Optional Shore Excursions
7 Day cruise - 2004

 Istanbul - Istanbul night life with dinner (IST-001) 

By air-conditioned motorcoach
Duration: 4 hours

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.

 Istanbul - highlights of Istanbul (IST-002) 

By air-conditioned motorcoach / foot
Duration: 7 hours

Istanbul, a city built on the shores of two continents, Europe and Asia, holds the elaborate remains of Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman Empires which have bequieved the city with architectural treasures, creating a spectacular skyline. Allow 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 Süleymaniye Mosque, dedicated to Sultan Süleyman 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, gold and leather goods, souvenirs. At the stated time and place, return to your motorcoach which will take you directly back to the ship.

 Istanbul - Highlights of Istanbul with lunch (IST-003) 

By air-conditioned motorcoach / foot
Duration: 8 hours

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.

 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.

 Kusadasi - Ancient Ephessos (KUS-002) 

By air-conditioned motorcoach / foot
Duration: 3 hours

Through the colourful town of Kusadasi, drive along the coast and into the verdant countryside to reach Ephessos, famous in antiquity for its Temple of Diana - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - and later the home of St. John. During the years of the Roman Empire, the Greek port of Ephessos became the greatest city in Asia Minor. Upon arrival at Ephessos, leave your motorcoach and follow your guide, to enter this amazing ancient city through the Magnesian Gate.  Here, discover innumerable monuments including the Forum, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the Thermal Baths of Scolastika and the Great Theatre of Antiquity built in the Greek era and reconstructed in the Roman period, which is still noted for its remarkable acoustics. View the symbols all around and marvel at the fact that one is still able to read the inscriptions in the ancient Greek language. Walk back to your motorcoach along the Arcadian Way, where once Mark Antony and Cleopatra rode in procession. As you drive back to Kusadasi, on a hill above Selcuk, 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.

 Santorini – island tour & Oia village (SAN-004) 

By boat / motorcoach / cable car / foot
Duration: 3½ hours

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.

 Santorini – Akrotiri excavations & Fira town (SAN-001) 

By boat / motorcoach / cable car / foot
Duration: 2 hours

Depart the ship by local tender to Athinios Harbour to join your guide.  The outstanding vistas unfolding as the motorcoach ascends the serpentine road to the top of the cliff are breathtaking.  Although often compared to Pompeii, Akrotiri boasts a much earlier age and preserves amazing ruins dating back to the 2nd millennium b.c.  Walk through the well kept passageways and roads in the excavated area and marvel at the two and three storey houses, once decorated with wall paintings and staircases. Beautiful pottery decorates entrances and squares in a city 3500 years old.  Let your imagination picture a day's activities as your guide relates the history of this fascinating place.  Could it have been the lost city of Atlantis perhaps?  Your tour continues through the windblown volcanic landscape, cultivate with low laying vineyards producing the very famous Santorinian wines, to arrive in Fira, the capital town of Santorini.  Perched at the edge of the cliff, it affords panoramic views of the Caldera below, overlooking the ship at anchor.  Enjoy the town at leisure, shop for souvenirs or relax over coffee in one of the roof top cafes along the edge of the cliff.  Later, return to the small pier of Skala below, by cable car or mule, where the vessel's tenders will take you back to the ship.

 Santorini – Sailing & Volcano (SAN-006) 

By caique / motorcoach
Duration: 3½ hours

Enjoy a cruise around the active crater of Nea Kameni islet. Sail along the peculiar formations of its volcanic shores, where black lava rocks and white pumice are combined beautifully with the red color of lava. Take a walk to the top of the volcanic island where sulphur is spewed into the air by one of the craters. Enjoy this surreal landscape as your guide narrates the creation and history of the volcano and the last eruption leading to the destruction of the island of Santorini. The tidal wave created by the eruption was of such an immense magnitude, it destroyed the thriving city of Knossos on the island of Crete.
As your caique enters the narrows of the two lava islets, Palea and Nea Kameni, note the changing colors of the water from dark blue to sulphur green. In the background, admire the breathtaking sight of Fira Town with its white washed houses clinging precariously on the rim of the Caldera. Take time to swim in the warm waters heated by Hot Springs on the sea floor.
Sail to Athinios port, where your motorcoach will take you to Fira Town, the island’s capital where the tour ends and you will have free time to walk around on your own or shop. Later, use your tour ticket to ride the mules or the cable car to descend to Skala, the pier at the bottom of the cliff where ship’s tenders will be waiting to take you back to the ship.

 Heraklion – the Palace of Knossos & Archaeological Museum (HER-002) 

By air-conditioned motorcoach / foot
Duration: 3 hours

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.

 Heraklion - Panoramic Heraklion (HER-005) 

By air-conditioned motorcoach/ foot
Duration: 4 hours

Your tour begins from the Venetian lion-guarded port of Heraklion and having a scenic drive through the city to the famous wine producing of Peza, south of Heraklion. Driving through breathtaking landscape of coutryside and vineyards as old as Minoan times on your way to your first stop, a modern winery, were you will see the updated procedures of wine making and sample some of the delicious Cretan wines. Your drive continues through rural villages to the village of Archanes, the municipality in the area. On the way a photo stop is made at Vathypetro to view one of the oldest farmhouses of Crete, dating to the Minoan period 16^th century BC. Your tour continues through the island’s hilly countryside where olive groves and vineyards existed from as far back as 4000 years. Arriving to the village of Archanes, which is situated 10km south of the Palace of Knossos, the quaint market town of Archanes has many restored sandstone houses dating from the Turkish period. At a local taverna in the villages’ tree-shaded square, you can sample an assortment of Cretan snacks and locally produced wine along with mingling with many of the locals themselves. Free time to browse will be given before the return drive to the port of Heraklion and the ship.

 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.

 Patmos - the monastery of St John & Grotto of apocapypse (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.

 Piraeus - Athens city tour & Acropolis (PIR-001) 

By air-conditioned motorcoach / foot
Duration: 4 hours
Minimum participation: 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.