Turkey, Greece, Egypt Cruise Shore Excursions

Your driver and guide will meet you in front of the port passenger terminal. Drive along the old city walls and under the ancient Roman aqueduct on the way to St. Sophia (Haghia Sophia), the splendid Church of Divine Wisdom built in the 4th century BC. Next walk to the Hippodrome used for outdoor chariot races in Roman times. Today it is lined with parks, obelisks and monuments. Next to the Hippodrome is the famous Blue Mosque, named for its richly adorned interior of magnificent Iznik tiles. Your guide will take you through the Blue Mosque. Finally visit the Grand Bazaar which houses more than 4,000 stalls selling local goods. Please use the booking / enquiry form to request rates (varies accordingly to number of persons and transport required)

Your driver and guide will meet you in front of the port passenger terminal. Drive over the Galata Bridge to the heart of the old city. First stop is the Topkapi Palace Museum. The Palace was the seat of the Ottoman Empire for almost four centuries. **If you prefer we can visit St Sophia instead of Topkapi Palace. After lunch proceed to the Grand Bazaar, where handicrafts from all over Turkey is displayed in 4.000 shops and stores. Later drive to Taksim, a modern area of Istanbul. Walk the main pedestrian street of Istiklal Caddesi and see the 19th century buildings, consulates, Designer Shops, restaurants, small snack bars, cinemas. End the tour at Pera Palas Hotel, a late 19th century hotel built for the use of Orient Express passengers. Pera Palas is legendary and has been frequented by well-known highly placed figures of the world such as: Agatha Christie, Edward VIII of England, Ataturk, Yehudi Menuhin, Marie Bell, Jacqueline Kennedy, Mata Hari, Cicero, etc. Please use the booking / enquiry form to request rates (varies accordingly to number of persons and transport required)

This tour is available roundtrip from Izmir Port and Kusadasi Port. Your driver and guide will meet you in front of the port passenger terminal. Depart into the countryside to the ancient city of Ephesus. On the way you see the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. The highlight of your half day trip is the walk through the streets of ancient Ephesus, one of the best preserved ancient cities in the world. Your guide will bring the past to life as you stroll streets lined with columns and paved with marble. See the Odeon, Temple of Hadrian, Roman Baths, and many other monuments and ruins. The most impressive sight is the much photographed Celsus Library towering at the end of the main street. Equally impressive is the ancient theater which can seat 24,000 people. On the trip back you can opt for a short shopping opportunity as well, please let your guide know if you wish. Please use the booking / enquiry form to request rates (varies accordingly to number of persons and transport required)

This tour is available roundtrip from Izmir Port and Kusadasi Port. Your driver and guide will meet you in front of the port passenger terminal. Depart into the countryside to the ancient city of Ephesus. Your first stop on this fascinating tour is at the House of the Virgin Mary. This holy site sitting atop a tranquil mountain is believed to be the last home of the Virgin Mary after she fled Jerusalem. Next travel on to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most magnificent and best-preserved ancient sites in the world. Your licensed guide will bring the past to life as you stroll streets lined with columns and paved with marble. You see the Odeon, Temple of Hadrian, Roman Baths, and many other monuments and ruins. The most impressive sight is the much photographed Celsus Library and equally impressive is the ancient theater which can seat 24,000 people. After lunch visit the Basilica of St John. We know that St. John the Evangelist spent the last years of his life in Ephesus and wrote his Gospel here. Within the Basilica is his final resting place. Next is a short stop to see the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. On the trip back you can opt for a short shopping opportunity as well, please let your guide know if you wish. Please use the booking / enquiry form to request rates (varies accordingly to number of persons and transport required)

