15124, Maroysi, Athens, Greece
Piraeus/Athens, Alexandria, Limassol, Ashdod, Haifa-, Antalya, Rhodes, Kusadasi (Ephesus), Chania, Mykonos, Istanbul, Katakolon (Ancient Olympia), Corfu, Korcula, Trieste
Piraeus port is the gateway to Athens center. Don't miss the Parthenon, the temple to Athena which looms over Athens from its perch atop the Acropolis, an eternal icon of art and civilization. Completed in 438 B.C., the temple still astounds as the flowering of Greek art and architecture. When you come down off the hill, don't miss a visit to the Ancient Agora, Syntagma Square, the Acropolis Museum and the city's historic centre, around Plaka. Ideally, sit and relax at a cafe on the foot of the hill, sample some Greek souvlaki or a frappe, take a glance back up the hill from time to time and give the goddess her due.
Founded in c. 331 BC by Alexander the Great, Alexandria became an important center of the Hellenistic civilization and remained the capital of Hellenistic and Roman & Byzantine Egypt for almost one thousand years. Alexandria flourished as the most important harbor and capital of Egypt and today is the second biggest city in the country. The Royal Library or Ancient Library of Alexandria, was one of the largest and most significant libraries of the ancient world. The impressive city wad built on the delta of the river Nile and often is characterized as the "bright pearl of the Mediterranean". It is filled with museums and provides access to the Pyramids and the Sphinx.
Limassol is the second largest city in Cyprus and important transit harbor in the Mediterranean, located on the island's south coast, in the Greek sector of Cyprus. A delicious place to sun-worship. Limassol Castle occupies a dominant position in the landmark and tourist attractions in the city. It is the imperial castle where Richard the Lionhearted married Queen Berengaria in 1191. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of Museums (Archaeological, Folk Art) and archaeological sites (Kourion, Limassol Castle, Amathus Ruins etc).
Ashdod is the largest port in Israel and a gateway to Jerusalem, the 5,000-year-old walled city that is considered sacred to more than a third of the people on Earth. Among the numerous sites nearby, we can see the Jewish sacred Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre said to be the site of Calvary and to contain a piece of the true cross. Once back in Ashdod, you can stroll along the seaside promenade or HaMidrehof, an area that is being termed the Southern Riviera of the city and includes many spectacular beaches. Dip your toes in the Dead Sea waters, visit the Bar-Gera Museum to view a collection of art by artists who were either banned or persecuted by the Nazis and other fascist governments and don't forget to see the Yad Vashem Memorial Museum, which is dedicated to the six million Jews who lost their lives during the Holocaust.
Haifa is the largest city in northern Israel, and the third largest city in the country, with a population of over 272,181. The city is home to the Baha'i World Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today the city is an important port on the Mediterranean coast of Israel and is located in the Gulf of Haifa with an area of 63.7 sq.km. It is home to Matam, one of the oldest and largest high-tech parks in the country.
Antalya is a large coastal Mediterranean city on the south coast of Turkey. The Roman port of Antalya is full of fishing boats and sailboats. Around it, the old city walls since the Byzantines, stand intact. Major hotels dominate in the coastline
Rhodes is an enchanting island that shines green and white, surrounded by the blue waters of the eastern Aegean. It is strewn with small towns and was merely one of the most glorious cities of antiquity, the world- renowned Island of the Knights. The Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, stood more than 100 feet high at the edge of the harbor, before an earthquake toppled it in 226 B.C. Of the statue, nothing remains, but Rhodes Old Town, a World Heritage Site, remains one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and a place of pilgrimage for cruise travelers. Stroll along the medieval streets and the wonderful fortifications, walk along the Street of the Knights and visit the Palace of the Knights.
Kusadasi is a popular resort along the coasts of Asia Minor, our base of the exploration of nearby ancient town of Ephesus, which has one of the largest collections of ruins in the eastern Mediterranean. In the first century B.C., it was one of the largest cities in the world, boasting the Great Theater which 24.000 people, the Temple of Artemis, which was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Library of Celsus, which was considered the finest in creation. Today, we can see only parts of the ancient glory but still, you will definitely be enchanted. Don't miss the chance to visit the local bazaar in Kusadasi.
Piraeus port is the gateway to Athens center. Don't miss the Parthenon, the temple to Athena which looms over Athens from its perch atop the Acropolis, an eternal icon of art and civilization. Completed in 438 B.C., the temple still astounds as the flowering of Greek art and architecture. When you come down off the hill, don't miss a visit to the Ancient Agora, Syntagma Square, the Acropolis Museum and the city's historic centre, around Plaka. Ideally, sit and relax at a cafe on the foot of the hill, sample some Greek souvlaki or a frappe, take a glance back up the hill from time to time and give the goddess her due.
Chania is a coastal city in northwest Crete. Souda, the port of Chania is a very important port of the Eastern Mediterranean. The old Venetian port city only accommodates yachts and fishing boats and the waterfront is the busiest part of the town.
Welcome to Greece's most famous cosmopolitan island, a whitewashed paradise in the heart of the Cyclades. Whether you are an entertainment junkie out for a real good time or a visitor who wishes to explore the island’s history and tradition, Mykonos will certainly meet your expectations, as one of the most quaint destinations of this cruise. Ramble along narrow streets past white-washed houses and blue-domed churches, bougainvillea-covered walls and thread-like, step-laden footpaths leading everywhere. Set out on a journey to discover a fascinating world where glamour meets simplicity.
A cruise to Istanbul (nee Constantinople nee Byzantium) takes you to the world's only two-continent metropolis, steeped with nearly 10 millennia of history. We will cross Galata Bridge to the old city, go past the Süleymaniye Mosque, whose 174-foot dome was once the highest in the Ottoman Empire, pass from the ancient city walls, built by Constantine, and beneath the epic Roman aqueduct. Don't miss the visit to the Blue Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque, Agia Sophia, the Ecumenical Patriarchate and enjoy the views to Bosphorus and Galata Tower. The aromas and scents of curry, saffron, and myrrh fill the air. A unique city of unparalleled beauty that will enchant you.
Katakolon Port occupies the north-west part of the Peloponnese. To the west it is washed by the Ionian Sea. It is the current harbor of the regions capital city Pyrgos and serves as the gateway to the site of ancient Olympia, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and birthplace of the Olympic Games. Visitors can see the remains of the original Olympic stadium, the Bouleuterion and the Temple of Zeus, enjoy free time in modern Olympiato shop or visit the Museum of the Olympic Games.
Fortresses flank your entrance to magnificent Corfu, one of the most beautiful of the Ionian Islands. Lose yourself in the Venetian old town or head north of the island, for dramatic seascapes. Explore the legacies of Greek, Roman and Venetian Empires or simply marvel at nature’s treasures that are hidden in this beautiful island, swathed in emerald green, lapped by turquoise waters and fringed with golden sand. The once pastel colours on Venetian buildings may have faded, but the welcoming scent of eucalyptus, fig and lemon trees are fragrant as ever.
Korcula is an island of Croatia in the Adriatic Sea. It has lush vegetation.The vast vineyards, the stunning beaches and the picturesque streets create a unique landscape. In the city there is a museum dedicated to the great Italian explorer Marco Polo.
Trieste is a city and port in northeastern Italy, near the borders of Slovenia. It is located on the homonymous gulf, in the Adriatic Sea, in one of the richest regions of Italy.