Adriatic and Black Sea Explorer - 12 nights, September 2013

An air-conditioned people carrier with an English-speaking guide and local driver is offered on this tour. This is a private vehicle; those accompanying you are family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of guests to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment. No deviations to duration, venues if included or departure and return times can be made.

The tour fare is per vehicle and only one person in the party should book a ticket. The entire cost of the vehicle and tour will be charged to that person’s credit card. Once on board, you’ll receive a request for the names of each individual in your party. This information is required to allow your party to disembark the ship for the tour.

People Carriers will take up to four guests.

Your scenic drive takes you across the Galata Bridge to the heart of the old city arriving at the ancient Hippodrome. This large, open square was once the site of a Roman circus that rivalled the Colosseum in size and held a quarter of a million spectators. The next stop is the world famous Blue Mosque, where you can marvel at the 20,000 blue-glazed tiles that decorate the interior and the six graceful minarets that reach skyward.

A short walk takes you on to the church of St Sophia, which is more than 1000 years older than the Blue Mosque. Highlights include a number of glistening mosaics dating from the Byzantine period.

Topkapi Palace Museum is a walled complex that surrounds the Bosphorus. Explore the harem section before enjoying luncheon at a local hotel.

Visit the Grand Bazaar for an optional carpet-weaving demonstration and then explore the narrow alleys filled with shops offering jewellery, carpets and much more.


Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and the number of guests in your party. Only one person in the party is required to book a ticket. Vehicles are air-conditioned and come with an English-speaking guide and local driver. No deviations to tour content, duration, departure or return time can be made.

There is approximately 2½ hours of walking over uneven, slippery and cobblestoned ground, flat comfortable shoes are recommended. The removal of any pieces from the site is strictly forbidden. Entrance fees are included. Refreshments and gratuities are not included. There are several steps to negotiate throughout the tour and due to the popularity of the venues, they can become crowded. Shoulders and knees must be covered in the mosques and shoes must be removed. Professional and flash photography are not permitted. Please be aware of the ongoing restoration of the Topkapi Palace, which may result in some exhibits being closed or some artifacts being on temporary loan to other museums. The order of highlights may vary. Due to the size and nature of the Bazaar you will not be accompanied by your guide inside. On Sundays the covered section of the Grand Bazaar is closed; shopping will take place outside the Grand Bazaar and surrounding areas instead.

Founded at the end of the 18th century, by the order of Catherine the Great and originally as a seaport, Odessa is abundant with elegent architecture.

A short drive along the coast will bring you to Tolstoy Mansion, once home to Count Mikhail Tolstoy, cousin to the great Russian writer Leo Tolstoy. Immerse yourself in the refined glamour of the 19th century aristocratic lifestyle. The mansion has retained its original appearance and has preserved the ornate furniture, marble and porcelain fireplaces and decorative wooden paneling.

Stroll along the shaded promenade, where many of the wealthy merchants and factory-owners of the early 19th century built their private residences. Enjoy a short music recital in the lavishly decorated Golden Hall at Gagarin Mansion, built for Prince Dmitry Gagarin. Today it houses the great masters of Russian literature, as the Russian and Ukrainian Literature Museum.

Having become acustom to the luxurious lifestyle of a bygone era, luncheon will be served in palatial splendour at Restaurant Aleksandrovsky, a richly decorated and exuberant mansion. Enjoy some city highlights en route to Count Pototsky's mansion. The mansion is now the Fine Arts Museum, boasting icons dating from the 16th century. Before returning to the ship enjoy some free time to browse among the handicraft stalls near the Cathedral.


This tour will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately 3½ hours’ walking on this tour with several steps to negotiate. Flat comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

A scenic drive will take you into the city of Odessa and to the beautiful Primorsky Boulevard where maple, lime and horse chestnut trees line this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Keep your camera to hand to photograph the famous statue of Catherine the Great before you stop and gaze down the famous Potemkin Steps. Drive to the impressive Opera House to embark on a short stroll to Dumskaya Square where your route is filled with photo opportunities of the Archaeological Museum, City Hall, the Pushkin monument and the cannon salvaged from the British frigate 'Tiger' recalling the events of the Crimean War.