This tour is available roundtrip from Izmir Port and Kusadasi Port. Your driver and guide will meet you in front of the port passenger terminal. Depart to the ancient city of Ephesus, said to be the best preserved of the Greco/Roman cities in Anatolia. See the beautiful Celsus Library, the Grand Theater built during the Hellenistic age to hold 24,000 spectators and it is here that St. Paul preached. Opposite the Temple of Hadrian are the Hill Houses (optional extra entrance), homes of Ephesus' wealthy citizens. After visit of Ephesus, drive to Sirince Village. Located in the rolling hills of the countryside this quaint old Orthodox Village was once named "Cirkince", meaning "ugly". Its inhabitants gave it that name so that they would not be bothered by outsiders wishing to share the beauty of their village. As the years passed visitors who fell under its charms understood, and have since called it "Sirince", meaning "pretty". Today this village is a perfect synthesis of Turkish-Greek culture.Here you have a chance to see local life in a small village, and purchase some small local souvenirs and handicrafts. The village is famous for its local wines made from grapes and other fruits. Later stop to visit the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus established in 1929 to display the many valuable finds. Please use the booking / enquiry form to request rates (varies accordingly to number of persons and transport required)

Your driver and guide will meet you in front of the port passenger terminal. Depart on drive through the countryside until arrival to Priene. The ancient city of Priene was once a harbor city, but silt filled in its bay and cut off its livelyhood. Today the site is nearly 16km away from the sea. The amazingly large site sits at the foot of a spectacular cliff (Mt. Mycale) and contains many superb examples of Hellenistic art and architecture. Next visit Miletus, an ancient city located near the present Akköy at the mouth of the Meander River. Highly prosperous, it was one of the largest cities in Anatolia and founded many colonies. It was the home of the ancient philosophers Anaximander, Anaximenes and Thales, the town planner Hippodamus and architect Isidorus. After a stop for lunch continue to Didyma. The world Didyma meant "twins" and this place was believed to be the meeting place of Zeus and Leto who gave birth to their twins Apollo and Artemis. In the ancient world, Didyma was famed as a prophecy center dedicated to Apollo, and served a purpose in Anatolia similar to the oracle at Delphi in Greece. It was not a city but a sanctuary linked to Miletus with a 12 mile sacred road. Today the large scale of the standing columns will impress even the most well traveled visitors. Please use the booking / enquiry form to request rates (varies accordingly to number of persons and transport required)

Meet at the port and transfer into Athens City centre. First stop is the Acropolis. Climb the marble steps on the Sacred Way as visitors have for centuries. History's doors open as you reach the Propylaea, a masterpiece of classical architecture. See the Temple of Athena Nike (Wingless Victory), and the Erectheum, with its classical Porch of Maidens (Caryatids). Stand in awe of the Parthenon, designed as a shrine to Athena and at one time housing a massive gold and ivory statue of the warrior goddess. Looking down from the Acropolis you see the two ancient theaters in its shadow, the Greek theater of Dionyssos and the theater of Herod Atticus. Next is a panoramic driving tour of the city where you see from the vehicle the top sights of the city including the Olympic Stadium, birthplace of the modern Olympic Games in 1896, the Parliament Building with its traditionally dressed ‘Evzones’ soldiers guarding the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, Constitution Square, Hadrian's Arch and more. Drop off back to the port in Piraeus. Please use the booking / enquiry form to request rates (varies accordingly to number of persons and transport required)

Meet at the port and transfer into Athens City centre. First stop is the Acropolis. Climb the marble steps on the Sacred Way and explore the Propylaea, a masterpiece of classical architecture. See the Temple of Athena Nike (Wingless Victory), and the Erectheum, with its classical Porch of Maidens (Caryatids). Stand in awe of the Parthenon, designed as a shrine to Athena and at one time housing a massive gold and ivory statue of the warrior goddess. Looking down from the Acropolis you see the two ancient theaters in its shadow, the Greek theater of Dionyssos and the theater of Herod Atticus, a grand Roman theater restored and used today for concerts and classical plays during the summer Athens Festival. Next is a panoramic driving tour of the city where you see from the vehicle the top sights of the city including the Olympic Stadium, the Parliament Building with its traditionally dressed ‘Evzones’ soldiers guarding the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, Constitution Square, Hadrian's Arch etc. Next you have time for lunch and a stroll through the Plaka area. This is the oldest section of the city, and by far the most popular with tourists. Later visit the New Acropolis Museum. This long awaited museum opened in June 2009 and features about 42,000 square feet of exhibition space. Treasures found on the Acropolis are featured and other treasure buried below the ancient Athenian city are visible through the museum’s glass floor. The impressive building itself is worth a visit. Note: The New Acropolis Museum is closed Mondays, instead you can then choose to visit another museum. Please use the booking / enquiry form to request rates (varies accordingly to number of persons and transport required)

