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Excursions
7 DAYS – GREECE & TURKEY 2010
Knossos
Palace (AGH – 01) Half day
Crete is the largest and the most rugged of the Greek islands. It is
also the home of the great Minoan Civilization and the mythological
home of Zeus. Taking the National Road along the North coast you will
get to Heraklion where the tour will start with the visit of Knossos
excavations. Here, Sir Arthur Evan’s archaeological discoveries
revealed a civilization dating back to 4000 B.C., when a great empire
flourished on the island of Crete. Based on the wealth of artefacts
that were found, Evans theorized that this was the site of the ancient
Minoan Kingdom. These findings will be viewed in detail, as your guide
will lead you on a journey of discovery to learn of the sophisticated
culture that flourished thousands of years ago on this island.
The Palace, decorated with frescoes and shields houses the Hall of the
Royal Guard, the Hall of the Double Axes, the King's Chamber with the
alabaster throne, the Queen's Apartment, beautiful courtyards and
shrines. After the visit of Knossos Palace, the tour will go back to
Agios Nikolaos to embark your ship and continue the trip in the Aegean
Sea.
REMARKS
Walking in the archaeological site of Knossos will be on uneven gravel
surfaces. Passengers may not be allowed to enter the site with big
bags/rucksacks.
Please note that the journey from Agios Nikolaos to Heraklion is
approx. 1 hour.
A Taste of Crete (AGH – 02) Half day
Leaving Agios Nikolaos, capital city of Eastern Crete, and its
cosmopolitan atmosphere your
bus will drive you to Elounda, located in a gorgeous natural bay.
Elounda is famous not only on the island of Crete but also in the
entire Aegean Sea, much acclaimed for its outstanding hotels and
tourist establishment in a magnificent natural environment. The
combination of the landscape and the sea it is something you will
never forget!
Driving to Kritsa,
you will enjoy a wonderful view of both
Mirabelo and Elounda Bay. Free time will be given at
Kritsa to browse in the streets with the
splendid displays of blooming flowers, fruit trees and plants in the
yards, terraces and balconies of the houses.
Kritsa is a delightful mixture of sights, sounds, and smells.
Your
tour continue to a local Olive Oil Farm. In
a marvellously designed space of 2,000 m², the facility has
endeavoured to embrace traditional Cretan everyday life in its
entirety. The production of olive oil, wine &
raki takes place using the most traditional of methods and
giving you the opportunity to experience Cretan life is the early 20th
century. On arrival you will be welcomed with a
Raki the
traditional drink of Crete and “meze”.
Here you will have the chance also to enjoy
Cretan traditional music and dance with local performers.
After
visiting the Farm you continue your
journey to Agios Nikolaos.The
landmark of the city is a small lake, known as "Voulismeni"
that is located in the centre of the city, at the foot of the cliffs.
According to the mythology, the goddess Athena used to take her bath
in this lake. It is an especially picturesque site with many open-air
cafes and restaurants along the bank. Here you will be given free time
to browse in this beautiful town before returning to your ship.
REMARKS
In April and October, the refreshment (raki
and “meze”) and the traditional Cretan
dances will take place at a local tavern in
Kritsa.
Spinalonga
(AGH-03) Half day
Leaving St. Nicholas, capital city of
Eastern Crete, and its cosmopolitan atmosphere you will drive north
and enjoy a wonderful view of both Mirabelo
and Elounda Bay. Elounda is the most renowned cosmopolitan location,
not only in the island of Crete, but also in the entire Aegean
Sea, much acclaimed for its outstanding hotels and tourist
establishments in a magnificent natural environment. The combination
of the landscape and the sea is something you will never forget!
At the Northwest entrance of
Elounda Bay lies the island of
Spinalonga,
impressive for its well preserved Venetian Fortress yet tragic due to
its past role as a leper colony. It is notable for being one of the
last active leper colonies in Europe, existing for this purpose until
1957. It is truly amazing to imagine the presence of an entire
community hidden within the imposing fortification and isolated from
the rest of the world. After
visiting Spinalonga,
you will continue your journey to St. Nicholas. The landmark of
the city is a small lake, known as "Voulismeni"
that is located in the centre of the city, at the foot of the cliffs.
According to mythology, the goddess Athena used to take her bath in
this lake. It is an especially picturesque site with many open-air
cafés and restaurants along the waterfront. Here you will be given
free time to browse in this beautiful town before you return to
the ship.
