13 days Superior
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The optional excursions below are a guide of what may be available on this tour in 2009. Complete details will be updated in early 2009.
A night out in the famous Plaka area – we visit a typical Greek Taverna for a three-course meal including local wine. Whilst dining enjoy the show which includes singing, traditional Greek dancers and “Bouzouki” music.
Enjoy a day tour departing from the port and taking you through the new city, across the Galata Bridge and over the Golden Horn. We stop for a visit to the Agia Sophia – a 5th Century building built by the great Byzantine Emperor Constantine. Lunch is at a first-class restaurant in the grounds of Topkapi Palace where you’ll enjoy views of the Marmara Sea.
We visit one of the most revered monasteries in the Christian faith – the Monastery of the Apolcalypse. It was founded in 1088 by a monk named Christodoulos and was built as a fortress for protection from pirates. Next stop is the Grotto of St John, where John the Apostle lived while he wrote part of the book of Revelation.
Ephesus is one of the most extensive and best preserved ancient cities in the world. Our local guide will explain the history of many of the important ruins including the Odeum, Curetes Street and the Library of Celsus. You’ll have time to explore the bazaars and shops in Kusadasi port before reboarding the ship.
Visit the Acropolis of Lindos to explore the remains of ancient civilisations. Learn about famous Lindos pottery, before continuing to the Old City of Rhodes. Our walking tour includes the street of Knights, towers and turreted gateways from the 14th Century. Our final stop is the toppled pillars of the Temple of Athens upon Mt Smith where the view over Rhodes is spectacular.
The Palace of Knossos is the largest (approx. 20,000m) and most spectacular of all Minoan palaces. The first palace was built in approximately 2000BC, it was destroyed and rebuilt two times after that. It is believed that the legend of the Minotaur (half man/half bull) which lived in a Labyrinth and was slayed by Theus was based around this building. Our visit includes a guided tour of the palace and then free time to explore or visit the Heraklion Archaelogical Museum (entrance not included).