It is important to mention that the cruise operator charges an additional fee for acquiring tours aboard the cruise. Tours already included on each cruise, unfortunately and due to cruise company policies, do not allow changes even within the same destination or island visited.

• Celestyal Cruises
• Miray Cruises

**Celestyal Cruises
**

**
Package 2 of "3D" Tours
Patmos**: Monastery of St. John and the cave of the Apocalypse
Crete: The Minoan Palace of Knossos -the First European Civilization

Package 2 of "4D" Tours
Crete: The Minoan Palace of Knossos -the First European Civilization
Santorini: Panoramic Tour around the island with Oia.

Package 2 of "7D" Tours

Eclectic Cruise
Istanbul: Discover the hidden secrets of Sultan Ahmed SquareCanakkale: Legendary Troy

Idyllic & Celebrity Cruise
Mykonos: The field of Mykonos, visit the Chora and the "Little Venice"
Crete: The Minoan Palace of Knossos -the First European Civilization

Three Continents Cruise
Ashdod: Jerusalem and Bethlehem
Limassol: Panoramic Limassol and Curium

The prices of these excursions are published and available for purchase in the second step of the booking process, prior to payment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE TOURS

Patmos: Monastery of St. John and Cave of the Apocalypse

Tour available only for clients of Greca Travel.
Recommended: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
Access to places included: easy to medium.
Duration: 3 hours approximately.

*Monastery of St. John.
*Cave of the Apocalypse

During the visit to the Monastery of St. John the Theologian, founded in 1088 by Osio Cristodulo, will open the doors to the courtyard of the monastery, the refectory where the monks and the old bakery ate. Of unique beauty, the tour of the Byzantine church of San Juan, decorated by an impressive iconostasis of wood, will show us its important frescoes of different periods, mosaics and other icons. 

The next stop is the small museum that houses ecclesiastical treasures of incalculable value, such as manuscripts, medieval fabrics, costumes, etc. Behind the chapel of Santa Anna is the entrance to the Cave of the Apocalypse. We will see the cross carved by Saint John, according to tradition, in the triple crack of the Grotto wall, where John heard God dictating the Apocalypse as well as the place where he slept.

**Price per adult only this tour: Eur. 67,00
**Price for children/minors: Eur. 44,00

Kusadasi: House of the Virgin Mary and ancient Ephesus

Tour available only for clients of Greca Travel.
Recommended: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
Access to places included: easy to medium.

Duration: 4 hours approximately.

• House of the Virgin Mary
• Basilica of St. John
• Ancient Ephesus

This tour includes a guided visit to the house of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St. John and a tour through the ancient Ephesus. Our first stop after leaving the beautiful city of Kusadasi is the house of the Virgin Mary at Bulbul Mountain (Nightingale Mountain). Before its crucifixion, JesusChrist entrusted St. John to protect her mother, who took her to Ephesus and hid her in a cabin at the feet of Bulbul Mountain and brought food and water to her every day. The Virgin lived here up to the age of 101 years, around 60 A.D. In 1957, the Vatican recognized the House of Virgin Mary as the place where the Virgin spent her last years, and for the last five decades, this place has been an important place of pilgrimage for Christian and Muslims. Close to the house, there is a fountain of water which is said to have healing powers.

After this, we will visit the ruins of the Basilica of St. John, a chapel with the shape of a cross built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, following the model of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople, which was demolished, and used to be one of the most important places of pilgrimage during medieval times.

Our next stop will be the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the 12 cities of the region of Ionia. This is an important marvel located on the hills of the Aegean Sea coast, and one of the largest outdoor archeological museums of the Mediterranean Sea. It was founded by the Greeks around 2,000 B.C. and was the richest Ionian cities and one of the most important cultural centers of the Mediterranean Sea. The city was dedicated to goddess Artemis, and the Artemision, a temple in her honor, was constructed in 120 years and was known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Ephesus later became the second largest city of the Roman Empire, with a quarter-million inhabitants. It was the first and most important city of the Roman province of Asia and one of its main ports. Thousands of years ago, the sea withdrew to the west and left only its ladders. It is believed that St. Paul wrote his epistle to the Ephesians here, as it was the most important Christian city between Rome and Antioch.