This 8 hour tour includes the highlights of Athens and a drive along the Saronic Gulf coast to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon. Meet at the port and transfer into Athens City centre. First stop is the Acropolis. Climb the marble steps on the Sacred Way and explore the Propylaea, a masterpiece of classical architecture. See the Temple of Athena Nike (Wingless Victory), and the Erectheum, with its classical Porch of Maidens (Caryatids). Stand in awe of the Parthenon, designed as a shrine to Athena and at one time housing a massive gold and ivory statue of the warrior goddess. Looking down from the Acropolis you see the two ancient theaters in its shadow, the Greek theater of Dionyssos and the theater of Herod Atticus, a grand Roman theater restored and used today for concerts and classical plays during the summer Athens Festival. Next is a panoramic driving tour of the city where you see from the vehicle the top sights of the city including the Olympic Stadium, the Parliament Building with its traditionally dressed ‘Evzones’ soldiers guarding the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, Constitution Square, Hadrian's Arch etc. Then depart on drive along the Saronic Gulf coast to the southern tip of Attica and Cape Sounion. Explore the isolated Temple of Poseidon standing watch over the sea. On this ground the ancient Greeks worshiped their god of the sea, Poseidon. The temple was originally made up of 34 Doric style columns and today there are still 15 which are well preserved. You can walk along the ruins at the cliff's edge high above the sea and take in dramatic views of the surrounding heights and sparkling blue water. Return back to cruise port in Piraeus. Please use the booking / enquiry form to request rates (varies accordingly to number of persons and transport required)

This 8-8.5 hour tour starts with drive from Piraeus Port to the Corinth Canal which links the Ionian and Aegean seas. You can walk across a bridge over the canal now used for smaller commercial ships and private yachts alike. Then short drive to the once rich and powerful city of Ancient Corinth. The city was blessed with a superb location and fertile plains making it virtually an impregnable refuge. Excavations reveal that the ancient city was huge and wealthy. It survived numerous invasions but was ultimately brought down by earthquakes. St. Paul lived and worked in Corinth for 18 months, making converts where he could and leaving for posterity the Bible's Letters to the Corinthians. The Bema (platform) where the Roman governor tried him is still visible. See one of Corinth’s most striking ancient buildings, the Temple of Apollo, seven of whose original columns are still standing. Walk through the remains of the Market Place, a colonnaded square once surrounded by many small shops, and see the celebrated Fountain of Priene, which has produced water since the earliest times, and the Lechaion Road, formerly the main thoroughfare to the port of Lechaion. Later drive to Athens and visit the oldest part of the city, the Plaka. After lunch (optional) begin a walking tour of the famous Acropolis. Climb the marble steps on the Sacred Way and explore the Propylaea, a masterpiece of classical architecture. See the Temple of Athena Nike (Wingless Victory), and the Erectheum, with its classical Porch of Maidens (Caryatids). Stand in awe of the Parthenon, designed as a shrine to Athena and at one time housing a massive gold and ivory statue of the warrior goddess. Looking down from the Acropolis you see the two ancient theaters in its shadow, the Greek theater of Dionyssos and the theater of Herod Atticus, a grand Roman theater restored and used today for concerts and classical plays during the summer Athens Festival. Next is a panoramic driving tour of the city where you see from the vehicle the top sights of the city including the Olympic Stadium, the Parliament Building with its traditionally dressed ‘Evzones’ soldiers guarding the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, Constitution Square, Hadrian's Arch etce. End of tour with arrival back to Piraeus Port. Please use the booking / enquiry form to request rates (varies accordingly to number of persons and transport required)

