4
DAY / 3 NIGHT
AEGEAN LEGENDS
2012
EXCURSION PROGRAM
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KUSADASI, TURKEY
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Ephesus
& the House of Virgin Mary (KUS
– 01) Half day
Drive
through the colourful town of Kusadasi to reach Mt. Koressos. Situated
in a small valley, the humble chapel lies on the site of the little
house where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days.
Despite the many controversies, the Christian World still favours this
belief and the site has been officially sanctioned by the Vatican for
pilgrimage. Continue on to Ancient Ephesus accompanied by your guide
walk through the Magnesian Gate which is the entrance to the ancient
city of Ephesus. Your guided walking tour will take you through one of
the most magnificent excavations 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, the largest one in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000
seats where St. Paul preached. Walk back to the coach along the
Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in
procession. While driving back to Kusadasi and just outside Ephesus,
view the Basilica of St. John, which was erected over his grave in the
6th
Century
A.D. by Emperor Justinian. Before returning to the ship, get a
cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibition of oriental
carpets, jewellery or leather goods.
REMARKS
Tour
not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties.
Ancient
Ephesus (KUS
– 02) Half day
Drive
through the colourful town of Kusadasi and along the coast to reach
Ephesus, 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 Ephesus became
the greatest city in Asia Minor. Upon arrival at Ephesus follow your
guide to enter the ancient site through the Magnesian Gate. Discover
innumerable monuments including the Forum, the Odeon, the Library of
Celsus, the Thermal Baths of Scolastika and the Great Theatre 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 coach along the Arcadian
Way, where once Mark Anthony and Cleopatra rode in procession. As you
drive back to Kusadasi, on a hill above Selcuk, just outside Ephesus,
view the Basilica of St. John, which was erected over his grave in the
6th
Century
A.D. by Emperor Justinian. Before returning to the ship, get a
cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibition of oriental
carpets, jewellery or leather goods.
REMARKS
Tour
not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties.
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MYKONOS, GREECE
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Mykonos Walking Tour (MYK – 01) Half day
Mykonos is world famous. It is the most cosmopolitan of the Greek Islands and attracts many visitors from all over the globe, including large numbers of artists and intellectuals. Your coach will take you to “Hora” the island’s capital where you will enjoy a walking tour in the narrow cobbled streets of the town, passing by chic boutiques, elegant nightclubs and white–washed houses until reaching Alefkandra. Alefkandra is a charming corner of Hora, known also as the “Venice” of Mykonos. The houses are built on the sea, with wooden balconies that evoke Venice. These were built from the mid. 18th Century onward and were homes of wealthy merchants and captains. At Louis Theoxenia Hotel, you will enjoy the atmosphere while drinking your refreshment accompanied by Greek ‘meze’. You will return then to Mykonos Town (Hora) from where you will take the ship’s shuttle service back to the port to meet your ship.
REMARKS
During the low season the refreshment will take place in a local tavern.
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PATMOS, GREECE
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St. John’s Monastery & Grotto of the Apocalypse (PAT – 01) Half day
Depart from the port of Scala and enjoy a short drive 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. View the courtyard, the monks’ dining room and the old bakery before you visit the main church noted for its outstanding frescoes and interior decoration. Next, visit the small museum where priceless ecclesiastical treasures, books, manuscripts, mosaics, icons, splendid medieval textiles, vestments and jewellery are housed. Return to your motor coach and continue to the nearby Grotto of the Apocalypse. Walk down the steps to the Grotto of the Apocalypse. Here you will see the niches in the wall that mark the pillow and ledge used as a desk by the author of the Book of the Revelation and the crack in the rock made by the voice of God honouring the Holy Trinity. Afterwards, drive back to the port of Scala and enjoy some free time in this quaint and picturesque town.
REMARKS
Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties.
Scenic Island Tour (PAT – 02) Half day
An interesting scenic island tour has been designed for those passengers who prefer to discover the beauties of Patmos from the comfort of an air-conditioned motor coach. Start the tour from the port of Scala and drive to the 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 Grotto of the Apocalypse, and then to the windmills of Chora, once upon a time the landmark of all Aegean Islands, from where you will enjoy a beautiful view and have the chance to take photos. Afterwards, continue around the island to see its landscape of outstanding natural beauty comprising of rocky hills, dozens of tongues of land reaching out into the sea, tranquil beaches and many picturesque inlets. Before arriving at the port, a stop of 10 minutes is made at the square at Kambos in the north part of island. The tour ends at the port of Scala to enjoy free time in the quaint and picturesque little town. A refreshment or a coffee will be offered at Arion Café, the oldest and most beautiful café of the town.
