4.7 / 5Best of Corfu and Istanbul Two Port Package
4.7 / 5 | 150 Reviews
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Easy
Cruise Ship PierHighlights of Corfu
While touring Corfu, discover the lush countryside and see the major sites while on this cultural excursion. Your comfortable journey begins with a scenic ride through the panoramic island to Gastouri, a traditional village full of centenarian olive groves, and home of Achilleion Palace.
This famous landmark was a summer palace built in 1891 by order of Elizabeth of Bavaria, the Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary who was affectionately nicknamed Sisi by her family. She named this neoclassical white mansion after her admiration of the classical Greek hero Achilles. While here, take some time to check out the beautiful frescoes, see the fine sculptures dotting the gardens and enjoy views of the coast from the mansion's Italian terraced gardens.
Our next stop will be in Vlacherna Monastery. You will have the opportunity to marvel at the charming Monastery during a 15 minute free period. Afterwards, we will take you to our next destination, Kanoni, for a photo stop. After visiting Kanoni, we will proceed to Old Town, where you will explore numerous historical sites such as the city's 14th-century Venetian Old Fortress, Town Hall, and the Palace of St. Michael and St. George. You will also have the opportunity to stand in Esplanade Square, one of the largest in Europe, and visit St. Spyridon Church, among other notable landmarks.
Walk through Liston with its cafes and arcaded terraces that was once the haven of the aristocrats. You will also have time to explore the town and do some shopping. Drive past the old port with its traditional fishing boats and the New Venetian fortress on your way back to your ship.
Discover the captivating allure of Corfu, an ancient fortified Mediterranean port town that has earned a place on UNESCO's World Heritage List for its exceptional integrity and authenticity. Explore the city's 14th century Venetian Old Fortress, Saint Spyridon's Church, and the enchanting narrow alleyways of the old Venetian town. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the famous Esplanade, stroll along the elegant Liston, and behold the imposing Palace of St. Michael and St. George.
Book this popular tour now for a great overview of the rich history and true beauty of Corfu.
Please Note: Timing is subject to change on any given day due to traffic patterns and amount of traffic. The service provider is not responsible for delays due to events out of their control. The Achilleion Palace is currently undergoing renovations, and during this time, guest access will be restricted to the gardens and an exhibit space showcasing Princess Sisi's belongings. Audio guides are included at the Achilleion Palace with a regular ticket. Entrance tickets to the Achilleion Palace (approximately 5 EUR per person) are not included.
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Moderate
Cruise Ship PierExclusive Wonders of Istanbul
This exclusive introduction to Istanbul tour includes an orientation drive and two of the big three sites: The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia.
After meeting your professionally trained tour guide on the pier, you will begin an orientation drive through the business center of the modern city, across the Galata Bridge, along the banks of the Golden Horn and under the Byzantine Aqueduct of Valens. Along the way, you will see the Suleymaniye Mosque, dedicated to Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent. You will continue around the mighty city walls, which once protected Constantinople from the many invasions and attacks it incurred over the centuries.
In the Old City, your first visit will be to the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, formerly known as the Byzantine Church of Divine Wisdom. Originally built as an Orthodox basilica, it later was used as a mosque. Built in 537 on the orders of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, it served as the cathedral of Constantinople and was the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years. Upon the conquering of Constantinople by the Ottomans in 1453, Hagia Sofia became a mosque and was used as such until 1931. It was opened as a museum in 1935 until 2020, when it became a mosque once again.
Departing Hagia Sophia, you will next visit the world-renowned Blue Mosque finished in 1616. Sultan Ahmet I commissioned the Blue Mosque when he was only 19 years old. The interior of the mosque is lined with more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles in more than fifty different tulip designs. The tiles at lower levels are traditional in design, while in the galleries they become flamboyant with representations of flowers, fruit and trees.
Next, visit the Hippodrome, originally the home of sports games in the Byzantine period. It is estimated that the Hippodrome of Constantine was about 1,476 feet long and 427 feet wide, and capable of holding 100,000 spectators. The track was U-shaped, and the emperor's box was located at the eastern end of the track.
You will be treated to an optional carpet demonstration with about 1 to 2 hours of shopping in the open (uncovered) section of the Grand Bazaar and the nearby covered area of the Grand Bazaar that dates to 1461. Well known for its jewelry, pottery, spice, and carpet shops, it also has areas where stalls are grouped by the type of goods sold, such as leather coats or gold jewelry. What started as one main building has grown into a sprawling complex consisting of 12 major buildings accessed through 22 doors. It is thought to have more than 5,000 shops and stalls, two mosques, two hamams, and many restaurants and cafes. Explore the shops filled with jewelry, carpets, leather ware, and copper goods. You will then be returned to the ship pier. Your time at the Bazaar is enough for an introduction. This is not a "shopping" tour. For the serious shopper wishing more time in the Bazaar, you can end your tour here. Please let your guide know you are not returning with the group. Guests remaining at the Bazaar are responsible for their own transportation back to the pier.
Please note: The Blue Mosque is closed from 30 minutes before until 30 minutes after prayer time, and 2 hours during Friday noon prayer. The covered area of the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday; a visit to the Spice Market will be substituted. The carpet demonstration is optional and guests not wanting to attend can use the time to stroll, shop or purchase refreshments.