Istanbul
by Night
(IST – 01) Half day
Take part in the entertainment and night life at one of the finest
night clubs in the city. Depart by motor coach and after a short drive
through the illuminated streets of Istanbul you will arrive at one of
the best known Night Club of Istanbul. Enjoy a variety of Turkish
specialties while you are entertained by Turkish musicians, belly
dancers and folk dancers, performing dances from different regions of
Turkey. At the end of the show, join in the singing of popular and
favourite songs. Board your motor coach and continue your sightseeing
by night before returning back to the ship.
Highlights
of Istanbul
- lunch on board (IST – 02) Full day
Begin the excursion with a sightseeing 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, you can see the
Süleymaniye Mosque, dedicated to Sultan
Süleyman The Magnificent. Continue
around the mighty citywalls, which once
protected Constantinople from the many invasions and attacks it
suffered over the centuries. In the Old City, the first visit will be
to the Byzantine Hippodrome, which was once one of the largest chariot
race arenas in the Byzantine Empire. Visit the
Sultanahmet Mosque, where large groups of pilgrims start their
pilgrimage to Mecca. It is decorated with 21,000 blue
Iznik tiles from where it gets its name,
the “Blue Mosque”. Walk to the world famous monument of
Hagia
Sophia, the Byzantine Church of Divine Wisdom, where you can see the
superb mosaics and the marble decorations. Return to the ship for
lunch on board. After lunch continue the tour with a visit to the
Topkapi Palace, the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans. See the
famous treasury and the “Spoonmaker’s
Diamond”, the 7th
biggest diamond in the world. During the tour you will
also have the opportunity to get a cultural taste of Turkey by
enjoying an exhibition of oriental carpets, jewellery or leather
goods.
REMARKS
Shoulders and knees must be covered while visiting the Mosque and
shoes must be removed.
Highlights of Istanbul
(IST – 03) Full day with lunch
Begin
the excursion with a 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, you can see the
Süleymaniye Mosque, dedicated to Sultan
Süleyman The Magnificent. Continue
around the mighty city walls, which once protected Constantinople from
the many invasions and attacks it suffered over the centuries. In the
Old City, the first visit will be to the Byzantine Hippodrome, which
was once one of the largest chariot race arenas in the Byzantine
Empire. Visit the Sultanahmet Mosque,
where large groups of pilgrims start their pilgrimage to Mecca. It is
decorated with 21,000 blue Iznik tiles
from where it gets its name, the “Blue Mosque”. Walk to the famous
Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine Church of
Divine Wisdom, where you can admire the superb mosaics and the marble
decorations. Walk through the large gardens to
Konyali Restaurant and experience typical Turkish cuisine.
After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the magnificent
Topkapi Palace, the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans. See the
famous treasury and the “Spoonmaker’s
Diamond”, the 7th
biggest diamond in the world. During the tour you will also have
the opportunity to get a cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an
exhibition of oriental carpets, jewellery or leather goods.
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.
Scenic Bosphorus Cruise
(IST – 04) Half day
Start
the tour with a short 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 seen 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 exciting 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 amazing photographs
sailing between these two continents.
Secret Treasures of Istanbul
(IST – 05) Full day with lunch
This tour is designed to give you a glimpse of the best and the most
famous monuments in Istanbul remaining from the Byzantine Empire era.
Depart from the pier for an interesting tour of Istanbul with a city
sightseeing 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, you can see the
Süleymaniye Mosque dedicated to Sultan
Süleyman The Magnificent, built by
the famous Turkish Architect, Sinan.
Arrive at Chora Museum. This 11th
century church of St. Savior in Chora is
the most important Byzantine monument in Istanbul after St. Sophia
museum. There is a collection of fourteenth century frescoes,
gold-inlaid mosaics and some of the World’s finest Byzantine
paintings. Continue with a drive along the ancient Byzantine city
walls to the Byzantine Hippodrome where the chariot races and
celebrations in honour of the emperors, once took place during the
Byzantine era. Visit the ancient church of St.