The small fishing village of Katakolon is the gateway to the site of Ancient Olympia, some twenty-five miles to the east. This tour will take you to the remarkable site of Olympia where the first Olympiad was held in 776 BC in honor of Olympian Zeus. The site was a sanctuary even before the Stadium was built and the games took place in the sacred area called Altis. The most imposing monument in this area was the outstanding Temple of Zeus housing the gold-and-ivory statue of Zeus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The Temple of Hera, the Prytaneion, and the Philippeion were also monuments standing in the sacred grove. The famous Stadium, the largest of its day with a capacity of 45,000 spectators, is entered through a long, tunnel-like passage, constructed in Roman times. Continuing your tour you visit the archaeological museum. Among the great finds of the area that are displayed here are the Head of Hera and the superb statue of Hermes of Praxiteles. In addition admire ornaments from the Temple of Zeus, famous statue of Hermes created by Praxiteles and helmet of Miltiades, the Athenian general during Athens' 'Gold Age.' End of tour with return to Katakolon Port. Please use the booking / enquiry form to request rates (varies accordingly to number of persons and transport required)

Meet at Heraklion Port and depart on the drive to the archaeological site of Knossos. Your guide will take you through the fantastic ruins of the ancient palace complex, which served as the administrative and religious centers for the whole region. The living quarters of the king, queen and members of the royal court, rooms for state occasions, theatre area, store rooms and potters' workshops are all within the palace complex. For centuries the history of the Minoan culture had passed into the realm of legend and remained a distant memory in Greek tradition and mythology. The frescoes unearthed show the refinement of their art and use of color and embody the soul of the peace loving, light-hearted, but also powerful Minoans. After your visit of the Palace depart to nearby Heraklion for a visit of the outstanding Archaeological Museum. Unique in its record of the Minoan civilization, the museum houses the findings and treasures from all archaeological sites of Crete. The displays of idols made of terracotta, marble and alabaster, collections of gold, jewelry, ivory, figurines, sarcophagi and frescoes will give you an insight into this artistic-minded civilization. Please use the booking / enquiry form to request rates (varies accordingly to number of persons and transport required)

Meet at Heraklion Port and depart on the drive to the archaeological site of Knossos. Your guide will take you through the fantastic ruins of the ancient palace complex, which served as the administrative and religious centers for the whole region. The living quarters of the king, queen and members of the royal court, rooms for state occasions, theatre area, store rooms and potters' workshops are all within the palace complex. For centuries the history of the Minoan culture had passed into the realm of legend and remained a distant memory in Greek tradition and mythology. The frescoes unearthed show the refinement of their art and use of color and embody the soul of the peace loving, light-hearted, but also powerful Minoans. Next visit a rustic village to experience the true essence of Crete. Lying in sharp contrast to the hectic port city of Heraklion, it is not far away, but seems centuries removed in feel and lifestyle. See wheat threshing performed by donkeys using wooden sleds, honey farming and a Raki distillery. You'll can even pay a short visit to the local sheep bell craftsman. Lunch (optional) can be taken in the village taverna situated in a naturally serene setting. It is well known that Greek cuisine is one of the healthiest in the world and this is particularly true in Crete. End of tour with return to Heraklion Port. Please use the booking / enquiry form to request rates (varies accordingly to number of persons and transport required)

