ITINERARY
ITINERARY
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at sea...
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Kora La
You’ll feel like you’ve switched continents when you dine at this restaurant. It offers a pan-Asian selection of curries and noodle dishes, a separate sushi menu, plus bespoke dishes created by master chef Ian Pengelley exclusively for Marella Cruises. 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.
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Tapas @ The Mediterranean
You’ll be whisked to sunny Spain when you dine in this section of The Mediterranean, which specialises in tapas dishes for dinner. Or you can take your taste buds over to Portugal and try espetadas – meat or veg skewers – for a little extra. It's open at lunchtime, too, for light bites, like sandwiches and jacket potatoes.
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Latitude 53
The main waiter service restaurant is a good-looking place, with a gold-and-grey colour scheme and floor-to-ceiling windows. Menu-wise, you can expect traditional dishes with a modern twist.
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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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Elounda & Spinalonga
Spinalonga is one of Crete’s most famous spots and is often referred to locally as ‘the island of tears’. After a scenic cruise over from the port of Elounda, your guide will take you on a walk through this old Venetian fortress that was used as a leper colony until 1957. Many books have been written about this famous little island and you’ll learn all about its sad but hopeful history as you explore this infamous isle. After your return cruise to pretty Elounda, you can enjoy a little free time to explore the shops and there’s a blue flag beach nearby, so if you wish, take your swimwear and beach towel with you. You’ll also be treated to a traditional buffet of snacks from Crete including mini pies, meatballs and different salads. The perfect way to round off your day!
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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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Volcano & Thermal Springs
See two of Santorini's biggest attractions on this great tour. You’ll take a boat ride to the volcanic island of Nea Kameni, where you’ll step out onto the Daphni lava flow, the oldest lava on the island. Climb to the top, over volcanic sand and lava fragments, and take in the sensational views of Santorini and its famous caldera. Following the same route in reverse, you’ll head back to the boat and set sail for the thermal springs of Palea Kameni. The boat will anchor in the deep green sulphur springs and you'll have chance to swim in the mineral-rich waters of the hot springs. On your return boat trip, you’ll be dropped off at the old port of Thira with plenty of time left to explore. Afterwards, return to the ship's tenders at your own leisure.
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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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St John's & Sirince
Drive to the Meryem Ana Monument to get a snapshot of the world famous archaeological site of Ephesus that glimmers in the distance. Next, carry on to the church where St John lived with the Virgin Mary after being cast out of Jerusalem in 37 to 42AD. Legend has it that St John wrote his Gospel here, and was buried here in accordance with his dying wishes. After a brief stop at the entrance to the Basilica, with time for taking photos, you’ll head to the village of Sirince. It’s a peaceful little place that hugs the hillside and is famous for its homemade wines and Gözleme – griddle bread with various fillings. After a short wine-tasting session you’ll have some time to wander round this pretty village and browse its souvenir stalls and cobblestone laneways where village women sell their colourful handiwork, 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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The Corinth Canal
Get ready to be impressed. The Corinth Canal marries up the Gulf of Corinth in the northwest with the Saronic Gulf in the southeast. It’s 3.9 miles long and its width varies from 69 feet at the bottom to 82 feet at the water's surface. Before it was built, ships sailing between the Aegean and the Adriatic Sea had to circumnavigate the Peloponnese, adding another 185 miles to their journey. On this fascinating tour you’ll drive to Isthmia, around 1 hr's drive, where a boat will be waiting to whisk you off. Sit back, relax and enjoy the views as you sail through this famous canal. Along the way, your guide will tell you interesting facts about the way it was built. Afterwards, you’ll take the bus to the bridge of the canal for a photo-stop, before heading back to your ship.
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Melissani Lake & Drogarati Cave
Like the old saying goes, ‘beauty comes from within’. Today, you’ll find out why, as you explore some of Kefalonia’s most famous caves. Researchers believe Drogarati Cave is around 150-million-years-old, but it was only discovered 300 years ago. You’ll find orange and yellow-tinted stalactites and stalagmites inside. It’s also got a 900-square-metre great hall, which regularly holds musical events, thanks to the excellent acoustics. Opera singer Maria Callas was one of the famous names that sung in the chamber. Next, you’ll visit the subterranean Melissani Lake, where you'll hop on a rowing boat across its bright blue waters. Here, you can see the sun’s rays hit the lake, giving the whole cave a blue-coloured glow. Look up and you’ll see trees ringing the cave’s opening, over 100 feet up. On your way back to port, keep your eyes peeled for sheer white cliffs and crescent-shaped beaches.
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Leisurely Kefalonia
Legend has it the Monastery of Agios Andreas houses the sole of Saint Andrew’s right foot. You’ll get to inspect for yourself on this tour. The church is believed to date back to the 13th-century. Inside, everywhere you turn is painted with colourful biblical scenes and there’s a huge chandelier hanging from the ceiling. But, the highlight is the silver casket containing the remains of the church’s saint. Next, you’ll head around the corner to the Robola Wine Cooperative. Here, you’ll be taken through the wine-making process from grape-picking to bottling, before tasting a selection of white, red and rosé wine. Your final stop is in Kourkoumelata – a picture-perfect village with a heart-warming history. After the 1953 earthquake destroyed most of the village, a local ship-owner paid to reconstruct all the buildings to their neo-classical glory. You can wander through and admire the beautifully-tended gardens, elegant villas and sweeping sea views.
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Kefalonia Highlights
It’s often hailed as Captain Corelli’s Kefalonia. And you’ll get to visit one of the blockbuster’s most memorable locations, the world-famous Myrtos Beach. You’ll start with a trip to underground Melissani Lake. It was only discovered in 1951, but artefacts from the 3rd-century BC have been recovered here, from animal horns to tiles and slates. The 1953 earthquake caused the cave’s roof to fall in, so you’ll get an impressive light display as the sun reflects off the turquoise waters. You can take a boat out onto the lake, to get a closer look at the cave’s stalactites. Next, it’s time for a photo stop at Myrtos Beach. This mile-and-a-half-long curve of white pebbles is the setting for several scenes of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. Your final stop is in Fiskardo village, where you’ll stroll past brightly-coloured Venetian buildings and waterfront tavernas, before heading back to port.
