ITINERARY
ITINERARY
;img.crop(width:1080%2Cheight:608))
Corfu Town, Corfu
Awash with colourful flowers, Corfu is big on beauty. It’s known as the Emerald Isle, and its golden beaches, lush green landscape and colourful villages will have you…
Departs: 23:00;img.resize(height:608);img.crop(width:1080%2Cheight:608))
Argostoli, Kefalonia
It’s no wonder the makers of Hollywood blockbuster Captain Corelli’s Mandolin chose Kefalonia as one of the film’s backdrops. The island is all tree-studded hills, which…
Time in port: 09:00 - 16:00Show Top Things to Do
%3Bimg.crop(width:232%2Cheight:130))
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.
%3Bimg.crop(width:232%2Cheight:130))
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.
%3Bimg.crop(width:232%2Cheight:130))
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.
;img.crop(width:1080%2Cheight:608))
Souda (for Chania), Crete
Souda sits just 15 minutes’ drive from Chania – one of Crete’s most charming cities. Most snap-happy tourists pin the old harbour on their maps. It’s as pretty as a picture,…
Time in port: 10:00 - 18:00;img.crop(width:1080%2Cheight:608))
Thira, Santorini
Prepare to fall head over heels for this sun-blushed beauty. Santorini is the very essence of Greek charm. Sugar-cube houses cling to the cliffs. Vivid blue church domes…
Time in port: 08:00 - 18:00 | Tender to shoreShow Top Things to Do
%3Bimg.crop(width:232%2Cheight:130))
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.
%3Bimg.crop(width:232%2Cheight:130))
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.
;img.crop(width:1080%2Cheight:608))
Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Turkey
Laze away the day on the silky sands of Kusadasi or head for the ruins of Ephesus for more sights than you can point a camera at. It’s your holiday, your call.
- Take…
Time in port: 08:00 - 17:00
Show Top Things to Do
%3Bimg.crop(width:232%2Cheight:130))
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.
%3Bimg.crop(width:232%2Cheight:130))
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.
%3Bimg.crop(width:232%2Cheight:130))
Horse Trekking
Saddle up for one of the best ways to experience the outdoor life in Turkey. A short drive from Kusadasi will bring you to the start of your trek. You’ll enjoy a ride to Pamucak Beach along Cowboy road, where you'll get to spend time at your leisure either sun bathing, or, depending on sea conditions, swim with the horses.
;img.crop(width:1080%2Cheight:608))
Piraeus (for Athens), Greece
Trip over reminders of the past in ancient Athens, where cultural treasures twinkle back at you at every turn. It’s a real gold medal winner of a city.
- Scale the…
Time in port: 07:00 - 17:00
Show Top Things to Do
%3Bimg.crop(width:232%2Cheight:130))
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.
%3Bimg.crop(width:232%2Cheight:130))
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.
%3Bimg.crop(width:232%2Cheight:130))
Athens On Your Own
Been to Athens and know your way around? Good with a map? Then take advantage of this coach transfer into the centre of Athens and explore the city at your own pace. A local escort will accompany you into Athens to a central drop-off point. They’ll also tell you the meeting point and time for your return journey. With around four hours free time, it’s ideal for anyone who wants to explore independently.
Corfu Town, Corfu
Awash with colourful flowers, Corfu is big on beauty. It’s known as the Emerald Isle, and its golden beaches, lush green landscape and colourful villages will have you…
Arrives: 07:30
