Daily Activities (Yoga, dance, etc.), Check daily schedule on board
Excursion Ancient Ephesus through the ages - Hellinistic and Roman
Themed cruises Stories of Greek Heritage: Culture and Enogastronomy
Day 1: Mykonos (18:00-23:00)
Welcome to the island of winds! A rocky landscape blending gently with sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. The Aegean island for party-lovers, the reputation and popularity of which make it comparable to the French St. Tropez and the Spanish Ibiza resorts.A wonderful and characteristic Cycladic island with a lot of hidden beauties as well, interesting also for the few “picky” ones.
Available Excursions:
Mykonian countryside tour with Hora & Little Venice (up to 4 ½ hours):
This tour includes the best parts of Mykonos outside its main city. We will drive around the island to get a glimpse into its beaches such as Ornos (one of the most family-friendly on the island), St. Anna (protected by two hills called “Aphrodite’s breasts”), and Kalafatis (a paradise for water sports and windsurfing). Brief stop for photo shooting. We will then leave the seashore and drive inland to Ano Mera, a village which remains one of the rare unspoiled parts of the island. Home to the Panagia Tourliani Monastery of the 16th century, the village unfolds around its impressive bell tower and marble fountain. Coming back to Chora, we make a short stop to Panagia Paraportianí, the iconic Byzantine church dating back to the 15th century. We will conclude our bus tour at the picturesque Little Venice; the perfect spot for a cocktail by the sea. (Not included in the original price)
Day 2: Kusadasi (07:00-13:00)
Arriving in the port of Kusadasi, Turkey, we instantly feel like we did not enter another country. A huge covered bazaar stretches out in front of us and the buzz from trendy seaside bars and restaurants floats through the air. Let us explore the myriad of shops and historic sites of the city!
Available Excursion:
House of the Virgin Mary & Ancient Ephesus (up to 4 ½ hours):
First stop of the day: through the olive grove hills around Kusadasi we will reach the House of the Virgin Mary, an important pilgrimage site where the Virgin Mary lived the last years of her life. We continue on to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most incredible open-air archaeological sites and museums in the world. Admire ancient relics such as the Library of Celsus, the Odeon, marble-paved streets, baths, the Magnesia Gate and the Great Theater amongst many others. Afterwards, we will return to the bustling seaside city of Kusadasi. Here we’ll have some free time to browse, shop and explore everything from ornaments to jewelry and spices in the maze of shops at the bazaar.
(Not included in the original price)
Day 2: Patmos (16:00-21:00)
The Island of the Apocalypse is floating in the Aegean Sea with its majestic medieval walls and its wonderful snow-white houses.
Available Excursion:
Religious visit to St. John's Monastery & the Grotto of Apocalypse (up to 4 ½ hours)
After leaving the port of Scala, we will reach the Monastery of St. John the Theologian, a rare example of monastic, fortified architecture which survived the pillaging of pirates and various Aegean conquerors. In 1088, a gifted monk called Christodoulos established a monastery to honor St. John the Evangelist and transformed the Cave of the Apocalypse into a sacred place. We will then enjoy the town of Patmos (Chora) with its contrasting mixture of old magnificent mansions and most humble homes built around the wall of the Monastery. We use our free time to enjoy all the town has to offer including unparalleled views of the sea and its charming boutique shops and cafes. Our final stop is the Cave of the Apocalypse, an important place of pilgrimage for Christians around the world. The rock is ragged with three small fissures symbolizing the Holy Trinity; it is said that in this place the voice of God dictated to St. John the text of the Revelation.(Not included in the original price)
Day 3: Rhodes (07:00-18:00)
With its bright green hills, rich green valleys and uninterrupted line of golden beaches, the capital of the Dodecanese Islands and widely known as the “Island of the Knights” blends nature, culture and history in its very own special way.
Walking tour in the MedievalCity of Rhodes (up to 4 ½ hours)
On our half-day walking tour we will explore the city’s medieval history and the fascinating story of the Knights of St. John. The citadel, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and the home of the Knights of St. John, will give you a glimpse into the everyday life and challenges of medieval Rhodes. We will walk among two centuries of Knights’ history in Rhodes as we explore the Street of Knights, where the seven lodges of the Order were once housed. At the top of the street we will enter a world of architectural and political might, as we visit the impressive, Gothic-style Grand Master’s Palace, the seat of power during the occupation of the Knights of St. John. Built in the 14th century, atop the ruins of a 7th century citadel, the palace is beautifully preserved as a key feature of the Old Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will end our walking tour with free time in Rhodes’ Old Town and have the chance to enjoy a refreshment, take more photographs or search for the best souvenir from magical Rhodes.
(Not included in the original price)
Day 4: Heraklion (07:00-11:30)
With its awe-inspiring walls of Koules emerging from the sea to guard the ancient treasures of the city, Heraklion is waiting for us; the largest city of Crete is full of landmarks, world-class museums, golden beaches and a stylish nightlife scene.
Available Excursion:
MinoanPalace of Knossos (up to 4 ½ hours)
While heading to the incredible open-air museum of the Palace of Knossos, we will drive along the proud Venetian heritage of Heraklion: the Koules Fortress, the Venetian Loggia (the 17th century administrative and social center), the harmonious Morozini fountain and the 10th century Church of St. Titus. As we explore the Palace of Knossos, considered Europe’s oldest city, we are experiencing the incredible world of the legendary Minoan civilization. The long and winding roads of Crete’s ancient city gradually expose the remarkable art, architecture and daily life of the Minoan people. Let us imagine the legends of Daedalus, Theseus and the Minotaur come to life in the remarkable Hall of the Royal Guard and the Double Axes, the King’s Chamber or the Queen’s Apartment. Afterwards, we will enjoy our free time around the city.
(Not included in the original price)
Day 4: Santorini (16:30-21:30)
Welcome to the VolcanoIsland, with the dark colored beaches, the breathtaking sunsets, the almost vertical cities hanging from the cliffs and the white-washed cubic houses.
Available Excursion:
SpectacularOiaVillage (up to 4 ½ hours)
Tour to Santorini’s jewel, the village of Oia. As we board our tour to discover the island’s second largest village, we will drive by the picturesque villages of Firostefani, Imerovigli, the “balcony to the Aegean”, and Megalochori surrounded by its famous vineyards, where we will stop briefly to capture the experience with photos. Our tour will continue with a panoramic drive by Santorini’s caldera which offers breathtaking views. We will admire from afar the village of Fira, the capital of the island, as well as Thirassia, Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni; three of the five islands forming the cluster that surround Santorini. As we arrive in Oia, we will walk through the gleaming white streets of the village through a beautiful labyrinth of shops, cafes, art galleries and hotels, harmoniously built in the unmistakable Cycladic style. We will have free time to enjoy your moments in one of the world’s best known and loved living postcards, take photos of the awe-inspiring scenery, shop for fine jewelry or art, or simply relax and breathe in the beauty of Santorini.
