Adriatic and Black Sea Explorer - 12 nights, September 2013

This tour offers a spectacular view of Istanbul as you cross the Bosphorous Bridge between the two continents.

The beautiful Beylerbeyi Summer Palace has attracted such guests as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and Empress Eugenie of France. Built between 1860 and 1865 by Sultan Abdul Aziz, the Palace is designed in ornate Baroque style and has two bathing pavilions - one for the harem and the other for the men.

Your guide will give you an insight into the Palace and recount events, including the time the Sultan's mother slapped the face of Empress Eugenie for daring to enter the Palace on the arm of Abdul Aziz. As you tour this magnificent building, you will see all its attractive features; such as the reception hall with its pool and fountain; the large Bohemian crystal chandeliers and the beautiful Turkish carpets.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There are approximately 52 steps inside the Palace. Photography is prohibited inside the Beylerbeyi Summer Palace. Protective over-shoes will be provided at the Palace entrance for use inside. Heavy traffic may be experienced.

Greet your guide to begin a gentle stroll along the cobbled streets to view the popular sights of Nessebur. In the town that is said to have more churches per capita than anywhere else in the world, compare the rich exterior of the 14th Century St John the Alliturgetos Church to the 11th century medieval Church of St Stephen. A visit to the Church of the Pantocrator demonstrates the mix of mid-Eastern architectural styles with the medieval Bulgarian and Byzantine motifs.

Sit back and relax as you drive past the salt pans and neighbouring port of Bourgas to the ancient town of Sozopol, founded in 610BC by the Greeks. Situated on a rocky peninsular this fishing village is one of the most charming places on the Bulgarian coast.

Make your way along the narrow cobblestone streets to the Archaeological Museum, where you’ll see exhibits of ceramic vessels, marble gravestones and detailed copies of antique ships. Continue with a visit to the 17th century Church of the Holy Virgin to admire the beautiful wood-carved iconostasis and bishop’s throne which are examples of one of the country’s foremost art schools. Round off your Bulgarian experience with a delicious lunch of selected dishes prepared using local recipes.



This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately 2 hours of walking on this tour over inclined cobblestoned walkways. There are approximately 80 steps to negotiate throughout this tour. There is a 2 Euro video/camera fee inside the Church of St Stephen.

Your scenic drive takes you to the imposing square of Catherine the Great and the popular Primorsky Boulevard, where you can enjoy a stroll from the top of the famous Potemkin Staircase. At the eastern end of the Boulevard stands the Pushkin Statue and opposite the statue is the imposing white colonnaded Odessa City Hall. After viewing the exterior of the famous Opera House, re-board your coach for a drive around the city.

Pass by Kulikovo Pole, the main official square of Odessa, where military parades and public celebrations took place. Nearby, you can enjoy the best views of the Neo-Byzantine Panteleimonovsky Church with its five onion-shaped, silver domes and pointed bell tower. Pass the resort area to Shevchenko Park, located not far from downtown. The highlight of the Park is the Alley of Glory with the 70 foot high Monument to the Unknown Sailor, commemorating the defenders of Odessa in World War II.

The return drive to the city centre takes you to Sobornaya Square to view the impressive Preobrazhensky Cathedral, and enjoy free time to browse for souvenirs amongst the street vendors. Take a leisurely stroll along the nearby pedestrian street, Deribassovskaya, where the tree-filled City Garden is located.


This tour will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves approximately two hours of walking over paved and cobbled surfaces with some steps. US Dollars/Euros are accepted for purchases.

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.

Your scenic drive takes you along the coastal highway for a panoramic view of the city walls, ancient rooftops and picturesque surroundings.

Continue with a walking tour of the city, which is on UNESCO's List of World Patrimony due to its exceptional beauty and rich cultural heritage. This ancient town, surrounded by strong ramparts and fortresses, is a treasure-trove of architectural and cultural masterpieces.

The pleasant walk will take you past the Rector's Palace and the Franciscan Monastery, with visits to the Dominican Monastery and the Cathedral.

