Mediterranean Odyssey - 12 nights, November 2013

Dominating the Athenian landscape, the Acropolis is unsurpassed in its beauty, architectural splendour and historic importance. Your guided tour of the Acropolis will include headsets to enhance your visit and begins with a walk up the upper city entrance through the Propylea.

Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the National Archaeological Museum. Marvel at the perfection, presence and power of the bronze statue of Poseidon and consider the excitement felt by Schliemann at Mycenae when he discovered the so-called death mask of Agamemnon along with a plethora of gold items.

Overlooked by the mighty monuments of the Acropolis stands the famous shopping district of Athens, The Plaka. The mazy and cobble-stoned pedestrian streets are a haven, which hide numerous plazas filled with boutiques and shops of every description.

After free time in the Plaka, luncheon will be served in one of the most unique restaurants in Athens. The restaurant produces food to traditional recipes as eaten by the population of ancient Greece. Dine as Gods of Ancient Greece - in a truly unique and unforgettable experience.



This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Please refer to the port’s important information for children aged 13-17 years. 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. The Acropolis is currently undergoing extensive restoration and parts are covered in scaffolding.

Take a guided walk through the rocky ruins of the excavated city of Pompeii. The baths and the theatres, the wrestling ground and the luxurious villas stand empty, yet there are many echoes of Pompeii's daily life; the wine jars are still set on the counter of the wine shop, the stepping stones are there to help you cross the street in the rainy season, and the mosaic floors and brilliant frescoes are a wonder to this very day. The plaster casts of the volcano's victims are particularly poignant and one can never forget the horrible events that brought life in Pompeii to an end.

Your guide will recount the fascinating story of Pompeii, its demise and how it has been miraculously excavated and restored over hundreds of years.

During your drive to Pompeii, you will have views of Vesuvius, the still-active volcano located about 15 miles south east of Naples.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. A substantial amount of walking is required on this tour and surfaces are uneven and cobbled. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are essential. Pushchairs are not recommended at Pompeii. Toilet facilities are limited.

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.

Visit the recently excavated Terrace Houses, also referred to as ‘the houses of the rich’. The wealthy and important people of Ephesus resided in these houses, which appeared very plain from the outside. However inside they were decorated with mosaic flooring and frescoes. Excavations of the Terrace Houses started in 1960 and are still continuing today.

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.

A traditional luncheon will be served in a five star hotel before the return drive to Kusadasi. Once back in downtown Kusadasi you will have the option of visiting a local carpet store for a carpet demonstration or returning directly to the ship.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately three hours of walking over slippery and cobblestoned ground, with uneven terrain and some climbing required through the ruins. There are approximately 20 steps at the entrance to the Terrace Houses plus many steps inside to reach the different levels. The tour itinerary may vary in order to avoid congestion. Soft drinks and water are included with luncheon; any alcoholic drinks must be purchased. Euros, Sterling and US Dollars are accepted.

Enjoy approximately two hours in the charming hillside town of Taormina to explore, shop for souvenirs or just sit in one of the many street cafés and watch the world go by.

Due to large vehicle restrictions, your coach will stop in the underground parking area, where you will take the lifts to street level and the Square of Porta Catania.

This tour is unguided, so please pay close attention to the pick-up point and time, as coaches cannot be held for latecomers. Entrance fees to the Greek-Roman Theatre are not included.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Guests are advised that although the walking is optional, the terrain is mostly cobbled and uneven around the town. Lifts must be used from the parking area to access the town centre. If queues form for the use of the lift, then the return to the parking area will be via 140 steps. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The duration of free time is approximate and dependant on local conditions. Taormina is a popular destination, which can be very crowded in peak season. Guests wishing to use the cafe restrooms in Taormina are expected to make a purchase. Euros and credit or debit cards are accepted for purchases.

The capital of Minoan Crete was the largest and most sophisticated palace on the island. It contained over 1,000 rooms and enjoyed the comforts of an elaborate drainage system, flushing toilets and paved roads. In legend, Knossos was believed to be the setting of an underground labyrinth, designed to imprison the mythical Minotaur. This half-man, half-bull was born of King Minos’ wife and slain by Theseus. Your guided tour will take you through the ruins of the ancient capital of Minoan Crete.

An hour's drive, through the ever-changing Cretan countryside, will bring you to Aghios Nikolaos, one of the island's most famous resorts. Boasting a superb setting on the Bay of Mirabello, built around the harbour and Lake Voulismeni, now interconnected by canals, the area is filled with a variety of shops and cafés of every description and you'll have approximately one hour to explore for souvenirs of your visit. A typical Greek luncheon with wine and coffee will be served in a local restaurant.

