Katakolon is a seaside town in western Ilia in the municipality of Pyrgos. Olympia was a sacred sanctuary built for the quadrennial games dedicated to Zeus during which hostilities ceased in the name of athletic competition. Much was destroyed when the games were outlawed as a pagan festival in 393 AD, but visitors can still see the Temple of Zeus and the stadium.

KATAKOLON - Excursion to Olympia

A short ride from Katakolon will bring you to the ancient city of Olympia. One of the most important sanctuaries of antiquity, dedicated to the father of the gods Olympian Zeus. Olympia is the birth-place of the Olympic Games and also where they were held. Enter the famous archaeological site of Olympia and marvel at the Temple of Hera, in front of which burns the Olympic Flame during modern day Olympic Games. See the Temple of Zeus, where the Golden and Ivory statue of Zeus (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) was housed and the original Stadium and Bouleuterion, unique in history, where once competitors swore an oath to conform to the rules. Follow your guide and walk a short distance to visit the world famous Archaeological Museum of Olympia where you can admire, amongst many priceless exhibits, the marble statues of the Temple of Zeus and the unique statue of Hermes, carved by the ancient Greek sculptor Praxiteles. Afterwards, enjoy a short stop at the town of Olympia where free time will be given before returning back to the ship. REMARKS: Passengers may not be allowed to enter the site with big bags/rucksacks.

The island of Santorini is the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. In the town of Fira white-washed houses, narrow streets, open air-cafés and glittering boutiques cling to steep cliffs, accessible by cable-car or muscle. Santorini is particular famous for its spectacular sunsets and many visit the village of Oia on the northern tip of the island to experience this amazing phenomenon.

SANTORINI - Thira and Oia Village

Driving along the road you will have the unique opportunity to admire the panoramic view of the Aegean Sea and the neighbouring islands. A unique sight is the various layers of lava that can be seen on the face of the rock, each layer being another phase of the activity of the volcano. Built on the Caldera rim, Oia Village is an excellent example of Cycladic architecture. Accompanied by your guide, explore the village walking along the cobble-stone streets and the white washed houses with blue shutters where one gets the impression that they are a beautiful travel poster. The tour will then proceed to the town of Fira, an attractive town perched on the Caldera rim. Here, you will have time to stroll along the lanes of the little town or relax over a coffee as you gaze down upon Kamenes, the two black volcanic islets in the Caldera Bay. A short cable car ride will take you down to the pier to rejoin the ship.

SANTORINI - Sailing & Volcano

Enjoy a cruise (on motorboat) around the active crater of Nea Kameni islet. Sail along the strange formations of its volcanic shores, where black lava rocks and white pumice are combined beautifully with the red colour of lava. Take a walk to the top of the volcanic island where sulphur is spewed into the air by one of the craters. Enjoy this surreal landscape as your guide narrates the creation and history of the volcano and the last eruption leading to the destruction of the island of Santorini. The tidal wave created by the eruption was of such an immense magnitude, it destroyed the thriving city of Knossos on the island of Crete. As your caique enters the narrows of the two lava islets, Palea and Nea Kameni, the colour of the water changes from dark blue to sulphur green. In the distance, admire the breathtaking sight of Fira town with its white washed houses clinging precariously on the rim of the Caldera. Take time to swim in the warm waters heated by Hot Springs on the sea floor. Continue your tour to the town of Fira. A short cable car ride will then take you down to the pier to rejoin the ship.
REMARKS
The tour will be available from April to September and is subject to weather conditions. It is recommended to bring your swimsuit and a towel.

Located at the crossroads of Europe in the West and Asia in the East, Istanbul boasts some of the world’s most magnificent architecture such as Agia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace with its treasures of the Ottoman Empire. Visitors can also get a cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibition of oriental carpets, jewellery or leather goods.

ISTANBUL - Highlights (with lunch)

Begin your excursion with an orientation drive through the business centre of the modern city, across the Galata Bridge, along the banks of the Golden Horn and under the Byzantine Aqueduct of Valens. On the way, see the Süleymaniye Mosque, dedicated to Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. You will continue around the mighty city walls, which once protected Constantinople from the many invasions and attacks it incurred over the centuries. Reach the Old City and walk through the immense gardens of Topkapi Palace to experience typical Turkish cuisine in Konyali Restaurant. After lunch your tour will continue with the visit of the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans. See the famous treasury section with Spoonmaker's Diamond, the 7th biggest diamond in the world. Enter the kitchen buildings, today displaying the third richest collection in the world of Chinese and Japanese porcelain.
Continue your visit with the world famous monument of Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine Church of Divine Wisdom, where you can marvel at the superb mosaics and the marble decorations. Your next stop will be to the Byzantine Hippodrome, which was once one of the largest chariot race grounds of the Byzantine Empire. Visit the Sultanahmet Mosque, where large groups of pilgrims commenced their pilgrimage to Mecca. It is decorated with 21,000 blue Iznik tiles naming it the Blue Mosque. Your excursion will end with a trip to the exotic Grand Bazaar where you will have the chance to see a special demonstration on Turkish Carpets and have the opportunity for shopping.
REMARKS
The restaurant venue can be substituted with another one of the same level. Shoulders and knees must be covered while visiting the Mosque and shoes must be removed.On Sunday calls the Grand Bazaar is closed and will be replaced with the visit of the Spice Market.
On Monday calls Hagia Sophia is closed and will be replaced with the visit of the Underground Cistern.
Tour not available on Tuesday calls.