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PIRAEUS, GREECE
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Athens City Tour and Acropolis (PIR – 01) Half day
This tour is an introduction to the splendour of the Golden Age of Athens and the modern 21st Century city. The port of Piraeus itself is one of the finest examples of city planning in antiquity. On arrival in Athens you visit the Acropolis on which stands the Parthenon, the symbol of classical architecture. The entrance to the top of the hill is through the Propylea, the ‘gates’ through which the Panathinea processions used to enter. Built totally of white marble covers an area of 50 m across the whole western face of the Acropolis. Next to them is the temple of Athena Niki also known as the ‘Wingless Victory’. The Parthenon is the main temple, built in honour of Goddess Athena. Her statue decorated the centre of the temple and it was made of ivory and gold. Next to the Parthenon is the smaller Temple of Erechthion with lovely sculptured young maidens supporting the roof of the porch. From the top of the Acropolis you can admire the ancient theatre of Herodes Atticus with its remarkable acoustics. Performances are still held here each summer being the highlight of cultural events in the Eastern Mediterranean. Leaving the Acropolis the tour takes you by the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by the “evzones” dressed in their traditional costume, the Parliament and the Panathinaikon Stadium where the first Olympics of modern times were held in 1896.The entire stadium is built of pure white marble. Your drive continues by the Library – the Academy – the University, three buildings representing 19th Century architecture blended with the classical influence. The tour then passes by Omonia Square, the commercial centre of the city and Syntagma Square, which is the business, and cultural centre. There will be time during the tour for you to browse and do a little shopping at the stores located at the base of the Acropolis.
REMARKS
Physically challenged passengers may join the tour but will have to remain at the base of the Acropolis as the visit to the Acropolis involves approximately 80 steep steps. Passengers may not be allowed to enter the site with big bags/rucksacks.
Athens & the Picturesque Plaka (PIR – 03) Half day
Leaving the port of Piraeus, one of the finest examples of city planning in antiquity, the coach takes the coastal road leading to the city that hosted the 2004 Olympic Games. On arriving in Athens, you start the city sightseeing driving past the Temple of Zeus, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by the “evzones” dressed in their traditional costume, the Parliament and the Panathinaikon Stadium where the first Olympics of modern times were held in 1896. The whole stadium is built of pure white marble. The drive continues by the Library – the Academy – the University, three buildings representing 19th Century architecture blended with the classical influence. The tour then passes by Omonia Square, the commercial centre of the city and Syntagma Square, which is the business and cultural centre. Your Athens’ city sightseeing ends at a leading café at the foot of the Acropolis, from where you can view all the majestic monuments of the amazing Acropolis while enjoying your refreshment. The tour continues to the old part of the city called Plaka where you can explore its mainly pedestrian streets with picturesque houses, shops and numerous cafés. After the free time in Plaka you will board your coach for the return journey to Piraeus port.
REMARKS
The Acropolis will only be viewed from a distance. The Plaka area will be explored on foot. A refreshment or a coffee will be offered at a café located at the base of the Acropolis.
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SANTORINI, GREECE
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Excursion to Oia Village (SAN – 01) Half day
Driving along the road you will have the unique opportunity to admire the panoramic view of the Aegean Sea and the neighbouring islands. A unique sight is the various layers of lava that can be seen on the face of the rock, each layer being another phase of the activity of the volcano. Built on the Caldera rim, Oia Village is an excellent example of Cycladic architecture. Explore the village walking along the cobble-stone streets and the white washed houses with blue shutters where one gets the impression that they are a beautiful travel poster.
Your excursion will end in Fira where your guide will show you the way to the cable car and you will make your own way back to the ship.
Santorini Sailing & Volcano (SAN – 02) Half day
Enjoy a cruise (on motorboat) around the active crater of Nea Kameni islet. Sail along the strange formations of its volcanic shores, where black lava rocks and white pumice are combined beautifully with the red colour 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, the colour of the water changes from dark blue to sulphur green. In the distance, 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. Your excursion will end in Fira where your guide will show you the way to the cable car and you will make your own way back to the ship.
REMARKS
The tour will be available from April to September and is subject to weather conditions. Please note the water at the hot springs is reddish brown in colour and may stain light coloured swimsuits
