7-night A Journey Through Ionian Shores & Cycladic Beauty

Piraeus: The Ancient City of Athens - 8 Hours

Dominated by the remarkable Parthenon, which has stood for over 2,000 years, Athens is a city of major architectural and archaeological treasures. At Piraeus Port you will receive a warm welcome from your guide and driver who provides a captivating insight into the city’s history and culture during your full day tour.

For most, the highlight of a visit to Athens is the world famous Acropolis and the Parthenon. Dedicated to the Goddess Athena, it is one of the most important ancient monuments in the Western world. This afternoon, delight in the mesmerising display of eclectic Greek and Oriental art at the Benaki Museum. Complete your day with a drive past the Panethenaic Stadium, the pure marble masterpiece that served as the original site for the modern Olympics. At the end of the tour you are privately transferred back to your cruise ship.

Highlights:

• Ascend the Acropolis to the Parthenon, one of the most important ancient monuments in the Western world
• Tour the Benaki Museum

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local guide for 8 hours
• Entrance fees to all sights and museums
  All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Piraeus: Cape Sounion - 5 hours

Meet your guide as you disembark your cruise ship in Piraeus and venture along the scenic coast to Cape Sounion where you visit the ancient ruined Temple of Poseidon. This temple is believed to date from the 5th century BC and was built to honour Poseidon, who ranked second only to Athena herself in terms of power. The Temple enjoys an impressive position, high on the cliffs, and has, over the centuries, been marked by many travellers’ carved signatures, including that of Lord Byron. After touring the site, you return to your cruise ship in Piraeus.

Highlights:

• Venture along the coast to Cape Sounion to the ancient ruins of the Temple of Poseidon

Bari: Polignano a Mare & Monopoli - 5 hours

Today you will have the chance to visit Polignano a Mare, a shining gem on the coast of the Valle d’Itria, perched atop a 20 metre-high limestone cliff above the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic.

Continue to Monopoli, whose history has been thoroughly influenced by its east-facing position and its fortified sea-front walls and castle. Visit the colourful street market, the cathedral and the elegant bell tower that is over 60 metres high, completely dominating the town below.

Walk down the sea front promenade, where you will visit the church of Santa Maria della Zaffira and take a look at Monopoli’s harbour with it’s fishermen mending their nets or unloading the day's catch.

Highlights:

• Perched atop a 20 metre-high limestone cliff Polignano a Mare makes for a fascinating stop
• Walk along Monopoli’s sea-front promenade, with its colourful street market and fishermen unloading the day’s catch  

• Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
• An expert local guide (5 hours)
• Entrance fees
• All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Bari: Locorotondo & Alberobello - 5 hours

You will visit Locorotondo where you will see the architecture typical of the region with white-washed, stone buildings with cool, shaded, cave-like interiors, narrow streets and churches. The town also features several community squares, each of which are built on the edge of the hill allowing for some spectacular views.

Afterwards you will visit Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alberobello represents the heart of the Itria Valley. The city was founded in the 15th-century by the Counts of Acquaviva. The image of the trullo in Alberobello has always been associated with Puglia, where the deep roots of Alberobello act as one of the most typical expressions of the area. The trullo is a construction with a central round or square base of dry stone and at its summit a cone-shaped roof.

Highlights:

• Visit Locorotondo, whose historical centre contains charming white-washed stone buildings
• Explore Alberobello the UNESCO World Heritage Site characterised by the Trullo cone-shaped roofs

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local guide throughout (5 hours)
• Entrance fees
• All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Bari: Ancient Matera - 8 hours

Spend a full day soaking up the unique ambience of Matera. Venture down the steep streets that crisscross Barisano and Caveoso, the two districts of Matera's sassi (literally the "stones"). Visit a house furnished as it would have been when as many as ten people lived with their animals in one or two rooms. Explore the chiese rupestri, or rock churches, some of which still have their original fresco decorations. After lunch on your own, head out on an easy hike along the opposite ridge of the ravine on which Matera is built and discover some of the rock churches that dot the countryside.

