- Kusadasi
Ancient Ephesus – 3 Hrs
Through the colourful town of Kusadasi, drive along the coast and into the verdant countryside to reach Ephesus, famous in antiquity for its Temple of Artemis – one of the seven wonders of the ancient world – and later the home of St. John. During the years of the Roman Empire, the Greek port of Ephesus became the greatest city in Asia Minor.
Upon arrival at Ephesus, follow your guide to enter this amazing ancient city through the Magnesian Gate. Here, discover innumerable monuments including the Forum, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the Thermal Baths of Scolastika and the Great Theatre of Antiquity built in the Greek era and reconstructed in the Roman period, which is still noted for its remarkable acoustics. View the symbols all around and marvel at the fact that one is still able to read the inscriptions in the ancient Greek language.
Walk back to your motor coach along the Arcadian Way, where once Mark Antony and Cleopatra rode in procession. As you drive back to Kusadasi, on a hill above Selcuk, just outside Ephesus, view the Basilica of St. John, which was erected over his grave in the 6th Century AD by the Emperor Justinian. Just downhill, is the site of the famous Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, today in ruins. For the people who actually visited it, the answer was simple. It was not just a temple… It was the most beautiful structure on earth… described by Philon of Byzantium: “I have seen the walls and Hanging Gardens of ancient Babylon, the statue of Olympian Zeus, the Colossus of Rhodes, the mighty work of the high Pyramids and the tomb of Mausolus. But when I saw the temple at Ephesus rising to the clouds, all these other wonder were put in the shade”.
Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time in Kusadasi to shop for every conceivable item, such as carpets, jewellery, local souvenirs, leather goods and Turkish delights.
Ancient Ephesus & the House of the Virgin Mary – 3 Hrs 30 Mnts
Driving from the pier through the Turkish countryside along a hilly drive, you arrive at the House of Virgin Mary where the Blessed Virgin is reputed to have spent the last years of her life. The site was made famous by the travels of Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II. In November of 2006, Pope Benedictus the 16th paid an official visit to the House of the Virgin Mary. Outside is the Fountain of Our Lady, providing the faithful water from the holy foundation.
Afterwards, you will drive to the Ancient City of Ephesus that was built on a small hill, with the entrance located at the top of the hill and the exit at the bottom. Colonised by Ionian Greeks in the 10th century BC, the site has impressive remains from the Hellenistic and Roman periods, such as public bath complexes (including public latrines), a theatre that could hold up to 25000 spectators and the façade of the Library of Celsius. The latter has been heavily restored and is notable for its historical accuracy. It is a prime example of Roman architecture and one of the most breathtaking and unique monuments of antiquity in the whole world. Ephesus was also the site of the famous temple of Artemis, said to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – only one column survives of this celebrated edifice.
Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time in Kusadasi to shop for every conceivable item, such as carpets, jewellery, local souvenirs, leather goods and Turkish delights.
- Patmos
The Monastery of St John & Grotto – 2 Hrs 30 Mnts
Departing from the port of Scala you will enjoy a short journey to the village of Chora, where the Monastery of St. John is built within the walls of a strong fortification. As you walk uphill towards the entrance of the Monastery marvel at this magnificent structure which was built 900 years ago, exceptional in its architecture. View the courtyard, the Monks’ dining room and the old bakery before you visit the main church noting its outstanding frescoes and interior decoration. Next, see the priceless ecclesiastical treasures housed in the beautiful but small museum: books and manuscripts, mosaics, icons, splendid medieval textiles and vestments as well as jewellery.
Return to your motor coach to continue on to the nearby Grotto of the Apocalypse, above which stands the church of the Apocalypse, a sub-unit of the main Monastery. Walk down the steps to visit the Grotto of the Apocalypse. Here you will see the silver niches in the wall, that mark the pillow and ledge used as a desk by the author of the Book of Revelations as well as the three-fold fissure made by the Voice of God emphasizing the honour of the Trinity.
Afterwards, drive back to the port of Scala and enjoy some free time in this quaint and picturesque harbour.
Patmos Island Tour – 2 Hrs 30 Mnts
A delightful scenic island tour has been designed for those guests who prefer to discover the beauties of Patmos within the comfort of the air-conditioned motor coach. Commencing your tour from the port of Skala, you will drive to the dominating central part of the island “Chora”, which is the location of the Majestic Byzantine Monastery of St. John the Divine, built in 1088.
Your sightseeing will first bring you to the windmills of Chora, once the landmark of all Aegean islands. Enjoy the view and photo opportunity and then, continue to visit the new active convent of Evangelismos (Annunciation) in the south part of the island, which has a significant number of nuns who follow the traditions.
