7-night Ancient Cities Of The Mediterranean Cruise

Piraeus is the seaport for Athens, the capital of western civilization, which boasts a fantastic mix of classical ruins and vivacious modern life. Climb the hill of Acropolis to wonder at the Parthenon, join the lively Athenians in Constitution Square, and find a welcoming taverna for spirited bizouki music, plenty of ouzo to drink, and energetic Greek dancing. Piraeus is the largest harbor in the country. The white chapel of St. George at its summit has a theater bearing the same name. The hill of Nymphs is the site of a planetarium, which is located above magnificent Thesseio temple. Among all of these hills, Acropolis is the one that glorified Athens and the whole Greek world and became the symbol of the western civilization. Bays and small rocky or sandy coves dot the area and during the summer are filled with Athenians and foreigners enjoying their beauty.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Piraeus: The Ancient City of Athens - 8 Hours — Optional Private Excursions
Dominated by the remarkable Parthenon, which has stood for over 2,000 years, Athens is a city of major architectural and archaeological treasures. At Piraeus Port you will receive a warm welcome from your guide and driver who provides a captivating insight into the city’s history and culture during your full day tour.

For most, the highlight of a visit to Athens is the world famous Acropolis and the Parthenon. Dedicated to the Goddess Athena, it is one of the most important ancient monuments in the Western world. This afternoon, delight in the mesmerising display of eclectic Greek and Oriental art at the Benaki Museum. Complete your day with a drive past the Panethenaic Stadium, the pure marble masterpiece that served as the original site for the modern Olympics. At the end of the tour you are privately transferred back to your cruise ship.

Highlights:

• Ascend the Acropolis to the Parthenon, one of the most important ancient monuments in the Western world
• Tour the Benaki Museum

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local guide for 8 hours
• Entrance fees to all sights and museums
  All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Piraeus: Cape Sounion - 5 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Meet your guide as you disembark your cruise ship in Piraeus and venture along the scenic coast to Cape Sounion where you visit the ancient ruined Temple of Poseidon. This temple is believed to date from the 5th century BC and was built to honour Poseidon, who ranked second only to Athena herself in terms of power. The Temple enjoys an impressive position, high on the cliffs, and has, over the centuries, been marked by many travellers’ carved signatures, including that of Lord Byron. After touring the site, you return to your cruise ship in Piraeus.

Highlights:

• Venture along the coast to Cape Sounion to the ancient ruins of the Temple of Poseidon

Tour Duration: 5 hours

Tour can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Low

Inclusions:
•    Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
•    An expert A&K local guide (5 hours)
•    Entrance fees
•    All taxes

Exclusions:
•    All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
•    Gratuities

A former capital of Greece and a popular port on the eastern Peloponnese coast, Nafplion impresses visitors with grand, medieval architecture erected by Venetians during the 15th century. The most dominant structure is Palamidi Fortress towering high above town. The port is a lively town with a scenic harbor, a picturesque center to explore on foot and pebble beaches. Several monuments remain from its Turkish past, including mosques and parliament building. Handicrafts and local costumes are on display at the Folk Art Museum. Palamidi Castle has an incomparable view from the fortress’ lofty position. Spend time strolling along the waterfront, exploring around main square and narrow streets of Old Town. Platia Sintagmator, the city’s main square, is fronted by a former mosque, now the meeting place of Greek Parliament. Here is also the Archaeological Museum, which features an outstanding collection of Mycenaean finds. The entrance to Akronafplia Citadel has a gate built of Roman bricks, a Byzantine gatehouse with frescoes dating from 1291, and Venetian bastions. From the port, don't pass up a tour to Mycenae. There is evidence that the site has been inhabited since 4000 BC, but reached its peak of civilization during 1500 - 1000 BC. It was here that the mighty Agamemnon ruled and the site still contains massive structures which give visitors a glimpse of what this magnificent city once was.

Destination Guide

At the far end of Peloponnese, on the southern east coast of the peninsula looking on to Mirtoon Sea, stands Monemvasia. A distinctly shaped great rock rising from the sea only a few meters from the coast, it is often referred to as the "Gibraltar of Greece". On the north side of the bay there are a few houses in the small village of Old Monemvasia. Visit the cemetery where in 1989 the famous Greek poet Ioannis Ritsos was buried. The lower town of Monemvasia is called "the Fortress" today. A wall protects the lower town on three sides. There are several churches around like Panagia Chrisafitissa, Panagia Mirtidiotissa, Chistos Elkomenos, Agia Sofia. On the east side of the main square stands a house with a garden containing remains of the early Byzantine church. To the west, there is the "Stellakis" house that was reconstructed and gave a lot of information about the architectural details and appearance of the medieval town. A small zigzag path connects lower town with upper town. The Fort city of Monemvasia with a one and only gate turns dream into reality.