Ephesus was compared to the Forum and the Acropolis among the most complete classical cities, despite the fact that only 13% of the city was discovered. You may walk through the Odeon and the Prytaneion, roam freely among the marble columns of Curetes streets to visit the Fountain of Trajan, the Temple of Hadrian, Scolastica Baths, and the amazing Terrace houses. Close by, where Curetes street becomes Marble street, lies Celsus library, which was almost rebuilt, and the Agora. Every step here takes us further into Hellenic, Roman and Paleochristian times: you will be able to see carvings on the columns of the city, the Great Theater of Ephesus, where St. Paul once preached, was built on the ladder of Mount Pion in the 4th century B.C. This theatre had capacity for 24,000 spectators and is still recognized by its excellent acoustics, as concerts and others shows still take place nowadays.

We complete this incredible tour with the Grand Bazaar of Kusadasi, where you will find anything: ancient furniture, carpets, jewelry, natural cosmetics, spices, though you will have to test your skills at bargaining the prices. This place is a party for the senses and a unique shopping experience, that will allow you to return to the boat with your hands full of bargains and a smile on your face.

**Price per adult only this tour: Eur. 74,00
**Price for children/minors: Eur. 55,00

Crete: The Minoan palace of Knossos - First European civilization.

Excursion available only for clients of Greca Travel.
Access to places: easy to medium
You will need a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
Approximate duration: 4 hours · Minoan Palace of Knossos · Heraklion

We will travel by air-conditioned bus to Knossos, the capital of the Minoan culture, the first palatial complex in Europe. The hill of Cefala, on which the palace rises above a valley of pines a few kilometers from Heraklion, has been inhabited continuously since 7000 BC.

The Minoan civilization, which lasted for about 2000 years, was one of the most advanced in the ancient world and Knossos is one of the occasions in which Greek mythology endorses archaeological findings. Minos, legendary king and legislator of Crete, was one of the three children of Europe, all of them born after his encounter with Zeus, who appeared to Europe in the form of a white bull and kidnapped her by taking her to Crete. The palace with frescoes of Knossos comprises more than 1,500 rooms and occupies more than 20,000 square meters, it could have been the mythical maze designed by Daedalus, in which Minos imprisoned the Minotaur, a monster half-bull, half-man, born of his wife, Pasífae, which was fertilized by a bull sent by Poseidon.

The first excavations of Knossos began in 1878 by Minos Kalokairinos, a native of Heraklion; between 1900 and 1913, and once again between 1922 and 1930, by the British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans who completed an extensive excavation of the site. The palace was built around the large central courtyard. Starting from the west wing, there is an imposing Throne Hall made in alabaster; at the southern entrance, the fresco known as The Prince of Lilies will leave you breathless. The incredible grand staircase takes you to the Queen's Megaron, where you must look up at the fresco of the dolphins swimming. Continuing north you will reach the famous fresco of the bull jumping and the porches with reliefs that frame the north entrance of the palace.

Archaeological wonders like Knossos take us back to the years at school. This excursion is a fantastic opportunity to rediscover the long-awaited books of Greek mythology or to experience these incredible stories for the first time. Knossos is the origin of many of the best-known Greek myths, such as the history of the Minotaur and the story of Daedalus and his son, Icarus, who escaped from Crete using the wings that Daedalus made with wax and feathers. The young Icarus, once in the air, ignored his father's warnings and flew too close to the sun, his wings melted and he fell from the sky to the sea that now bears his name.

We will depart from Knossos to the lively urban Heraklion, the city of Hercules. In the center of the city, in the Piazza dei Signori (Square of the Lords), is the elegant dwelling, meeting place of the aristocracy, which was completed in 1628 by Francesco Morosini, who also built the nearby Fountain of the Lions. The Loggia received the first Europa Nostra award for the best-preserved and restored monument in 1987. Today it is the seat of the Municipal Court and other municipal services departments.

Around the Fountain of the Lions of Morosini, the roar of history is heard. Francesco Morosini built the so-called Morosini Fountain in the 17th century. The bas-relief ornamentation of the fountain is inspired by mythology and marine life, and dolphins and mythological sea demons swim outside under the powerful lions. The fountain was built to provide water to the people of Heraklion and its eight batteries, each with a capacity for five people, made it possible for up to 40 people to draw water at a time. It was once crowned by a statue of Poseidon.