The Uspensky (Assumption) Orthodox Cathedral containing the remains of the apostle St Andrew is a highlight of this tour, and here you will have the chance to view ancient icons and the impressive 184 foot high bell tower.

Refreshments will be served at local café before you continue to Shevchenko Park. Bordered to the south by the Black Sea and set amongst the lush greenery of one of Odessa's most famous parks is the Alley of Glory. Here a red granite obelisk and eternal fire commemorate the heroes of World War II. Enjoy the scenery and photograph opportunity before you return to the ship.


This tour will operate by coach and on foot. This tour is predominantly by coach with short periods of walking over paved flat surfaces. There are ten steps to negotiate at the Uspensky Cathedral and at the obelisk in Shevchenko Park. Modest dress is required for visiting the Cathedral and ladies are advised to wear a head covering.

Your motor-launch will glide along the broad Giudecca Canal to Saint Georges Island, before traversing the southern lagoon to San Servolo and San Lazzaro.

Continue along a part of the Lido, a long strip of land dividing the Lagoon of Venice from the Adriatic Sea. You will then enter the canal that separates the two islands of Le Vignole and Sant'Erasmo.

Enjoy a view the island of Murano, renowned for its glass making. Cruising back towards Venice view the Arsenale, a vast, walled dockyard that was once the most efficient industrial complex in Europe. Your panoramic tour also passes the ancient church of San Pietro di Castello, the citys Cathedral until the beginning of the 19th century.

Approaching St Marks Basin, capture a wonderful view of St Georges Island, St Marks Square and, in the distance, the Grand Canal.


This tour is operated by motor launch. This tour is a panoramic motor launch tour, there are no stops included. Guests must be able to negotiate gangways and steps onto and off the launches. It is not possible to transit the Grand Canal as large private launches are prohibited from doing so. There are no toilets on the motor launches. The seating on board the motor-launches is made from hard wood material. The order of highlights may vary.

From the ship, take a motor launch cruise along the Giudecca Canal, enjoying panoramic evening views of The Redeemer Church, St George's Island, the Salute Church and St Mark's Basin. On arrival in the St Mark’s area, you will be met by your guide, who will escort you to the Basilica to share its fascinating history with you.

Saint Mark is the patron saint of Venice and the Byzantine Basilica is where his remains are kept. St Mark's Basilica is one of the most popular sites in the city and can be crowded with visitors during the day before reverting to a quiet temple of worship once evening falls.

This after-hours viewing of St Mark's is a wonderful opportunity to see the glory of the Basilica. Illuminated from within, the interior is bathed in a soft glowing light making your experience of this magnificent church even more atmospheric.


This excursion operates by motor launch and on foot.Guests should dress appropriately ensuring that shoulders and knees are covered. Photography is not permitted within the Basilica. Please note that although the Basilica is closed to the public, there may be other groups allowed to visit during your time there. In the event that religious services are held in the evening, this tour will be cancelled.

Your scenic drive will take you through the town of Yalta, past the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral to St Archangel Mikhael Church, seated at the foot of Ai-Nicola Mountain. The church was built in 2006 on the site of the ancient Christian monastery. Admire this elegant five-dome church and stunning vistas over Greater Yalta and the Black Sea.

From the comfort of your coach, you will see the majestic Ai-Petri Mountain and splendid views of the coast. Enjoy a coffee or tea at a traditional Ukrainian café, before viewing the most striking sight of the Crimean coast, the Swallow's Nest. The 'Castle of Love' with its spires and towers balances courageously at the very edge of the 130 feet high Aurora cliff of Cape Ai-Todor, built to the design of architect Sherwood in 1912, it has become a true symbol of the Crimea. Enjoy some free time for souvenir shopping before your return drive to the ship.