Meet at the port and begin your tour with a drive along the east coast of Rhodes. Pass picturesque villages, dramatic views of the sea and the beautiful landscape. Lindos was an ancient Doric town and rose to power hundreds of years before the birth of Christ. In medieval times it was the island's second most important center, after the town of Rhodes itself. Walk up to the summit (or hire a donkey to take you most of the way), to discover the magnificent remains of past civilizations. Here you find the 4th century BC Doric Temple of Athena Lindia, a double-winged portico, a Byzantine church and the fortifications of the Knights, including the remains of the Governor's quarters. The view is panoramic and at the very foot of the Acropolis is St. Paul's Bay, where the Apostle is said to have sought shelter during a storm. Stop of lunch (optional) then travel back to the city where you enter the Old Town from the D’Amboise Gate, which is the closest point to the rebuilt Grand Master's Palace. It was built to serve as a fortress in times of war, a peacetime residence for the Grand Master and a meeting place for senior knights. Time for a visit of the Palace with your private guide. After visiting the Palace enjoy a short walking tour and then transfer back to the port (or if you wish end your tour here and later make your own way back to port). Please use the booking / enquiry form to request rates (varies accordingly to number of persons and transport required)

You start your private shore excursion by passing the old port of Mandraki. It is here where it is believed that the Colossus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, once stood.Before going into the old town you are taken to the hill top of Agios Stefanos where you will enjoy beautiful views of the Bay of Rhodes. This hilltop is known as Mt. Smith because of the legendary Admiral who once stood here watching for Napoleon's warships. Next travel back to the city where you will enter the Old Town from D’Amboise Gate, which is the closest point to the rebuilt Grand Master's Palace. This palace was constructed as a reflection of the Papal Palace in Avignon, France. It was built to serve as a fortress in times of war, a peacetime residence for the Grand Master and a meeting place for senior knights. Time is allowed for a visit of the Palace with your private guide. After visiting the Palace you will walk the cobblestone street of the "Avenue of the Knights" where the famous knights once lived. To this day the street exudes a noble and forbidden aura with its lofty buildings which stretch in a 600 meter (1800 feet) long unbroken wall of honey-colored stone blocks. The flat facade is punctuated only by huge doorways and arched windows. This avenue leads you to the Archaeological Museum which is housed in the 15th century Knights' Hospital. Here your guide will show you many artifacts and exquisite statues dating back as far as 4th Century BC. Its most famous exhibit is the Parian (from the island of Paros) marble statue, the Aphrodite of Rhodes. End of tour with transfer back to the port (or if you wish end your tour here and later make your own way back to port). Please use the booking / enquiry form to request rates (varies accordingly to number of persons and transport required)

Meet your guide at the port and together go up the cliff to Fira by cable car. From here your guide will explain the history of the island as you drive to the Antoniou winery. The building which houses the Antoniou winery has been salvaged and preserved in order to show the old way wine was once produced using the island's natural elements. After a guided tour of the winery, you are invited to sample some of the wines with local cheese and traditional snacks. Your guide will explain the history of the island on the drive to Santorini’s highest peak, crowned by the Mt. Profitis Ilias Monastery. Here you have an ideal photo opportunity to capture the beauty of the island and get a full understanding of it's unique volcanic shape. Next to Oia, a unique village on the northern most tip of the island. This dramatic village, built on a steep crest of the caldera, has many of its dwellings nestled into niches hewn from the volcanic rock. The village was once the home of wealthy seafarers. Your local guide will walk with you among the narrow cobbled streets. Coffee shops perched on the edge of the cliffs offer spectacular views of Fira and the volcano below. Next drive to the capital city of Fira and your guide will lead you through the Prehistoric Museum. You'll see treasures that have been discovered at the excavation site of Akrotiri. Akrotiri is the main town which was buried in the volcano that erupted around 1450 BC. The excavation site is not open to the public, but this museum shows its amazing discoveries. Highlights include an oven, bath tub, the beautiful House of Ladies frescos (photo) and the Gold Ibex Figurine. After your tour you can choose to remain in town at leisure or return to the ship. Please use the booking / enquiry form to request rates (varies accordingly to number of persons and transport required)