Some of the lions of Morosini look towards another of the Venetian treasures of Heraklion, the Basilica of San Marcos, built by the Venetians in 1239 in honor of Saint Mark, protector of Venice, in what was then known as the Piazza delle Biade ( Forage Square). The Cathedral of Crete was owned by the Duke who ruled the island and where the Venetian lords of Crete were buried. Crete Cathedral survived a series of intense earthquakes and their occupation during the Ottoman period when it was converted into a mosque, completed with a minaret where its bell tower had been. The minaret was quickly shot down by the citizens of Heraklion after the island was released. Today the cathedral is the seat of the city's municipal gallery.

To the northeast, a few streets away, the Agios Titos Church is located. His church was built in Gortina, the ancient capital of Crete, but was destroyed by an earthquake. After the Arabs moved the capital to Heraklion, in 828, the church was rebuilt in its current location.

Moreover, near the Basilica of San Marcos, in the square of Santa Catalina, a large paved square, the medieval monastery of Santa Catalina and the Cathedral of Agios Minas keep company. The monastery was founded in the 10th century; the existing building, from the 16th century, was its main church. The church hosts an important exhibition of Byzantine icons and religious objects with manuscripts, various ornaments, and wall paintings, representing six centuries of Orthodox history (14th to 19th centuries), as well as six unique works by the famous icon painter Michael Damaskinos, an important exponent of the Cretan School. Built-in the 1860s by the people of Crete to express their gratitude to their patron saint San Minas, it is one of the largest cathedrals in Greece and dominates the square of Santa Catalina. Designed by Athanassios Moussis, the architect who designed Agios Titos, the church site was chosen by a monk to whom San Minas appeared in a vision. Another miracle attributed to San Minas occurred in May 1941, during the intense bombardment of Axis forces over the city, to which the church survived. A large bomb fell on the cathedral, but it did not explode, and even today it remains on its ground.

To the north of San Minas, next to the port, the Historical Museum of Crete shows the history of the island with works of art and pieces from all periods of its history, including works by El Greco (Doménikos Theotokópoulos), an example of the legendary school Cretan of iconography, and popular art of Crete. Book lovers will enjoy two rooms full of objects that belonged to the writer Nikos Kazantzakis. There is also a model of a traditional Cretan house. Among so many incredible attractions inside the Venetian walls of this cosmopolitan city, the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion manages to surprise visitors with its magnificent exhibition of treasures from the ancient, classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods of Crete in 20 galleries: its collection of works of art and Minoan pieces is considered the best in the world. A tour of this wonderful museum brings you closer to the unique way of life of the island. Of course, among all these architectural treasures and rich cultural institutions, you will find a multitude of lively cafes, excellent restaurants, and exclusive shops. Be sure to buy a bottle of Cretan olive oil, the best in the world.

Price for adults to purchase only this excursion: Eur. 74.00
Price for children: Eur. 55.00 

Rhodes: Medieval Tour, Acropolis of Lindos and the Palace of the Great Masters

Excursion available only for clients of Greca Travel.
Access to places: easy to medium
You will need a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
Approximate duration: 6 hours.

• Lindos Village
• Acropolis of Lindos
• Pottery Demonstration
• Palace of the Great Masters
• Medieval city of Rhodes (old city)

The idea of this excursion would be defined as something like the Great Successes of Rhodes. We leave Mandraki on our air-conditioned bus for a short trip to the picturesque coastal town of Lindos, whose whitewashed houses line a maze of cobbled streets. The captains' residences were built around votsaloto courtyards (traditional pavement made with small pebbles) between the fifteenth and eighteenth centuries; The monumental doors and their decorative stone, are very impressive. The Papakonstandis mansion and the frescoes inside the Post-Byzantine Church of the Virgin Mary (Panagia) were painted in the 18th century.

The ancient Lindos, reached its zenith in the sixth century B.C., under the government of Cleóbulo, one of the seven wise men of Greece. The impressive Acropolis of Lindos occupies a hill 120 meters above the village and can be accessed on foot or on the back of a donkey. You have to enter the medieval castle, built by the Knights of San Juan and then you can climb to the Byzantine chapel of San Juan. At the top of the hill begins the journey back to the 6th century BC. The Doric temple of Athena Lindia was built around 300 BC, on the ruins of an earlier temple, around 1100 BC, and many of its columns and the huge stone staircase to the Propylaea (sanctuary), are still intact. You can walk quietly among them, then take a moment to shelter from the sun in the shadow of one of the columns that rise to the sky and look at an endless sea.

