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Cruise itinerary - Ancient Wonders
Cities, sights and sensational scenery...
Ticking off temples, mosques and beaches, this trip is a
mixed bag of the Aegean’s best bits. Leaving Marmaris
behind, you’ll head to Bodrum. Boasting a beautiful
coastline and charming bougainvillea-clad towns, it’s
the perfect introduction to Turkey. From here, it’s on
to Izmir, your gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus.
The Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the
ancient world, used to stand here, but nothing remains
of it today. Instead, check out the Greco-Roman theatre
– past visitors include Mark Anthony and Cleopatra. On
day four, you’ll head to the small Greek island of
Mykonos where sugar-cube houses and whitewashed
windmills await. Wander down the maze of narrow streets
in the capital, Mykonos Town, and you’ll come across
tiny churches, flower-filled piazzas and outdoor cafés.
Next up is Athens, a superstar of a city that packs in
more than 3,000 years of history. Must-sees include the
Panathenian Stadium, which hosted the Ancient Greek
version of the Olympic Games, and the Parthenon, a
breathtaking temple that’s perched high on top of a
hill. And the old treasures keep on coming in Nauplion,
Greece’s first capital. Tackle the 999 steps up to the
crumbling Palamidi Castle – the views from the top are
well worth the effort. And don’t miss the old temples,
forums and the basilica of Corinth. The final day of the
cruise is all about taking it easy in Crete where the
shops, restaurants and beaches of Aghios Nikolaos are
yours for the taking.
What's included...
* Gratuities - no need to tip!
* Top class onboard activities/entertainment
* 24 hour dining
* Port taxes
Day 1 Monday, Marmaris - TURKEY
* Turkey's biggest beach resort, Marmaris has a definite
'Riviera' feel to it. An elegant, palm-lined promenade
weaves its way around the shoreline, while the marina
plays host to a flotilla of gleaming white yachts.
* Stretch out on the long ribbon of gleaming sand, then
scratch the surface to find traditional Turkey. Explore
the rabbit's warren of streets which hide a treasure
trove of authentic delights, including a colourful
bazaar.
* Smother yourself in therapeutic mud in celebrity haunt
Dalyan. You'll feel film star fabulous in no time.
* Set sail for Cleopatra Island. Draped in olive groves
and ringed by white sandy beaches, it's a real Turkish
delight. So much so, Cleopatra and Mark Anthony couldn't
get enough of the place.
Day 2 Tuesday
At Sea
Day 3 Wednesday, Istanbul - TURKEY 07:00 - 18:00
* Everything about Istanbul is a taste of the exotic.
Fragrant bazaars echoing with the sound of haggling
merchants. Belly dancers shimmying past in a flash of
sequins and sparkle. The call of the muezzins wafting
from ancient minarets. You’re guaranteed an
unforgettable adventure in this spice-scented slice of
the world.
* The skyline of palaces and mosques will leave an
indelible mark on your memory. See the world famous St.
Sophia, a magnificent church that rises above the Old
City of Istanbul.
* Visit the Topkapi Palace and see the light shimmering
through the stained glass windows onto 20,000 blue tiles
* Stand before the Blue Mosque and marvel at its
spectacularly decorated dome and six soaring minarets.
* Lose yourself in the labyrinthine alleyways of the
14th-century Grand Bazaar, a rich tapestry of 4,000
shops selling everything from hand-woven rugs to
embroidered slippers.
Day 4 Thursday, Mytilene - LESBOS 09:00 - 18:00
* With its museums, tavernas and an Ottoman castle
draped around a hill, Mytilene is a mixed bag ready to
be explored. The town offers up provincial Greek life at
its best. Sip espresso in a kafenion as old men click
their worry beads. Nibble on salted sardines at a
sidestreet taverna. And drink ouzo by the harbour,
watching the fishermen land their catches.
* Soak up the sun on Thermi Beach. This pretty stretch
of sand is surrounded by olive groves and traditional
restaurants, which serve Greek specialities like cheese
and sardines.
* Taking up a big chunk of Mytilene is an imposing
Venetian fortress. Take a walk along the ramparts and
feel every inch king of the castle thanks to the
fantastic views over the town.