Please note: Matera involves steep walking

Highlights:

• Soak up the unique ambience of Matera and its ancient centre 
• Hike to discover the nearby rock churches that dot the countryside

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local guide throughout (8 hours)
• Entrance fees
• All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Bari: Highlights of Puglia & Cheese Tasting - 8 hours

Today you will meet your English-speaking guide for a full day excursion of “Valle d’Itria”. You will visit Alberobello which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was founded in the 15th-century by the Counts of Acquaviva. The image of the trullo in Alberobello has always been associated with Puglia. The trullo is a construction with a central round or square base of dry stone and a con-shaped roof.

Afterwards you will visit Locorotondo where you will see the architecture typical of the region with white-washed, stone buildings with cool, shaded, cave-like interiors, narrow streets and churches. The town also features several community squares, each of which are built on the edge of the hill allowing for some spectacular views.

Next visit to a local cheese production where you will see the different phases of how different cheeses are made. After the visit you will enjoy an informal cheese tasting with a buffet where you will taste the local products.

Finally, visit Polignano a Mare, shining gem on the coast of the Valle d’Itria, perched atop a 20 metre-high limestone cliff above the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic, Polignano a Mare truly lives up to its name and literally could not be any more ‘at sea’!

Highlights:

• Tour the charming and architecturally impressive villages of Alberobello and Locorotondo
• Experience the authentic taste of Puglia with a cheese tasting that includes various local products

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local guide throughout (8 hours)
• Cheese tasting
• Entrance fees
• All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Mykonos Island Tour - Half Day Tour

Guests will be met by our English speaking guide to commence the tour. Upon completion of the tour, transfer will be provided back to the ship.

During this tour you will see and visit the most interesting places of the island. First destination is the beach of Saint Ioannis with the picturesque little church. At this quaint little church you will be able to see the interior of a typical Greek Church (more than four hundred on the island).

Following the route past Ornos beach, San Stefano beach, and Tourlos harbour continuing to the distant beaches of Kalafatis and Santa Anna. Later on you will have the opportunity to visit the village of Ano Mera, which is well known for the monastery Panagia Tourliani and the typical little square surrounded by traditional Greek taverns. After visiting the monastery and enjoying the magnificent views, we shall return to Mykonos town.

Starting from the Yacht club at old port you will stroll around the narrow alleys of Mykonos, visiting Manto Mavrogenous square, the unique church of Parapaportiani, the lovely Little Venice, the magnificent Windmills. The numerous souvenir shops, the cafes at the waterfront were you can see the pelicans being fed from people, create a unique atmosphere that no one can forget. Colours such as blue and white remind that the island has remained untouched throughout the years. Free time at the end is recommended.

Upon completion of the tour, you will be transferred back to the port of Mykonos.

Mykonos: Stunning Mykonos - 4 hours

Mykonos town is best known for its whitewashed buildings and today you have an introductory tour through its labyrinth of cobbled streets. Meet your driver and guide at the port before seeing the iconic windmills and the area known as Little Venice, where coloured balconies adorn the white facades and hang above the lapping waves. If of interest, you may like to visit the Maritime Museum, which exhibits ship models from the early Minoan period until the 20th century. Alternatively, you could explore the many jewellery shops and boutiques. Finish your tour with a visit to a traditional local bakery before your private transfer back to your cruise ship.

Highlights:

• Explore the whitewashed houses and  beaches of Mykonos and discover seafaring heritage dating back to pre-Minoan times at the Maritime Museum
• Admire the island's iconic windmills and taste the delicacies at a local bakery

Delos island tour approx 4 hours

Delos, once a Sacred Island, is the legendary birthplace of the Sun God Apollo and his twin sister Artemis.  Its religious significance coupled with a good harbour and strategic location on the Aegean trade routes enabled Delos to flourish for 500 years.   Today, the only remaining inhabitants are its treasured ruins and their caretakers. 
Visit the marbled streets of the Agora and Sacred Way, the Sanctuary of Apollo, the theatre, the Sanctuary of the Foreign Gods and the Sacred Mount Cynthus.  View the remains of a Hellenistic Quarter with its harbours, water houses and luxurious villas, including the Houses of Cleopatra, the Dolphin, the Masks and the House of Dionyssos. Marvel at the spectacular Avenue of the Lions, where five proud Naxian marble beasts from the 7th Century BC crouch, vigilant guardians of the Sacred Lake, which stands dry today. A small museum on the island displays artefacts from the site.