ISTANBUL - Scenic Bosphorus Cruise & Bazaars

Start your tour with a short orientation drive through the modern city of Istanbul, crossing the Galata Bridge en route to the Golden Horn. The impressive Süleymaniye Mosque, built by Turkish architect Sinan and dedicated to Sultan Süleyman The Magnificent, can be viewed on the way. At the Golden Horn, take a short walk to the Cruise Boat Station where your private boat will be waiting for your enchanted trip on the Bosphorus. You will sail past Dolmabahce and Ciragan Palaces built on the European shore, glide under the Bosphorus Bridge and past Beylerbeyi Palace, Anatolian Fortress and Kanlica on the Asian shore. You will have the chance to take great photographs cruising between these two continents. After you reach the shore, continue your tour with the visit of the Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar) which is one of the oldest bazaars in the city. Full of colours and aromas that will tantalize your senses. You tour will end with the visit of Grand Bazaar where you will have the chance to see a special demonstration of Turkish Carpets and have the opportunity for shopping.
REMARKS
On Sunday calls the Grand Bazaar is closed.

ISTANBUL - Flavours & Treasures of Istanbul

Begin your excursion with an orientation drive through the business centre of the modern city, across the Galata Bridge, along the banks of the Golden Horn and under the Byzantine Aqueduct of Valens. On the way, see the Süleymaniye Mosque, dedicated to Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. You will continue around the mighty city walls, which once protected Constantinople from the many invasions and attacks it incurred over the centuries. In the Old City, your first visit will be to the Byzantine Hippodrome, which was once one of the largest chariot race grounds of the Byzantine Empire. Visit the Sultanahmet Mosque, where large groups of pilgrims commenced their pilgrimage to Mecca. It is decorated with 21,000 blue Iznik tiles naming it the Blue Mosque. Walk to the world famous monument of Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine Church of Divine Wisdom, where you can marvel at the superb mosaics and the marble decorations. Your excursion will end with a trip to the exotic Grand Bazaar where you will have the chance to see a special demonstration of Turkish Carpets and have the opportunity for shopping.
REMARKS
Shoulders and knees must be covered while visiting the Mosque and shoes must be removed. On Sunday calls the Grand Bazaar is closed and will be replaced with the visit of the Spice Market.
On Monday calls Hagia Sophia is closed and will be replaced with the visit of the Underground Cistern.

Beneath its sophisticated surface, lies a quintessential Greek Island. Hundreds of tiny chapels dot this blue and white-washed island with its beautiful windmills. Find a table on the waterfront and bask in the serenity of sunset over its picturesque harbour. Mykonos is also a cosmopolitan place with magnificent beaches and relentless partying until the early hours.

MYKONOS - Island Tour & Myconian Aperitif

Mykonos is world famous. It is the most cosmopolitan of all Greek islands and attracts many visitors from all over the globe, including large numbers of artists and intellectuals. The bus departs from Tourlos, for a drive to a vantage point overlooking the city where a panoramic view reveals the magic of Mykonos. On the way you will see the beautiful beaches of Ag. Ioannis, Ornos and Kalafatis before arriving at the village of Ano Mera. In the heart of Mykonos, this is a traditional Greek village with its famous Monastery which will be visited during the tour. Hora is the island's capital where you will enjoy a walking tour in the narrow cobbled streets of the town, passing by chic boutiques, elegant nightclubs and white-washed houses until reaching Alefkandra. Alefkandra is a charming corner of Hora, known also as the Venice of Mykonos. The houses are built on the sea, with wooden balconies that evoke Venice. These were built from the mid. 18th century onward and were homes of wealthy merchants and captains. Walking in the white washed narrow streets of Mykonos town is an unforgettable experience. At Louis Teoxenia Hotel, you will enjoy the atmosphere while drinking a refreshment accompanied by Greek meze. You will then board your bus for the way back to the ship or have some free time in Mykonos centre. In this case the return to the port will be using the ship's shuttle service.

Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece with a population of over 4.0 million. It is one of the world’s oldest cities, yet a vibrant one where old and new co-exists. Cradle of democracy, birthplace of the Western Civilization, its recorded history spans around 3,400 years.

