Explore the tiny uninhabited island of Delos, one of the most important archaeological sites in all Greece. Start your journey with a 45-minute ferry ride to this richly historic site. Delos was the major center of the ancient Greek world and the mythical birthplace of the god Apollo and his twin sister Artemis. Your 2½-hour guided stroll includes such attractions as the Sanctuary of Apollo with its three temples dating from the 6th and 5th centuries B.C. To the west of this sanctuary lies the Sacred Lake, where Apollo was reputedly born. Standing guard over the Sacred Lake are nine replicas of the famous marble lions, which were a gift from the people of Naxos in the 7th century B.C. Other attractions include the amphitheater and the nearby theater quarter where wealthy owners built opulent houses with grand colonnaded courtyards. The island’s checkered history finally led to its destruction in 88 B.C. by Mithridates, the King of Pontus. Large-scale restoration work has continued for many years and in 1990 the island was declared a World’s Cultural Heritage Site, protected by UNESCO. Your guided walk concludes back at the ferry, for direct return to Mykonos. On arrival there, you are free to return to the yacht at your leisure.

This is your introduction to  the authentic traditional Mykonian style of living as well as an insight into the hospitality and the everyday lifestyle of a traditional Mykonian family. Enjoy a scenic drive to Messaria to arrive at this traditional home. Once here you will be welcomed by your host before starting your cooking class activity, with the traditional Mykonian way of cooking the food, using the authentic organic fresh Mykonian goods taken from the family vegetable garden and accompanied by the narration of Mykonian family habits with stories including the elements of tradition, religion and of course family love and unity.
 
Please note: Wear sun protection, a hat, anti-slip shoes, and bring local currency. This tour involves some walking and standing. Guests with limited mobility should take this into consideration. Dietary requirements can be accommodated but need to be communicated 48 hours prior to call.

              
 

 

The first place you will visit on this exciting tour will be the Virgin Mary’s House. Archaeological evidence shows that the little house dates from the 6th century but that the foundations were from the first century. Next you will visit the Ephesus ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site predominantly from the later Roman period. Next, you will visit the Ephesus Archaeological Museum. This small museum in Selcuk boasts an incredible collection of Hellenistic and Roman statues, carved reliefs and artifacts unearthed from the ruins of Ephesus. The famous statue of Artemis (goddess of fertility) is housed here. Then, your tour will continue to the ruins of the Basilica of St John. The Basilica had a cruciform plan with four domes along its longitudinal axis and a pair flanking the central dome to form the arm of the cross. Under the central dome was the grave of St John. Lunch will be served at a lovely local restaurant on the way back to Kusadasi. You will have a fabulous view of the harbor and the ship.Upon your return to Kusadasi, you may enjoy a carpet weaving demonstration and some time for shopping. Explore the town and return to the ship.

Ancient Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the greatest outdoor museums in Turkey and perhaps in the world. Although now in ruins, it was originally founded by the Carian and Leleg native peoples. Your two-hour walking tour begins after a 30-minute drive from the pier. Magnificent vistas await – including the glorious Celsus Library façade, the Grand Amphitheater and the Temple of Hadrian. The Terrace Houses owned by the wealthy and influential lie opposite Hadrian’s Temple, in a newly excavated section. Their fine decorative mosaics and frescoes give a fascinating insight into ancient lifestyles. Terrace Houses on the slopes of Bulbul Mountain are accessed by steps, with their roofs forming terraces for those houses above them. Back in Kusadasi, there’s an opportunity to see a carpet-making demonstration, to independently explore the town or perhaps browse among the shops before taking an easy stroll back to the ship.

Santorini, in the Cyclades Islands, has one of the most spectacular landscapes in all Greece. Traditional villages built on tall cliffs offer breathtaking views over a former volcanic crater, now submerged by the sea. Your island orientation begins with an ascent of Profitis Ilias (Prophet Elias) Mountain, for unparalleled panoramic views encompassing the whole island. Back aboard the coach, you will admire a range of inspirational views en route to the village of Oia. With its picturesque blue-domed churches, old 2-story mansions, and narrow cobblestone streets, Oia is the perfect place to fully appreciate the beauty of this remarkable island. There is no guided sightseeing during your 1¾-hour stay at Oia, so you are free to admire the picture-perfect views or perhaps browse among the tiny shops selling handmade ceramics, paintings and semi-precious jewelry. Finally, there’s a 30-minute drive to the village of Fira where the tour concludes. Once there, your guide directs you to the cliff road from where you may proceed to the cable car at your leisure to return to the ship.    

Monemvasia is unique among ruined medieval cities in that it is entirely built on a rock that appears to be barren when seen from the mainland. Your tour will commence with a walk through the narrow streets within the castle walls, so tiny that in many places only two people can walk side by side. You will see the ruins of houses and Byzantine churches — most in ruins with the fortunate exception of the Church of Christ Elkomenos. This cathedral dates back to the 13th century, but features alterations made during the Venetian occupation of Monemvasia. Four surviving ancient Byzantine icons are on display.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own van. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. 

Please note:  Capacity: 3-6 guests. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private van, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the area and does not exceed the duration of 4 hours. Recommended for physically challenged guests.

