Drive through the colorful town of Kusadasi to reach Mt. Koressos. Situated in a small valley, it is here where you will visit the humble chapel on the site of the house where The Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days. Despite the many controversies, the Christian World still upholds this belief, and the site has been officially sanctioned by the Vatican for pilgrimage. Continue to Ancient Ephesus through the Magnesian Gate to begin a guided walking tour through one of the most magnificent excavations in the modern world. See the remains from the Hellenistic and Roman periods; the steam-heated Baths of Scolastika, the Temple of Hadrian and the Latrians, the Library of Celsus, and The Great Theater, the largest theater in antiquity. Upon your return to Kusadasi and before returning to the ship, enjoy free time in Kusadasi or get a cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibition of oriental carpets, jewelery or leather goods. This tour is not recommended for people with walking difficulties.

This tour will operate on the following cruise itineraries: 3 Day and 4 Day

Through the colorful town of Kusadasi, drive along the coast to reach Ephesus, famous in antiquity for its Temple of Diana-- one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Continue to Ancient Ephesus through the Magnesian Gate to begin a guided walking tour through one of the most magnificent excavations in the modern world. See the Odeon (concert hall), the steam-heated Baths of Scolastika, the Temple of Hadrian and the Latrians, the Library of Celsus, and The Great Theater, the largest theater in antiquity. Walk back to your motorcoach along the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession. Upon your return 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, enjoy free time in Kusadasi or get a cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibition of oriental carpets, jewelry or leather goods. This tour is not recommended for people with walking difficulties.

This tour will operate on the following cruise itineraries: 3 Day and 4 Day

Depart from the port of Scala and journey to the village of Chora, home of the Monastery of St. John. As you walk uphill towards the monastery's entrance, view the courtyard, the monk’s dining room, and the old bakery before visiting the main church. Noting its intricate frescoes and decorative interior, see the priceless ecclesiastical treasures housed in the Monastery's museum, including old books and manuscripts, splendid medieval textiles, and vestments. Following your visit, continue via motorcoach to the nearby Grotto of the Apocalypse, where lies above the Monastery of the Apocalypse. Descend the steps to visit the Grotto where you will notice the silver niches marking the pillow and ledge used as a desk by St. John--the believed author of the Book of Revelation. Afterwards, drive back to the port of Scala and enjoy free time exploring this quaint harbor independently. This tour is not recommended for people with walking difficulties. Modest dress is required in the religious sites.

This tour will operate on the following cruise itineraries: 3 Day and 4 Day

Modest dress is required in the Religious Sites.

Depart from the port of Scala and journey to the village of Chora, home of the Monastery of St. John and the nearby Grotto of the Apocalypse. The tour begins with a view of the windmills of Chora, and will continue to visit the new active convent of Evangelismos (Annunciation) in the south part of the island. Afterwards, enjoy a scenic drive around the island to see its unique landscape comprised of rugged hills, land spits, sandy beaches and inlets. You will then stop in the village of Kambos where you will be greeted with refreshments and a traditional local sweet. Your tour will end in the port of Scala. Here you will have free time to explore this quaint harbor on your own. Modest dress is required in the religious sites.

This tour will operate on the following cruise itineraries: 3 Day and 4 Day

Modest dress is required in the Religious Sites

Crete is the largest and most rugged of the Greek Islands. It is also the ancient home of the great Minoans and the mythological God, Zeus. Taking the National Road along the North coast to Heraklion, arrive at the Knossos excavations. Here, Sir Arthur Evan’s archaeological discoveries revealed a civilization dating back to 4000 B.C., when a great empire flourished on the island of Crete. Based on the artifacts he unearthed, Evan's theorized that this was the site of the ancient Minoan Kingdom. Follow your guide to see The Palace, decorated with frescoes and shields, houses the Hall of the Royal Guard, the Hall of the Double Axes, the King's Chamber with the alabaster throne, the Queen's Apartment, and beautiful courtyards and shrines. Then you will return to your motor coach and continue on to the city of Heraklion, where you will have free time to visit exhibits at the Archaeological Museum or explore the town on your own. Afterwards, return to the port by motor coach. Please Note: The King's Chamber and the Queen's Apartment may be closed due to temporary restoration. Entrance fee to the Archaeological Museum is not included in the tour price.

