Aegean Shores

Surf & Turf Steakhouse

As its name suggests, this à la carte eatery specialises in the likes of marbled steaks and meaty lobster tails. You’ve also got other meat and fish options, as well as plenty to satisfy a vegetarian palate. This is one of the ship's speciality restaurants, so there's a charge to dine here – plus, we recommend you make a reservation in advance.

47°

Marella Discovery 2’s main eatery is a big, stylish venue, finished in the colours of the sand and the sea. Daytime meals here come with a side-order of sea views, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, and a grand double staircase leads up to a separate eatery.

Traditional Cretan Village & Knossos

Your tour starts with a visit to Knossos, the most impressive and best known palace of the Minoan civilization. Famous from Greek Mythology as the capital of the Minoan culture, Knossos is inextricably linked to many thrilling myths and legends like the ‘Labyrinth of the Minotaur’. Your guide will inform you of the exciting history of this ancient civilisation. Next, you’ll step back in time and experience the magic of a bygone era. This traditional Cretan village is set in the most breathtaking locations, set amongst the rugged grandeur of the wild mountains Arolithos is a village not to be missed. With its cobbled streets and traditional Cretan architecture, recently built using traditional construction techniques and materials, you'll find genuine craftsmen and Cretan artisans, such as the ironsmith, the potter, the weavers. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the folklore museum with its informative collection of pottery and fine crafts. The shops of Arolithos contain an endless variety of beautiful traditional items for you to purchase and before leaving you’ll have the opportunity to try a selection of traditional Cretan food and drink.

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Kritsa & Aghios Nikolaos

The biggest of the Greek islands, Crete’s a place of amazing variety. We’re talking snow-capped peaks. Hills draped in olive trees. Hundreds of historical sites. And more than 1,000km of sun-kissed coastline. This tour introduces you to the beautiful mountain village of Kritsa, which has provided the backdrop for many a movie and documentary filmed in Greece. Stroll around its quaint little streets with the opportunity to explore many local handicraft and art stores. Then move on to the town of Aghios Nikolaos, Crete’s answer to St. Tropez. Set around a picturesque sleepy harbour overlooked by rolling green hills it really is an idyllic setting. Enjoy free time to browse around the small boutique style shops or pick up some knick knacks before heading back to the ship.

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Oia Village

Sail to Athinios Harbour and set off on an incredible coach journey that takes you up the cliff face of the caldera and across the island. You’ll pass the cave homes of the island’s original inhabitants, before reaching the beautiful village of Oia. Perched on a clifftop, this place offers up breathtaking views over the caldera. It’s positively bursting with Greek charm, too, with its traditional whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches. Enjoy some free time to stroll through the winding, cobbled streets packed with jewellery shops, galleries and other Greek treasure troves. At the far end of the village you’ll be treated to the most spectacular views of the island. On the return journey, sample some of the local wine in a traditional wine shop. In Thira you’ll have more free time to explore, before taking the cable car journey - included in the tour - at your leisure, back to the ship's tenders.

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Hidden Santorini - Megalochori & Pyrgos Village

Santorini charm is in no short supply on this trip. Your first stop is the hilltop village of Megalochori. A higgledy-piggledy mix of blue-domed churches, whitewashed houses and winding alleyways, it showcases some of Santorini’s most attractive architecture. We’ll continue onto the highest point on the island, Profitis Ilias, and neighbouring Pyrgos to soak up the views. You’ll get some time to explore Pyrgos’ churches and well-preserved castle. Here you’ll get to sample some of Santorini wine and some traditional Greek snacks. When you’ve had your fill, we’ll make one last stop at Thira where you can hop aboard a cable car back to the port.

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Ephesus & the House of Mary - Half Day

Leave the port of Kusadasi behind and head up into the hills to the house of the Virgin Mary, recognised by the Vatican as a place of pilgrimage. You’ll see a small chapel, which has been built on the foundations of a humble dwelling where Mary’s believed to have spent her last days. If you want to, you can collect water from the Holy spring and leave a prayer in the form of a ribbon on the prayer grid. You don’t have to be religious to appreciate this serene setting though. Tucked high in the hills above the coast, it’s really something. From here you’ll carry on to the world famous archaeological site of Ephesus for your walking tour. Tick off a list of sights including the Temple of Hadrian, the Marble Street and the Celsus Library.