A stop will be made at a vantage point for you to admire the islet of Spinalonga; this former leper colony is dominated by a Venetian fortress.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Knossos will be explored on foot over uneven and rough ground and there are around 15 steps to be negotiated in various places. Flash photography is not permitted at the archaeological site. Some shops in Aghios Nikolaos may be closed during low season.

Begin your day by exploring the ancient site of Tralles. Situated close to the city of Aydin, Tralles was founded by the Argians and the Thracians and was handed back and forth frequently between the Hellenistic kingdoms following the conquest of Alexander the Great in 334 B.C.

Visit the newly opened Aydin Museum filled with works mainly collected from the ruins of the ancient city of Tralles; the first settlement of the area. On display are archaeological finds, coins and metals from a variety of civilisations, textiles, jewellery and household items.

The site of Magnesia is your next stop. According to legend and historians, this ancient city was founded by a tribe called the Magets from Thessaly who built the city in 400 B.C. because they required a fortified city to defend themselves against the Persians. In Magnesia’s Hellenistic period it was ruled by the Seleucids and the Kingdom of Pergamon respectively.

Upon returning to Kusadasi you will have the option of visiting a carpet shop to learn about the art of Turkish carpet manufacture or returning directly to the ship.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately 2 hours of walking over uneven, slippery and cobblestoned ground. Please watch your step at all times and due to the nature of the sites, flat comfortable shoes are recommended. The order of highlights on this tour may vary to avoid congestion.

Discover ‘sacred’ Olympia, steeped in ancient myth and legend. The Olympic Games are believed to have originated here in 776 BC. Every four years, the Olympic flame is relit and delivered to the Games’ ‘host’ city. Stroll the deserted sanctuary with its temples, altars and treasuries, all overlooked by masses of trees, said to have been planted by Hercules to mark the boundaries of his father's domain. Walk, or for the more active, run the original course in the stadium with its marble starting blocks still intact.

Thought to be one of the most important Museums in Greece, the Archaeological Museum of Olympia is host to a collection of priceless treasures unearthed during archaeological excavations. The Museum offers many awe-inspiring exhibits including the remains of the pediments to the Temple of Zeus, which housed one of the seven wonders of the world, the gold and ivory statue of the God. The marble statue of Hermes, thought to date back to 330 BC will also leave you spellbound with its perfection.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is over two hours of walking on this tour over some gravel pathways and steps. Flash photography is not permitted inside the Museum. To reach the Museum of Olympia, there is a walk of 400 yards on a slight incline, and over a bridge with 30 steps.

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.

This private people carrier tour will allow you to take in the ancient site of Ephesus with family or friends.

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 11 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 photo 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. Alternatively you may wish to explore independently or return directly to the ship.


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.

A short drive from the harbour takes you to Mykonos Town where you will board the local ferry for a 40 minute leisurely sail to the Island of Delos.

According to mythology, the small island of Delos, meaning 'revealed', appeared amid the waves, so that Leto, the mistress to Zeus would have a place to give birth to her twins, the God Apollo and Goddess Artemis.

The island is protected by UNESCO and is part of the World's Cultural Heritage. Through the centuries, varying rulers have developed the area both commercially and spiritually, by building impressive temples, sanctuaries and numerous statues. Today, the landscape is peppered with ruins including a stadium, tiers of theatre seats, fallen columns and partial mosaics which adorned the houses of the rich. Amongst the ruins, five marble lions stand majestically in a row. Other interesting monuments spread over a wide area are the Agora, the treasures of the various cities, the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Sanctuary of the Foreign Gods and the Sacred Mount Cynthus.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Guests are advised there is approximately two hours of walking over uneven terrain. Comfortable walking shoes, hats and sun protection are strongly recommended. The tour will end in Mykonos Town and guests will be given the option to return to the ship by shuttle bus or to further explore the town and return at their leisure.This tour is weather dependent.

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.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. 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.

The dramatic landscape of Attica has always been a source of inspiration to gods and mortals alike. Enjoy unparalleled views of the island-studded Aegean Sea and travel to the southernmost point of Continental Europe, Cape Sounion, where you will be shown some of the marvellous vistas Attica offers. Bordered by the sea on three sides, its sharply indented coastline is fringed with beautiful beaches. The remoter parts twinkle with the purest of lights, sharply outlining the mountains, sea and plain, but if anything was ever truly classical, it is the landscape of Attica.