This tour will operate on the following cruise itineraries: 3 Day and 4 Day

Depart the lion-guarded port of Heraklion and continue on a scenic drive through the city to Peza, a village famous for producing wine. Your first stop is a modern winery where you will have the chance to see the wine making process first hand and sample some of the delicious Cretan wines. Continue your drive through rural villages and stop in the village of Archanes where you will tour the quaint market town filled with restored sandstone houses from the Turkish period. After your walking tour you will arrive at a local tavern in the village and have the opportunity to try an assortment of Cretan snacks and local wine. Enjoy free time in the town before returning to the Heraklion port.

This tour will operate on the following cruise itineraries: 3 Day and 4 Day

Take a short trip by boat to Athenios harbour where you will board your motor coach and begin the scenic uphill drive on the rocky cliffs of the Caldera. Arrive to Oia, and enjoy a guided walking tour that winds along the cobbled streets to view the whitewashed homes that characterize the ancient Cycladic architectural style. Enjoy free time on your own and have the chance to wander through the many art galleries or just relax over coffee. When you reconnect with your guide you will continue on to Fira, the capital of the island. Explore the town at your own before returning to your ship. This tour is not recommended for people with walking difficulties.

This tour will operate on the following cruise itineraries: 3 Day and 4 Day

Enjoy a cruise around the active crater of Nea Kameni islet. Sail along the peculiar formations of the islets volcanic shores, where black igneous rocks and white pumice combine beautifully with the red color of lava. Enjoy this surreal landscape as your guide details the history of the last volcanic eruption (1560 B.C.), which led to the destruction of Santorini. As your ship enters the narrows of the two islets, Palea and Nea Kameni, note the changing colors of the water from dark blue to sulfur green. In the background, admire the spectacular sight of Fira Town, with its distinctive whitewashed houses clinging to the Caldera rim. Afterwards, sail to Athinios port, where your motorcoach will escort you to Fira Town (the island’s capital). Here you may enjoy free time on your own. Later, use your tour ticket on the cable car to descend to Scala and then return to your ship.

This tour will operate on the following cruise itineraries: 3 Day and 4 Day

Drive along the scenic southeastern coastline to Lindos, one of the most important of the three great cities of ancient times. Within the city, whose limits are guarded by 13th century walls constructed by the Knights of St. John, stands the Acropolis of Lindos. Rising some 400 feet above the sea, enjoy a spectacular view over the Aegean Sea and St. Paul’s Bay, where the apostle cast anchor during his historic voyage to Ephesus. Proceed uphill, on foot, to the great staircase leading from the Hellenistic Portico to the Acropolis and Temple of Athena. After your guided tour of the Acropolis, enjoy some free time on your own in Lindos before rejoining your motorcoach. Return to Rhodes and enjoy a panoramic drive through the newer developments of the city, continuing to Mount Smith where you will see the ruins of ancient Rhodes, the Temple of Apollo, and Diagoras Stadium. Drop off will be at Porte d’Amboise where you will begin a guided walking tour of Rhodes. View the Palace of the Knights, continuing down Chevaliers Road to meet the awaiting coach at the marine gate for transport back to the ship. This tour is not recommended for people with walking difficulties.

This tour will operate on the following cruise itineraries: 4 Day

Drive along medieval walls to reach the summit of Mt. Smith, where lies the ancient Acropolis of Rhodes. From the tumbled pillars of the Temple of Athena, the view encompasses the nearby Temple of Apollo, the stadium of Diagoras and the port, once protected by the Colossus of Rhodes. Continue across the island to Philerimos, where later remains include the restored Byzantine Church of our Lady of Philerimos, a chapel with 15th century frescoes, and the ruined Castle of the Knights. Following your visit and some time on your own, return to Rhodes and begin a guided walk of this old walled city to the Porte D`Amboise. Continue along the street of the Knights with its medieval buildings, winding alleys, towers, turrets and emblazoned facades passing by the Grand Master’s Palace . Following your walk, enjoy some time at leisure before returning to the ship.

This tour will operate on the following cruise itineraries: 4 Day