Highlights of Greece & Turkey

Highlights of Greece & Turkey

In Athens - Athens & The Acropolis:
Whether this is your first visit or you're returning, this Athenian adventure offers more in the way of history, both real and mythical than any other excursion; an excellent introduction to one of the great cities of the world, Athens. The drive from the port of Piraeus to Athens includes sites such as the marble Olympic Stadium, site of the first modern Olympic Games and the former palace, with its colorful guards. To view the Parthenon and all the other incredible buildings, you will disembark your motorcoach and continue the tour on foot, which is mostly on smooth marble, as your motorcoach is not allowed to park up top. Your reward for reaching the top is the majesty of these ancient monuments and the history that is before you. A guide will show you all the extraordinary sites the Propylaea, an example of one of the masterpieces of classical architecture and the entrance to this lofty city, the Temple of Apteros Nike (Wingless Victory) and the Erechtheum, with its classical stone-draped maidens, the Caryatids and the spectacular Parthenon. As you begin your return to Piraeus, you'll be taken by the Theseum and the Agora.
In Kusadasi - Ephesus with Virgin Mary House:
Driving from the pier through the Turkish countryside along a hilly drive, you arrive at the House of Virgin Mary where the Blessed Virgin is reputed to have spent the last years of her life. The site was made famous by the travels of Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II. In November of 2006, Pope Benedictus the 16th paid an official visit to the House of the Virgin Mary. Outside is the Fountain of Our Lady, providing the faithful water from the holy foundation.
Upon reaching the once powerful City of Ancient Ephesus and the Open Air Museum of today, the guided walking tour will include the highlights of Ancient Ephesus. You will return to the coaches through the Arcadian Way that still bears groove marks from ancient chariot wheels. At the Ephesus Archeological 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.
In Istanbul - Best of Istanbul:
Explore St. Sophia (Hagai Sophia) which was built by the Emperor Justinian when Istanbul was Constantinople. This magnificent example of Byzantine architecture boasts a massive done, a lengthy nave, and an interior decorated with marble, precious stones, and pillars from Ephesus. You'll visit Topkapi Palace, a huge walled complex hugging the Bosporus. This is the former palace of the Ottoman sultans and now a museum with an extraordinary collection of Chinese porcelain, art, artifacts, and jewels, including the Topkapi Diamond. Tour the harem of Topkapi Palace which was carefully situated so that it could not be seen from the state apartments or the courtyards where public affairs were conducted. The home of the sultan and his primary living quarters is an exceptional insight into how the sultans lived. You'll see the Blue Mosque six graceful minarets adorn the elegant mosque, one of the city's most recognized landmarks. The superb interior is decorated with more than 20,000 blue Iznik tiles. Dine at the Topkapi Palace for a delightful lunch featuring Turkish specialties and beverages.
In Mykonos - Guided Panoramic Island Tour & Mykonos:
Start your journey and drive to Aghios Ioannis for the first photo stop offering a beautiful view on the neighbor island of Delos. Continue your tour to Ano Mera and then to Kalafati beach for a refreshment and/or swimming stop of about 1 hour. Your next stop will be in Mykonos town, where you will start your exploration of Mykonos on foot. Starting your walking tour you will follow your English-speaking guide who will share their knowledge with you while walking through the Old Town to Little Venice, which got its name due to the houses and cafes built directly by the water. See the famous windmills, where the grain used to be milled for the bread flour. On the way, see the cathedral. Paraportiani with its locals artists gathered around, the typical houses and numerous chapels. Discover the labyrinth and beauties of the old Town walking along the narrow streets and alleys seeing the daily life as well as the town’s interesting architecture. End up the walking the walking tour with free time for shopping before meeting your group again to head back to the ship.