Greek Isles and Turkish Splendours - 12 nights, October 2013

Take the children for some fun in the sun at the Water Park.

After a 20 minute drive, you’ll arrive at the Aquafelix Water Park to begin your adventure exploring the variety of attractions.

Take a dip in the wave pool (waves roll approximately every two hours), raft the river in an inflatable tube, see the waterfalls and splash in the pool especially designed for children.

For the more adventurous, there is the Black Hole, Kamikaze and other thrilling water slides. If you’re feeling hungry there is a self-service restaurant on site or you may like to relax at the bar.

Note: In order to access the adult slides, including the Black Hole, parents must complete an authorisation form (provided by local agent during the transfer) for children under 12 years old. Lockers are available for a small charge. To qualify for the child price, children must be under three feet, three inches in height. Please remember to take plenty of protection from the sun. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ and ‘Beach / Water Related’ paragraphs under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

See the highlights of Rome at a more leisurely pace. Enjoy the drive and the sights without the walking.

As you drive around Italy’s legendary capital, you will be intrigued by the stunning picture of its past and present, by the tranquil fountains that adorn the squares and streets, and by the sculptures and frescoes that cover every church.

Once in the city you take a panoramic sightseeing tour passing by the Vatican walls, which outline the area of the Vatican City, the Lungotevere and the Ara Pacis.

Next, you will pass by Muro Torto (the Roman walls), Villa Borghese and enter the old town by Porta Pinciana. Pass through Via Vittorio Veneto, symbol of the Italian ‘dolce vita’, the white marble Victor Emmanuel Momument, the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine and the Circus Maximus.

A brief stop will be made for you to photograph a building of epic proportions, The Colosseum; an image that will no doubt become a precious memento of your visit to the eternal city of Rome.

Note: All sightseeing will be done from the coach. No entrances are included. A comfort stop will be made during the one hour and 30 minute transfer to/from Rome. Guests must be able to negotiate the steps onto and off the coach.

Experience the highlights of this region in one day, including House of the Virgin Mary, Ephesus and St John’s Basilica.

Your tour begins with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, where it is said that Mary, accompanied by John the Apostle, visited at the end of her life. Upon reaching the City of Ancient Ephesus, the guided walking tour will take you through one of the most magnificent excavations in the world. Highlights will include the Fountain of Trajan, the impressive Library of Celsius and the Grand Theatre.

At the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, you will be escorted through the nine exhibits tracing the religious and chronological history of the ancient city. Filled with attractively displayed mosaics, statuary, and impeccable artefacts, the museum exhibits several marble statues of the Mother Goddess Artemis and the harvest.

A traditional luncheon will be served in a five star hotel. Afterwards, you will visit the glorious St John’s Basilica, this once great church built over a 2nd century tomb is thought to hold the remains of St John. The tour will end at a carpet shop in downtown Kusadasi; here you may wish to make the optional visit to learn about the art of Turkish carpet manufacture.

Note: There is approximately 2½ hours of walking over slippery and cobblestoned ground. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended as the tour includes extensive walking over uneven terrain and some climbing through the ruins. The tour itinerary may vary in order to avoid congestion. Drinks with luncheon, except water are not included; Euros, Sterling and US Dollars are accepted for the purchase of drinks.

Capture the true spirit of Rome as you explore some of the city’s landmarks and highlights.

Your journey from Civitavecchia takes you along the highway, through the city and into the heart of Rome.

Upon arrival, you will visit one of the grandest of all Rome’s monuments, the Colosseum. Once inside, it is easy to imagine the magnificence of ancient Rome. From one of the great viewpoints, you will see this enormous arena that once featured 76 numbered entrances, marble seats and subterranean passages where animals and other apparatus were hidden from view.

A short stroll from the Colosseum leads you to the Roman Forum (exterior view). See remains of the Senate buildings, where decisions affecting the entire Roman Empire took place. Your guided walk will continue through Venice Square and on to the Trevi Fountain.

Join the romantic custom of tossing a coin into Rome’s most famous fountain to ensure that some day you will return.

To round off your tour, you will head to the Pantheon for an exterior view of the immense columns and awe-inspiring hemispherical dome. Afterwards, free time will be given for you to enjoy the charming Piazza Navona and browse the shops and boutiques.

An Italian-style luncheon will be served to allow you to ‘refuel’ during your tour.

Note: This tour involves a substantial amount of walking and standing (approximately six hours in total). Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Please dress appropriately for entering churches.

Discover Tarquinia by bike, and sample the area’s famous ice cream.

After a short coach transfer from the port of Civitavecchia, you will follow the coastline for approximately 30 minutes until you enter one of the most important Etruscan centres of Lazio, Tarquinia.

Begin your two mile guided biking tour through the narrow streets of the historical centre of Tarquinia, which is still surrounded by its medieval walls. Discover some of the highlights of this town, including the St Francesco Church, 14th-century Town Hall Lodge, Cathedral and the 15th-century Palazzo dei Priori.

Visit a traditional Gelateria to discover the secrets of Italian ice cream making and enjoy a taste of traditional Italian ice cream.

