Optional Shore Excursions
3 Day cruise - 2004

 Kusadasi - Ephessos & the house of the Virgin Mary (KUS-001) 

By air-conditioned motorcoach / foot
Duration: 3½ hours

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, it is here where you will visit the humble chapel, which lies on the site of the little house where The Virgin Mary resided to 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 having 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. And just 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.

 Patmos - the monastery of St John & Grotto (PAT-001)  

By air-conditioned motorcoach / foot
Duration: 2 hours

Depart the port of Scala and enjoy a short journey 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, exceptional in its architecture. View the courtyard, the Monks’ dinning room and the old bakery before you visit the main church noting its outstanding frescoes and interior decoration.  Next, see the priceless ecclesiastical treasures housed in the beautiful but small museum: books and manuscripts, mosaics, icons, splendid medieval textiles and vestments as well as jewelry. Return to your motorcoach to continue on to the nearby Grotto of the Apocalypse, where above stands the church of the Apocalypse, a sub-unit of the main Monastery. Walk down the steps to visit the Grotto of the Apocalypse. Here you will see the silver niches in the wall, that mark the pillow and ledge used as a desk by the author of the Book of Revelations as well as the three-fold crack made by the Voice of God emphasizing the honor of the Trinity.  Afterwards, drive back to the port of Scala and enjoy some free time in this quaint and picturesque harbor.

 Patmos – scenic tour around the island (PAT-005) 

By air-conditioned motorcoach / foot
Duration: 2½ hours
Minimum participation: 20 persons

An interesting scenic island tour has been designed for those guests who prefer to discover the beauties of Patmos within the comfort of your air-conditioned motorcoach. Commencing your tour from the port of Skala you will drive to the dominating 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 windmills of Chora, once upon a time the landmark of all Aegean islands. Enjoy the view, take photos and continue to visit the new active convent of Evangelismos  (Annunciation) in the south part of the island, which has a significant number of nuns who follow the traditions. Afterwards, continue your drive around the island to see its landscape of outstanding natural beauty comprised of rocky hills. Dozens of tongues of land reaching out into the sea tranquil beaches and many picturesque inlets, before you arrive to the village of Kambos located in the north part of the island, where you will be welcomed with a refreshment and a traditional local sweet. Ending your tour in the port of Scala you may enjoy some free time in this quaint and picturesque little harbor.

 Rhodes – Rhodes & Lindos Excursion (RHO-001) 

By air-conditioned motorcoach / foot
Duration: 4½ hours

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 13^th century. Within stands the ancient Acropolis of Lindos on the brick 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 himself cast anchor during his historic voyage to Ephessos. 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 motorcoaches 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 motorcoach at the Marine Gate.

 Rhodes – old city and Philerimos (RHO-002) 

By air-conditioned motorcoach / foot
Duration: 3 hours

Drive along the medieval walls to the summit of Mount Smith, the Acropolis of Ancient Rhodes. From the tumbled massive pillars of a Temple of Athena, the view encompasses the nearby Temple of Apollo, the Stadium of Diagoras and the port, which was once protected by the Colossus of Rhodes – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The drive continues across the island to Philerimos. The summit of Philerimos was the site of Ialysos, one of the three ancient cities of Rhodes. Later remains include the restored Byzantine Church of Our Lady of Philerimos, a chapel with 15^th century frescoes and a ruined castle of the Knights. After the visit and free time, you will return to the Old City of Rhodes and begin a guided walk of the Medieval walled city to the Porte d’Amboise. It will be a pleasure to stroll the Street of the Knights with its medieval buildings, winding alleys, towers, turrets and emblazoned facades. Then visit the impressive Grand Masters Palace and have the chance to see, among others, the superb mosaics. After your pleasant walk, pass through the Marine Gate to meet up with your motorcoach and return to the ship.

 Rhodes - Lindos with Lunch by the Beach (RHO-003) 

By air-conditioned motorcoach / foot
Duration: 8 hours
Minimum participation: 20 persons

Depart with your motorcoach from the harbor of Rhodes and drive alongside the walls of the Medieval city and Mandraki Harbor where once stood the 27 meter Bronze statue of the Colossos of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World. Commence your walking tour at Port d’Amboise where you will 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 motorcoach at the Marine Gate.
Afterwards enjoy a relaxing drive along the eastern coastline as you make your way to the village of Lindos (approximately 45 minutes drive). On arrival, follow your guide and proceed on foot uphill to explore the Acropolis of Lindos, which overlooks the Aegean Sea and the historic Bay of St Paul.  Marvel at the breathtaking views, and sites of this amazing Ancient City. Afterwards, time will be given to discover this picturesque village at the foot of the hill at your own pace before meeting backup with your guide at the stated time and place. Continue on to a leading five star beach hotel, half an hour away in the highly populated tourism spot of the island “Faliraki”. Here you will enjoy a full variety lunch buffet along with house wine before relaxing in the afternoon sun by the pool, on the beach, or in the hotels surrounding gardens. Hotel facilities, sun beds are included. Water sports if desired will be at an extra cost.
At the stated time meet back up with your guide for the drive back to the harbor and your ship.