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. Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Bring a hat. Guests must be physically fit. Minivans will operate as shuttles from the tender to the gate of the Old Town as larger coaches are not permitted on the road to the Old Town.

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 at the castle, where the streets are so tiny that in many places only two people can walk side by side. While strolling along these narrow lanes you will see ruined houses and Byzantine churches and Church of Christ Elkomenos. This cathedral dates back to the 13th century, but features alterations made during the Venetian occupation of Monemvasia. Then you will visit " Liotrivi"(Olive Oil Factory ), a fully restored historic mansion that previously was the home of the family Ritsos, where the world-renowned poet lived during his childhood. You will have a guided tour in the old olive mill and learn the traditional method of producing extra virgin olive oil. You will walk to the vineyards and the olive groves. In a patio area, an experienced cook will knead and bake traditional bread in a wood-oven. The bread made, along with other local products, will be served to you in an appetizer buffet under the olive trees where you will have the opportunity to also taste the famous wines of Monemvasia. Please note : Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen. Bring a hat. Guests must be physically fit.

Leaving Gythion, your tour will cross the Mani Peninsula to Dyros to visit the spectacular caves of Vlyhada and Alepotrypa , first opened to the public in 1963. You will ride for almost a mile through "caverns measureless to man." Aided by electricity, the splendors of nature are on show. You will see formations that look like, and are named after, great sites such as the Metropolitan Throne, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Chinese Palace. At the bottom of one of the lakes of Vlyhada, often considered the most beautiful cave in the world, many interesting things have been discovered, such as fossils of hippopotami. After your cave visit you will drive to nearby Areopolis for a short stroll through the town, before returning to Gythion. Please note : Since the temperature in the caves is cooler you may want to bring a light jacket.

Before heading to the ruins of ancient Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage Site you will stop at the roadside monument to the memory of Loenidas. You will have an in-depth guided tour of Mystras followed by time on your own to wander through the narrow streets of this medieval city. Your next stop will be at the Olive Oil Museum of Sparta . Unique in Greece, it is located in one of the main olive producing regions. The museum houses a variety of olive oil presses and other equipment. You will be served olive pate, olives, rusks, local cheese, cucumber and tomatoes along with tsipouro, ouzo, and mineral water before your return trip to Gythion. Please note : Mystras is not wheelchair accessible and steps are involved. It is not possible to stay on the motor coach during that portion of the tour.

This tour by motorcoach will cross the plain of Laconia through its orange and olive groves, with the mighty Taygetus Mountain (7,897 ft.) in the background to arrive in Sparta , which today is a big, modern town. As the original Spartans cared little for buildings and lived a "Spartan" existence in barracks, their ancient architecture was simple and basic. Today, its scanty remains reflect little of Sparta's ancient renown. Four miles west however, sits the medieval town of Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , with its churches and houses, monasteries and palaces lining the steep narrow streets. For 200 years, from the middle of the 13th century, this Byzantine town flourished. From the mid-15th century to the beginning of our century, the town was in constant decline, with the exception of a few years during which it was under Venetian control. However, the magnificence of the Byzantine architecture , remarkably preserved and sensitively restored, gives you the impression you are entering a whole different age. Please note: The site is located on a very steep hill so flat rubber shoes are recommended.

No additional details available for this excursion.

You will meet your guide at the pier and board a shuttle bus for the 15-minute drive to the center of Sorrento . This small town is wonderfully located over steep white cliffs and offers a fantastic view over the Bay of Naples. Sorrento lies on a Tufa terrace and is enclosed by impressive rocks of the limestone mountains. For 2000 years visitors from all over the world have been attracted to Sorrento by breathtaking sunsets and the fragrances of orange and lemon gardens. Enjoy a guided visit of the old town, stroll along the colorful streets and admire the beautiful churches, the most famous the Cathedral, in Romanesque style dedicated to the Saints Giacomo and Filippo and built during the 15th century. Stop in the Main Square, Piazza Tasso , which is the center of the Sorrentine life and enjoy the wonderful panorama on the Gulf of Naples from the Gardens overlooking the port. Your shuttle bus will then take you to the farm house were you will experience the work of local modern farmers! Take your time to taste local fresh products such as Caprese salad, eggplants, bruschetta, local wine and limoncello. Return back by shuttle to your ship. Please note : This tour is not for guests with physical limitations or using wheelchairs as it involves walking over uneven terrain. Wear comfortable shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

