Ancient Lands Superior

Notes

Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.

Athens

Traditional Greek Taverna Meal With Entertainment Adult Price: €55.00 This is an evening excursion to a taverna in the centre of Athens. Excellent traditional Greek food in a lively atmosphere, entertained through dances and music from all parts of the country. Wine, beer and soft drinks are also included. Although the venue does have an official ending time, clients are more than welcome to stay on in the taverna, to join in with the local residents! (Casual dress)

National Archaeological Museum Adult Price: €36.00 Visit the National Archaeological Museum of Athens with our local specialist to view some of the most important exhibits; see the first “computer” known to man that was discovered south of Greece and is known as the “Antikythira mechanism”, marvel at the gold burial mask of Agammemnon, or the frescoes from the lost city of “Akrotiri” in Santorini! Enjoy free time to visit more exhibits and perhaps have a coffee in the museums beautiful main courtyard.

Delphi Adult Price: €100.00 The slopes of Parnassus Mountain are home to Delphi, home to the Oracke and the centre of the universe for the ancient world. Visit the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Stadium & the Temple, as well as the museum of Delphi - home to over 10,000 artefacts, including the famous bronze Charioteer. In addition, you will also pass through the typical mountain Greek village of Arachova - famous for its cheese, matured in nearby caves, and for its flokati rugs. (€90 without lunch)

Argolis (Mycenae/Epidaurus/Corinth Canal) Adult Price: €100.00 Leaving Athens, first cross the Corinth Canal, separating the Peloponnese from Mainland Greece with impressive dimensions - Visit ancient Mycenae, 3500 years old and home to the Lion Gate, Royal Palace & Tomb of Agamemnon, before continuing on to the stunning precision built ancient theatre of Epidaurus, There will also be a stop at the picturesque town of Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece. (€90 without lunch)

Cape Sounion Adult Price: €40.00 Take a relaxing trip down to the southernmost tip of Mainland Greece to see the fifth century B.C Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. See if you can spot where Byron carved his initials on one of the temple’s sixteen columns. Marvel at the sheer rugged beauty of the coastline and the ancient temple perched above a 197-foot drop down to the Aegean Sea below. Stand above the site of the world’s first lighthouse, overlooking an area steeped in classical Greek history, ever since the tragic King Aegeas threw himself from the rocky precipice into the sea below, thereby giving his name to the Aegean Sea.

Dinner "Meze" Style In Psiri With Acropolis Illuminations Adult Price: €50.00 Enjoy a lovely dining experience at a wonderful restaurant located in the lively area of Psiri. Dining is “meze style”, giving you the opportunity to taste many Greek cuisine dishes, which are served in the centre of the table. Also enjoy the local free-flowing wine! (Casual dress)

Greek Flavours and Athens Central Markets Adult Price: €60.00 The ambience of this city comes alive when walking past its shops, cafes and street vendors whilst mixing with the local Athenians. Visit the Central covered markets of Athens, take in aromas, sights and sounds of this unpretentious, animated market area selling fresh fruit & veg, fish, meat, herbs and spices. At our inviting venue - one of the oldest restaurants in Athens we are welcomed by our host, with a glass of raki. Experience the history of Greek traditional family cuisine as she shares culinary secrets and prepares various sumptuous dishes. Don an apron and lend a hand! Savor wonderful tastes as we try all the tasty dishes accompanied by local wine.

Kusadasi

Ancient Ephesus through the ages - Hellenistic and Roman Adult Price: €68.00 This morning, the wonderful site of Ancient Ephesus awaits. Walk the streets visited by so many famous historical figures including Cleopatra. The local specialist brings history alive as we begin our visit at the top of Ephesus, passing by the Agora, Odeon, the original marble-paved Street of Kouretes, Trajan’s Fountain, Public Latrines, Hadrian’s Temple, culminating with the magnificent Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre, which accommodated 24,000 spectators.Our optional experience gives us an opportunity for local shopping such as carpets, jewelry, leather and other souvenirs famous in Turkey. Return to the town and port of Kusadasi, take the opportunity to bargain in the covered bazaar.

Patmos

Patmos Countryside Tour with Hora And Grotto Of Apocalypse Adult Price: €63.00 We visit Patmos a UNESCO “World Heritage Monument” and enjoy a panoramic guided tour of the island, a magical visit to the Grotto of the Apocalypse, where it is said St John the Apostle wrote the Book of Revelation. We reach the medieval town of Hora to enjoy a leisurely walk, marvel at the views of the Monastery of St John the Evangelist, and culminate our tour at Scala the port of Patmos where we enjoy a welcoming coffee, tea or refreshment.

Rhodes

Medieval tour - Acropolis of Lindos and the Citadel of the Knights Adult Price: €67.00 We visit Lindos, the jewel of Rhodes, situated 55 km (40 miles) from the port and the city of Rhodes. Ascend the Acropolis of Lindos, with the ancient Temple of Athena dating back to the 5th Century BC, and marvel at the spectacular views of St Pauls Bay and the beautiful Aegean Sea below. In the village see the captains’ mansions, Church of the Virgin Mary of Lindos, with frescoes from the 15th century. Returning to Rhodes town, we see the medieval walls and walk through the gates of the city on to the best preserved Medieval Street, the Street of the Knights of John.

Heraklion

Minoan Palace of Knossos - 1st European Civilization Adult Price: €67.00 The ancient city of Knossos the residence of the wise King Minos and the Minotaur, with constant habitation from the Neolithic era until the 5th century A.D., is beyond doubt the land that “gave birth” to the first civilization of Europe, the Minoans. The palace of Knossos spreads around a large Central Court. You will reach the awe inspiring Throne Room, the fresco of the “Prince of the Lilies”, the imposing Grand Staircase, the Queen’s Megaron. Walking through the apartments of Knossos Palace and observing the finds even as passers-by, and the information from your local specialist, will make you feel part of this cultural heritage. Santorini

Spectacular Oia Village Perched On The Caldera Rim Adult Price: €67.00 Our drive through the crescent shaped island offers unsurpassable views of the lace-like caldera, the little islands of Thirasia, Palea and Nea Kameni. Our route takes us through Fira, the islands capital, past small traditional settlements of Firostefani and Imerovigli arriving at the beautiful and romantic village of Oia.Iconic Cycladic architecture of white washed houses, blue domed churches and blue shutters, buildings that look like they are trickling down the islands’ cliffs await. Time at leisure in spectacular Oia, to stroll through the marble-paved alleys, to gaze at the gorgeous shops, find and capture perfect pictures moments. After our time at leisure, we return to the ship.