High on a cliff, overlooking the Aegean Sea, stands the imposing Temple of Poseidon, dedicated to the god of the sea, Poseidon. Your guide will take you up the rocky path to the temple, built in the 5th century BC. The setting on beautiful Cape Sounion may inspire you as much as it did Lord Byron, the famous 19th century poet, who inscribed his name on the columns.

A stop for refreshments of either a glass of 'ouzo' or local wine, with a small 'meze' will be made at a leading venue near Cape Sounion.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. You are advised that the pathway leading to the Temple of Poseidon is uneven with an incline and there are steps to be negotiated. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended. The walk up to the Temple is optional. The drive to Cape Sounion takes approximately 1¼ hours each way.

Embark on an hours’ leisurely drive along the Ionian Coast towards Taormina. Follow the bay en route to Giardini Naxos, the first Greek colony in Sicily which overlooks the beautiful towns of Taormina and Castelmola. En route you’ll pass local villages affording panoramic views of the Straight of Messina, Mediterranean flowers, orange and lemon trees.

Upon arrival at the beach, you’ll have approximately 2½ hours to enjoy the Naxos seaside. Your escort will give you an introduction to the area, the beach and facilities available to you.

After your stay, you’ll meet at the agreed time for the return drive to the ship.


BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS
For any excursion involving water, guests are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Guests are reminded to wear swimwear, take a towel, sunscreen and water. Sun beds are complimentary, shower and changing rooms are available. Please refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages prior to any swimming activities. There may be independent suppliers on the beach that offer watersports. These are provided by parties unconnected to Cunard.

Heading towards Zafferana, your drive will take you south along the motorway. You will pass through the village of Santa Venerina, where the scenery gradually grows more forbidding.

Situated on the eastern outskirts of the Mount Etna region, the small village of Zafferana Etnea boasts some wild and beautiful scenery. Your drive will take you to the remains of the lava flows of 1992, for a brief photograph stop. Enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Catania, overwhelmed by an eruption 300 years ago, and the views of the slopes of Mount Etna (weather permitting). This active volcano is the largest in Europe. At 10,723 feet high, with a cone measuring 25 miles wide, it has erupted over 130 times.

Afterwards, you will continue to a local hotel for some welcome refreshments, before taking the return drive back to Messina.


This excursion will operate by coach. The drive from Messina to Zafferana is approximately 1½ hours each way, traffic permitting. Traffic can be heavy in and around Messina and delays may be experienced. Views of Mount Etna and surrounding areas are dependent on local weather conditions. This tour only takes in the outskirts of the Mount Etna slopes and does not visit the summit of Mount Etna.

Cosmopolitan Mykonos is probably the most well-known and talked about of all the Greek islands. The town rises in a natural amphitheatre style, set around a half moon bay. The small narrow streets are a labyrinth of whitewashed walls and hanging bougainvillea. You will certainly appreciate why the layout is so confusing, as it was designed to foil attacking pirates.

After a short coach transfer, your guide will navigate you through the maze of streets lined with exclusive boutiques and cafés to the Aegean Maritime Museum. Set in a traditional family house, this small but intriguing museum houses models of sailing crafts and ships from ancient times. In the back garden is the restored first lighthouse of Mykonos from the 19th century.

Photograph stops will include the island's most famous church, the Paraportiani, Little Venice, offering sweeping views of the Aegean and the famous sight of the old windmills. During the walking tour a stop will be made for some cooling refreshments.

The guided tour will finish at the sea front of Mykonos Town where you will be given the option of either returning to the ship by shuttle bus from the edge of town or staying to further explore on your own and returning at leisure.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Comfortable shoes, a hat and sun protection is strongly recommended.

Head inland through some of the small agricultural villages, which farm the fertile soils of the plains of Elis.

Discover one of Katakolon's oldest established wineries, Domain Mercouri, which has a rich history in producing both wine and olive oil.

You will be taken on a tour of the family-run estate with its intriguing mix of old and new equipment, including the wine cellar and the olive presses. The family museum hosts a collection of various old agricultural tools, used on the estate over the years.

Continuing your journey of the winemaking process, you will head for the nearby vineyards, which border the crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea.

On your return to the main buildings, let your taste buds be tantalised by a tasting of local produce, including the estate's wine, olive oil and a small selection of local snacks, including fresh bread and feta cheese.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The visit to the winery involves a certain amount of walking, over mainly flat ground, with some steps and gravel. There is a steep slope heading to the cellar. In the winery, no working machinery will be seen.