Sergius and Bachus which belonged
to the monastery of Hormisdas and was
built as the result of a vow made by Justinian when he was on the
point of being executed for conspiring against his predecessor. The
tour continues with a visit to an Underground Cistern, consisting of a
network of waterways built as far back as the third century B.C., to
protect the city against long sieges. Continue to
Balat area, another historical part of Istanbul, for lunch at
the restaurant. After lunch, visit The Patriarchate which is located
just 50 m away from the restaurant or just relax strolling along the
Golden Horn. Drive to Rustem Pasha Mosque,
located at Eminonu close to the Spice
Market. This Mosque was built by Sinan in
1550 for Rustem Pasha, a grand vizier who
married one of the daughters of Süleyman
The Magnificent. Inside and on the façade
you can see some beautiful Iznik faience.
The Mihrab,
completely covered with faience tiles and the
Mimbar are particularly striking.
REMARKS
Includes visit to religious sites, knees and shoulders must be covered
and shoes
are not permitted in the mosques.
Ephesus
& the House of Virgin Mary
(KUS – 01) Half day
Drive
through the colourful town of Kusadasi to reach Mt.
Koressos. Situated in a small valley, the
humble chapel lies on the site of the little house where the Virgin
Mary is believed to have spent her last days. Despite the many
controversies, the Christian World still favours this belief and the
site has been officially sanctioned by the Vatican for pilgrimage.
Continue on to Ancient Ephesus accompanied by your guide walk through
the Magnesian Gate which is the entrance
to the ancient city of Ephesus. Your guided walking tour will take you
through one of the most magnificent excavations in the world. See the
Odeon (concert hall), the Fountain of Trajan, the steam-heated Baths
of Scolastika, the Temple of Hadrian and
the Latrians, the Library of Celsus and
The Great Theatre, the largest one in antiquity with a capacity of
24,000 seats where St. Paul preached. Walk back to the coach along the
Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in
procession. While driving back to Kusadasi and just outside Ephesus,
view the Basilica of St. John, which was erected over his grave in the
6th
century A.D. by Emperor Justinian. Before returning to the ship, enjoy
free time in Kusadasi or get a cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an
exhibition of oriental carpets, jewellery or leather goods.
REMARKS
Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties.
Ancient Ephesus
(KUS – 02) Half day
Drive
through the colourful town of Kusadasi and along the coast to reach
Ephesus, famous in antiquity for its Temple of Diana - one of the
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - and later the home of St. John.
During the years of the Roman Empire, the Greek port of Ephesus became
the greatest city in Asia Minor. Upon arrival at Ephesus follow your
guide to enter the ancient site through the
Magnesian Gate. Discover innumerable monuments including the
Forum, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the Thermal Baths of
Scolastika and the Great Theatre built in
the Greek era and reconstructed in the Roman period, which is still
noted for its remarkable acoustics. View the symbols all around and
marvel at the fact that one is still able to read the inscriptions in
the ancient Greek language. Walk back to your coach along the Arcadian
Way, where once Mark Anthony and Cleopatra rode in procession. As you
drive back to Kusadasi, on a hill above Selcuk,
just outside Ephesus, view the Basilica of St. John, which was erected
over his grave in the 6th
century A.D. by Emperor Justinian. Before returning to the ship, enjoy
free time in Kusadasi or get a cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an
exhibition of oriental carpets, jewellery or leather goods.
REMARKS
Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties.
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Mykonos
by Night
- with dinner & show (MYK – 02) Half day
Internationally
famous for its hot, endless summer days and sultry sleepless party
nights where crowds dressed in the latest fashion or wearing as little
as possible for comfort, gyrate in rhythm to the sounds of music
spreading like a wave across the white washed narrow streets of town.
Join a specially designed tour of Mykonos by night and experience an
unforgettable evening ashore with dinner in a local Greek tavern, full
of colour and ambience as only Mykonos knows how to capture the
visitor’s expectations. Enjoy authentic native dishes and wine. For your
entertainment, a folkloric presentation will take place during dinner.
Join the revelry and partake in the dancing or simply clap your hands in
rhythm to the music.
