look no further than this half-day tour to the Panathenaic Stadium and historic neighborhood of Plaka. You’ll see two of the main attractions in Athens whilst exploring at your own pace. Firstly, you’ll travel back through the centuries at the Panathenaic Stadium, originally built in circa 330BC for the Panathenaic Games. This 45,000-seat marble beauty is a sight for sore eyes with its never-ending expanse of bright white tiers. Afterwards, you’ll navigate the maze of cobbled alleys that make up Plaka, the oldest area in the city. Its streets are lined with neoclassical buildings, pavement-side tavernas churning out delicious food around the clock, and flashes of hot pink bougainvillea draped across historic walls – it’s magical! And to top it off, you’ll also pass by Syntagma Square, the Academy of Athens and the National Library, all while catching fantastic glimpses of the Acropolis above.

*Passengers departing from Piraeus, take the excursion, on the last day of their cruise, after disembarkation.

Prices

Adults: $83, Children: $54