Destination Guide

Gythion, in south of Sparta, the port of is a good starting point for exploring the Mani area. There are caves with underground lakes and rivers at Glifada and Alepotripa in the Diros region.

Destination Guide

Corfu's unique scenery, with gentle green hills and luxuriant southern flora, makes it one of the most beautiful of all Greek islands. Many beautiful buildings can be seen in Corfu Town. Corfu is a popular holiday destination for vacationers from all walks of life who come to enjoy mild climate, calm blue-green water, rugged mountains, hidden coves and miles of sandy beaches. A number of historical sights range from old fortresses and mansions to cathedrals and palaces. Corfu Town is surrounded by arcaded Venetian buildings. The Spianada is considered to be the largest square in Greece. Explore the narrow streets of Old Town. See Town Hall and the 300-year-old Church of Saint Spyrídon; a silver sarcophagus contains the remains of the town's patron saint. The Royal Palace - a neo-classical mansion - holds on its upper floor the Museum of Byzantine and East Asian Art. The Archaeological Museum has displays of artifacts discovered on Corfu. The Old Fortress, an impressive 14th-century Venetian structure, is now used as a popular venue for concerts.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Corfu Town & Achilleion Palace - 4.5 hours — Optional Private Excursions

Guests will be met by our English speaking guide to commence the tour. Upon completion of the tour, transfer will be provided back to the ship.

We drive to the old historical village of Gastouri and we arrive at the Achilleion Palace, the former residence of Empress Elizabeth of Austria and later that of Kaiser Wilhelm the 2nd.  Here we visit the museum with mementos of the two Royalties and enjoy the splendour of its landscaped gardens and the statues including the famous statue of the dying Achilles.

Continue through the coastal road of Perama to the beauty spot of Kanoni, where there will be time for drinks (upon consumption) and to photograph the famous views of Mouse Island.

From Kanoni, we continue to Corfu Town for a walking tour in the Historical centre of the fascinating old city where the following historical sights are to be seen:

• The residence of the High Commissioner, a splendid Edwardian building completed in 1824, once the sea  of the Knights of Saint Michael and Saint George up to 1864 and later the Palace of the King of Greece.
• The bronze statue of the British High Commissioner, Sir Frederick Adam.
• The Venetian quarters of Cambiello and Corfu's Historical Centre.
• The Town Hall, once a Venetian theatre, built in 1690.
• The Church of Saint Spyridon, Patron Saint of Corfu with the rare icons and where the Holy body of the Saint lays in a crypt.
• There will be free time for shopping before transfer back to the Port

Duration: approx. 4 1/2 hours

Notes:
It is recommended that guests wear flat, comfortable walking shoes.

Corfu Culinary Experience (Full Day) — Optional Private Excursions
Highlights/Description:
Corfu is the ideal place to enjoy a diverse mix of different tastes. The cuisine is inextricably tied in with its history and this is what makes the food here so different from the rest of Greece. The cuisine is neither spicy nor bland, but rich in the flavours of the Mediterranean. Specialties consist of local ingredients found on the island; especially olives, lemons, vegetables, tomatoes and fish. Many dishes hark back to the days when cooks put all the ingredients in a single pot and left it to simmer all day.
 
Today’s excursion starts with the Old Town of Corfu, where you may enjoy a walking tour of this UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. You will discover the town’s beautiful sites such as Saint Spyridon Church, dedicated to the protector of the island, the charming narrow Venetian alleyways, the famous Esplanade, one of the largest squares in Europe, the elegant Liston where access in the past was only allowed to the aristocracy of Corfu who were written down in the “Libro d’Oro’’, the Dimarcheio, or Town Hall, and the imposing Palace of St Michael and St George. After exploring Corfu historical center take a stroll through the local market.
 
Your tour continues with a scenic drive through the countryside to Triklino Vineyard, also known as Ambelonas Corfu, which is situated in Pelekas upon a hill with a panoramic view of central Corfu. Here local varieties of grapes are grown around a building of local architecture, in which traditional oil and wine production tools are displayed.
 
Upon arrival you will be welcomed with herbal soft drink. Get to know the history of the estate, the vineyard, the wild herbs and vegetables, the equipment and the processes for traditional olive and wine making and then spend some time learning about the principles ingredients and techniques of Mediterranean cuisine and the Corfiot culinary culture. You will then follow a step-by-step live presentation of the preparation of a full Corfiot meal – starter, salad, first course, main course, and desert. Participate in the cooking and sample the dishes at different stages of cooking. After the demonstration you will be able to enjoy lunch while relaxing in the ambient surroundings in the nature before returning to the port.
 