After descending from the acropolis to the village, you will have time to have a fresh juice or coffee and do some shopping before returning to the city of Rhodes. The architecture, cuisine, and culture of the city of Rhodes, the capital of the island, bear the inscriptions of its many tenants, including the Order of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, the Ottomans and the Italians. The ancient city of Rhodes was built in the form of an amphitheater facing the sea from approximately 408 BC. The Order of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, which occupied Rhodes between 1309 and 1523, after the Genoese ceded the island, built the city walls during its occupation and, during the great Ottoman siege in 1480, Rhodes was considered the most fortified city of its time. There are ten doors that give way through the walls of the medieval city: the door of Amboise, the Marina or door of the Sea, the door of the Arsenal, the door of the Virgin, the door of Santa Catalina, the door of Freedom, the door of Saint Athanasios, the Koskinou door or door of San Juan, the Acandia door and the door of San Paul.

We will enter the medieval city of Rhodes through the gate of Amboise, near the port, and walk along the street of the Knights: here are the abodes of the Knights, separated by order and still carrying the weapons of their former occupants. Then, continue in the direction of the heart of the medieval city, the Palace of the Grand Masters, a Byzantine fortress built at the end of the 7th century AD, the Knights of St. John transformed the building into the residence of their Grand Master and administrative center of the order. Today the huge palace of the Great Masters is a Byzantine museum and a symbol of the city of Rhodes. After touring the Palace, it is necessary to stroll through the arcaded and cobbled streets of the Medieval City: they are perfect for walking, with lots of stops for coffee and shopping (especially in the charming Plaza de la Fuente), before returning to the ship.

Price for adults to purchase only this excursion: Eur. 74.00
Price for children: Eur. 55.00

Santorini: Visiting the Spectacular Oia 
Excursion available only for clients of Greca Travel.
Access to places: easy to medium
You will need a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
Approximate duration: 3 hours.

The excursion begins with a panoramic tour. We will walk through the picturesque village of Megalochori, one of the most authentic and unexplored places of the island, where you can appreciate its distinctive architecture and character. Then we will continue eastward, through the towns of Kamari and Monolithos, where we will also cross Fira, capital of the island as well as the small traditional villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli, with their peculiar architecture and beauty. To the west throughout our tour, we will have the scenic caldera before our eyes with the islets of Thirasia, Palea and Nea Kameni. In Oia, we will make our main stop to continue marveling at the views, as well as enjoying free time to walk through the cobbled streets, browse the flirtatious shops, take photos, discover the characteristic buildings carved in the rock and the mansions of the captains, and finally the Ammoudi neighborhood at the foot of the caldera ... After enjoying a region declared "exceptional natural beauty", begins your return to the ship, with the memorable moments and places visited.

Price for adults to purchase only this excursion: Eur. 74.00
Price for children: Eur. 55.00

Milos panoramic and back in time tour.
Excursion available only for clients of Greca Travel .
Access to places: easy to medium
You will need a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
Approximate duration: 4 hours.

We invite you to go back in time on the incredible volcanic island of Milos, one of the most beautiful places on earth. A small journey from the port takes us to Sarakiniko, a cove of pure white rock sculpted by volcanic eruptions. This place of overwhelming and supernatural beauty is one of the many geological wonders of the island and perhaps one of the most photographed points of the Cyclades. We will descend to the cove so that you can live the experience of this beach without equal and take photos. You will feel as if you had landed.
We will continue along the dramatic coast of Milos towards Papafranga, a concentration of coves and sea caves at the base of a cliff that, like Sarakiniko, formed with volcanic activity. We will stay for a while in this emblematic place, where you can observe the turquoise waters and see the most adventurous tourists swimming and diving in the caves at the bottom of the cliff.
Next, we will travel along a picturesque coastal road to the cobbled streets of Plaka, a traditional Cycladic town of white houses and bougainvillea climbing 250 meters above the Aegean. We will walk through the village to admire its traditional architecture and the amazing sea views, and we will taste some homemade sweets in local patisseries.
Very close to Plaka we will visit the ruins of ancient Milos with its Roman amphitheater, carved on the rocky slope, not far from the ancient agora. There you can see large fragments of walls and Doric columns. The marble amphitheater, to which you will have free access, still retains seven intact rows of seats and offers a lovely view of the bay. Upon returning to the bus we will visit the place where the Aphrodite of Milos was discovered (now located in the Louvre in Paris) in 1820.
The last stop is the Museum of Mines, where someone will be able to understand the history of the geology of the island.