           
 

Leaving the quayside, you will proceed along a picturesque and twisting road on a 45-minute drive, towards the site of Epidaurus. The famous Theater of Epidaurus is the best-preserved ancient Greek Theater. Located next to the sanctuary-hospital of Asclepius, the ancient Greek God of Healing, the theater’s function was directly connected with this sanctuary.Theater was very highly regarded in antiquity. The Ancient Greeks seemed to know that good psychological condition was beneficial to those suffering from mental and psychological illnesses. For this reason they encouraged patients to watch theatrical performances. Famous for its superb acoustics, the theater was built in the 4th century BC and had a capacity of about 12,000 spectators. People arrived from all over the Greek world in order to attend the religious events dedicated to Asclepius. The architect who designed and built the theater was one of the best architects in Greece. Due to his excellent design, the acoustics are so good, one can be sitting right at the top in the last row and still hear even a coin dropping the middle of the stage. After your visit, your tour will continue to the ruins of Mycenae. The first in-depth excavations were carried out by the German archaeologist Schliemann in 1876, who was obsessed with finding the grave of Agamemnon. His diligent work exposed the famous Lion’s Gate, the entrance to the city, which contains the shaft burial graves of some ancient nobles. A short distance away is the Beehive Tomb, so-called due to its unusual shape.  Afterward, return to the pier.
 
Please note: Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen.

                     

 

 

Enjoy a brief drive to the Castle of Palamidi standing proudly over Nafplio. The castle is one of the most important and best-preserved castles in Greece, an exquisite example of Venetian architecture of the 18^th century. The hill at which the castle is located was named after Palamidis, the hero of Homer’s Epics. It is said that, in 1686, the Venetian Commander-in-Chief Morosini envisioned the construction of the castle, whose architectural design was undertaken by Governor Grimani. In 1715, just one year after its completion, it was occupied by the Turks and one century later it finally came to the possession of the Greeks. You will have photo opportunities of the magnificent views of the town below as well as the Argolis Bay. Following fortress visit you will return to Nafplio. It is one of Greece’s most romantic and prettiest towns.  The narrow streets of the old town are filled with elegant Venetian houses and gracious neoclassical mansions.  During your walking tour, marvel at the beautiful neoclassical buildings lining the port, and then on to the Kapodistriou Square and park, dedicated to the memory of the first governor of Greece.  In the park with his beloved Palamidi Fortress in the background, is the statue of Kolokotronis, known as the Grand Old Man of the Morea, being the leader of the Greeks during the War of Independence. It was he who besieged the Turkish occupied Palamidi Citadel for 15 months before it was finally surrendered back.  Across the way you can see the current Town Hall building, originally the very first High School of Greece. Continuing on through the backstreets not normally meant for tourists, you come upon the old Catholic Church and the 1702 Church of Agios Spyidon, just below.  The ‘worry beads’ you see everywhere in Greece have a museum of their own in Nafplio and you will visit the “Museum of Komboloi” to learn of their origin. Next you will proceed through the popular Syntagma Square (Constitution Square) with its beautiful buildings, primarily in neoclassical style, that create a beautiful frame around the square, and the polished marble floor reflects both sunlight and streetlights. Before returning back to the yacht, in true Greek style, you will have the opportunity to sample the favorite spirit of the Greeks, Ouzo. Time permitting you may choose to remain in town for more time at leisure or return to the tender pick up point and make your way back to the yacht.
 
Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring your hat and sunscreen.

            
 

 
 

The Peloponnese wine region is historically significant for the wine world. During the Venetian rule of the Middle Ages, sweet Malvasia wines began to be traded all over Europe, especially to big centers like London and Paris. The modern Peloponnese wine region is one of the most viticulturally productive areas in Greece. The millenary Greek wine tradition is present in Peloponnesian wines, where native grape varieties such as Agiorgitiko, Moschofilero, and Mavrodaphne are grown. The wines of the Peloponnese are complex and interesting, from fresh and minerally whites to full-bodied reds. The Peloponnese wine region is the largest vineyard area in Greece, representing around 31% of wine production in the country with eight main subregions. Today you will follow a wine path of Argolis by visiting 2 wineries, Gofas Winery and Semeli Estate. The Gofas family cultivates its own vineyards and has delivered wine from generation to generation. In 1959 the family decided to utilize the proprietary vineyard in the Κoutsi and Daphne areas. The first vinification was made in linen, in the wine press in the family home in Nemea with manual vinification means. In 1998 the young Constantine Gofas born and raised as a viticulturist took over the family business, giving it a new impetus to a steady upward course. The winery has been modernized with new machinery but managed to retain its family aura. In 2011 the winery relocated to Koutsi village in a privately owned vineyard next to the mythical river Asopos. After the visit and tasting, your tour will continue to Semeli Estate. Founded in 1979, Semeli is a leading Greek winery and one of the country’s most significant wine-related developments. With deep roots in time-honored traditions Semeli produces wines of exceptional quality. The sunny Mediterranean climate and the extraordinary terroir, combined with the expert craftsmanship of their winemakers and the successful blending of indigenous and international varieties, result in wines of distinct character that have earned the respect of experts and captured the hearts of wine lovers worldwide. At the end of the wine tasting enjoy a light lunch before returning to Napflio and the awaiting yacht.
 
Please note: Wear comfortable non-slip walking shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen.  Must be 21 to participate in this tour.