Athens Highlights

The Athens and Acropolis tour will take you back in time to the glory of Classical Greece, where you will see countless historical landmarks. The Athens tour begins at the Panathinaikos Stadium, where the first modern Olympic games took place in 1896. On the bus, you will pass by impressive landmarks, including the Royal Palace, the Zappion Conference and Exhibition Hall, the Greek Parliament, and much more.

When you reach the site of the Acropolis, get off the bus to begin your Acropolis tour. The Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a cultural landmark and ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens. The Acropolis was used in Classical Greece as a refugee city in case of an attack from an outside force. This area contains many historical structures and museums. These structures include the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Sanctuary of Pandion, and so many more. Walk through the Dionysus Theater to the new Acropolis museum, which holds fascinating artifacts from Greek history. Admire the Caryatids and the magnificent Metopes of the Parthenon hall. The Acropolis tour will conclude as you are taken back to the heart of Athens. The Athens City and Acropolis tour is the ideal way to experience the history of Greece and to see for yourself this amazing city's ancient glory.

Depart the port in an air-conditioned vehicle for a scenic ride to Paleokastritsa Monastery, stopping along the way to sample some of the island's traditional tastes. Local honey and jams, homemade olives and olive paste, homemade wine, ouzo, and the ever-popular limoncello are waiting to tantalize your taste buds! Be sure to try the kumquat, a tangy citrus fruit brought over to Corfu from China in 1846.

Continue to Paleokastritsa Monastery, a large Byzantine complex dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Located atop a promontory, this 12th-century monastery is visible from every direction and offers breathtaking views of the island and the sea. Step inside to find Byzantine icons and other relics in the small, on-site museum. Within the complex, you will also see the cells of the monks as well as a traditional olive oil press.

While in the area you can opt to board a boat and visit the nearby Caves of Paleokastritsa just offshore (15 Euro not included). These 6 caves rising out of the crystal clear turquoise waters are an Insta-grammable moment you won't find anywhere else on the island.

From there you will make your way to Corfu's Old Town with its famous Greek, Venetian, French and British architecture. While here enjoy some free time to roam its ancient, narrow streets and see the highlights including Spianada Square, Liston, and the Old Fortress before your return trip to port. This 4-hour, small-group tour is a fabulous introduction to the beauty, history, and culture of Corfu. Book now.

Exclusive 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.

Izmir Archeology Museum and City Tour

Welcome to the scenic port of Izmir, Turkey, the starting point of our immersive city tour. Get ready for a journey through history, culture, and breathtaking sights as we uncover the treasures of this vibrant Turkish city.

Our friendly and knowledgeable tour guide will warmly greet you at the meeting point and promptly usher you into our latest model tour vehicle.

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive to the grandeur of Kadidekale, a historical gem accessed by a picturesque route. The next leg of your exploration unfolds at Agora, a testament to the city's rich past. Here, accompanied by your guide, you'll marvel at the famed Hisaronu Mosque, soaking in its architectural majesty. The exploration further intensifies as we navigate the winding pathways of Izmir's Ancient Bazaar, Kemeralti. Experience the city like a true local as you shop for unique trinkets and experience the vibrant pulse of life in Izmir.

Our tour's climax is a visit to Asansor (the lift), one of Izmir's most distinctive landmarks, offering a breathtaking panorama of Izmir. We'll also make a photogenic pit stop at the famed Clock Tower, providing more unforgettable memories of your Turkish adventure.

After a day filled with exploration and discovery, we'll bid farewell to the sights and sounds of Izmir as we drive you back to the meeting point. Book today and create lasting memories as you explore the sights, sounds, and flavors of this captivating Turkish city.