A private speedboat takes you along the coast to Positano , once a sleepy little fishing village and the secret haunt of painters and writers. Its charms are still evident. Square, white Moorish-style houses are set in luxurious gardens, and descend in steep steps down the mountainside to the bay. Offshore is Galli Island , the legendary home of Sirens. Positano is embroidered with narrow lanes and steps and dominated by the splendid dome covered in polychrome majolica at the Church of Santa Maria Assunta . Piazzettas and cafés are filled with people pausing during the 100-step climb that leads up the hillside. Enjoy time at leisure for shopping and for a satisfying drink at a café. Please note : This tour is not for guests with physical limitations as it involves a great deal of walking over uneven terrain. However walking up the steps is optional and not required. Wear comfortable shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Price is per boat for a maximum of 6 guests.

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 car. 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: 1-2 guests. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private car, 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.

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 8 hours. Recommended for physically challenged guests.

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 car. 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: 1-2 guests. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private car, 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 8 hours. Recommended for physically challenged guests.

From the pier, you'll take a 1-3/4-hour ride by motor coach to the remarkable UNESCO Site ruins of Pompeii , perfectly preserved since the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Learn about the excavation techniques and what the residents were doing at the time of the eruption, and you'll gain an insight into the lives of the ancient Romans as you discover baths, theaters, temples, markets and the huge forum with the Arch of Nero . After your tour, you will be driven back to Sorrento to meet your Windstar yacht. Please note: This tour involves considerable walking on uneven pathways. Bring a sun hat, as shade is limited. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Lunch is not included.

The city of Herculaneum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was founded around the 4th century B.C., copying the geometric regularity of the layout of Naples. Its "decumani" (main streets) have an east-west orientation, while the "cardines" (narrower streets) run north-south. There is undeniably a "feeling" about Herculaneum, quite different from Pompeii, where you get the impression that its ancient population of 5,000 packed up and left only moments ago. Herculaneum was smaller than Pompeii but is better preserved simply because, while hot ashes consumed the wood of Pompeii's buildings, Herculaneum was covered by hot mud which sealed and protected entire city blocks. This means that marble floors, mosaics, paintings and carbonized woods can still be admired today. You will discover the ancient luxurious properties and villas including the House of the Mosaic , the House of Deer , the Thermae (baths) and the House of Carbonized Furniture . After a guided tour, you will be driven back to meet the yacht in Sorrento. Please note : This tour involves considerable walking on uneven pathways. Bring a sun hat, as shade is limited. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

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.

A private motorboat takes you along the coast to Positano, once a sleepy little fishing village and the secret haunt of painters and writers. Its charms are still evident. Square, white Moorish-style houses are set in luxurious gardens, and descend in steep steps down the mountainside to the bay. Offshore is Galli Island, the legendary home of Sirens. Positano is embroidered with narrow lanes and steps and dominated by the splendid dome covered in polychrome majolica at the Church of Santa Maria Assunta . Piazzettas and cafés are filled with people pausing during the 100-step climb that leads up the hillside. Enjoy time at leisure for shopping and for a satisfying drink at a café. Please note : This tour is not for guests with physical limitations as it involves a great deal of walking over uneven terrain. However, walking up the steps is optional and not required. Wear comfortable shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

You will meet your guide at the pier and board a shuttle bus for the 15-minute drive to the center of Sorrento . This small town is wonderfully located over steep white cliffs and offers a fantastic view over the Bay of Naples. Sorrento lies on a Tufa terrace and is enclosed by impressive rocks of the limestone mountains. For 2000 years visitors from all over the world have been attracted to Sorrento by breathtaking sunsets and the fragrances of orange and lemon gardens. Enjoy a guided visit of the old town, stroll along the colorful streets and admire the beautiful churches, the most famous the Cathedral, in Romanesque style dedicated to the Saints Giacomo and Filippo and built during the 15th century. Stop in the Main Square, Piazza Tasso , which is the center of the Sorrentine life and enjoy the wonderful panorama on the Gulf of Naples from the Gardens overlooking the port. Your shuttle bus will then take you to the farm house were you will experience the work of local modern farmers! Take your time to taste local fresh products such as Caprese salad, eggplants, bruschetta, local wine and limoncello. Return back by shuttle to your ship. Please note : This tour is not for guests with physical limitations or using wheelchairs as it involves walking over uneven terrain. Wear comfortable shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.