Anyone who has spoken to me over the last three months knows how excited I am about our Mediterranean vacation! Here are the shore excursions we booked!!!
Mykonos, Greece:
Ancient Delos - MK01The small, uninhabited island of Delos was once the religious center of the entire Aegean area. Today, its archaeological ruins stand as an important historical site in Greece. According to mythology, Delos was the birthplace of Apollo, the god of sun, light, music, harmony and beauty. According to revelations of 19th century excavations, Delos prospered for centuries due to its strategic position within the trade routes of the Aegean.
A local boat will transport you on the 30-minute ride to the west side of the island, which leads directly to the entrance of the archaeological site. You will walk into the heart of the sanctuary where you will see the Temple of Apollo, monuments famous for their history and architectural style, the famous dried lake with the palm tree and the unique marble lions of Delos. After a short rest stop, continue towards the terrace of the foreign gods. The view of the archipelago from there is unforgettable. You will pass through the theater and walk into the famous Hellenistic mansions of Delos with their superb mosaics decoration the floors and walls. You will then return by boat to Mykonos harbor.
Rhodes:
Scenic Rhodes - RH02Your tour will begin with a short drive to the entrance of the Old Town. From there, you will proceed on foot across the moat and through the arched entryway of Porte d' Amboise past the Palace of the Grand Masters. The tour continues passing the Hospital of the Knights and down the Street of the Knights, its paths paved with well-worn cobblestones. You'll pass the medieval towers and emblazoned facades. Outside the walls of the Old Town you will begin a panoramic drive through the more modern city, observing the Governor's Palace, the landmark Hotel des Rhodes, Mandraki Port and some of the beaches for which the island is known. You'll make a short photo stop at the top of Monte Smith, the highest point of the town, for an overview of the port. Once protected by the hundred-foot high Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the port was an active center of trade. After a scenic drive along the west coast of the island, you will reach the ancient city of Kamiros. Once a thriving Doric city during the 5th century BC, Kamiros retains much of its historic past. Ruins of an altar to the sun god Helios, public baths and an ancient cistern can all be seen from the viewing platform overlooking the city's main square.
Santorini:
Village Of Oia & Santorini Island - SO01After going ashore by local tender boat to the port of Athinios, your coach will climb 800 feet to the top of the caldera. Your guide will point out the still active volcanic islet in Santorini Bay and discuss the geological upheavals, which gave the island its overwhelming and unique form. Driving through the picturesque scenery and small villages from the southern to the northern end of the island of Santorini, you'll travel across rich, volcanic countryside.
The beautiful village of Oia is perched atop a craggy cliff at the northern most point of the island offering panoramic views of steep plummeting cliffs and nearby small islands surrounded by the deep blue sea. The charm of this lovely traditional and somewhat removed village lies in its very narrow, twisting cobblestone alleyways and steps. Walking through the village one can enjoy the panoramic views, admire the Cycladic architecture for which the town is well known, and visit many of the art galleries.
After your visit to Oia, continue to a local winery for the opportunity to taste Santorini mezes (Greek Snack) and a wine tasting while enjoying the magnificent views. You will visit the bodega where the wine is aged and have the chance to purchase some of the locally produced wines. The tour concludes at the hilltop village of Fira, where you'll have the option of returning directly to the ship or remaining in town to shop or explore independently. From Fira, join the cable car (ticket provided) and descend independently to the old port. A local tender will ferry you back to the ship, which will be anchored offshore.
Istanbul:
Istanbul Classical Tour With Lunch Over 2 Days - IB01This tour involves two half-day tours conducted over your two-day visit in Istanbul, Turkey. Your program covers all of the city's highlights and will prevent you from repeating several venues, which may occur by selecting/reserving several tours individually.
Day One
Leaving the port, travel over the Golden Horn to the ancient side of Istanbul through the crowded business section reaching the ancient Hippodrome, which was for 1,000 years, the center of Byzantiums' life and afterwards for another 400 years Ottoman life. The Hippodrome was the scene of countless political and military dramas, including rival chariot races. The main monument left today is the impressive granite obelisk, carved in Egypt around 1,500 BC and brought to Constantinople in 390 AD.
Afterwards, continue to the Blue Mosque, right at the edge of the Hippodrome. The Blue Mosque, also called the Mosque of Sultan Ahmed, is a triumph of harmony, proportion, elegance and the only mosque in the world with six minarets. Part of the breathtaking interior is the stained-glass windows creating a marvelous colored effect and the graceful arabesques decorating the mighty dome and series of small domes. The blue in the name stems from the famed Iznik tiles, which line the walls. Since the Mosque is still in use as a House of Worship, visitors enter through the north side door and must leave their shoes at the entrance.
Visit the St. Sophia Museum, which is across from the Blue Mosque requiring a few minutes of walking. St. Sophia Museum, originating in 326 under Constantine the Great, became Hagia Sophia and was rebuilt on a larger scale during the reign of Emperor Justinian. His intention was that the new building should surpass in splendor all others in antiquity. Marble columns were brought in from temples in minor Asia, Lebanon, Greece and Italy. It is said that 10,000 workers were employed in its construction. St. Sophia Museum was formerly known as the Church of Hagia Sophia (Divine Wisdom). In the year 325, Constantine erected the first basilica built and a fire devastated it in the year 404. In the following years, it was rebuilt many times but finally in 563, Justinian dedicated the church once again. In 1934 Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, had Hagia Sophia converted into a museum. Today, the museum is the most important Byzantine Monument in Istanbul, famous for its immense dome and beautiful frescoes and mosaics.