This tour will operate by coach and on foot. This excursion involves approximately 30 minutes of walking over flat and even ground. Guests must be able to negotiate the steps of the coach and some steps at the café.

A short drive through the electric and atmospheric Istanbul city by night will whisk you to the Suleymaniye Mosque Complex for a Whirling Dervish Show. Sit back, relax and enjoy the show whilst sipping a refreshment of Turkish tea or traditional sherbet.

The whirling dance, which is performed by Semazens, is proverbially associated with dervishes, the practice of the Mevlevi order in Turkey, and is part of a formal ceremony known as Sema, a means for man to reach actual existance. The Mevlevi ritual symbolises the mystical meaning of divine love, passion and spiritual maturity. The ritual whirling of the Semazens is an act of love and a drama of faith.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot.It is recommended that guests have dinner before this tour.

Arriving in Sevastopol, visit the Panorama, a circular building constructed for the monumental painting 'The Defence of Sevastopol' depicting the battle on Malakhov Hill during the Crimean War in 1855. Your panoramic city drive will take you past Primorsky Park, the monument to Admiral Nakhimov and ceremonial gate of the Count's Pier.

Next, pause on Sapoune Heights, where Lord Raglan observed the Battle of Balaklava on 25th October 1854. The complete panorama of the 'Valley of Death' will unfold before you from the top of the hill where the events of the Charge of the Light Brigade took place.

Enjoy a Crimean-style luncheon in one of the local restaurants in Balaklava and then some free time to explore the seaside promenade. Balaklava was a secret Soviet Naval base and the main base for British troops in the Crimean War. You will have the unique opportunity to visit the underground gallery, where the submarines of the Soviet navy were based.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves approximately three hours of walking over flat and uneven walkways with steps at the Panorama. The order of attractions visited may vary. The drive to Sevastopol will take approximately 1½ hours by highway. It is advisable to carry warm clothing for the visit to the underground gallery.

Your guided tour of the Acropolis begins with a walk up the many steep steps to the upper city entrance through the Propylea, which extends 150 feet across the whole western front of the Acropolis. Adjoining the entrance is the temple of Athena Nike or Wingless Victory. Beyond the Propylea on the highest part of the hill is the Acropolis and its crowning glory, the Parthenon. Other sites include the Erechtheion and the graceful Porch of the Caryatids.

High on a cliff, overlooking the Aegean Sea, stands this imposing temple dedicated to the god of the sea. Your guide will take you up the rocky path to the temple, built in the 5th century BC and the setting of the beautiful Cape Sounion.

Luncheon with wine will be served at a leading venue before your Athens city drive. Pass many highlights such as Hadrian's Arch, the Statue of Lord Byron, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Constitution Square and the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. Head down the West Coast of the Attica peninsula, offering splendid views of the rocky shores and hidden coves of the deep blue Saronic Gulf.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Please be advised that guests aged 17 years and under are entitled to free entrance to the Acropolis. Parents and/or guardians should, therefore, book any 13 – 17 year olds in their party as a child ticket. All guests between 3 and 17 years of age MUST carry their passport on the above tours in order to gain entrance to the Acropolis. Note that all minors (those under 18) must be accompanied by an adult on shore excursions. Please be advised that some of the walking at the Acropolis is very slippery and flat comfortable shoes are recommended. The visit to the Acropolis involves climbing 80 steps, and walking over some uneven and slippery paths. Flat comfortable shoes are recommended. The Temple of Poseidon has some rough and uneven ground and a walk of 500 yards is required from the coach drop off point to the Temple. Please be aware that ongoing restoration work is often carried out at the sites visited. The order of highlights may vary to avoid congestion.

This tour is designed for those guests that have a flight departing after 2:30pm. Your luggage will be onboard the coach with you and the tour will drop you at the airport after the tour ends.

An informative, narrated drive will take you from Piraeus to Athens, past a wealth of important sites, including Temple of Olympian Zeus, Constitution Square, and Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, Presidential Palace, and the University Library.