Price for adults to purchase only this excursion: Eur. 74.00
Price for children: Eur. 55.00

Discover the hidden secrets of Sultan Ahmed Square

Excursion available only for clients of Greca Viajes.
Access to places: easy to medium
You will need a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
Approximate duration: 4 hours.

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the "Blue Mosque," was ordered by Sultan Ahmed I, who is buried inside since his death at the young age of 20.

The visit will take you to the symbol of Constantinople (historical name of Istanbul): Hagia Sophia The sanctuary of the Holy Wisdom of God was the Orthodox cathedral of Constantinople. After the Ottoman conquest, it became a mosque, and in 1934 it became a museum. The next stop is a whole world hidden beneath the surface of the city. The Filoxenos cistern or "Submerged Palace", Justinian's water tank, was built in 535 A.D. It is known for its 336 Doric, Ionic and Corinthian columns, 9 meters (30 feet) high. At the end of the tour, there are 2 impressive columns, whose bases are carved with the mythological motif of the head of Medusa.

Price for adults to purchase only this excursion: Eur. 74.00
Price for children: Eur. 55.00

Istambul

Excursion available only for clients of Greca Viajes.
Access to places: easy to medium
You will need a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
Approximate duration: 8 hours.

Istanbul is unique and unforgettable. Our full day excursion will immerse you in this vibrant, colourful and fascinating city at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Many empires have held power in the place once called Constantinople including the Greeks, Romans, Venetians and the Ottomans.
The historic heart of old Istanbul is the Sultanahmet district and our starting point is the Byzantine Hippodrome where horse and chariot racing once
drew crowds of 100,000 or more. Nearby is the Kaiser’s German fountain, the bronze Serpent Column of Delphi, the Egyptian Obelisk and the Walled Obelisk
of Constantine VII.
Recognised across the globe is the Mosque of Sultan Ahmet, more popularly known as the Blue Mosque because of the stunning hand painted blue tiles inside. It is well worth taking a few minutes just to gaze and let the amazing beauty sink in whether you are inside or outside.
Across the square sits the imposing Church of the Holy Wisdom of God or Hagia Sophia, once a church, then an Ottoman imperial mosque and now a museum. It is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture.
We then visit the incomparable Topkapi Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where we have lunch at the Konyali Restaurant enjoying a view over the Bosphorus.
If all this still leaves you with a thirst for more discovery you can do no better than explore the sights, sounds and colours of Istanbul’s incredible Grand Bazaar, with 4000 shops and stalls, 58 streets under one roof, 400,000 visitors daily and millions of things for sale.

Price for adults to purchase only this excursion: Eur. 124.00
Price for children: Eur. 80.00

Legendary Troy

Excursion available only for clients of Greca Travel.
Access to places: easy to medium
You will need a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
Approximate duration: 4 hours.

For almost 3,000 years people thought that Homer's Iliad was a legend that had never existed. Until 1870, when the German archaeologist Schliemann began excavations that brought walls and battlements to the surface. His work convinced the world that Troy was not just a legend. On this tour you can see with your own eyes the ancient walls and ruins that inspired the Hollywood movie with Brad Pitt. You can also see the waters of the Dardanelles and the Gallipoli hills in the background. Go back in time while your guide tells you the fascinating story of Troy, which was destroyed and rebuilt nine times. This is where the famous Trojan War took place, the first war between East and West. Take a look at the updated version of the wooden horse that served the Greeks to fool the Trojans. The original horse was key in the fall of the city.

Schedule:

00:00 - 00:45 Bus from the port in the direction of Troy
00:45 - 02:45 Visit to Troy
02:45 - 03:15 Free time to go to the bathroom and visit the souvenir shop.
03:15 - 04:00 Departure from Troy and bus back to the ship

Price for adults to purchase only this excursion: Eur. 74.00
Price for children: Eur. 55.00

The Mykonos Field, the Chora, and the "Little Venice"

Excursion available only for clients of Greca Travel.
Access to places: easy to medium
You will need a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
Approximate duration: 4 hours.