Delos
Apollo Sanctuary
(MYK – 03) Half day
Delos,
once a Sacred Island, is the legendary birthplace of the Sun God Apollo
and his twin sister Artemis. For 500 years, tiny Delos was the religious
& commercial hub of the entire Aegean. Today, the only remaining
inhabitants are the keepers of its treasured ruins. Depart from the port
of Mykonos by boat, and sail along the western coast of the island,
through
Diles
& Rhenia Islands, to the ancient harbour of
Delos where you begin the guided walking tour. First you see Agora and
beyond it, the Sacred Way, which leads to the Temple of Apollo. Next,
you see the remains of a Hellenistic Quarter with its harbour, water
house and luxurious villas, such as the House of Cleopatra, the House of
the Dolphins, the House of the Masks, the
House of Dionysos, and many other
interesting buildings. Note the architecture and the mosaic floors,
which have survived over 2,500 years. Continue and admire the
spectacular Avenue of the Lions, where five Naxian
marble lions from the 7th
century
B.C. crouch, vigilantly guarding the now dry sacred lake. Re-board the
boat for the return journey to Mykonos town. Here you will have the
chance to walk along the cobblestone streets of this famous island with
its numerous shops, cafés and restaurants before you return to the port
to re-join the ship.
REMARKS
Please note that the cruise from Mykonos to Delos is approx. 45 minutes.
Tour
not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties.
St.
John’s Monastery & Grotto of the Apocalypse
(PAT – 01) Half day
Depart
from the port of
Scala
and enjoy a short drive to the village of Chora, where the Monastery of
St. John is built within the walls of a strong fortification. As you
walk uphill towards the entrance of the monastery marvel at this
magnificent structure, which was built 900 years ago. View the
courtyard, the monks’ dining room and the old bakery before you visit
the main church noted for its outstanding frescoes and interior
decoration. Next, visit the small museum where priceless ecclesiastical
treasures, books, manuscripts, mosaics, icons, splendid medieval
textiles, vestments and jewellery are housed. Return to your motor coach
and continue to the nearby Grotto of the Apocalypse and the Monastery of
the Apocalypse above it. Walk down the steps to the Grotto of the
Apocalypse. Here you will see the niches in the wall that mark the
pillow and ledge used as a desk by the author of the Book of the
Revelation and the crack in the rock made by the voice of God honouring
the Holy Trinity. Afterwards, drive back to the port of
Scala
and enjoy some free time in this quaint and picturesque town.
REMARKS
Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties.
Includes visit to religious sites, knees and shoulders must be covered.
Scenic Island Tour
(PAT – 02) Half day
An
interesting scenic island tour has been designed for those passengers
who prefer to discover the beauties of Patmos from the comfort of an
air-conditioned motor coach. Start the tour from the port of
Scala
and drive to the central part of the island “Chora” which is the
location of the Majestic Byzantine Monastery of St. John the Divine,
built in 1088. Your sightseeing will first bring you to the Grotto of
the Apocalypse, and then to the windmills of Chora, once upon a time the
landmark of all Aegean Islands, from where you will enjoy a beautiful
view and have the chance to take photos. Afterwards, continue around the
island to see its landscape of outstanding natural beauty comprising of
rocky hills, dozens of tongues of land reaching out into the sea,
tranquil beaches and many picturesque inlets. Before arriving at the
port, a stop of 10 minutes is made at the square at
Kambos in the north part of island. The tour ends at the port of
Scala
to enjoy free time in the quaint and picturesque little town.
A refreshment or a coffee will be offered at
Arion Café, the oldest and most beautiful café of the town.
REMARKS
Includes visit to religious sites, knees and shoulders must be covered.
Athens
City Tour and Acropolis
(PIR – 01) Half day
This
tour is an introduction to the splendour of the Golden Age of Athens and
the modern 21st
century
city. The port of Piraeus itself is one of the finest examples of city
planning in antiquity. On arrival in Athens you visit the Acropolis on
which stands 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 covers an area of 50 m across the
whole western face of the Acropolis. Next to them is the temple of
Athena Niki also known as the ‘Wingless
Victory’. The Parthenon is the main temple, built in honour of Goddess
Athena. Her statue decorated 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
admire the ancient theatre of Herodes
Atticus with its remarkable acoustics. Performances are still held here
each summer being the highlight 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. Your drive continues by the Library – the Academy
– the University, three buildings representing 19th
century
architecture blended with the classical influence. The tour then passes
by
Omonia
Square, the commercial centre of the city and
Syntagma
Square, which is the business, and cultural centre. There will be time
during the tour for you to browse and do a little shopping at 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.