PIRAEUS - Athens City Tour and Acropolis

The tour today is an introduction to the splendor of the Golden Age of Athens as well as the modern city. The port of Piraeus itself is one of the finest examples of city planning in antiquity. On arrival in Athens you will visit the Acropolis on which is the Parthenon, the symbol of classical architecture. The entrance to the top of the hill is through the Propylea, the 'gates' through which the Panathinea processions used to enter, built totally of white marble and covering an area of 50 meters across the whole western front of the Acropolis. Next to these is the temple of Athena Niki also known as the 'Wingless Victory'. The Parthenon is the major temple built in honour of Goddess Athena. Her statue decorates the centre of the temple and it was made of ivory and gold. Next to the Parthenon is the smaller Temple of Erechthion with lovely sculptured young maidens supporting the roof of the porch. From the top of the Acropolis you can also admire the ancient theatre of Herodus Atticus with its remarkable acoustics. Performances are still held here each summer being the highlights of cultural events in the Eastern Mediterranean.Leaving the Acropolis the tour takes you by the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by the ‘evzones’ dressed in their traditional costume, the Parliament and the Panathinaikon Stadium where the first Olympics of modern times were held in 1896. The entire stadium is built of pure white marble. We then drive by the Library - Academy - University three building representing 19th century architecture blended with the classical influence. The tour will then pass by Omonia Square, the commercial center of the city and Syntagma Square, which is the business, and cultural center. There will be time during the tour to browse and do a little shopping in the stores located at the base of the Acropolis.
REMARKS
Handicapped passengers may join the tour but will have to remain at the base of the Acropolis as the visit to the Acropolis involves approximately 80 steep steps. Passengers may not be allowed to enter the site with big bags/rucksacks.

PIRAEUS - Athens and the Picturesque Plaka

Leaving the port of Piraeus, one of the finest examples of city planning in antiquity, your coaches will take the coastal road leading to the city that hosted the 2004 Olympic Games.On arriving in Athens, you start the city sightseeing driving past the Temple of Zeus, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by the ‘evzones’ dressed in their traditional costume, the Parliament and the Panathinaikon Stadium where the first Olympics of modern times were held in 1896. The whole stadium is built of pure white marble. You will then drive by the Library - Academy - University three building representing 19th century architecture blended with the classical influence. The tour will then pass by Omonia Square, the commercial centre of the city and Syntagma Square, which is the business, and cultural centre. Your Athens' city orientation will end at a leading cafe at the base of the Acropolis from where you'll be able to view all the majestic monuments of the amazing Acropolis and its pride, the Parthenon while enjoying your refreshment.You'll then enter the old part of the city called the Plaka and explore its predominately pedestrian streets with the picturesque houses, shops and numerous cafes.After your free time in Plaka you'll re-board your coaches for the return journey to Piraeus port.
REMARKS
The Acropolis will only be viewed from a distance. The Plaka area will be explored on foot. A refreshment or a coffee will be offered at a café located at the base of the Acropolis.

Almost touching mainland Italy’s toe, Messina is the closest step-off point to Sicily. It is built on a terrace overlooking the sea and has a delightful medieval character. From Messina, you can take a tour to Taormina, the beautiful city overlooking Mount Etna.

MESSINA - Taormina

Departure from the pier by coach with local guide and through the highway you will reach Taormina that is about 50 km far. The small town, become one of the most popular Mediterranean sun spots, is perched on a terrace overlooking the sea and has a delightful medieval character.Upon arrival you will leave the coach at the bus terminal and start the walking tour, during which you will admire (outside) the famous Gothic Corvaja Palace dating back to the XVth century. Afterwards you will visit (inside) the impressive Greek Theatre, that is amazing for its spaciousness, its extraordinary acoustics and its stunning location. This theatre was reconstructed in Roman style in the 2nd century A.D. with a diameter of 358 feet. It is the second largest theatre in Sicily after Syracuse. From the upper tiers spectacular views reveal majestic Mt. Etna, Europe's largest and still active volcano.Before returning to the ship, you will have some free time for a stroll in the broad pedestrian area where you will have the possibility to shop for local handicrafts or walk to Piazza del Duomo for a look at the old Dominican Monastery, now a de-luxe hotel. REMARKS: We remind you that Taormina is a complete pedestrian area. Please note that the journey from Messina to Taormina is approximately 45 minutes.