Enjoy a short stop to browse for souvenirs in the shops located in the quaint streets of Tarquinia before your journey back to the pier.

Note: A safety briefing will be given before you commence your tour. Helmets must be worn and a parent or guardian must accompany children under the age of 18. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ paragraph under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

Embark on a panoramic sail around the old city to enjoy some free time in Cavtat, before returning to Dubrovnik by coach.

Glide away from the port of Gruz and enjoy an unforgettable boat ride on a traditional motorboat. Pass by the Fort of St Lawrence and around the city walls to view the old port, where the medieval mariners used to arrive in centuries gone by.

Sail past the Island of Lokrum, where, according to legend, Richard the Lionheart was cast ashore after being shipwrecked in 1192. Continue past the magnificent cliffs, before reaching the Bay of Zupa Dubrovacka (Parish of Dubrovnik). Refreshments of soft drinks will be served on board during the journey.

Your destination is Cavtat, situated in a bay and encircled by 2 peninsulas making it a safe harbour often frequented by numerous sailors and yacht enthusiasts. Enjoy approximately 1 hour of free time to explore the area.

Return to the ship by coach and gain an insight into the coastal beauty of the south coast of Croatia.

Note: There are nine steps to negotiate onto the boat. You are advised to wear appropriate footwear and take warm clothing on the boat. In the event of inclement weather the sea portion of the tour will be replaced by a coach drive and free time and a refund of 30% will be applied to your stateroom account.

Designed for those who prefer less walking, this tour showcases the amazing sites and includes local refreshments.

Your scenic drive will take you through the colourful town of Kusadasi, along the coast, and to the side gate of Ephesus, which allows easier access. View the ruins of Agora in Ephesus from a distance and take in the breathtaking panoramic sight of the Great Theatre, where St Paul the Apostle preached.

Continue to the Statue of Virgin Mary on the upper hill of the ancient city of Ephesus, where there will be opportunity to take photographs enroute. This is the site where the Blessed Virgin is reputed to have spent the last years of her life and was made famous by the travels of Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II.

A stop will be made at the Temple of Artemis, one of Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, before visiting the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus. Here, you will be escorted through the nine exhibits tracing the religious and chronological history of the ancient city.

Upon your return drive to Kusadasi, visit a local Turkish Ethnic Handicrafts Centre for refreshments and snacks. Relax and enjoy the hospitable welcome of the locals whilst learning about Turkish arts and culture, especially weaving styles, handiwork and symbols.

Note: There is a maximum of one hour of walking in total on this tour mostly around the Archaeological Museum. Please note that Ephesus is only viewed panoramically from outside and the visit of the open-air museum of Ephesus is NOT included. Please note that the House of Virgin Mary will NOT be visited, but the statue will be viewed en-route.

Discover Sicily’s most famous and dramatic landmark, Mount Etna, and enjoy a visit to the charming Gival Jewellery Workshop.

Take a southbound drive along the highway, passing through the villages of Santa Venerina and Zafferana Etnea. The scenery gradually grows more forbidding as you approach the Sapienza Refuge.

Considered to be a very active volcano, Mount Etna has erupted more than 130 times and is the largest and highest volcano in Europe. A stop will be made at the Silvestri Craters to take in the dramatic scenery and see the ancient lava flows. You will have a short while to explore this amazing location independently and take photographs of the foreboding scenery.

Afterwards, you will take a drive to Giarre to visit the Gival Jewellery Workshop. Upon arrival, you will be given a welcome cocktail, before enjoying a tour of the small workshop. See how individual masterpieces of fine Italian gold are made and learn how amber and shells of lava are used to make unique creations. To round off your visit, you will be offered some tasty Sicilian delicacies and an opportunity to visit the exhibition room, where you may wish to make some purchases.

Note: The journey time to Etna is around two hours. Due to time limitations, comfort breaks will not be made during the drive. The visit to Etna is half way up to the main sightseeing area only and does not go to the summit. Guests wishing to use the café restrooms at Etna are expected to make a purchase. The time spent at the volcano will be around 30 minutes. The terrain around the crater is uneven and rocky, so covered shoes with good grip are essential. A jacket is advisable. Photograph opportunities and views of and from Mt Etna are dependent on weather conditions, which can be very changeable. Euros and credit or debit cards are accepted for purchases. There are 30 steps to negotiate at the Gival Jewellery Workshop.

An excellent way to become acquainted with this historic city is on foot armed with a lightweight iPod® and a detailed map.

Enjoy an easy walking tour of the historic sights of the medieval walled city of Dubrovnik. The audio player is yours alone, so you can spend as much or as little time as you’d like at each spot. Since there are no schedules to keep, you are free to have a meal, take a break for refreshments, or hit the shops whenever you wish.

Your stereo iPod® allows you to listen to all the facts and descriptions of this beautiful city and its historic sights while walking through the streets at your own pace. Simply consult the customised map to find each location and then go to the indicated number on the player for a detailed description of the site and its history.