Athens & the picturesque Plaka
(PIR – 03) Half day
Leaving
the port of Piraeus, one of the finest examples of city planning in
antiquity, the coach takes 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. The
drive continues by the Library – the Academy – the University, three
buildings representing 19th
century
architecture blended with the classical influence. The tour then passes
by
Omonia
Square, the commercial centre of the city and
Syntagma
Square, which is the business and cultural centre. Your Athens’ city
sightseeing ends at a leading café at the foot of the Acropolis, from
where you can view all the majestic monuments of the amazing Acropolis
while enjoying your refreshment. The tour continues to the old part of
the city called Plaka where you can explore its mainly pedestrian
streets with picturesque houses, shops and numerous cafés. After the
free time in Plaka you will board your coach 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.
Rhodes
& Lindos Combined
(RHO – 01) Half day
Drive
along the picturesque south-eastern coastline, dotted with white-washed
villages, to Lindos, one of the most important of the three great cities
of ancient times. See how this entire city is guarded by medieval walls
which were constructed by the knights of St. John in the 13th
century. Within them stands the ancient Acropolis of Lindos, on the
brink of a precipice 122 m above the sea. From the Acropolis, marvel at
the breathtaking views covering the great expanse of the Aegean Sea and
St. Paul’s Bay, where the apostle cast anchor during his historic voyage
to Ephesus. Proceed on foot uphill, to the great staircase leading from
the Hellenistic Portico to the Acropolis and Temple of Athena. Should
you wish to make your way up by mule, a fee must be paid to the local
muleteer. After the guided tour of the Acropolis, enjoy some free time
on your own in Lindos village before meeting up with your motor coach.
Return to Rhodes city and enjoy a panoramic drive through the new part
of the city before continuing to Mount Smith to see the ruins of ancient
Rhodes, the Temple of Apollo and Diagoras
Stadium. Afterwards your motor coach will drop you off at Porte
d’Amboise, the start of the walking tour
through the medieval city of Rhodes. Follow your guide through the
northern part where once lived the knights and their attendants. View
the Palace of the Knights, continue your walk down Chevaliers Road to
the Marine Gate and return back to the ship. A short visit to a ceramic
factory is included.
REMARKS
Please note that the journey from Rhodes to Lindos is approx. 50
minutes.
Old City & Philerimos
(RHO – 02) Half day
Drive
along the medieval walls to the summit of Mount Smith, the Acropolis of
ancient Rhodes. From the tumbled massive pillars of the Temple of
Athena, the view encompasses the nearby Temple of Apollo, the stadium of
Diagoras and the port, once protected by the
Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. The
drive continues across the island to Philerimos.
The summit of Philerimos was the site of
Ialysos, one of the three ancient cities of
Rhodes. Later sites include the restored Byzantine Church of Our Lady of
Philerimos, a chapel with 15th
century
frescoes, and the ruined Castle of the Knights. After the visit and some
free time, return to Rhodes and begin a guided walk of the old walled
city to the Porte d’Amboise. It is a pleasure
to stroll the street of the Knights with its medieval buildings, winding
alleys, towers, turrets and emblazoned façades. You will then visit the
impressive Grand Master’s Palace and have the chance to see the superb
mosaics. The pleasant walk passes through the Marine Gate before you
return to the ship.
Lindos with lunch by the beach
(RHO – 03) Full day
Departure
from the ship.
Drive alongside the walls of the Medieval
city stopping at Porte D’Amboise where you start your stroll through the
old town. Walk down Chevaliers Road and view the Palace of the Knights
and the medieval houses of the knights. Continue passing by the hospital
of the Knights of St. John before meeting up with your motor coach at
the Marine Gate for the trip to Lindos. Enjoy a relaxing drive along the
southeastern coastline on the way to Lindos.
On arrival follow your guide and proceed on foot uphill to explore the
Acropolis of Lindos which overlooks the Aegean Sea and St. Paul’s Bay
and marvel at the breathtaking views. Afterwards there is free time to
discover this lovely town at your own pace before meeting up with your
guide. Continue to Louis Colossos Hotel a
modern luxury hotel, where you will be able to swim either in the
crystal clear waters of the sea in front of the hotel or in the swimming
pool. A buffet lunch with a variety of traditional Greek dishes is
served in the hotel. You can use the hotel’s changing facilities and sun
beds. Return to the ship driving alongside the East coastline. A short
visit to a ceramic factory is included. A short stop at a ceramic
factory is included.
REMARKS
The tour will be available from May to September. Clients will have to
bring their own beach towel. Please note that the journey from Rhodes to
Lindos is approx. 50 minutes.
Thira & Oia Village (SAN – 01) Half day
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. 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
(SAN – 02) Half day
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. |