Combine a visit to historic Bodrum Castle with a scenic cruise aboard a traditional “gulet” wooden boat. A 30-minute ride will bring you to the Castle of Bodrum, which was created by the Knights of Rhodes using stone plundered from the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Your visit will include the Sunken Boat Museum, showcasing underwater artifacts dating from the Bronze to the Middle Ages. Next, it’s all aboard a typical boat (“gulet”) to cruise among the Bodrum Peninsula’s magnificent coves. These sturdy wooden sailing craft have been plying these waters for centuries. Swim in idyllic local bays and enjoy a traditional lunch of Turkish specialties. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. There is a short walk back to the ship from the gulet drop off point.

The first place you will visit on this exciting tour will be the Virgin Mary’s House. Archaeological evidence shows that the little house dates from the 6th century but that the foundations were from the first century. Next you will visit the Ephesus ruins, predominantly from the later Roman period. Visit the “Terrace Houses” located opposite Hadrian’s Temple. The wealthy and important people of Ephesus used these houses, which are finely decorated with mosaics and frescoes giving a true impression of the ancient lifestyle. Then, your tour will continue to the ruins of the Basilica of St John. The Basilica had a cruciform plan with four domes along its longitudinal axis and a pair flanking the central dome to form the arm of the cross. Under the central dome was the grave of St John. Lunch will be served at a lovely local restaurant on the way back to Kusadasi. You will have a fabulous view of the harbor and the ship.Upon your return to Kusadasi, you may enjoy a carpet weaving demonstration and some time for shopping. Explore the town and return to the ship.

We want to be able to capture all of our memories from our trip and years to come!

Your tour will start at Agios Giannis Beach, a traditional small fishermen port where you will see fishermen as they are returning from fishing. There will be time to walk to nearby Kapari Beach or have a photo opportunity of the island of Delos just in front of you. Then you will board your bus and head for the opposite side of Mykonos to Ano Mera, where you will see the Monastery of Holy Mary, with its miraculous icon, and the Square with a marble patio in the middle. Ano Mera is the most traditional village of Mykonos and you will have time to walk around and to speak with locals. You will visit Taverna Apostolis to enjoy a glass of ouzo and homemade meze (the owner’s wife is cooking) and enjoy live Greek music. Then you will return to Mykonos for a honey tasting. You will walk to the famous and most photographed Paraportiani Church where you will meet the weaving lady and learn more about how she does her job. You can also buy her products. Next you will continue walking to Little Venice next to the Castle of Mykonos to take pictures before venturing on to see five characteristic windmills. Here you will get a souvenir of Mykonos (lavender and olive oil soap). You will have some free time to walk along the narrow cobblestone streets of Mykonos before returning to the ship.

Santorini, in the Cyclades Islands, has one of the most spectacular landscapes in all Greece. Traditional villages built on tall cliffs offer breathtaking views over a former volcanic crater, now submerged by the sea. Your island orientation begins with an ascent of Profitis Ilias (Prophet Elias) Mountain, for unparalleled panoramic views encompassing the whole island. Back aboard the coach, you will admire a range of inspirational views en route to the village of Oia. With its picturesque blue-domed churches, old 2-story mansions, and narrow cobblestone streets, Oia is the perfect place to fully appreciate the beauty of this remarkable island. There is no guided sightseeing during your 1¾-hour stay at Oia, so you are free to admire the picture-perfect views or perhaps browse among the tiny shops selling handmade ceramics, paintings and semi-precious jewelry. Finally, there’s a 30-minute drive to the village of Fira where the tour concludes. Once there, your guide directs you to the cliff road from where you may proceed to the cable car at your leisure to return to the ship

Indulge your senses with the history, beauty and flavors of Rhodes during this orientation drive and cooking demonstration. From the pier, you will follow the Mandraki Esplanade, passing the Church of Annunciation and a replica of the Old Church of the Knights of St. John. At the entrance to Mandraki Port you see the deer statues, where it is believed the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, once stood. Your drive then ascends Mount Smith for panoramic views of Rhodes and the Aegean Sea. The Acropolis of Rhodes and the ancient 2nd century B.C. stadium both lie atop this vantage point. Proceed to the Old City of Rhodes where you leave the coach at the Gate d'Amboise for a 1¼-hour guided walking tour. After passing the Grand Master’s Palace you will stroll down the Street of the Knights, and pass the 15th century Archaeological Museum, and the former Knights’ Hospital, which is regarded as the Old City’s most well preserved building. Your walk will conclude at a Greek taverna, where a chef demonstrates cooking several classic Greek dishes, including tzatziki and fried meatballs and you will learn cooking tips from the expert. At the conclusion of the demonstration, you will be invited to sample the foods you have helped prepare before reboarding your coach for the return drive to the pier.