The bus tour with the guide starts from Mykonos Town, known as Chora. Then you will go south to Ornos beach, a picturesque fishing port and then to Agia Anna and Kalafati beach. When you return to Chora, you will visit the traditional village of Ano Mera and the monastery of the Virgin of Turliani, founded in 1542. The charming town square is ideal for resting for a while.
Back to Mykonos Chora, you will stop before the church of Paraportiani. Its name literally means "Our Lady of the side door" in Greek, since its entrance is located at the door on the side of the entrance to the Kastro area. A few meters away you will find the Mykonos Folklore Museum, which is located in an old two-story house, owned by a merchant baron. Continue to the "Little Venice" of Mykonos, in Alefkandra, with its windmills and sunsets taken from another world.

Price for adults to purchase only this excursion: Eur. 67.00
Price for children: Eur. 44.00

Highlights of Thessaloniki

Excursion available only for clients of Greca Travel.
Access to places: easy to medium
You will need a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
Approximate duration: 4 hours

This is a fascinating half-day excursion to Thessaloniki’s most popular landmarks.
Our first stop is for photos at the White Tower on the seafront promenade, the paralia. The tower is the city’s most famous monument, was built in 1430 and houses Byzantine icons and historical displays on its several floors. It is a majestic symbol of Thessaloniki.
We then have an hour to explore the Byzantine Museum, an incredible collection of artifacts from the early Christian period onwards, including sculpture,
mosaics, painted tombs, embroidered fabrics and religious icons.
Our itinerary then takes us past the International Trade Fair grounds and the Aristotelion University toward the Citadel, where we have a superb panoramic view of the city, Mt. Olympus and Thermaic Gulf beyond.
From here we drive to the 5th century Basilica of St. Demetrius, the largest church in Greece, which houses an impressive display of mosaics and the crypt where Demetrius was confined.
On our return to the ship we drive past the Arch of Galerius and St. George’s Rotonda. The arch was built in 303 to commemorate the victory of Galerius over the Persians in 297 A.C., and it is chiseled with scenes of the battle. Just north of the arch stands the massive Rotonda, which historians believe was constructed as a mausoleum for Galerius.
St Paul arrived in Thessaloniki to preach on his Second Missionary in 49 AD.
And his letter to Thessalonians was addressed to a church here the following year.

Price for adults to purchase only this excursion: Eur. 57.00
Price for children: Eur. 35.00

Miray Cruises

ATHENS

Athens Monuments, Acropolis and the New Museum

(approximate duration 4.5 hrs.)

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.

The new Acropolis Museum is housed in a state-of-the-art building designed by Swiss-born architect Bernard Tschumi. With an area of 226,000 square feet - 10 times larger than the old museum - the new building feels open and full of light. Its design has received mixed reviews from locals, but there is no doubt it is a striking and highly functional work of architecture.

The Acropolis Museum houses all the portable objects removed from the Acropolis since 1834, except of a few bronzes displayed in the National Archeological Museum and inscriptions in the Epigraphical Museum. The museum's artifacts are primarily religious in nature, including a fascinating collection of ancient statues used in religious ceremonies, and they provide a fascinating visual history of Greek religion.

Price per adult: Eur. 85.90
Price per child: Eur. 46.86

Sounion – Ancient Temple of Poseidon and Cape Sounion

(approximate duration 5 hrs.)

The 1 hour and 30 minutes trip is enchanting, with images full of nature, the sea and pine-trees. The Temple of Poseidon awaits you, dedicated to the god of the sea. This is the southernmost and highest point of the cape and the monument looks like it is washed by the Aegean on all sides.

The construction of the Temple was initially commenced at the beginning of the 5th century B.C. Yet, it was destroyed by the Persians during the Persian Wars and so the Athenians built, in 444 B.C., the newer Temple, parts of which are preserved until today. The Temple is of Doric order and bore a frieze with relief decoration while it was also adorned by immense statues called Kouroi.

The archaeological site of Sounion, apart from the Sanctuaries of Poseidon and Athena, includes the fortress, a small settlement from the Hellenistic era, the propylaea (entrance gateway) and the porticoes.

Price per adult: Eur. 66.38
Price per child: Eur. 41.00

SYROS

Authentic Rebetiko feast in Syros

(approximate duration 3.5 hrs.)

Enjoy the Greek experience with the Syros rebetiko “glenti”, an authentic Greek feast with traditional music, dance and delicious local delicacies! Miray Cruises is happy to invite you in our themed shore excursions that are part of our themed cruises program, which evolve the authentic Greek experience and are not to be missed.

