Corfu Past and Present

Visit the small village of Paleokastritsa, set amidst six small coves, nestled in the rugged coastline and surrounded by olive, lemon and cypress groves among blue emerald waters. This is a very popular resort and is considered to have some of the finest sceneries in the entire Mediterranean. During your first stop, you will some free time and the option to participate in a boat ride to the caves (approximate cost is 15 EUR per person), swim in the ocean, or relax on the beach or last option is to walk up to the monastery and see the most magnificent views. Guests can only partake in one of the aforementioned options at the initial stop.

Afterwards, your vehicle will climb up the mountain and you will be taken to Lakones, a dreamy mountain village and its Balcony of the Gods, where you'll admire the exquisite panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and the bays surrounding Paleokastritsa resort. Here you'll also have free time to enjoy a Greek snack and a glass of Greek liquor known as ouzo, local wine or a soft drink, and do some souvenir shopping from the small local vendors.

Afterwards, you'll make another quick stop and have a free taste of some of the region's products such as famous liqueurs and sweets-which are created with the local kumquat fruit, candied nuts, local honey, and extra virgin olive oil with freshly baked bread. Feel free to browse around as you will have an opportunity to also purchase some souvenirs and take in the panoramic views before you head to your next site.

The tour will continue for a scenic drive towards the South until you reach Corfu Town, driving past, Plateia and the Old Fortress, where to admire the majesty of these and more ancient Venetian, French and British buildings. Note the city's 14th century Venetian Old Fortress, the Durrell Gardens and the Palace of St. Michael and St. George. Stand in Esplanade Square, one of the largest in Europe, and visit St. Spyridon Church, where the remains of the patron saint of the island are worshiped.

You will also walk through Liston promenade with its cafes and arcaded terraces that once was the exclusive domain of local aristocrats. Be sure to pick up a souvenir or two before your return trip to port.

Sign up for this popular tour today and get ready for a comprehensive overview of past and present 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.

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.