This full day tour visits the Greco Roman Catacombs, the Alexandrian Library, the Fort of Qaitbey (the ancient site of the lighthouse), the Montazha Gardens and the beautiful Abu El Abass Mosque. Alexandria is Egypt's largest port and second largest city. The city was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC and became the capital of Greco-Roman Egypt.After meeting your driver and Egyptologist guide at the port you depart for the Alexandria Library. The Library of Alexandria was built in 295 BC and was considered one of the cultural wonders of the ancient world. The Library held copies of the most important books of the ancient world and great philosophers and scientists of the day came here to read and learn. In 48 BC the Library was burned down when Julius Caesar attacked the city. Recently, the Egyptian Government and UNESCO have revived the ancient library which now includes an excellent antiquities museum which showcases the history of Alexandria. Next stop is the Catacombs of Kom Es-Shouqafa which is the largest known Roman burial site in Egypt. The site began as a family crypt in the 2nd century AD but eventually was expanded into multiple chambers to hold more than 300 tombs. A winding stair case brings you almost 100 feet below ground. The funerary motifs are ancient Egyptian and many people say this site alone is worth the visit to Alexandria. Next visit the beautiful Abu el Abbas Mosque with its 220 foot high minaret and four domes. Then a stop for lunch (optional) after which visit the Fort of Qaitbey which sits on the site of the ancient lighthouse. The current Fort was built in the 1480s by the Sultan Qaitbey and today it is an icon of the city. End your day at the Montaza Gardens which are part of the larger Montaza Palace complex, built by the former royal family. Please use the booking / enquiry form to request rates (varies accordingly to number of persons and transport required)

This two day trip includes: Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, the Egyptian Museum with King Tut treasures, the Memphis Museum, Sakkara Step Pyramids, the Citadel and Alabaster Mosque and more. An overnight stay at hotel in Cairo is included with optional evening activities.

Day 1: Meet your guide at the pier and depart for the open air Memphis Museum. At the ancient city of Memphis and the necropolis of Sakkara you will see the famous Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the first freestanding stone structure in the world and the oldest known of Egypt's 97 pyramids. At the site of Memphis, you will see the ancient capital that once stood as a flourishing metropolis during the time of the Pharaohs. Three major finds have recently been discovered at Sakkara including a prime minister’s tomb and a queen’s pyramid. The area is surrounded by lush palm groves and bushes which isolate the site of the old city from modern civilization. Next travel on to Giza. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and also referred to as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops. The pyramid was constructed around 2550 BC and is the largest of the three pyramids at Giza. You visit the Great Pyramids from the exterior but there is also the opportunity to visit the interior of The Pyramid of Khufu (extra entrance fee required). The Great Sphinx of Giza is a statue of a sphinx lying on its stomach with its head raised and legs pointed forward. While you are at Giza also visit the Solar Boat Museum where you see the Khufu ship which was discovered in 1954, making it one of the most important archaeological finds since the Tomb of King Tut. Check-in to hotel, evening at leisure.

Evening Option 1: Sound and Light Show - 45 minutes
Evening Option 2: Nile Dinner Cruise - 2 hours

Day 2: After breakfast meet your guide and depart for the Citadel and Mosque of Mohammed Ali. The Citadel of Cairo dominates the city from its perch on the Mokattam Hills. The Citadel was erected by Salah El Din, the Sultan who conquered the Crusaders in Palestine. Later the fort was occupied by Napoleon and also the reigning Royal Family. Over the centuries additions were added to the complex, but the biggest highlight for most is the great Mosque of Mohammed Ali, also known as the Alabaster Mosque. The mosque contains the Tomb of Mohammad Ali. This Mosque is the most visited in Cairo because of its amazing view of the pyramids in Giza and of Cairo itself. Next visit the Egyptian Museum with the famous King Tut treasures. It has over 100 exhibit halls including larger statues on the ground floor and smaller statues, jewels, the Tutankhamen Treasures and the mummies on the upper floors. While you are here you see some of the most precious items from Ancient Egypt.The Mummy Room is an important highlight! Then it is time to depart on the return drive to Alexandria.
Please use the booking / enquiry form to request rates (varies accordingly to number of persons and transport required)