It does not get more Greek than “Opa”!  Miray Cruises invites you to a traditional authentic Greek Rebetiko feast, a folklore way of amusement by local musicians.  

We begin with a short tour of the Ermoupolis center, the picturesque capital of Syros island, where a tour guide will walk you through the main highlights, such as Miaouli square, the Apollon Theater and the “Vaporia” district. This will be the perfect way for you to stroll around the beautiful town, mingle with the locals and enjoy the atmosphere of the island.

Imagine yourself at the courtyard of a tavern with a breath-taking view, located in Ermoupolis. Yes, this is where we will be taking you next! There, you will listen to songs penned by the popular Syros rebetiko composer, Markos Vamvakaris. The feast will include a plethora of local “mezedes”, which is Greek for local delicacies, such as Syros sausage, fresh Syros produce salad with local vegetables, “three-cheese” eggplants and of course plenty of Greek wine for your enjoyment. Get ready to try your skills in authentic traditional Greek dances, such as zeimbekiko, hasapiko and syrtaki. Opa!

Price per adult: Eur. 37.10
Price per child: Eur. 21.48

CESME

Experience Ancient Ephesus

(approximate duration 5 hrs.)

We travel by bus approximately two hours to the ancient city of Ephesus, passing many typical rural Turkish villages along the way.

Ephesus, one of the 12 cities of Ionia, is a stunning marvel in the hills above the Aegean coast. Founded by the ancient Greeks circa 2000 BC, it became the second-largest city in the Roman Empire, at one time home to a quarter-million people. It was the first and most significant city in the Roman province of Asia and one of its key ports. Millennia ago the Aegean receded west, stranding the city on its sun-seared hillsides. It is believed the Virgin Mary lived and died here, and that Paul wrote his Letter to the Ephesians here.

Ephesus is rivaled only by the Forum and the Acropolis as one of the most complete classical cities in Europe. Stroll between the marble colonnades of Curetes Street to visit Trajan’s Fountain, Hadrian’s Temple, the Scholastica Baths and the astonishing Terrace Houses, where many of the floor mosaics are still intact. Nearby, the spectacular Library of Celsus, which has been almost entirely reconstructed, towers above the famed Marble Road. The Great Theater of Ephesus, where St. Paul once preached, was carved into the side of Mt. Pion in the 4th century BC. It held up to 24,000 spectators and is still renowned for its outstanding acoustics.

There will be some free time to shop before returning to the ship.   

Price per adult: Eur. 70.29
Price per child: Eur. 41.00

Izmir City Tour

(approximate duration 4 hrs.)

Izmir, more than 12,000 square kilometers and home to more than three million people, is Turkey’s third-largest city. It presents itself as a modern, teeming metropolis, but as we tour Izmir its magnificent ancient past comes alive. The remains of the ancient agora, built by Marcus Aurelius in 178 BC, lie at the heart of the city. Our guides will also show you the two-storey agora yet discovered – its first floor was dedicated to trade, manufacturing and storage, its second to civic meetings and retailing. Many of the artifacts recovered from this remarkable site are on display at Izmir’s New Archeological Museum, whose galleries are arranged to send you on an evocative journey through history.

Price per adult: Eur. 41.00
Price per child: Eur. 24.40

SANTORINI

Santorini – Spectacular Oia Village perched on the caldera rim 

(approximate duration 4 hrs.)

First you head up to the monastery of Prophet Ilias, for a breath-taking view, deep inhalations of clean, pure, Cycladic air and memorial photos, so as to be the envy of all who didn’t come along. The tour continues its passage towards the north.

To the east, in the background, you will have settlements like Kamari and Monolithos, while you will pass through Fira, the small traditional villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli with delicate architecture and beauties, to eventually arrive at the settlement of Oia. During the entire route, to the west you will have before your eyes the lace-like caldera, the little islands of Thirasia, Palea and Nea Kameni and an unsurpassable panoramic view. In Oia you will have plenty of time to stroll through the marble-paved alleys, to gaze at the adorably cute shops, to take pictures, to become acquainted with the characteristic buildings, carved into the rocks and the unusual captains’ manors, the settlement Ammoudi at the foot of the caldera… After your curiosity has been sated of the area which is characterized as being of “exceptional natural beauty”, your return begins …

Price per adult: Eur. 66.38
Price per child: Eur. 41.00

Akrotiri Village Excavations

SANTORINI

The people who lived on prehistoric Santorini called the island “Strongyle” (round). In 1650 BC the massive Thira volcano erupted, sinking the center of Strongyle and leaving behind an incredible caldera. You will marvel at its towering cliffs as tender boats convey you to the port at Athinios, where our airconditioned bus waits to take you to Santorini’s most significant archeological site, the village of Akrotiri.