Afterwards, continue your drive around the island to see its landscape of outstanding natural beauty with dozens of peninsulas of land reaching out into the sea, tranquil beaches and many picturesque inlets. Arriving at the village of Kambos located in the north part of the island, you will be welcomed with refreshments and a traditional local sweet.
Your tour will end in the port of Scala where you may enjoy some free time in this quaint and picturesque little harbour.
- Heraklion
The Palace of Knossos – 3 Hrs
Enjoy a drive from the Venetian lion-guarded port of Heraklion town to Knossos (approximately 30 minutes), once the capital city of the prehistoric Minoan civilization, and thought to be the basis for the original Labyrinth housing the mythological Minotaur. Follow your guide in order to visit a portion of the excavated and partially reconstructed Palace of King Minos, as well as the surrounding area. The Palace houses the Hall of the Royal Guard, decorated with frescoes and shields, the Hall of the Double Axes, and from above, the King’s Chamber housing the alabaster throne amidst paintings of griffins and lilies and the Queen’s Apartment adorned with murals of dolphins and spirals, a reminder of the legend of the Labyrinth. Moreover, view the beautiful courtyards & shrines.
Return to your motor coach and drive to the city of Heraklion, where you will have free time visiting the open exhibits at the local Archaeological Museum or visit the town and browse the shops. Afterwards, return to the port by motor coach in time for ship’s departure.
Panoramic Heraklion & Wine Tasting – 3 Hrs
Your tour begins from the Venetian lion-guarded port of Heraklion and having a scenic drive through the city to the famous wine producing of Peza, south of Heraklion. Driving through breathtaking landscape of countryside and vineyards as old as Minoan times on your way to your first stop, a modem winery, were you will see the updated procedures of wine making and sample some of the delicious Cretan wines.
Your drive continues through rural villages to the village of Archanes, the municipality in the area. Arriving to the village which is situated 10 km south of the Palace of Knossos, enjoy the quaint market town of Archanes where you can see many restored sandstone houses dating from the Turkish period. After your walking tour, you will have the opportunity to sample an assortment of Cretan snacks and locally produced wine at a local tavern in the village’s tree shaded square.
Free time to browse will be given before the return drive to the port of Heraklion and the ship.
- Santorini
Santorini Sailing & Volcano – 3 Hrs 30 Mnts
Enjoy a cruise around the active crater of Nea Kameni islet. Sail along the peculiar formations of its volcanic shores, where black lava rocks and white pumice are combined beautifully with the red colour of lava. Take a walk to the top of the volcanic island where sulphur is spewed into the air by one of the craters. Enjoy this surreal landscape as your guide narrates the creation and history of the volcano and the last eruption leading to the destruction of the island of Santorini. The tidal wave created by the eruption was of such an immense magnitude, it destroyed the thriving city of Knossos on the island of Crete.
As your caique enters the narrows of the two lava islets, Palea and Nea Kameni, note the changing colours of the water from dark blue to sulphur green. In the background, admire the breathtaking sight of Fira Town with its white washed houses clinging precariously on the rim of the Caldera.
Sail to Athenios harbour, where your motor coach will take you to Fira Town, the island’s capital. Here the tour ends and you will have free time to walk around on your own or shop, time permitting. Later, use your tour ticket on the cable car to descend to Skala, the pier at the bottom of the cliff where ship’s tenders will be waiting to take you back to the ship.
Island Tour & Oia Village – 3 Hrs 30 Mnts
Sailing into the Caldera of Santorini is like floating inside a giant open-air geological museum. Oia Village is the crowning glory of peace and tranquillity. Built on the northern tip of the Caldera rim, it is here where many artists have been inspired due to its magnificent location. As you will see for yourself, it has “out of this world” views of the Caldera, the island itself and many of the broken off islands surrounding the Caldera and Aegean Sea.
Take a short trip by boat to Athenios harbour where you will meet up with your motor coach and guide. Drive uphill along the rocky sides of the Caldera and pass through many traditional villages in order to reach the listed settlement and unique village of Oia, with its typically Cycladic architecture and its houses perched on the cliffs edge like seagulls poised for flight on this dramatic cliff-side. Accompanied by your guide, walk through the village along cobble, stoned streets marvelling at the breathtaking panoramic views and admiring the traditional architecture
Enjoy free time on your own, where you may either wander through the many art galleries available or perhaps relax over a coffee. At the specified place and time, meet back up with your guide and make your way to Fira, the capital town of the island, built on the centre of the Caldera rim. Enjoy the town at your own leisure, time permitting, and return to the small pier of Scala, where the vessel’s tendering service awaits to take you back to your ship.
Travel on board of the MSC Splendida. Departing from Genoa and calls to Katakolon, Piraeus/Athens, Rhodes, Alexandria, Marmaris, Heraklion, Messina, Naples, Genoa .