Shore Excursion
All ports of call offer one or more interesting and exciting tours which you may book in advance. Check the excursion price box to see which of the following applies to your chosen cruise and select whatever appeals to you! For details of each tour, please refer to our Cruises brochure.
Istanbul
With its blend of East and West Istanbul has some of the most magnificent architecture in the world such as Agia Sofia, Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Museum with its treasures of the Ottoman Empire.
Istanbul by Night - Tour IST-01
An evening at the famous Kervansaray Night Club, dining on Turkish specialities. You will be entertained by musicians, belly and folk dancers and the evening culminates in an end of show sing-along. See Istanbul by night on coach journey back to ship.
Highlights of Istanbul / Lunch on Board - Tour IST-02
Includes a sightseeing drive through the business centre of the city, across the Galata Bridge, along the banks of the Golden Horn and under the Byzantine Aqueduct of Valens. En route, see the Süleymaniye, the first visit is to the Byzantine Hippodrome, once one of the largest chariot race arenas in the Byzantine Empire. Sultanahmet Mosque. This "Blue Mosque" is decorated with 21,000 blue Iznik tiles. Hagia Sophia, Byzantine Church of Divine Wisdom, to see the superb mosaics and marble decorations. Return to the ship for lunch on board. After, continue with a visit to Topkapi Palace, the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans. See the famous treasury and the "Spoonmaker's Diamond", the 7th biggest in the world.
Highlights of Istanbul with Lunch - Tour IST-03
As above tour, but with lunch at Konyali Restaurant to experience typical Turkish cuisine.
Scenic Bosphorus Cruise - Tour IST-04
Short drive through the modern city of Istanbul, crossing the Galata Bridge en route to the Golden Horn. At the Golden Horn, take a short walk to the Cruise Boat Station where your private boat will be waiting for your exciting trip on the Bosphorus.
Secret Treasures of Istanbul with Lunch - Tour IST-05
Depart from Istanbul with a city sightseeing drive across the Galata Bridge, along the banks of the Golden Horn and under the Byzantine Aquaduct of Valens. Visit Süleymaniye Mosque, St. Sophia.
Kusadasi
A tour to nearby Ephesus should not be missed, for here history truly comes to life. Walking towards the ancient harbour, down a marble road rutted by the wheels of countless chariots, you pass architectural masterpieces like the Library of Celsus before arriving at the Great Amphitheatre where St. Paul was arrested and banished from the city.
Ancient Ephesus - Tour KUS-02
Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary - Tour KUS-01
Mykonos
Beneath its sophisticated surface lies a quiet essentially Greek island. Hundreds of tiny chapels dot this blue and white-washed island with its beautiful windmills. Find a table on the waterfront and watch the sunset over the picturesque harbour.
Mykonos Walking Tour - Tour MYK-01
A short coach journey to the capital, Hora where you will enjoy a walking tour in the narrow cobbled streets of the town, passing by chic small shops and whitewashed houses until reaching Alefkandra - known as the Venice of Mykonos. At Louis Theoxenia Hotel, you can take in the atmosphere while drinking your refreshment accompanied by Greek 'meze'.
Mykonos by Night with Dinner and Show - Tour MYK-02
A specially designed tour of Mykonos by night to experience an unforgettable evening ashore with dinner in a local Greek tavern. Enjoy authentic native dishes and wine. For your entertainment, a folkloric presentation will take place during dinner.
Delos Apollo Sanctuary - Tour MYK-03
Santorini
The island of Santorini is perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek islands. The town of Thira with its white-washed houses, narrow streets, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques cling to steep cliffs, accessible by cable car or mule. The sea and sunset views over the Caldera are indescribable!
Rhodes
The beautiful "Island of Roses" has a rich and varied history. On a hill above the charming town of Lindos rises an ancient acropolis dedicated to the goddess Athena. Below lies the bay of St. Paul, where the apostle landed during his voyages.
Lindos with Lunch by the Beach - Tour SAN-03
A coastal drive by coach to Lindos, where you explore the Acropolis of Lindos, where the apostle cast anchor during his historic voyage to Ephesus. There is free time to discover Lindos. Continue to Louis Colossos Hotel where you may swim either in the sea or in the hotel's pool. A buffet lunch with a variety of traditional Greek dishes is served. On return, enjoy a stroll through the old town to view the Palace of the Knights and the medieval houses. A short visit to a ceramic factory is included.
NB Your own beach towel is required.
Rhodes and Lindos Combined - Tour RHO-01
Old City and Philerimos - Tour RHO-02
Drive to the summit of Mount Smith, the Acropolis of ancient Rhodes. From the tumbled pillars of the Temple of Athena, the view encompasses the Temple of Apollo, the Stadium of Diagoras and the port. The drive continues across the island to Philerimos whose summit was the site of Ialysos, one of the three ancient cities of Rhodes.
Heraklion
The capital of Crete is close to the fantastic ruins of the Palace of Knossos. Discovered in 1899 and partially reconstructed, the elaborate Palace is believed to be the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos and the seat of ancient Minoan culture.
Knossos Palace and Heraklion City - Tour HER-02
A Taste of Crete Tour - HER-04
Agios Nikolaos
One of the most picturesque towns of Crete, Agios Nikolaos is located in peaceful Mirabello Bay. It takes its name from the charming 7th century Byzantine chapel. The town's landmark is a small lake, known as "Voulismeni". According to the mythology, the goddess Athena used to take her bath in this lake. It is an especially beautiful site with many open-air cafes and restaurants along the bank.
Knossos Palace & Ayios Nikolaos City - Tour AGH-01
As Knossos Palace and Heraklion City Tour, but with free time to explore Agios Nikolaos, a picturesque and popular resort town that pulsates with activity.
NB 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.
Patmos
This island is known as the site of the apocalyptic Revelations of St. John the Divine, written here during his exile from the Roman Empire. The cave where he lived is near the site of the Monastery of the Apocalypse. The monastery of St. John, built on one of the islands highest points, houses priceless icons and manuscripts in its treasury.
St. John's Monastery and Grotto - Tour PAT-01
Scenic Island Tour - Tour PAT-02
