Bodrum Castle, Halicarnassus Mausoleum and Etrim Village Lunch

Enjoy a fascinating journey through history with our shore excursion, departing conveniently from the port of Bodrum, Turkey! Encounter ancient wonders, captivating landmarks, and a unique taste of rustic village life on this extraordinary excursion.

Starting with a brief journey from the bustling port, this engaging adventure takes you to the remnants of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, Bodrum's oldest relic. Previously known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the mausoleum was a grand creation by Artemisia II in honor of her beloved spouse, King Mausolos. At its prime, this towering structure boasted an impressive height of over 150 feet, adorned with exquisite frescos and artifacts, some of which presently reside in the London Museum.

Following the path of history, a short stroll brings you to the majestic Bodrum Castle. Built with stone recovered from the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, the castle's construction is a testament to adaptive reuse dating back to the Knights of Rhodes. Inside the Castle, the Sunken Boat Museum beckons, showcasing an array of underwater archaeological treasures spanning from the Bronze Age to the Middle Ages, including precious cargo from a 13th-century BC Syrian trade ship and the opulent golden tiara of the Carian Princess.

The tour notches up another experience as it ventures into Etrim, a traditional Turkish village, home to 300 residents and an exemplary lifestyle preserved for 500 years. Here, a scenic mountain backdrop cloaks the village activities, be it the local mosque, weaving shops, the cemetery, or craft stores. Savour an authentic village-style lunch, harvested fresh from local orchards, and explore the coveted carpet and kilim traditions that Etrim has championed since 1986. Concluding the tour with a unique shopping opportunity, this experience ensures every moment spent connecting with the rich past and vibrant present of Turkey is well worth it.

Knossos Palace, Winery and Arhanes Village

The excitement and adventure while in Greece begins as you and your expert, knowledgeable guide leave the port and drive to the Palace of Knossos, the most famous and important archeological site in Crete.

The land this extensive compound was built on has been inhabited since Neolithic times. The first Minoan palace was erected here in 1900 B.C. and subsequently destroyed, and a new one was built in its place. With 22,000 square miles of an intricately planned, multi-story palace to explore, you will have a lot to see and photograph including the famous Throne Room and Royal Villa. Admire the stunning frescoes of the Prince of Crete, learn about King Minos and hear the thrilling legends about the labyrinth and the Minotaur.

From here you will continue to one of the best wineries in Crete to learn all about the local wine production. Enjoy a delicious wine tasting complete with taste bud-tempting succulent olives and Paximadia, a rustic, hard bread that is similar to biscotti.

Conclude your tour with a stop at the village of Arhanes, a modern city that was built over an important hub during Minoan times. You will see reminders of the ancient city through the archeological site and traditional architecture.

This well-rounded 5-hour cultural tour is a must-do for history buffs and for those who want to have a true taste of the ancient life in Crete, reserve your spot today.

Please Note: The admission at Knossos Palace is included with your tour.

Exclusive Mykonos Old and New

After meeting your guide at the pier, you will join your transportation for a drive to see some of the island. A brief photo stop will be made at northern beach, which is located on one of the largest bays of the island. It can get rather windy, attracting windsurfers and daredevils. Further along is Agia Anna beach which is sheltered from the wind creating a relaxing sandy beach. Enjoy a non-alcoholic beverage and local Greek pastry in a local coffee shop and some free time to explore before making your way towards the yet unspoilt village of Ano Mera.

This is one of the very few places in Mykonos where traditional Greek village life continues regardless of all the night life, jet setting of the island's capital. Ano Mera is the most populated village on the island and its peaceful environment and great location offer easy access to sandy beaches such as Elia, Kalo Livadi, and Kalafatis. The main square of the village is adorned with local coffee shops Kafeneio and traditional tavernas.

The village's claim to fame is the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani which houses a collection of Cretan icons and a magnificent handmade "Templo" which dates back to 1767 and came from Florence. After your visit to the Monastery, you will return to the main town of the island.

After leaving your transportation, you begin a walking tour of the twisting pedestrian streets of Mykonos Town, which is also known as Chora locally. Your guide will point out the Old Harbor area and fish market where you may see its most famous celebrity, Petros, the official mascot of Mykonos for over 50 years.

In the Kastros area, You will see the Church of Panagia Paraportiani, one of the most photographed structures on Mykonos. The church was begun in 1425 and not finished until almost 300 years later. Today it consists of five small churches connected together.

Continuing your walking tour, you will also pass through the area known as Little Venice, whitewashed buildings with multicolored shutters constructed right on the sea's edge with their balconies overhanging the water. On a hill overlooking the town, you will see perhaps the island's most famous landmark, the Mykonos Windmills which date back to the Venetians in the 16th century. From here, you will return to your transportation back to the cruise pier. If your ship is at anchor and is tendering into the old harbor area, your guide will lead you back to the tender pier.

Exclusive Medieval Town of Rhodes

After meeting your professionally trained guide on the pier, you will set off in your transportation to see the highlights of ancient and modern-day Rhodes during this picturesque orientation tour of the city. As you pass by the Mandraki Esplanade, you will see the government buildings, Church of Annunciation built in 1925, a replica of the Old Church of the Knights of St. John and the Deer Statues at the entrance of Mandraki Port where it is believed the Colossus of Rhodes once stood.

Your drive will then continue up to Monte Smith for panoramic views and photo opportunities of Rhodes and the Aegean Sea. From here, you will continue to the top of Rhodes' Old City. You will disembark your transportation at the Gate d'Amboise, from where you will begin your Old Town walking tour.

As you pass through the medieval walls and into the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Medieval Town of Rhodes, the first site that meets you is the imposing Grand Master's Palace. The Palace was built in the 14th century A.D., destroyed in 1856 and rebuilt in 1939 by the Italians to accommodate the King of Italy, Emmanuel II and Mussolini.

Most cruise line tours only visit the outside of the palace, but on this tour, after your guide gives you a brief history of the knights outside, they will lead you on a guided walking tour of the palace.

After leaving the palace, you will walk down the Street of the Knights, where you will see the many inns once occupied by the crusaders. It is considered the most beautiful area of the Old City. At the end of the street, you will see the exterior of what is now the Archaeological Museum. Formerly the Knights' Hospital, the museum was built in 1440 A.D. and is the most spectacular and well-preserved building in the Old City.

Your guide will answer any questions about additional sightseeing, shopping, or where you can find some of the wonderful Greek food before giving you some free time for browsing at your leisure. At the appointed time for those guests wishing to return to the ship pier, your guide will lead you to the transportation for the approximate 3 - 5 minute drive back to the pier. For guests wishing longer in the Old City, please just let your guide know you are ending your tour there.