From Athinios we will drive south. We will stop at the ruins of the island’s famous windmill for photos, and to enjoy the incredible panoramic view. We leave the windmill for Akrotiri, where you’ll have a chance to explore this ancient village – its amazing ruins will take you back in time. These advanced people built two- and three-storey homes and grew crops, and you will marvel at the remnants of the houses, shops and workshops that surrounded the village square thousands of years ago. Akrotiri had been a bustling town, but its inhabitants abandoned it before the Thira eruption, a mystery archeologists and historians are still trying to solve. The ash from the volcano buried the city, preserving many of its structures and some of its incredible frescoes. Could Akrotiri be the lost city of Atlantis? We’ll let you decide.

After Akrotiri we’ll drive to Fira, the capital of Santorini and its largest town, where we’ll visit the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, also known as the Church of Ypapantis, famed for its elegant construction and its beautiful frescoes, which were painted by Santorini artist Christoforos Assimis. After our visit to the cathedral, you can linger in Fira to shop and enjoy a coffee or a snack, or you can take the Santorini Cable Car, the teleferik to the port below, an incredible descent of more than 200 meters toward the deep blue waters of the caldera. Our tender boats will be ready, once you disembark from the teleferik, to bring you back to the ship. 

Price per adult: Eur. 66.38
Price per child:  Eur. 41.00

RHODES

Only available at the 4-day cruise program

Rhodes & Lindos Combined

(approximate duration 4 hrs.)

Drive along the picturesque south-eastern coastline, dotted with white-washed villages, to Lindos, one of the most important of the three great cities of ancient times. See how this entire city is guarded by medieval walls which were constructed by the knights of St. John in the 13th Century. Within them stands the ancient Acropolis of Lindos, on the brink of a precipice 122 m above the sea. From the Acropolis, marvel at the breathtaking views covering the great expanse of the Aegean Sea and St. Paul’s Bay, where the apostle cast anchor during his historic voyage to Ephesus. Proceed on foot uphill, to the great staircase leading from the Hellenistic Portico to the Acropolis and Temple of Athena. Should you wish to make your way up by mule, a fee must be paid to the local muleteer. After the guided tour of the Acropolis, enjoy some free time on your own in Lindos village before meeting up with your motor coach. Return to Rhodes city and enjoy a panoramic drive through the new part of the city before continuing to Mount Smith to see the ruins of ancient Rhodes, the Temple of Apollo and Diagoras Stadium. Afterwards your motor coach will drop you off at Porte d’Amboise, the start of the walking tour through the medieval city of Rhodes. Follow your guide through the northern part where once lived the knights and their attendants. View the Palace of the Knights, continue your walk down Chevaliers Road to the Marine Gate and return to the ship. A short visit to a ceramic factory is included.

REMARKS

Please note that the journey from Rhodes to Lindos is approx. 50 minutes. Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties.

Price per adult: Eur. 66.38
Price per child: Eur. 41.00

Old City & Philerimos

(approximate duration 4 hrs.)

Drive along the medieval walls to the summit of Mount Smith, the Acropolis of ancient Rhodes. From the tumbled massive 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, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. The drive continues across the island to Philerimos. The summit of Philerimos was the site of Ialysos, one of the three ancient cities of Rhodes. Later sites include the restored Byzantine Church of Our Lady of Philerimos, a chapel with 15th Century frescoes, and the ruined Castle of the Knights. After the visit and some free time, return to Rhodes and begin a guided walk of the old walled city to the Porte d’Amboise. It is a pleasure to stroll the street of the Knights with its medieval buildings, winding alleys, towers, turrets and emblazoned façades. You will then visit the impressive Grand Master’s Palace and have the chance to see the superb mosaics. The pleasant walk passes through the Marine Gate before you return to the ship.

Price per adult: Eur. 66.38
Price per child: Eur. 41.00