Shore Excursions for Greek Islands & Turkey Cruise Itineraries

Depart from the Souda port for a guided walking tour of Chania, the lively capital of the western half of Crete. Stroll down Venetian streets, visit the arsenals near the harbor, and see the Mosque of the Janissaries, the oldest Ottoman building on Crete. From Souda, drive to captivating Rethymnon, famed for its medieval architecture and lovely Venetian port. Enjoy a guided tour of the old city, followed by free time to explore on your own before returning to the ship.

This tour will operate on the following cruise itineraries: 7 Day Aegean

Drive along the coastal highway with spectacular views of the clear blue sea and the green countryside, typical of Crete. Arrive at Kournas Lake, the only freshwater lake in Crete, with time to enjoy a stroll around the lake and see the various pottery and handicraft shops. Continue to the city of Rethymnon, famous for its medieval architecture and lovely Venetian port. Explore the maze of ancient streets, where you will find floral canopies high above you, elegant houses, baroque ornaments and centuries-old minarets. Continue to a local olive oil plant. Here, learn about the process of producing olive oil and watch a traditional Cretan dance before returning to the ship.

This tour will operate on the following cruise itineraries: 7 Day Aegean

Founded in 824 A.D., Heraklion was one of the major harbors during the Venetian occupation. The ancient city of Knossos, inhabited from the Neolithic era until the 5th century A.D., is beyond doubt the land that "gave birth" to the first civilization of Europe, the Minoans. The palace which was according to tradition, the residence of the wise King Minos, spreads around the large Central Court. See the awe-inspiring Throne Room, the fresco of the "Prince of the Lilies", the imposing Grand Staircase and the Queen's Megaron in the east.

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

Drive deep into the beautiful Cretan countryside through the villages of Episkopi and Sgourokefali. Arrive at the traditional village of Stironas, located 550 meters above sea level. Experience how traditional Cretans lived centuries ago in this village comprised of stone buildings arranged like an amphitheater, with a view toward the mountains. Visit a botanical parterre, home to various aromatic and medicinal herbs from the mountains of Crete. Enjoy a sample of traditional Greek aperitif, ouzo, directly from the barrels in the distiller's cellar. Learn about wine production and bottling, and savor Cretan meze (appetizers) along with other local specialites. During the meal, enjoy a performance by traditional Cretan dancers.

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

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 Fountain of Trajan, 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. This tour is not recommended for people with walking difficulties.

This tour will operate on the following cruise itineraries: 7 Day Aegean

In a small valley of Mt. Koressos, 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 Odeon (concert hall), the Fountain of Trajan, 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. This tour is not recommended for people with walking difficulties.

This tour will operate on the following cruise itineraries: 7 Day Aegean

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 Fountain of Trajan, the steam-heated Baths of Scolastika, the Temple of Hadrian, the Library of Celsus, and The Great Theater, the largest theater in antiquity. Walk back to your coach along the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession. Continue to the House of Koressus, located at the foot of the Bulbul Hill. Protected by the heat and natural elements, the houses are very well preserved. These terrace houses, home to the rich families of Ancient Ephesus, were two-storied and were equipped with 'heating', as well as hot and cold water. The oldest unearthed houses date back to the 1st century B.C. This tour is not recommended for people with walking difficulties.

This tour will operate on the following cruise itineraries: 7 Day Aegean

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 Odeon (concert hall), the Fountain of Trajan, 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, 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 Iconic, 4 Day Iconic

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 Fountain of Trajan, 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, jewellery or leather goods. This tour is not recommended for people with walking difficulties.

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

Drive through the colorful town of Kusadasi and 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 Fountain of Trajan, the steam-heated Baths of Scolastika, the Temple of Hadrian, the Library of Celsus, and The Great Theater, the largest theater in antiquity. Walk back to your coach along the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession. Continue to the House of Koressus, located at the foot of the Bulbul Hill. Protected by the heat and natural elements, the houses are very well preserved. These terrace houses, home to the rich families of Ancient Ephesus, were two-storied and were equipped with 'heating', as well as hot and cold water. The oldest unearthed houses date back to the 1st century B.C. This tour is not recommended for people with walking difficulties.

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

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.

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

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 visit to 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, continue to view the windmills of Chora, stopping briefly to photograph these once legendary landmarks of the Aegean islands. 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. Stop briefly at Kambos Square before returning to the port of Scala. Here you will have free time to explore this quaint harbor on your own.

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

Modest dress is required in the Religious Sites

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. Should you wish to make your way by mule, a fee can be paid to the local muleteer. 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 will operate on the following cruise itineraries: 4 Day Iconic, 7 Day Aegean

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. You will then visit the Grand Master's Palace to admire its decorative interior mosaics. Following your walk, pass through the marine gate to rejoin your motorcoach and return to the ship.

This tour will operate on the following cruise itineraries: 4 Day Iconic, 7 Day Aegean

Driving along the road you will have the unique opportunity to admire the panoramic view of the Aegean Sea and the neighboring islands. A unique sight is the various layers of lava that can be seen on the face of the rock, each layer being another phase of the activity of the volcano. Built on the Caldera rim, Oia Village is an excellent example of Cycladic architecture. Explore the village walking along the cobble-stone streets and the white washed houses with blue shutters where one gets the impression that they are a beautiful travel poster. After Oia the bus will drive you up to Fira, where you will make your own way back to the ship.

This tour will operate on the following cruise itineraries: 3 Day Iconic, 4 Day Iconic, 7 Day Aegean