Tips: Wear flat, comfortable walking shoes, there is a lot of walking over cobbled paths. Carry a cold bottle of water with you on hot days, wear lots of sunscreen and preferably a hat, as there is no shade on the island
 
 Inclusions: Licensed English-speaking guide / Round trip transfers in Sedan taxi/ Deluxe A/C minibus /Round trip ferry tickets to Delos Island / Entrance fees to indicated sites /Taxes
Exclusions: Gratuities / Personal expenses /anything not mentioned above /
 

Mykonos full day cruise approx 9 hours

ITINERARY: South Coast of Mykonos – Dragonisi
We depart from Platys Gialos Port and sail at low speed to view the VIP beach of Psarou from a different perspective. We continue our trip towards Ornos Beach and end up at the last southwestern beach of Mykonos, known as Glyfadi. Then we speed up and sail past the famous southern beaches of Mykonos (Paranga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari, Elia, KaloLivadi, Agia Anna, Kalafatis, Lia, and Fragia) and head off towards an isolated island called Dragonisi, reachable only by private yacht. There we stop off to enjoy a swim at a uniquely beautiful beach. Snorkelling gear is provided for those who are interested in exploring the beautiful underwater environment. On our way back we stop off at Agrari Beach for more swimming and snorkelling in the blue sea or water sports for the more athletic. Our trip ends at the port of Platys Gialos. One of the major advantages of this itinerary is that it is not affected by weather conditions as the yacht sails close to the coast. 
 

Included:
An 8 to 9 hours cruise at Mykonos Island/ The fuel consumption for the aforementioned itinerary (1,5 cruising hours)/ a captain/ a multilingual crew member/ a bottle of wine per 4 persons/ Water & a fruit salad/ Snorkeling equipment is provided on board,

Not Included: Lunch, return transfer from port to hotel , any services not mentioned 
 

Piraeus: The Ancient City of Athens - 8 Hours

Dominated by the remarkable Parthenon, which has stood for over 2,000 years, Athens is a city of major architectural and archaeological treasures. At Piraeus Port you will receive a warm welcome from your guide and driver who provides a captivating insight into the city’s history and culture during your full day tour.

For most, the highlight of a visit to Athens is the world famous Acropolis and the Parthenon. Dedicated to the Goddess Athena, it is one of the most important ancient monuments in the Western world. This afternoon, delight in the mesmerising display of eclectic Greek and Oriental art at the Benaki Museum. Complete your day with a drive past the Panethenaic Stadium, the pure marble masterpiece that served as the original site for the modern Olympics. At the end of the tour you are privately transferred back to your cruise ship.

Highlights:

• Ascend the Acropolis to the Parthenon, one of the most important ancient monuments in the Western world
• Tour the Benaki Museum

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local guide for 8 hours
• Entrance fees to all sights and museums
  All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Piraeus: Cape Sounion - 5 hours

Meet your guide as you disembark your cruise ship in Piraeus and venture along the scenic coast to Cape Sounion where you visit the ancient ruined Temple of Poseidon. This temple is believed to date from the 5th century BC and was built to honour Poseidon, who ranked second only to Athena herself in terms of power. The Temple enjoys an impressive position, high on the cliffs, and has, over the centuries, been marked by many travellers’ carved signatures, including that of Lord Byron. After touring the site, you return to your cruise ship in Piraeus.

Highlights:

• Venture along the coast to Cape Sounion to the ancient ruins of the Temple of Poseidon