The Sponza Palace, Church of St Blaise, Bell Tower and Fountain of Onofrio will all be viewed from the outside.

There will be free time for independent sightseeing and shopping before returning to the ship.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The majority of this tour is on foot, over flat, smooth surfaces, although there are steps at the museum entrances. Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended.

Your scenic drive takes you through the modern area of Istanbul, travelling to the heart of the new city passing Taksim Square. View the Dolmabahçe Palace and the famous five star hotels as you drive through modern Istanbul and on to the old city where you will view the Suleymaniye Mosque, Roman Aquaducts and the old city walls.

Enjoy a photograph stop to take in the magnificence of The Blue Mosque, also known as the ‘Sultan Ahmet Mosque’. View the obelisks in the Byzantine Hippodrome. Once at the heart of Constantinople’s political and sporting life, it is now a tranquil city park. St Sophia, built in the 6th century is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture. Prior to becoming a museum in the early Republican years it was previously a church and mosque.

On the return drive enjoy a panoramic view of the Marmara Sea. Afterwards relax with a soft drink, coffee or tea in the old city at a local café. Complete your tour with an optional carpet weaving demonstration and then some free time to explore the famous Grand Bazaar.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves walking at your own pace at the Bazaar and a ten minute walk from the coach. You will not be accompanied by your guide inside the Grand Bazaar. The sequence of the excursion highlights may vary and heavy traffic may be experienced. On Sundays the covered section of the Grand Bazaar is closed; shopping will take place outside and around the Grand Bazaar instead.

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.

The Ottoman sultans lived in the rambling Topkapi Palace and Treasury for nearly 400 years amidst luxury and splendour. The Treasury is filled with priceless jewels. (Due to the size and nature of the Treasury rooms, your guide will not provide commentary inside).

Visit St Sophia Church, formerly a basilica, then a mosque and now a museum. (Some internal restoration work is currently underway).

The Blue Mosque of Sultan Ahmet houses 20,000 blue-glazed tiles, which shine as the daylight streams through beautiful stained-glass windows.

The inspiration for the Hippodrome Square was the great Circus in Rome and was the scene of exciting chariot races and contests. Statues from every corner of the Roman Empire decorated the Hippodrome and you can still view the two obelisks, the Serpentine Column and the Ottoman Fountain.

Your last stop is the famous Grand Bazaar. Your guide will escort you to a store just outside the Grand Bazaar, your rendezvous point after experiencing the marketplace. Enjoy an optional carpet-weaving demonstration and then explore the Grand Bazaar.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves approximately 4½ hours of walking and several steps. Due to the popularity of the venues, they can become crowded. Shoulders and knees must be covered in the mosques and shoes removed. Professional and flash photography are not permitted inside the mosques. There is ongoing restoration of the Topkapi Palace, which may result in some exhibits being closed. On Sundays the covered section of the Grand Bazaar is closed; shopping will take place outside and around the Grand Bazaar instead.

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.

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.

A 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, departure or return time 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 persons credit card. Once onboard, 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.

Dominating the Athenian landscape, the Acropolis is rich in beauty, architectural splendour and historic importance. Your guided tour of the Acropolis begins with a walk up the steep steps to the upper city entrance, through the Propylea, extending 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’ crowning glory, the Parthenon.

Enjoy free time at the Plaka to further explore the delights of Athens. The narrow cobble-stoned streets are lined with neo-classical buildings and tempting shops. View the Old Olympic Stadium (traffic permitting), built for the first modern Olympic games. The stadium was also used for the Marathon finish and archery during the 2004 games.

You’ll drive past a wealth of important sites, including Hadrian’s Arch, Statue of Lord Byron, Temple of Olympian Zeus, National Gardens, Academy and the University Library.


Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and number of guests in your party. Request only one ticket per group and not the number in your party. 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.

The visit to the Acropolis involves climbing approximately 80 steep, marble steps and walking along uneven pathways; comfortable non-slip shoes are recommended. The Plaka area will be explored on foot. Luncheon is not included, so please remember to take sufficient Euros. The Acropolis is undergoing extensive restoration and parts are covered in scaffolding.