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Ephesus & the House of Mary - Full Day

This fabulous, full day tour takes in just about every attraction around Kusadasi. A drive from the port will take you up into the hills to the House of the Virgin Mary, recognised by the Vatican as a place of pilgrimage. You’ll see a small chapel, which has been built on the foundations of a humble dwelling where Mary’s believed to have spent her last days. If you want to, you can collect water from the Holy spring and leave a prayer in the form of a ribbon on the prayer grid. You don’t have to be religious to appreciate this serene setting though. Tucked high up in the hills above the coast, it’s really something. From here you’ll carry on to the world famous archaeological site of Ephesus for your guided walking tour before stopping for a well-deserved lunch. After, you’ll visit the Temple of Artemis where a column and scanty fragments strewn on the ground are all that remains of the Seventh Wonder of the World. According to Strabo, it was destroyed at least seven times and rebuilt just as many times. You’ll also visit the Isabey mosque, a beautiful example of Seljuk Turkish architecture in an idyllic location and with a pretty courtyard before returning to the ship.

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Athens & The Acropolis

Leave the port of Piraeus behind and head for the captivating city of Athens. You’ll pass by the main sights, like Constitution Square, or ‘Syntagma Square’ as it’s also known, the Houses of Parliament, the Neoclassical-style university buildings, the Royal Palace and the Old Olympic Stadium of Athens. The stadium’s built entirely of marble and offers up a great view of the Acropolis in the distance. The real highlight of this tour comes next, when you arrive at the foot of the magnificent Acropolis, one of the most famous and photographed ancient monuments in the world. Set off on a walking tour, split into several stages, and let your guide explain its history to you. Once you get to the top, you’ll get some free time to wander round, admiring the ancient temples of Athena Nike and the towering Parthenon. Don’t forget your cameras for the breathtaking views of the city below.

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Panoramic Athens & Plaka

Leave the port of Piraeus behind and head for the captivating city of Athens. You’ll pass by the main sights, like Constitution Square, or ‘Syntagma Square’ as it’s also known, the Houses of Parliament, the Neoclassical-style university buildings, the Presidential Palace and the Old Olympic Stadium of Athens. The stadium’s built entirely of marble and offers up a great view of the Acropolis in the distance. Afterwards, carry on to the traditional part of the city at the foot of the Acropolis, known as Plaka, where you’ll get some free time to explore. Soak up the atmosphere as you wander through the tangled maze of streets or pull up a chair in one of the pretty open-air cafes. It’s a great place to pick up some souvenirs as the shops in Plaka stay open all day.

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Highlights of Zante

You’ll get to see Zante at its most authentic today. The tour starts with a drive to Bohali, where you’ll find an old Venetian fort at the top of the hill. It dates back to the 15th century and provides the perfect photo opportunity, with near-360 degree views over the island. You’ll then head to the village of Maherado. Here, the 14th-century Church of St Mavra boasts a 37-metre-high bell tower. While you’re there, check out the church’s collection of religious artwork painted by famous Greek artists – there’s one of St Mavra herself. Next on the agenda is Kampi, a quiet clifftop village, set above turquoise-tinted waters. You’ll get to sample some Greek meze with a glass of ouzo, and watch some traditional folk dancing. After the performance, the driver will take you the scenic route back to the port, along the western coast of the island.

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Panoramic Zante

This tour will showcase two sides of Zante, stopping off at the bustling capital and traditional villages. The day starts in Zante Town. You’ll stop at Solomos Square, which houses important buildings like the Byzantine Museum, the church of St Nicholas, and the cultural centre of Zante. You’ll then take a stroll along the major shopping road, before getting the coach up to Bohali village. Have your camera ready here, as the village has sweeping views over Zante Town. Next on the agenda is Anafonitria – the oldest monastery on the island. The patron saint of Zante, St Dionysios, served as abbot here until 1624, so it’s a pretty important place for the islanders. Plus, a recent renovation of the monastery uncovered some 15th-century artwork on its walls. From here, you’ll drive through the traditional mountain villages of Zante, stopping off at Volimes, which is famous for its handcrafted rugs, locally-produced honey and olive oil. You’ll have some free time to wander around before heading back to the port.

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