Tour Duration: 7 Hours
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:

• Licensed, English-speaking guide
• Applicable taxes
• Transfers to/from Corfu port (applies to tour + cooking class only)

Not Included:

• Meals, unless otherwise noted
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses

Cultural Tour of Corfu (Half Day) - 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Highlights/Description:

• Kanoni (Mouse Island and the Monastery of Vlacherna)
• Museum of Asiatic Art in the Palace of St. George
• Old Town of Corfu

Your tour begins with a scenic drive to Kanoni, where you will have the opportunity to admire Mouse Island and the Monastery of Vlacherna before continuing on to the historical center of Corfu. Here you will explore the Museum of Asiatic Art which is unique in Greece and one of the most important of its kind in Europe. The museum contains approximately eleven thousand exhibits spanning the 11^th century BC to the 20^th century AD from a variety of Asian countries The greater part of the collection, more than ten thousand objects, come from China and Japan, while the rest come from Tibet, Korea, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Thailand and Cambodia. The museum is housed in the imposing Palace of St George and St Michael.
 
After visiting the museum, you may enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO’s World Heritage site. Discover the town’s beautiful sites such as Saint Spyridon Church, dedicated to the protector of the island, the charming narrow Venetian alleyways, the famous Esplanade, one of the largest squares in Europe, the elegant Liston where access in the past was only allowed to the aristocracy of Corfu who were written down in the “Libro d’Oro’’, and the Dimarcheio, or Town Hall. Upon completion of the tour, we return to the Port.
 
Tour Duration: 4 Hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate

Inclusions:

• Licensed, English-speaking guide
• Luxury vehicle
• Applicable taxes
• Pick-up/Drop off at Corfu port  
• Entrance and tasting fees will be additional and can be pre-booked

Not Included:

• Meals, unless otherwise noted
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses

Exciting Jeep Safari in Corfu (Half Day) - 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Highlights/Description:
Discover Angelokastro, Lakones and Paleokastritsa driving through lush vegetation routes and traditional Corfiot villages. Admire panoramic breathtaking views of West Corfu and explore the magnificent bays with the crystal clear blue waters in a premium 4x4 vehicle.
First we will follow a route through Corfiot villages heading towards the western part of the island to Angelokastro – (“Castle of Angels”) which is located at the top of the highest peak of the island’s shoreline in the northwest coast near Paleokastritsa and is one of the most important Byzantine castles of Greece. A stunning view of Corfu’s west coast and the amazing terrain provide an ideal spot to admire the view, shoot some panoramic photos and refresh ourselves. Continuing our route through Lakones village with its surroundings is also known as Bella Vista, one of the top 10 views in Europe, and along the road in and out of the village, we will stop to enjoy the view while enjoying our coffee or tea. After our coffee stop, we follow a route from the top of the hill down to Paleokastritsa. Paleokastritsa is one of the most celebrated and attractive spots on Corfu island, with many coves with incredibly clear water surrounded by olive, cypress, and lemon trees. The lush vegetation and landscape combines blue and green waters with picturesque rocky bays and the monastery of Virgin Mary with the small museum. Visit the Monastery of The Virgin Mary in Paleokastritsa and take in superb views over the sea, and the rock that is said to be Odysseus' ship turned to stone.

• Tea/coffee or juice included
• liability insurance included
• Angelokastro is closed on Tuesdays
• Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes
• Sun protection and a hat are recommended

Tour Duration: 4 Hours
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate

Inclusions:

• English-speaking driver - escort
• Applicable taxes
• Entrance fee to Angelokastro
• Pick-up/Drop off at Corfu port

Not Included:

• Meals, unless otherwise noted
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses

Highlights of Corfu - 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Highlights/Description:

• Mon Repos Palace
• Kanoni (Mouse Island and the Monastery of Vlacherna)
• Old Town of Corfu

Our exciting tour begins with a drive to Kanoni, where guests will have the opportunity to admire magical Mouse Island and the Monastery of Vlacherna. There will be time to take photographs to capture this picturesque panorama, before continuing our tour.

Our tour continues to The Palace of Mon Repos. The palace was once the summer residence of the ex-Greek Royal Family. Its wild-natural park is an oasis of tall trees and shrubs. According to historians, the ancient city of Corfu had originally been located. It was built by Commissioner Adams for his wife, although she soon vacated the palace when her husband was sent to serve in India and it became a rarely used summer house for all the governors. 

During the British occupation a school for clergymen was located there. After the union of the Ionian Islands with Greece, King Georgios I took possession of the area and named it Mon-Repos. At Mon Repos one can see a beautiful view from the hill of Analipsi, the ruins of the ancient city and the basilica of Palaiopoli.

