Optional Add-Ons

Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.

Trikala

Available on Day 3

Lively Trikala Town And Dinner

Experience the picturesque and lively town of Trikala, considered to have been the birthplace of the “God of Medicine” Asclepius. Enjoy an orientation of the town; walk along the riverside and the pedestrian streets in the company also of the locals out socializing for the evening. Afterward, dine at a local restaurant Greek family-style, and taste a variety of sumptuous dishes all served in the middle of the table, accompanied by plenty of wine!
Adult Price: € 45

Thessaloniki

Available on Day 8

Land of Alexander the Great

This is a remarkable, historic, full-day excursion combining the glories of Pella with those of Vergina, and it includes lunch overlooking the stunning Aliakmon Valley. We begin with a 45-minute drive by air-conditioned motorcoach to Pella, the birthplace of Alexander the Great and the second capital of ancient Macedonia. Alexander, Emperor in the 4th Century BC, was undefeated in battle and is widely considered one of history’s most successful military commanders. For 250 years Pella was the cultural center of the Ancient Greek world and as the seat of the royal family, enjoyed its greatest prosperity during the reign of Alexander. Archaeological excavations have uncovered public buildings and luxurious private homes with intricate marble-floor mosaics along with a plethora of delicate clay figurines and vases. We have the opportunity to view these and many other treasures before heading to the city of Veria where we will enjoy a three-course lunch will be served at a local restaurant overlooking the immense Aliakmon Valley. Our next stop is Vergina, where we visit the tomb of King Philip II of Macedonia. Dating from 335 BC, the bones of the king are covered with a golden wreath of oak leaves. Also here are the king’s iron helmet and a cache of weapons. As well as King Philip’s tomb and personal effects, we will see well-preserved examples of large-scale classical painting and numerous carved, painted steles of ordinary citizens. We have an hour’s drive by coach back to the ship.
Adult Price: € 115

Panoramic Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is the second city of Greece and the capital of Macedonia. It has a fascinating and colorful history with evidence of Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman remains, and it was the richest city in the Byzantine Empire. It is a glorious blend of beauty, history, and culture, framed by vast and stunning sea views and is considered to be Greece’s cultural capital. Our panoramic tour begins along the waterfront boulevard to Aristotelous Square, named for Macedonia’s leading philosopher Aristotle. We will see Thessaloniki’s most famous sight, the White Tower, part of the lower city’s original fortification which has also served as a prison. We hear the fascinating narrative by our guide as we take in many of the city’s highlights including, the Galerius Arch, the Rotunda, and numerous neo-Classical buildings. We visit the 5th century St. Demetrius’ Cathedral as well and stop up to the Upper Town for sweeping views of the city with Mount Olympus and the Thermaic Gulf in the background.
Adult Price: € 67

The Royal Tombs of Vergina

This a fascinating half day, where you'll step back time. Vergina was the first ancient capital of the Greek Kingdom of Macedonia and we have the privilege of visiting the Royal Tombs. The most important tomb is that of Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great. We will be accompanied into the museum by our guide to look at some of King Philip’s most important possessions, including the king’s shield and gold-trimmed breastplate. Legend has it that the golden chest containing the king’s bones was washed with wine and wrapped in purple cloth. We will find out how this was unearthed before being able to discover it for ourselves. Also on display are gold diadems of unparalleled artistry, lavish wall paintings and a golden wreath of oak leaves. This is also the site of an extensive royal palace and one of the most important museums in Greece. The area was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status as “an exceptional testimony to a significant development in European civilization."
Adult Price: € 74

Santorini

Available on Day 11

Akrotiri Village Excavations

In 1650 BC, a volcanic eruption reshaped Santorini and sank its center. Today we'll marvel at the towering cliffs this created as we sail by tender boat to the port at Athinios and then travel onward by coach to the village of Akrotiri, Santorini’s most significant archaeological site. Ash from the eruption buried the city, preserving many of its structures and some of its incredible frescoes. These advanced people built two- and three-story homes and grew crops, and we'll explore the remnants of their houses and workshops that surrounded the village square thousands of years ago.  Then we'll travel to Fira, the capital of Santorini and its largest town. We'll visit the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, famed for its beautiful frescoes. Free time is then available for enjoying a coffee or a snack. Or, there's also an option to take the Cable Car, or teleferik, to the port below, an incredible descent of more than 650 feet toward the deep blue waters of the caldera. Our tender boats will be ready, once you disembark from the teleferik, to bring you back to the ship.
Adult Price: € 74