Walk up to the entrance of the Acropolis, through the Propylea, which extends 150 feet across the western front of the Acropolis. Adjoining the entrance is the Temple of Athena Nike or Wingless Victory. Beyond the Propylea, on the highest part of the hill, is the Acropolis' crowning glory, the Parthenon. Built between 447 and 432 BC, it was dedicated to the Virgin Athena, the patron goddess of the city. To the north of the Parthenon is the Erechtheion, a temple honouring Athena and Poseidon, God of the sea. The Porch of the Caryatids, with sculptures of lovely maidens, is one of the Acropolis' most graceful structures.

Stop to admire the Old Olympic Stadium (traffic permitting), built for the first modern Olympic games. This stadium was also used for the Marathon finish during the 2004 games.


Note: Please be advised that guests aged 17 years and under are entitled to free entrance to the Acropolis. Parents and/ or guardians should, therefore, book any 13 – 17 year olds in their party as a child ticket.  All guests between 3 and 17 years of age MUST carry their passport on the above tours in order to gain entrance to the Acropolis. Note that all minors (those under 18) must be accompanied by an adult on shore excursions. Please be advised that some of the walking at the Acropolis is very slippery and flat comfortable shoes are recommended.

The visit to the Acropolis involves climbing approximately 80 steep steps and walking along uneven pathways – comfortable non-slip shoes are recommended. The Acropolis is currently undergoing extensive restoration and parts are covered in scaffolding.

Drive across the Galata Bridge, viewing the Suleymaniye Mosque and the Galata Tower in the distance. Take the opportunity to see the old Orient Express Train Station as you drive through the city. Istanbul is a magical city, never failing to enchant its visitors with numerous treasures, ancient and modern alike.

Once the residence of the Ottoman Sultans and their harems, the Topkapi Palace now houses an incredible collection of Ottoman Costumes, the Topkapi Dagger and lavishly decorated rooms. The Treasury is filled with priceless diamonds, emeralds and gold. (Please be advised that due to the size and nature of the Treasury rooms, your guide will not give a commentary inside).

With 4,000 shops, a mosque, a school and even its own post office, banks and police station, the Grand Bazaar is the largest covered market in the world. Walk along the maze of alleys filled with jewellery, leather goods, carpets and more. You’ll have time to browse at leisure and practise your bargaining skills – it’s not only expected, it’s half the fun.

If you wish, prior to independent shopping, you may join your guide for an optional carpet demonstration.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves approximately three hours of walking over some cobbled streets and there are steps at Topkapi Palace. Please be aware of the ongoing restoration of the Topkapi Palace, which may result in some exhibits being closed. Due to the size and nature of the Bazaar you will not be accompanied by your guide inside. Heavy traffic may be experienced. On Sundays the covered section of the Grand Bazaar is closed; shopping will take place outside the Grand Bazaar and surrounding areas instead.

Corfu is more lush and verdant than most Greek islands and this is apparent as you drive through groves of olive, orange and lemon trees, interspersed with tall, graceful cypresses.

In the village of Gastouri is the Achilleion Palace, or Elisabeth's Folly. You are sure to find the views impressive and there will be time to explore the manicured, gardens, containing statues including the dramatic Dying Achilles.

Today the Mon Repos Palace, where Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh was born, has been turned into the Paleopolis Museum, housing finds from various archaeological sites. Set in beautiful gardens, the grounds have ancient Greek temples and a Byzantine town. Sweeping views of the sea from high up, add to the beauty of the location.

A stop for refreshments will be made at a local venue.

A brief photograph stop will be made near the Old Fortress of Corfu to take in views of the beautiful Old Town.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Please note that the journey is along some winding roads and this excursion does not include a guided tour of Corfu Town. You may opt to remain in the town and make your own way back to the ship, please advise your guide, if you wish to do this. There are 50 steps to visit the Gardens of Achilleion Palace and the stairs do not have handrails. Total walking time during this tour is 1½ hours. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended.