MESSINA - Mount Etna

After leaving the pier by coach with the local guides, passengers will drive through the centre of the town until the highway to Monte Etna.Along the scenic road that winds around the slopes of the mountain, passing the town of Giarre and the village of Zafferana, passengers will arrive at Monte Etna - Cratere Silvestri, at about 1950 meters on the sea level.Monte Etna is the European largest active volcano. The slopes soar up to over 3.296 meters and the flanks of the mountain are covered with scores of cones and craters. From its top passengers will admire the Gulf of Catania, but of course the major attraction is the crater and the remnants of the awe inspiring streams of lava.Later passengers will drive back to Messina and the ship. REMARKS: We remind you the tour to Mount Etna is subject to weather conditions. Due to the last events, the tour is subject to the permission given by the local Competent Authorities. The drive from Messina to Mount Etna lasts approximately two hours depending on the traffic and the itinerary that is followed to reach the volcano.

Ajaccio, located on the west coast of the island of Corsica occupies a sheltered position at the foot of wooded hills on the northern shore of the Gulf of Ajaccio. From the red hued cliffs, lapped by lush green maquis of the Ajaccio Gulf, this rugged coastline, sculpture by wind and sea, offers some of the most spectacular scenes in Corsica. Ajaccio is an elegant city and a delight to discover and has kept its charm of a small Mediterranean town with a rich and varied architectural heritage. However, Ajaccio is not only famous for its breathtaking scenery, but also for its designer boutiques, fashionable restaurants and several stellar museums.

AJACCIO - Ajaccio & Tasting

Leaving the port, you will drive through the centre of Ajaccio up the main street Cours Napoléon, past the Prefecture, the place De Gaulle with its bronze statue of the Emperor Napoléon and his 4 brothers, up the charming Cours Grandval, passing the Lycée, Assemblée régionale and several houses built during the Belle Epoque, arriving for a stop at the place d’Austerlitz-Casone to admire the imposing copy of Napoleon’s statue (Les Invalides/Paris) representing his victories and achievements. You will then continue along the coast, with its clear sparkling water and villas to the Sanguinaires islands, the northern tip of the Gulf of Ajaccio – 17 km long, stopping to admire thebloody islands with the beautiful, well preserved 16th century Genoese tower. Driving back into Ajaccio, stopping in front of the Baroque Cathedral devoted to the Assumption and place of Napoleon’s Baptism. The walking tour starts with a visit to the Cathedral, walking through the old Genoese town past Napoleon’s birth place Casa Bonaparte (National Museum) finishing in the Place Foch with the Napoleon and four lions fountain, walking through the market Place back to the ship (300 m). During the tour you will enjoy a typical Corsican Spuntinu tasting of Corsican specialities and a glass of wine.
REMARKS
The Cathedral may be closed to the visits at any time of the day. If this is the case, the guide will explain from outside.

Part of the region of Provence, this ancient seaport-the oldest city in France- is now the second largest city after Paris. Marseilles has been a port for 2,600 years. From “Massalia” the Phocean city to Marseilles ‘gateway to the East’, the maritime adventure and rapid expansion of the trade of the 19th century, are evoked from the Old Port. The picturesque old port of this cosmopolitan city is rich in history culture and folkfore with fine large historical buildings such as Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica, an opera house and a large number of theatres.

MARSEILLES - Panoramic Tour of Marseilles

For 2,600 years, Marseilles has been a port: from Massalia, the Phocean city, to Marseilles gateway to the East, maritime adventure and the rapid expansion of trade in the 19th century are evoked from the Old Port.The large historic buildings representing many political and religious symbols, which tell the story of the city can be seen on this itinerary. These are all there: Saint Victor Abbey, Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica, the cathedrals, Palais Longchamps, and the famous Old Port with The Canebière.Also, you can see all the large residences, villas or mansions, chose the exceptional site of the Corniche: architectural surprises, extravagance or elegance, splendid views of the sea, Castle of If, can be seen everywhere.

MARSEILLES - Aix En Provence

Aix is a « town of water and a town of culture »: its history has been shaped by its spas and by the arts. Whether in the narrow streets of the old town, in the moss of its 101 fountains, on the pediments of mansions or in the surrounding countryside, the glorious past of Provence's former capital has been miraculously preserved.Aix-En-Provence is also the town of the tempestuous writer Mirabeau and famous painter Paul Cézanne. You should start by visiting University Square and Saint Sauveur Cathedral facing it. This building was first founded in the 4th century and then gradually modified in the Romanesque style. A few yards away, there are 12th century cloisters with admirable arcades and columns. A little further on are the magnificent Town Hall and the Clock Tower with its splendid astronomical clock. Then continue until you reach Cours Mirabeau, an elegant avenue lined with plane trees and Café fronts. This avenue delimits the aristocratic part of the town: the Mazarin quarter (17th - 18th centuries) where everything is luxurious and beautiful : flamboyant mansions with enormous grounds behind high walls and finely chiselled statues on the pediments of the buildings.Take time to stroll around the pedestrian streets, taste the famous calissons and relax on the shaded café terraces. REMARKS: Please note that the journey from Marseilles to Aix en Provence is approximately 40 minutes.