Heraklion

Available on Day 11

Minoan Palace Of Knossos - 1st European Civilization

The ancient city of Knossos, near Crete’s capital Heraklion, was the place that ‘gave birth’ to the very first civilization of Europe, the Minoans. So we can say with some certainty it is Europe’s oldest city. Our excursion will open up the world of the Minoans as we visit one of the continent’s most important archaeological treasures. The first excavations were undertaken in the 1870s by Minos Kalokairinos, a Cretan himself. A few decades later in the early 1900s, more work by Sir Arthur Evans from Britain brought to the world’s attention the full impressive scale of the Palace of Knossos, according to legend the residence of wise King Minos. We will be able to explore the large Central Court, the wonderful Throne Room, the imposing Grand Staircase and see the fresco of the ‘Prince of the Lilies.’ As you stroll through the palace apartments and view the archaeological finds, we think you will be just a little in awe of the rich cultural heritage of the Minoan civilization. You will undoubtedly hear the Cretan legend of the Minotaur, half-man, half-bull who lived in the Labyrinth and was slain by Theseus. But that’s another story. Exploring from room to room we will relive time in the Hall of the Royal Guard and the King’s Chamber, hearing about the extraordinary rule of King Minos.
Adult Price: € 74

Mykonos

Available on Day 12

Mykonian Countryside Tour with Hora & Little Venice

Join our Local Expert as we head south from Chora, stopping at the leeward beach of Ornos, a picturesque fishing harbor and popular anchorage. We'll continue to the small beach of Agia Anna and Kalafatis beach. Then, we'll visit the traditional village of Ano Mera and the monastery of Panagia Tourliani, founded in 1542. The pretty village square is a perfect spot for a short break. Returning to Chora, we'll stop at Paraportiani where we’ll see the Mykonos Folklore Museum, housed in an old two-storied merchant baron's house. Continuing, we'll visit the "Little Venice" of Mykonos, Alefkandra, with its windmills and otherworldly sunsets that are a highlight of the island.
Adult Price: € 67

Delos

Available on Day 12

Sacred Island and Apollo Sanctuary

You will be transported by boat to the ancient harbor of Delos and you will travel back in time. In front of the pier is the “Agora of Hermaists” or “Competialists” with altars and shrines. The ancient road crossed two porticoes. Behind the south portico used to be the “Agora of Delians”. Next follows the “Oikos (House) of Naxians”, dated to the 7th century BC. Further north, you will admire the three “Temples of Apollo”, the oldest of which was already in use by the 6th century. The southernmost temple is known as the “Temple of the Delians.” At the northern side of the temples you will stand in front of the so-called “treasures”. Here, every city of antiquity exhibited its offerings. A monument that will draw your attention is the “Sanctuary of the Bulls.” You will find yourself at the “Agora of Theophrastos,” and will pass by the “Temple of the Twelve Gods” to eventually reach the “Granite Monument.” Next follows the “Avenue of the Lions,” which was encircled by full-sized marble lions. The large building complex that rises in front of you is the “Establishment of the Poseidoniasts of Beirut,” built by ship owners and merchants from Beirut. The shore experience comes to an end at Chora with free time for strolling through the alleys and the shops.
Adult Price: € 74

Milos

Available on Day 13

Step Back In Time

Step back in time with us on the incredible volcanic island of Milos, one of the most beautiful places on earth. A short drive takes us to Sarakiniko, an inlet of pure white almost lunar stone. This startlingly otherworldly spot is one of the island’s many wonders and one of the most photographed places in the Cyclades. We'll continue along the dramatic coastline to the cobblestone streets and alleys of Plaka, a classic Cycladic village of white stone houses and bougainvillea flowers. Then, it's off to the ruins of ancient Melos and its Roman amphitheater, which is cut into a rocky slope near the ancient agora. Finally, we'll visit the award-winning Mining Museum to understand how the rich geology of Milos shaped the island’s history.
Adult Price: € 74

Athens

Available on Day 14

Cape Sounion

Take a relaxing trip down to the southernmost tip of Mainland Greece to see the fifth-century BC Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. See if you can spot where Byron carved his initials on one of the temple’s sixteen columns. Marvel at the sheer rugged beauty of the coastline and the ancient temple perched above a 197-foot drop down to the Aegean Sea below. Stand above the site of the world’s first lighthouse, overlooking an area steeped in classical Greek history, ever since the tragic King Aegeas threw himself from the rocky precipice into the sea below, thereby giving his name to the Aegean Sea.
Adult Price: € 48

Dinner "Meze" Style In Psiri With Acropolis Illuminations

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at a wonderful restaurant located in the lively area of Psiri. Dining is “meze style,” giving you the opportunity to taste many Greek cuisine dishes, which are served in the center of the table. Also, enjoy the local free-flowing wine! afterward, see the Acropolis beautifully illuminated as you return to your hotel. (Casual dress)
Adult Price: € 53

Traditional Greek Taverna Meal With Entertainment

This is an evening excursion to a taverna in the center of Athens. Enjoy excellent traditional Greek food in a lively atmosphere while being entertained by dances and music from all parts of the country. Wine, beer and soft drinks are also included. Although the venue does have an official ending time, guests are more than welcome to stay on in the taverna, to join in with the local residents! (Casual dress)
Adult Price: € 57