Taste of the Aegean Cruise Mykonos – Athens | 4 Days

Arrival in Kusadasi at 07:00.

Departure from Kusadasi at 13:00.

Arrival in Patmos at 16:30.

Departure from Patmos at 21:30.

Half Day Shore Excursion Kusadasi – Ancient Ephesus through the ages – Hellinistic and Roman.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arrival in Heraklion at 07:00.

Departure from Heraklion at 12:00.

Arrival in Santorini at 16:30.

Departure from Santorini at 21:30.

Half Day Shore Excursion Heraklion – Minoan Palace of Knossos.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arrival in Lavrion at 06:00.

Included only during the shore excursions

Shore excursions include:

Ancient Ephesus through the ages, Kusadasi

Duration: Half Day

This is a wonderful journey through some of the most important and formative periods of history and we hope you will be enthralled by the stories of the Hellenes, Romans and of Christianity in our fascinating exploration of Ephesus. This marvellous city, sitting on the hills outside Kusadasi is a fabulous open air archaeological wonder founded by the Greeks around 2000 BC. It was one of the most important cities of the region and was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. The Temple built in her honour was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It had more than 100 marble pillars each standing 56 feet tall and it earned the city the name ‘Servant of the Goddess.’ A single pillar remains standing on the site, found during an excavation in the 1870s. We will be able to see the Agora, Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the marvel-paved Main Street of Curetes, the Baths of Scholastica, Trajan’s Fountain, the Temple of Hadrian and the Houses of Koressus, where the wealthy families of Ancient Ephesus lived. Only 13 per cent of Ephesus has so far been uncovered. The finds from the excavations made so far are housed in the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus in the city of Selcuk. We have time for shopping for carpets, jewellery, leather and other souvenirs at the end of our tour.

Minoan Palace of Knossos, Crete

Duration: Half Day

The ancient city of Knossos, near Crete’s capital Heraklion, was the place that ‘gave birth’ to the very first civilisation of Europe, the Minoans. So we can say with some certainty it is Europe’s oldest city.

Our excursion will open up the world of the Minoans as we visit one of the continent’s most important archaeological treasures. The first excavations were undertaken in the 1870s by Minos Kalokairinos, a Cretan himself. A few decades later in the early 1900s, more work by Sir Arthur Evans from Britain brought to the world’s attention the full impressive scale of the Palace of Knossos, according to legend the residence of wise King Minos. We will be able to explore the large Central Court, the wonderful Throne Room, the imposing Grand Staircase and see the fresco of the ‘Prince of the Lilies.’ As you stroll through the palace apartments and view the archaeological fi nds, we think you will be just a little in awe of the rich cultural heritage of the Minoan civilisation. You will undoubtedly hear the Cretan legend of the Minotaur, half man, half bull who lived in the Labyrinth and was slain by Theseus. But that’s another story. Exploring from room to room we will relive time in the Hall of the Royal Guard and the King’s Chamber, hearing about the extraordinary rule of King Minos.

2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Optional Shore Excursions:

• Mykonos:
  • Mykonian Dinner – $133 per person
  • Mykonian Countryside tour with Chora and Little Venice – $114 per person
• Kusadasi:
  • House of Virgin Mary & Ancient Ephesus – $126 per person
  • Ancient Ephesus and the Terrace Houses – $126 per person
• Patmos:
  • Religious visit to St John’s Monastery – Grotto of Apocalypse – $114 per person
  • Countryside Tour with Chora and the Grotto of Apocalypse – $114 per person
  • Transfer to Agriolivadi Beach – Sold On Board Only
  • Traditional Feast in Patmos – $99 per person
• Heraklion:
  • Minoan Palace of Knossos – 1st European Civilisation – $126 per person
  • Experience the Cretan Countryside and Lifestyle – $126 per person
  • Venetian Heraklion and the Unique Archaeological Museum – $114 per person
• Santorini:
  • Spectacular Oia Village perched on the Caldera Rim – $126 per person
  • Cruise to Santorini’s Islands and Volcanoes – $117 per person
  • Akrotiri Village excavations – $126 per person
• Athens:
  • Athens Monuments and the Acropolis – $133 per person
  • Athens Tour and the New Acropolis Museum – $133 per person

All inclusive drinks package: includes unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for adults and unlimited non- alcoholic drinks for children under 18 years.

Port taxes & services charges

Passport and visa fees

Gratuities of any nature

Passengers’ personal expenses

Any items of personal nature