The Jewels of the Aegean

On the Turkish Mediterranean coast, discover the seaside resort of Antalya. While the city sports magnificent fine sandy beaches, it is also known for its significant historical heritage. Many vestiges bear witness to the importance of this former Roman port, such as Hadrian's Gate, built in the year 130 in honor of the visiting emperor. In the old town, it is possible to admire magnificent Ottoman houses with flowery gardens, as well as the broken minaret, built on the ruins of a former Byzantine church. The city’s surroundings also provide an opportunity to discover major archaeological sites, such as that of the ancient city of Aspendos, renowned for its impressive Roman theatre.

With its particularly agreeable climate, the island of Rhodes invites you to walk its pathways and discover its immaculate villages and sumptuous medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. At the center of the island, the mountains are covered in forest, and on the western slopes we find vineyards and crops. Rhodes also owes much of its charm and its character to the Knights of St John who reigned over the island from 1310 to 1522 and built impressive defensive walls punctuated with majestic gateways. Do not miss this delightful island with its peaceful beaches and its large walkways, perpetuating the myth of the famous Colossus, the legendary statue that is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Included Excursions: 

The Acropolis of Lindos 
Overlooked by its acropolis and enjoying a charming setting, Lindos is one of Rhodes’ natural jewels and has great appeal thanks to its captivating natural environment and its ancient history. This excursion involves up to two hours of walking. The approach to the acropolis is steep. You should be in good physical condition to participate and we recommend you protect yourself against the sun. We recommend you wear walking shoes.

The City of the Knights Hospitaller
Discover the Medieval City of Rhodes during a guided walking tour. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is remarkable for its Gothic architecture, which coexists with mosques and public baths dating back to the Ottoman period. This visit involves walking on cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and bring sun cream.

The attractive seaside resort of Kusadasi is located in a gulf on the western coast of Turkey. You can bathe there in clear waters or stroll along the coastal walk, in the shade of palms. In the historical district, you can take a mosey down the narrow streets and explore the colorful shops in the bazaar. Close by, the Ephesus archaeological site in the hillsides provides an opportunity to discover the ruins of one of the most famous cities of Antiquity.

Included Excursions: 

Ephesus, an Ancient Wonder
Listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, the incredible site of Ephesus holds a concentration of some of the most beautiful and most impressive Roman vestiges at the heart of its abundant natural environment. Here, temples, villas and streets paved in sparkling marble immerse you into the daily life of those who once lived in this ancient city. This excursion involves 1.5 hours of walking over uneven ground with some stairs. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and sun protection.

Ephesus & Roman Villas
The incredible site of Ephesus holds a concentration of some of the most beautiful and most impressive Roman vestiges. During a guided visit, this ancient city, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, will reveal its temples and its sparkling streets of marble, as well as the terrace houses where lived the rich inhabitants of this place also known as the Turkish Pompeii. This excursion involves walking for approximately 2.5 hours on uneven ground with steps. The ground may be slippery. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and sun protection.

Patmos is one of the legendary must-see islands in the Dodecanese. This is where Saint John resided, presumed author of the last book in the Bible. The Cave of the Apocalypse and the Saint John Monastery are dedicated to him. These sites, which are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage, are located at the top of a hillside planted with vines and orchards. On the shore, the crystalline coves of Kambos and Lampi offer absolutely gorgeous swimming areas.

Included Excursions: 

Patmos, Island of the Revelation
The minuscule Greek island of Patmos, lost in the middle of the Dodecanese, has something mysterious about it. It was here, in the year 95, that John the Apostle, exiled on the island, had and recorded his vision of the apocalypse, leaving a lasting mark on this jagged piece of land. Centuries later, the fortified monastery devoted to the Apostle and the Cave of the Apocalypse still remains as enigmatic. This excursion is not recommended for persons with difficulties walking. The coach will drop you off at the foot of the old town; access to the monastery is on foot via paved streets. Over the entire excursion, you will have to go up and down around a hundred steps. Appropriate dress is necessary to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). Photos are not allowed in the chapel or the cave.

Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is the island’s most populous city. The hustle and bustle of this seaport is an integral part of its charm. It is built on a hillside overlooking the port and is encircled by impressive Venetian walls. From the top of these, you will be able to enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the city. The old town is teeming with small shops, squares, cafés and vibrant architectural evidence of the city’s long history. The Palace of Knossos illustrates the wealth and power of its legendary sovereign, King Minos. The archaeological museum houses one of the largest collections of Minoan artefacts and is worth a visit.

Included Excursions: 

Phaestos Palace
Set off to discover the Palace of Phaistos, one of the Minoan civilisation’s most emblematic archaeological sites.  This excursion involves walking 2.4 kilometres (1.5 miles) on uneven surfaces and includes various steps. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and protection from the sun. The excursion is not suitable for persons with reduced mobility.

Minoan Palace & Archaeological Museum
Set off to encounter the treasures of Knossos, cradle of the Minoan civilisation dating back more than 9,000 years, and discover its legendary palace and its archaeological museum. This excursion involves walking 1.5 kilometres (0.9 miles), with some stairs. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. There will be a 30-minute coach drive to the Knossos site and to return to your ship.