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.

Paleokastritsa consists of six small coves with incredibly turquoise water, nestling in a coastline of hills and promontories, draped in olive, cypress and lemon trees. Legend tells us that this is the location where Odysseus met Nausica after his final shipwreck. Here you will visit The Monastery of the Virgin Mary which is located on a cliff and inhabited by monks. It was founded in 1228 but the present day complex was erected in the 18th century and offers unrivalled views of the area.

Situated in the fertile Ropa Valley and owned by one of the oldest families on the island is the Theotoky Estate. The Estate produces some of the best wine on the island as well as the most sought after olive oil. Experience the production process for both the wine and olive oil, followed by a sampling of the wine with some local cheese, fresh bread, olive oil and olives grown on the Estate. At the end of your visit there will be the opportunity to purchase wines and olive oil from the Estate.

The Town of Corfu is bustling, elegant, often charming and sometimes bewildering, and combines the picturesque ambience of a medieval town with many of the comforts of a modern resort. You will have a guided tour of the Old Town and some free time to explore on your own.

This tour will include a brief stop outside the Church of St Spyridon, the Patron Saint of the Island, to view the church and its distinctive bell tower.


This excursion will operate be coach and on foot.The town of Corfu will be explored on foot and involves walking over level terrain. Respectful attire must be worn when visiting the Monastery. Please note that ladies must have their shoulders covered and shorts are not permitted. There are up to 15 steps to negotiate at the Virgin Mary Monastery. Photography and filming are not permitted in the Monastery of the Virgin Mary.

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.

Explore medieval Nessebur on foot in the company of a knowledgeable guide. There is no better way to discover the rich legacy of Nessebur than to walk through its narrow streets and visit this ‘museum town’ listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pass by the Church of St Pantocrator, St John the Baptist Church and the Church of St Sofia, all worthy photograph stops, before a visit to the 11th century Church of St Stephen to marvel at over 258 mural paintings.

Continue by coach onto Bourgas, once a small fishermen’s village in the 18th century. The port of Bourgas was the largest one in the southern Balkans and has a beautiful location on the Black Sea bay surrounded by three picturesque lakes. Enjoy a Bulgarian style lunch upon arrival before a panoramic drive through its downtown to the Archaeological Museum. The Museum is housed in one of the oldest buildings in the downtown area and displays artefacts dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries BC that represent the Hellenic and Roman époques.

Visit the Museum of Ethnography located in a beautiful house dating from the middle of the 19th century, still in its original shape and containing its original furniture. Have some free time at leisure to browse for local souvenirs and practice bargaining skills.



This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is over 2 hours of walking on this tour with 60 steps to negotiate in Nessebur and some steps at the entrance of both Museums. There is a 2 Euro video/camera fee inside the Church of St Stephen.

Enjoy a scenic drive to the pretty resort town of Çeşme. The town of Çeşme is considered to be one of Turkey's most prominent centres of international tourism, and was ranked 8th by the New York Times in ‘The 31 Places to Go in 2010’. The name Çeşme means ‘fountain’ which is said to stem from the many Ottoman fountains scattered across the city.

Disembark your coach and begin a guided walking tour, following your guide as they lead you to Çeşme Castle. Built in 1508 by Bayezid II, the castle dominates the town with its six towers and moats on three sides. A statue of Cezayirli Gazi Hasan Pasha, one of the naval commanders of the Battle of Chesma, stands in front of the castle, and is depicted facing the town square and caressing his famous pet lion.

After your visit of the castle, walk back to the town centre of Çeşme, pausing to view the Church of Agios Haralambos en route.

Enjoy free time to stroll through the beautiful marina, stopping to admire the many yachts and sailing boats, or relax with a drink in one of the cafés situated along the seafront promenade.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The drive to Çeşme is approximately 1¼ hours each way. There is approximately 1½ hours of walking on this tour, however guests can choose to opt out of the guided walking tour if they wish. At Çeşme Castle there are uneven surfaces and numerous steep marble steps, therefore flat comfortable footwear is recommended.