After a short ride on a motor launch, you‘ll alight and take a delightful walk through the lively area of Rio Terà San Leonardo before arriving at Campo del Ghetto, the heart of the Jewish Community of Venice.

In the 16th Century, the Jewish patrons of Venice were confined to the Ghetto after sunset, and huge gates were locked each night. Jewish residents were obliged to wear distinctive clothing, forbidden to own land, and the only profession open to them was in medicine. Though the Venetians are not proud of this history, the Ghetto has been preserved as to gain a glimpse into the life of those who once lived there.

Although today the Ghetto is home to only a few Jewish families, the ethnic flavour of the neighbourhood still remains. Some of the fine synagogues here date from the 16th Century.

The Schola Grande Tedesca, Schola Canton and Schola Levantini each represent different Jewish nationalities. The interior of the synagogues are opulently decorated with carved woodwork. You’ll have some free time for an independent visit of the little museum, where a varied collection of silver and religious objects is displayed.

Afterwards, you’ll walk back to the launch pontoon for your transfer back to the ship.


This excursion operates by motor launch and on foot. As this excursion involves extensive walking, we recommend guests wear flat, comfortable shoes. Euros and major credit cards are accepted for purchases. Entrance to the museum is included but is unguided. The synagogues visited may vary throughout the season if there are services taking place.

Your panoramic tour begins by passing through the Imperial Gate of Dolmabahçe and the Besiktas/Yildiz District. You will then reach the Bosphorus Bridge and cross over to the Asian side of Istanbul.

While passing under the bridge, your tour guide will point out the Beylerbeyi Palace and other historical sites located on the coast of the Bosphorus. The scenic drive will include the old districts of Istanbul such as Kuzguncuk.

Drive across the Galata Bridge, enjoy views of the Golden Horn, and pass under the imposing ancient Roman aqueducts that remain standing within the city. Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea or coffee in one of the city’s hotels before continuing onto Old Istanbul, passing by the beautiful Hagia Sophia and impressive Blue Mosque, for a photograph stop.

Marvel at the Hippodrome Square, once a huge stadium. A quarter of a million spectators would cheer on their favourite charioteers as they raced four-horse teams around the track.

Complete your tour with a visit to the Grand Bazaar. Your guide will escort you to a store just outside the Grand Bazaar, your rendezvous after visiting the market. View an optional carpet weaving demonstration and then explore the Grand Bazaar.


This excursion will operate by coach. This tour involves approximately 20 minutes of walking, there is a 10 minute walk from the coach to the Grand Bazaar. On Sundays the covered section of the Grand Bazaar is closed; shopping will take place outside the Grand Bazaar and surrounding areas instead.

Just behind Hadrian's Arch lie the remains of the largest Temple of Antiquity, the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Dedicated to the king and father of the gods, Zeus, it took a mammoth 700 years to complete.

From the viewpoint, gaze at the Acropolis with amazing sights of the Propylea, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon and the Erechtheion. The Sacred Way was lined with statues; the Parthenon was decorated with 92 sculptured metopes, 55 statues and a frieze 523 feet long. In the distance rises Mount Parnes, the highest mountain in Attica, and Mount Pentelikon, where Pentelic marble is quarried. Between the mountains spreads the Mesogheia Valley where grapes for retsina-resinated wine are harvested. Your Athens city drive will cover the main points of interest - both ancient and modern. You will see Hadrian's Arch, Statue of Lord Byron, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Constitution Square, the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, National Gardens, Presidential Palace, Academy and the University Library.

Refreshments and local cake will be served at a leading hotel during the tour.

There will be a short time for souvenir shopping close by the Acropolis.


This excursion will operate by coach. You are advised that the Acropolis will only be viewed from a distance. To enjoy this excursion to the full a little walking is required, with a few stairs. The Acropolis is undergoing extensive restoration and parts are covered in scaffolding.