Our final destination is the Heritage Old Town of Corfu, where guests may enjoy a walking tour. Inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List as a fortified Mediterranean port town of high integrity and authenticity, guests will discover all the interesting sites like the Saint Spyridon Church, protector of the island, the charming narrow alleyways of the old Venetian town, the famous Esplanade - one of the largest squares in Europe, the elegant Liston which access in the past was only allowed to the aristocracy of Corfu, written down in the “Libro d’Oro’’, the Dimarcheio or Town Hall and the imposing Palace of St Michael and St George (viewed from the outside).
 
There will be time at leisure for shopping before we return to the port.

Tour Duration: 4 Hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate

Inclusions:

• Licensed, English-speaking guide
• Luxury vehicle
• Applicable taxes
• Pick-up/Drop off at Corfu port
• Entrance fees

Not Included:

• Meals, unless otherwise noted
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses

Paleokastritsa and Theotoky Estate - 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Highlights/Description:

• Monastery of Paleokastritsa
• Wine and meze in Theotoky Estate

 
Our wonderful tour begins with a scenic drive to Paleokastritsa, one of the most beautiful resorts on the island with fine beaches, wooded hills and crystal-clear sheltered bays pierced by black rocks. Here you’ll visit Paleokastritsa's venerable monastery, founded in 1226 and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere created with shady archways and lovely gardens. 

Our next visit is to the Theotoky Estate, located in the Ropa Valley, in the center of the Island, 20 km  from Corfu Town. The estate has been in the family for many generations, as Theotoky is one of the oldest families in Greece. The Estate is over 300 acres. Covered almost entirely by pine trees, olive trees and vineyards, it is one of the few ecological and peaceful spots that still exist. The locally famous and of excellent quality Theotoky wine is produced in the estate's 30 acres vineyards.

The estate also has an abundance of olive trees, which are grown in the fields without the use of chemical fertilizers. The harvesting is done directly from the trees and olives are milled in the cold-press.

Guests will have the opportunity to tour the winery and olive oil refinery. After the tour, a typical Greek meze (feta cheese, tomatoes, olives and bread) of local produce grown on the estate will be offered to the
guests with a glass of wine.

Inclusions:

• Licensed, English-speaking guide
• Luxury vehicle
• Applicable taxes
• Pick-up/Drop off at Corfu port
• Entrance fees

Not Included:

• Meals, unless otherwise noted
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses

 
 

Originally named Kalè polis, meaning "Beautiful City", by ancient Greek mariners, Gallipoli's Old Town with its labyrinth of winding lanes emerges from the Ionian Sea and is connected to mainland modern Gallipoli via a 17th-century bridge. It is a land of farms, castles, works of art, myths and legends. Many heroic battles were fought here. In addition to its tumultuous history and natural beauty, the city’s claim to fame rests in art treasures, most notably, the Basilica of Sant’Agata which contains a rich, important art collection with numerous works by its great native son, Giovanni Andrea Coppola. Other noteworthy churches include the little church Della Puritá, San Francesco with the famous Christ and the Two Thieves by Vespasiano, Santa Chiara and San Domenico. Among other outstanding monuments are the Hellenic Fountain and the Angevin Castle. As a popular seaside resort, Gallipoli boasts unpolluted waters and sandy beaches. From here many start their travels into the delightful, unspoiled interior of the Salento region.

Sicilia is the favorite island of Gods in traditional poetry. The most powerful and biggest ancient city in Sicilia is Siracusa. Its name may come from the native word "Siraco", which means "marsh", due to the bogs which surrounded the city. Or it may derive from a Phenician etymology signifying the presence of seagulls on its rocky shores. Few cities of the ancient world had the importance Syracuse had in Magna Grecia, the ancient Greek settlements in Italy. The most spectacular monuments in the archeological area surrounded by colorful Mediterranean vegetation are the Greek amphitheatre and the Orecchio di Dionisio (Dionysius' Ear). Besides touring the Archeological Museum that contains beautiful objects, Ortigia Island, the heart of the old Greek city, is worth a visit. Outside the city limits is Eurialo Castle, an incredible structure built to protect the city from the Cathaginians, and Pantalica, the great rocky necropolis in Anapo Valley.

Valletta is the capital of Malta. This remarkable fortified city with its massive bastions followed the most advanced Renaissance ideas in town planning, with streets laid straight on a grid looking over the Grand Harbour. Outside the 'City Gate' is the famous Triton Fountain. 'City Gate' has public buses and vendors selling soft drinks and all sorts of traditional fresh Maltese bread and sweets. Freedom Square shows an extraordinary capital with buildings of fine architecture of different tastes and styles ranging from the Mannerism to Baroque to Rococo to Neoclassicism. Valletta is a fascinating city for wandering around looking at what used to be the Knight's own cathedrals and Auberges. The city's backbone is Republic Street, which runs straight through the city center to Fort St. Elmo. Valletta has several narrow, steep side streets decorated with traditional Maltese pastel colored balconies and a statue on almost every street corner. There are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to choose from.

Destination Guide