Conclude your first day of touring with a short drive to the exotic Grand Bazaar, which is one of the most colorful institutions of Istanbul. This covered market is a whole quarter/section on its own, surrounded by a wall and entered by eleven gates. Even after a major fire in 1954, the maze of streets and lanes are still one of the greatest sights of the city. Carpets, jewelry, leather goods and a variety of souvenirs are among the major items that are available in the Bazaar with a wide quality and value range. You will have approximately 2 hours to explore the market before returning to the pier.
Day Two
Your second day of touring will begin with a visit to the Asian side of Istanbul. Drive along the coastal road of Dolmabahce viewing the gates of famous Dolmabahce Palace and cross to the Asian side, via the Bosphorus Bridge. After a short orientation tour, the coach will return to Europe and Old Town via the Fatih Bridge. The highlight of the morning will be Topkapi Palace.
Topkapi Palace is a great walled complex hugging the shores of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn and it was once the residence of Ottoman Sultans and their Harem. Mehmet II built the palace-city, home for three centuries of Sultans, in the mid-1400s as a summer palace.
Topkapi was enlarged by Suleiman the Magnificent into the Sultan's principal residence and with the successive Sultans grew into a great complex of buildings set in lovely gardens. A series of courtyards connect various buildings which now house an astonishing collection of Chinese porcelain, treasures, the celebrated Topkapi Diamond and much more. A Turkish lunch will be served in the inner and outer premises of the Palace before returning to the pier to rejoin your ship.
Ephesus, Turkey
Best Of Ephesus - KD04This full day excursion visits the most exciting and historic sites of the region: the House of the Virgin Mary, Ephesus Open Air Museum, the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus and the Basilica of St. John.
You will visit the shrine thought to be the House of the Virgin Mary. Tradition states that Mary, accompanied by John the Apostle, came to Ephesus at the end of her life. In 1967, Pope Paul VI claimed the site authentic and each year a traditional service, celebrated by Orthodox and Muslim clergy, honors Mary's Assumption into heaven.
Upon reaching the once powerful City of Ancient Ephesus and the Open Air Museum of today, the guided walking tour will include the same highlights that are covered in KD01 (Ancient Ephesus). You will return to the coaches through the Arcadian Way that still bears groove marks from ancient chariot wheels. At the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, you'll be escorted through the 9 exhibits tracing the religious and chronological history of the ancient city. Filled with attractively displayed mosaics, statuary, and other artifacts, the museum exhibits several marble statues of the Mother Goddess Artemis, goddess of nature, childbirth and the harvest. Combining the Information at the Open Air Museum and the Archeology Museum will give you a very fulfilling idea of the city of Ephesus and its importance in the ancient times.You will stop for a traditional Turkish open-air lunch inside the premises of the largest Steam Train Museum of Turkey before continuing the tour.
Overlooking Ephesus are the remains of St. John's Basilica, a once great church built on a 2nd century tomb thought to hold the remains of St. John. While the church is now in ruins, there are many frescoes, mosaics and graceful columns that attest to the glory that marked the place where St. John, the Evangelist, lived and died. The site requires stair climbing at the entrance and walking over uneven dirt, stones and gravel walkways. The site has some fallen ruins and some light climbing will be required. There will be time for browsing and shopping once back in Kusadasi or you can return directly to the ship.
Athens, Greece
Athens Sightseeing & Acropolis - PR05Leaving the quayside, drive to Athens through the suburbs where the coach will enter the city center from the southwest along Syngrou Avenue. Drive past some of the famous sites such as the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the largest Corinthian style temple in Greece, taking over 700 years to build. Hadrian's Arch separates the old and new Roman towns. Other sights to see include the National Gardens, the National Library and the Parliament Building, formerly the Royal Palace. The Panathinion Stadium, built in 1895, was the site of the first modern Olympics held in 1896.
Visit the Acropolis to see the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Greece, all built in the latter part of the 5th century BC. A winding pathway and approximately 150 steps lead to the top of the famous hill. See the Porpylea Entrance, the Erectheum, the Temple of Wingless Victory and, of course, the crowning glory of Athens, the incomparable Parthenon. Dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens, it is Greece's largest and most impressive temple.
Naples, Italy
Mt. Vesuvius & Pompeii Hike - NP16
Leaving the port, drive south via the motorway towards Mount Vesuvius, Europe's only still-active volcano that is located on the west coast of Naples. At approximately 3,000 feet, begin your trek on foot over narrow paths that zigzag up the mountain another 1,000 feet. Once on the rim of the crater walls, skirt the edge with an official alpine guide while enjoying this natural phenomenon and the panoramic views that includes Naples and its bay.
After visiting this unusual phenomenon, descend along the narrow paths to the parking lot and proceed to Pompeii. Once in Pompeii, enjoy a complimentary soft drink before entering the excavation site. Pompeii is possibly the most famous excavation in the world. There a flourishing civilization, buried for 1,700 years, has been brought to life again and where you can see how the citizens of the greatest empire the world has ever known lived and loved, worked and played, ate and drank and died. Entering Pompeii by the Sea Gate you are soon in the Agora, surrounded by temples, porticoes and law courts. Time permitting; you'll stop at a cameo factory where you will have the opportunity to observe local artisans at work in their century old tradition en route back to the ship.
We can hardly wait!!!!!
--this is the bedroom set I would love to get her for her big girl room--
--driving the tractor--
--can't do this in San Diego--
--April and Mac riding the pig at machine shed--
--posing with the corn--
--the girls and the giant corn--