The jewel of the southern Peloponnese, Monemvasia is the romantic refuge for Athenians. Given the poetic nickname of the “stone ship”, this majestic peninsula is home to an incredible fortified medieval village, lying at the foot of its abrupt cliffs, which seems to have been cast by the gods from the Aegean Sea. Contemplate the horizon from its ramparts, a veritable walkway defying the azure waters, and stroll through its vaulted narrow streets with their thousand shades of ochre. At the crossroads of Western and Eastern influences and the maritime routes of the continent, Crete and the Cyclades, Monemvasia has preserved in this magical decor the treasures of Venetian and Byzantine architecture.

Included Excursions: 

Monemvasia, the Medieval Town
Monemvasia, often referred as the “Gibraltar of Greece”, is undoubtedly unique with its fortified medieval town built on a reddish-brown rock and surrounded by the blue sea.  This excursion involves extensive walking on flat, uneven ground, cobblestones and several steps. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is not recommended to guests with limited mobility or in a wheelchair.

The Archaeological Site of Mystras
Discover the ruins of Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on the lower slopes of Mount Taygetus, not far from Sparta, set among scenery of stunning beauty. This tour involves approximately 2 hours of walking on strenuous and slippery streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). The lunch is included on your tour. 

The engaging town of Nafplion is staggered up green hillsides of the Argolic Gulf, to the east of the Peloponnese. Do not be surprised by its extremely varied cultural heritage. Some of the must-see visits are the ancient agora on the plateau of Akronafplia, Italianate arcades in Syntagma square as well as the baroque fortress of Palamidi on a hillside of the same name. At the top of the hill, views of the gulf and the surrounding mountains are simply awesome. If you want to chill out by the water’s edge, walk along the Arvanitia promenade to a beautiful creek in the shade of cedars and cypresses.

Included Excursions: 

Epidaurus & Mycenae
Lying 30 km (18.6 miles) east of Nafplion, Epidaurus is known for its ancient theatre. Considered one of the most important sanctuaries in the ancient world, Epidaurus was dedicated to the god of medicine, Asclepius. The world-famous Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, built in the 4th century BC, is a marvel of harmony and acoustics and the best-preserved ancient theatre in Greece. Built in limestone, it can accommodate 12,000 spectators. This tour involves approximately 2 hours of walking over uneven surfaces with some steps that could be slippery. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and sun protection.

Corinth Canal Crossing and Palamidi Castle
Set off from Nafplio to discover the famous Corinth Canal, a feat of engineering that connects the Ionian and Aegean Seas, during a boat excursion followed by the visit of the majestic Fortress of Palamidi, with its stunning views over the city and its surroundings. This excursion involves walking for around 70 minutes on uneven ground as well as some stairs. It is not accessible to persons in a wheelchair.

This legendary Cyclades island of Delos stands just a few miles southwest of Mykonos. The ceremonial solemnity of this ancient holy sanctuary will not leave you indifferent. The sheer size and importance of this UNESCO World Heritage site which covers over half of the island is thrilling in itself. From the Stoa of Antigonos, the Terrace of the Lions, to the carved marble animal statues, you will make discovery after discovery, against a backdrop of the Aegean stretching to the horizon. The theatre steps on the hillside are a particularly good place from which to enjoy the expansive view.

Famous for its white marble, the island of Paros is located in the Cyclades. Along the quays of Parikia, its main town, you’ll see Byzantine churches and neoclassical buildings. To make the most of the turquoise waters, you can stop over in Naoussa. This little fishing port is bounded by a very beautiful cove.

Included Excursions: 

The Archaeological Site of Delos
Delos is considered “the most sacred of all islands” in Ancient Greek culture; according to legend, it is the birthplace of Apollo-Sun and his twin sister Artemis-Moon. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island is both the oldest and largest open-air archaeological site in Europe. This excursion is all on foot. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. The museum recently opened after undergoing renovation.

From Parikia to Naonussa
This bus excursion involves some moderate walking on flat ground, with some steps up to the Panaghia Katapoliani basilica. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and sun protection. Appropriate dress is necessary to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).

Villages, Basilica and Vineyards on Paros
With its hillside villages, its windmills, its vineyards, its charming little port and its Byzantine church, the island of Paros has what it takes to captivate visitors. Stroll the small streets, admire the buildings and visit a wine estate for a tasty concentration of the island. This excursion involves walking around two hours on flat but uneven surfaces, with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.

The spectacular volcanic island of Santorini stands out proudly in the Cyclades. Its basalt cliffs offer particularly expansive views of the Aegean. To enjoy these views, you can head for the capital, Fira. Its floral belvederes of bougainvillea provide a bird’s-eye view of several thousand meters of coastline. Further away, the gorgeous village of Oia looks like a stairway of blue and white houses on the slopes of the volcano. In the south of the island, you will be able to visit the stunning ruins of Akrotiri, an ancient city destroyed by an eruption and covered with a thick layer of lava stone.

Included Excursions: 

Walking Tour
Set off to discover Syros, a cosmopolitan island with a rich past and dive into the multicultural heritage of the Cyclades. This excursion is all on foot. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and protection from the sun. Appropriate attire is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).

The Greek capital city is located on the edge of the Saronic Gulf, in the east of the country. It bears a plural name in reference to the first villages that surround the Acropolis. You will be enchanted by the rocky plateau presided by its monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage. In the city below, you can visit some of the liveliest districts in Athens: Plaka, with its maze of colorful streets, and where, in the evenings the drifting aroma of moussaka and garlic prawns will tickle your taste buds. The National Archaeological Museum and the Cycladic Art Museum are also some of the city’s key attractions and allow visitors to discover Athens’ cultural past.