(KUS-02) Ancient Ephesus through the ages
(Approx. 3hrs.) - $76 Per Person

At Ancient Ephesus you find immortal relics of the Hellenistic, Roman and Early Christian era. At the archaeological site you will be given a guided tour among the Agora, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the marble-paved main Street of Kouretes, the Baths of Scholastica, Trajan’s Fountain, the Public Latrines, Residences of the Patricians, the Prytaneum, the Temple of Hadrian and the Great Theatre. The Great Theatre, built in the 4th century B.C., could accommodate 24,000 spectators and is famous, even nowadays, for its acoustics. The finds from the excavations, which have yet brought to light only 13% of ancient Ephesus, reside in the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus, in the city of Selcuk. Your day couldn’t close in a better way than a beautiful walk through the Covered Bazaar in Kusadasi. Here, you will be able to ramble, bargain for jewelry, cosmetics or leather products at the little shops. During the excursion you will have the opportunity to do some shopping for items such as carpets, jewelry, leather, and other souvenirs.

PLEASE NOTE: Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties.

Ephesus shore excursions are eligible for those embarking from Athens only.

(KUS–07) Ancient Ephesus & the Terrace Houses
(Approx. 4hrs.) - $76 Per Person

Passing with your tour guide through the Magnesian Gate you will wander, feeling awe in time and space, through the Agora, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the marble-paved main Street of Kouretes, the Baths of Scholastica, the Great Theatre, Trajan’s Fountain, the Public Latrines, the Houses of the Patricians, the Prytaneum and the Temple of Hadrian. Opposite Hadrian’s Temple lie the Houses of Koressus or Terrace Houses. They are at the foot of the Bulbul hill and in the covered part of the archaeological site, which protects them from the heat and natural elements. Here lived the rich families of Ancient Ephesus. You will be surprised by the excellent state of preservation of these comfortable villas, especially their interior décor. The oldest unearthed houses date since the 1st century B.C. and were two-storied and built based on the city planning and they even had “heating”, and hot and cold water. The excursion comes to a close at Kusadasi with the colorful Covered Bazaar and the little shops that brim with the jovial energy of bargaining. During the excursion you will have the opportunity to do some shopping for items such as carpets, jewelry, leather, and other souvenirs.

PLEASE NOTE: Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties.

Ephesus shore excursions are eligible for those embarking from Athens only.

(PAT-01) Patmos – St John's Monastery & Grotto of Apocalypse
(Approx. 2hrs.) - $76 Per Person

The picturesque alleyways wind upwards, towards the Monastery of St. John the Evangelist, which was founded in 1088 by St. Christodoulos. The visit will open the doors of the Monastery’s yard (the place where the monks take their meals) and the old bakery. Of exquisite beauty is the tour of the Byzantine Church of St. John. It is adorned with a wood-carved icon screen, important frescoes from several periods, and both mosaic and other icons. The next stop is the small museum which hosts religious treasures, like manuscripts, medieval textiles, sacerdotal vestments and others. Walking down the stairs, the religious energy that you will experience is soul touching. Behind the chapel of St. Anne lies the entrance to the Grotto of the Apocalypse. You will see the cross engraved by St. John the Evangelist. According to tradition, the triple fissure in the wall of the cave is from where St. John heard God dictating to him the Apocalypse, along with the spot where he lay down to sleep.

PLEASE NOTE: Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties. Includes visit to religious sites (knees and shoulders must be covered). Port of Scala free time will depend on overall shore excursion volume.

(PAT-02) Patmos – Country side tour with Hora & Grotto of Apocalypse (Approx. 2hrs.) - $76 Per Person

Thanks to its religious value but also for its particularities, in 1999 Patmos was proclaimed a "World Heritage Monument" by UNESCO. This panoramic excursion begins at the port of Scala heading towards the centre of the island, to Chora. At the main town you will visit the Grotto of the Apocalypse and at the top of the castle (behind the walls) you will see the Monastery of St. John the Evangelist, of Byzantine architecture. The silent windmills in Chora have witnessed important events on the island which attract thousands of tourists for religious and also recreational tourism. The tour of the island continues toward more desolate landscapes, which are the trademark of the Dodecanese. Rocky hills, barren, dry soil, promontories which, like earthly tongues, delve into the sea, dozens of bays and coves, and an intricate coastline are all highlights of the landscape. After this enlightening excursion through the island, the tour will conclude at Scala, the port where the atmospheric cafe "Arion", the oldest and most picturesque of the area, will be waiting for you for coffee, refreshments, or juice.

PLEASE NOTE: Includes visit to religious sites (knees and shoulders must be covered). Port of Scala free time and refreshments will depend on overall shore excursion volume.

(HER-02) Heraklion of Crete – Minoan Palace of Knossos
(Approx. 3hrs.) - $76 Per Person

The ancient city of Knossos, with constant habitation 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 first excavations were begun in 1878 by the Heraklian Minos Kalokairinos. A bit later (1900-1913 & 1922-1930) the excavations by the British Sir Arthur Evans were to complete the scientific research. This brought to light the Minoan palace in its entirety, which, according to tradition, was the residence of the wise King Minos. The palace of Knossos spreads around the large Central Court. You will reach 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. Walking through the apartments of the Knossos palace and observing the finds (even as passers-by) will make you feel part of this cultural heritage.

PLEASE NOTE: Walking in the archaeological site of Knossos will be on uneven gravel surfaces. Passengers may not be allowed to enter the site with big bags/rucksacks.

(SAN-01) Santorini – Spectacular Oia Village perched on the caldera rim (Approx. 3hrs.) - $76 Per Person

First you head up to the monastery of Prophet Ilias, for a breathtaking view, deep inhalations of clean, pure, Cycladic air and memorial photos. This will make you the envy of all who didn't come along. The tour continues its passage toward the north. To the east, in the background, will be settlements like Kamari and Monolithos. You will pass through Fira, the small traditional villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli (with delicate architecture and beauties) and will 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, gaze at the adorably cute shops, take pictures, and become acquainted with the characteristic buildings (carved into the rocks), the unusual captains' manors, and the settlement Ammoudi at the foot of the caldera. After your curiosity of the area which is characterized as being of "exceptional natural beauty" has been sated, your return begins.