Follow the suggested route or set out on your own adventure, moving about the city with ease thanks to your map and audio directions. With more than 20 of the city’s most important points of interest programmed into the player, your exploration of Dubrovnik's intriguing walled city is limited only by your personal wishes.

Note: Please present photographic ID when picking up your iPod®. Meals and any admission fees are not included. Ideally, participants will be familiar with iPod® technology prior to booking this tour, but a brief explanation of the equipment will be provided at the time of its delivery. You are responsible for your own transportation to the starting point and throughout the tour. You will be informed onboard regarding the pickup and drop off time.

A private tour is the perfect solution for guests who wish to tour together and discover Ephesus.

Vehicles with an English-speaking guide and local driver are offered on tours shown below. No deviations to duration, venues if included, departure or return time can be made. 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. These are selected tour itineraries.

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 onboard account and cannot be divided between the party. Once on board, you will 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.

Entrance fees, meals, refreshments and gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.

Minibuses will take up to 12 guests.

Note: Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and number of passengers 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.

Ephesus and Highlights - There is approximately two 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.
Please refer to KU1001 for a full description of this tour.

Take a scenic countryside drive to Bracciano and visit the impressive Odescastle and tranquil lake.

Just an hour from Civitavecchia is the location of the ancient hillside town of Bracciano, dominated by the imposing Odescalchi Castle.

Odescalchi Castle was built in the second half of the 15th century and combines military architecture with a captivating elegance. The Castle is built around a central courtyard with views over the Bracciano Lake. See for yourself why Hollywood star Tom Cruise chose this fairytale location for his wedding in 2006. Following your visit to the Castle, enjoy some limited free time in Bracciano.

Afterwards, you will take a leisurely boat ride to soak up the wonderful sights and scenery. Formed within an ancient volcanic crater, the tranquil Bracciano Lake mirrors its beautiful surroundings. A refreshment will be offered before arriving on the opposite side of the Lake in Trevignano. Here, you will rejoin your coach for the return drive to Civitavecchia.

Note: There is a 10-15 minute walk from the coach parking area, through Bracciano town, to the castle. The tour of the castle involves around one hour of walking including many steps, gravel and uneven ground and a spiral staircase. Comfortable, flat non-slip shoes are essential. As Odescalchi is a private residence, this tour may be cancelled at short notice. The boat ride is subject to local weather conditions. Shops in Bracciano may be closed on Sundays.

Enjoy a Gondola ride through the Venetian canals, combined with some time to explore Venice independently.

You will be transferred from the pier by motor launch into the heart of Venice. Upon arrival, take a short walk to the gondola station and board one of the beautiful hand painted boats. You will traverse some of the smaller canals, crossed by stone bridges, and pass by balconied waterfront buildings. Relax as you glide through Venice on the city’s most famous form of transport.

Following tour Gondola experience, some free time will be given to explore Venice at your own leisure. Stroll through St Mark’s Square, admire the imposing campanile tower, view the magnificent San Giorgio Church or simply relax in one of the local cafés. You may choose to spend some time browsing through the many designer shops and boutiques.

Afterwards, rejoin your escort at the designated meeting point, for the return motor launch to the pier.

Note: There is a 15 minute walk, over some cobblestoned surfaces to the gondola station, and queues to board are likely. Please take extra care when stepping in and out of the gondolas. Guests must be reasonably agile to board the gondola. Flat, comfortable non-slip shoes are essential. Each gondola seats 6. The gondola ride will be approximately 30 minutes long and will be un-guided and without narration. This tour will not operate in heavy rain, wind or extreme tidal conditions. Please dress appropriately if entering churches. Please make a note of the meeting point and time, as the return motor launch cannot be held for latecomers.

Ephesus, once the glorious Roman capital of Asia Minor, is the site where St John and the Virgin Mary spent their last days.

Enter the magnificent site of the Ancient City of Ephesus at the Magnesia Gate. Whilst Ephesus is now deserted and in ruins, the past glories come to life as the impressive array of temples, agoras, porticoes and fountains come into view. Of particular interest are the Odeon, the Celsius Library, the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan and the Great Theatre.

Built over a 2nd century tomb believed to hold St John the Evangelist, St John's Basilica was once topped with eleven domes and rivalled Istanbul’s St Sophia Basilica in scale. The church is now in ruins, but there are many frescoes, mosaics and columns that attest to the glory that once marked this holy place.

The scenic drive, past countryside cultivated with olive groves, vineyards, tobacco and cotton plantations, will come to life as your guide takes you to the former site of the Temple of Artemis for a memorable photograph stop.

The tour will end at a carpet shop in downtown Kusadasi. This is an optional visit to learn about the art of Turkish carpet manufacture. Those not wishing to visit may wish to explore independently or return directly to the ship.

Note: There is approximately two 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.

Discover the Virgin Mary Monastery and the Theotoky Estate for a tour and wine tasting before a visit to Corfu Town.

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.

Note: 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.

Dominating the Athenian landscape, the Acropolis is unsurpassed in its beauty, architectural splendour and historic importance.

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.

There will be a short time for souvenir shopping in the area close to the Acropolis.

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 refer to the port’s important information regarding children aged 13-17 years. 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.