* Venture up to Mytilene Castle, one of the largest
castles in the Aegean. You’ll be able to look around
some ancient prison cells and see what’s left of a
Turkish café.
* Keep your eyes peeled for the domed, stone-built
buildings dotted around – they’re likely to house the
thermal baths Lesbos is famous for. For a small fee you
can wallow in the warm waters, feeling like a toga-clad
ancient Greek.
Day 5 Friday, Kusadasi - TURKEY 08:00 -
17:00
* Laze away the day on the silky sands of Kusadasi or
head for the ruins of Ephesus for more sights than you
can point a camera at. It’s your holiday, your call.
* Make tracks for St John’s Church. St John is said to
have lived here with the Virgin Mary after being cast
out of Jerusalem. Legend has it he’s also buried here.
Close by, the pretty hillside village of Sirince is also
worth a visit – it’s famous for its homemade wines, and
plenty of places offer tasting sessions.
* Take a trip to Ephesus, the Mediterranean’s
best-preserved classical city. The marble pillars of the
Library of Celsus support intricate friezes and
sculptures, while the enormous theatre offers up superb
views over the city.
* Saddle up and discover Kusadasi on horseback, or swim
with the horses at Pamucak Beach.
* Try your hand at quad biking to see another side of
the city. You’ll speed along the coast, soaking up
incredible sea views as you go.
Day 6 Saturday, Piraeus ( for Athens ) - GREECE 08:00 - 15:00
* Trip over reminders of the past in ancient Athens,
where cultural treasures twinkle back at you at every
turn. It’s a real gold medal winner of a city.
* Scale the heights of the sun-bleached Acropolis for
awesome views, then take a look at the Parthenon,
perched atop Athens’ most famous hill.
* Be in Syntagma – or Constitution - Square in time to
see the skirted soldiers perform the
changing-of-the-guard.
* Explore Plaka, the Medieval quarter at the foot of the
Acropolis. The 19th-century lanes are crammed with
tavernas, and twist and turn to meet the equally
atmospheric Monastiraki street markets.
* From old to new – take a wander round the up-market
Kolonaki district, which is packed with chic boutiques
and ritzy restaurants.
* Check out the Corinth Canal, which connects the Gulf
of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. This waterway was
considered one of the greatest technological
achievements of its time.
Day 7 Sunday, Mykonos Town* - MYKONOS 08:00 - 17:00
* A jewel in the Aegean, this sun-blushed island is
sprinkled with sugar-cube houses and whitewashed
windmills. It’s a popular corner of Greece loved by
everyone, from millionaires to backpackers, yet somehow
it’s managed to stay delightfully unspoilt.
* Wander through the narrow labyrinthine-like lanes of
Mykonos Town, or Chora as it’s also called, crammed with
tiny churches, shrines, shops and cafés. Pause for a
photo opportunity at the striking white Paraportiani
Church.
* Take a stroll along the seafront known as Little
Venice. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for places that
appeared in Shirley Valentine, like the colourful
harbour for instance.
* Relax at Platis Gialos beach, a long ribbon of golden
sand on the south coast of the island. The coastline
here is backed by a stretch of cocktail bars, many of
which offer waiter service to the beach.
* See the island’s sights in style – from the front seat
of a four-wheel drive. Rev your way to the pretty
village of Ano Mera and the beaches of Kalo Liadi and
Ornos.
Day 8 Monday, Marmaris - TURKEY
* Turkey's biggest beach resort, Marmaris has a definite
'Riviera' feel to it. An elegant, palm-lined promenade
weaves its way around the shoreline, while the marina
plays host to a flotilla of gleaming white yachts.
* Stretch out on the long ribbon of gleaming sand, then
scratch the surface to find traditional Turkey. Explore
the rabbit's warren of streets which hide a treasure
trove of authentic delights, including a colourful
bazaar.
* Smother yourself in therapeutic mud in celebrity haunt
Dalyan. You'll feel film star fabulous in no time.
* Set sail for Cleopatra Island. Draped in olive groves
and ringed by white sandy beaches, it's a real Turkish
delight. So much so, Cleopatra and Mark Anthony couldn't
get enough of the place.
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