Brian & Natalie

Here is what you will help us do in Kusadasi, Turkey! Experience ancient Ephesus, considered to be one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.The Great Theatre, which dates back to the Hellenistic period. In the 1st century AD, the theatre was reconstructed and expanded by the Romans to a seating capacity of 25,000. This is also the place where St Paul preached to the Ephesians. It is still used for performances today, and the acoustics are excellent. The Marble Road, which runs between the theatre and the Celsus Library, is part of a sacred walkway that you will take to reach the Celsus Library and Hadrian’s Temple. The temple was dedicated in AD 118 to Hadrian, Artemis and the people of Ephesus. This impressive Corinthian-style temple has beautiful reliefs on the porch, and the Ephesians believed that the Medusa head on the porch would protect the city from its enemies. Then return to Kusadasi, to enjoy the traditional Turkish experience of sipping apple tea while watching a myriad of colors unfold before your eyes during a carpet demonstration. Those interested in purchasing a carpet can do so with confidence. Those not wishing to stay can walk directly back to the ship, or remain in town for browsing in the shops.

Here is what you will help us experience in Rhodes, Greece! After a short drive outside the city of Rhodes approach the Valley of Butterflies.These small flying creatures of the island migrate to this beautiful place for one purpose only: to mate. The valley offers them the ideal mating conditions and grounds. Only the female heads back to her eggs continuing the existence of this species on the island. Lakes, a small waterfall and meticulously made wooden staircase leads visitors to all parts of the valley, from the lowest section where the entrance is to the highest and richest in butterflies areas where the nocturnal insects quietly await the coolness of the evening to start mating. The drive back to Rhodes town will take you by the remains of its ancient Acropolis. The coach will then drop you off outside one of the entrances of the old city, the D'Amboise Gate. From here you will continues on foot down the street of Knights, past medieval buildings, towers, garrisons and turreted gateways, all built in the 15th century by the knights of the order of St. John. At the end of the tour you will have the opportunity to explore the bazaar and its many shops before heading back to the ship.

Here is what you will help us experience in Naples, Italy! Enjoy some free time in beautiful Sorrento, followed by a visit to a local winery to view the vineyards and taste their wines. Travel for approximately one hour along the breathtaking coastal road that winds its way towards Sorrento. Sorrento affords splendid views of the colorful marina and sparkling Mediterranean Sea below. Upon arrival, your guide will give you an orientation and then you will have approximately 2 hours free time to browse the shops of Sorrento and maybe have lunch in one of the many restaurants and cafes. Then, proceed for about an hour to a Winery located at the slopes of Mt Vesuvius which produces the famous "Lacryma Christi" wine. Be warmly welcomed and enjoy a guided tour of the vineyard as you hear about their wine production, visit their winery and see their bottling process. Then, relax as you have the opportunity to taste five of their wines and a light traditional lunch.

Here is what you can help us experience in Marseilles, France! It is hard to imagine that in the proximity of a busy and alive city as Marseille you can find a small paradise, a kingdom of nature characterized by green Mediterranean Maquis, white limestone cliffs and clear skies. By boat, this fantastic tour will take you from the port of Marseille to discover the marvelous and unique scenery of the coastline reaching the worldwide famous "Calanques", listed as Natural heritage by UNESCO. These rocky canyons look like fjords plunging steeply into the turquoise blue waters of the sea resulting in a dramatic and wild landscape we can admire while sailing. At the end of the boat tour you will go back to the ship by bus.

Here is what you will help us experience in Athens, Greece! There is virtually nothing more important to Greeks than a good nights "glenti"; an evening filled with good food, lots of wine and of course singing and dancing. Tonight we would like to give you the opportunity to "Go Greek" for the night and relax and enjoy a fun filled evening. An escorted transfer will bring you to a traditional Taverna in the Plaka area of Athens, which will host the "Greek Night". A band will be playing its Greek airs and during the meal a troupe of expert dancers will entertain you with an ensemble of dances from all over Greece. The troupe will change into the different traditional costumes of various areas in Greece and will dance for you dances from mainland Greece and the islands. After the show the dancers will come amongst you to lead you and show you how to dance the Greek way. The meal which will be accompanied by local Greek wine. A selection of Greek dishes will be delivered to your table for you to sample and enjoy. At the end of the folkloric show the band will play on you can carry on and dance to your hearts content until our departure time. We will start tonight's Greek adventure from the port, where from the comfort of your air-conditioned motorcoach, you will be driven through Piraeus to Athens past some of the famous sights of this Historic City. On the way back a brief photo stop will be made at the Acropolis where you will be able to view the most famous and beautiful sight in the world. One of the most famous cities of all time Athens has something for everyone with its own unique and original style and rhythm of life.

Here is what you will help us experience in Rome, Italy! Your tour begins with a 90-minute drive from the pier in Civitavecchia to Rome. Once arrived in Rome, visit the impressive Colosseum. This masterpiece of classical architecture is an enormous amphitheater where gladiators and wild beasts once battled to death in front of 50,000 spectators. A brief free time to take photographs will follow your visit before you re-board your coach. Drive to the Vatican City. Here you’ll have some time on your own to have lunch or explore independently before you meet back your tour guide. Walk to the entrance of the Vatican Museums and admire the amazing treasures collected by the Popes throughout the centuries while walking along the rooms and galleries .You will have time to see a portion of the many beautiful pieces of work. Your tour continues with a visit to the Sistine Chapel, highlighted by Michelangelo's masterpieces and impressive frescos, including the "Last Judgment." After your tour of the Sistine Chapel, you will visit St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world. Among the many fine pieces of art and mosaics on display are Michelangelo's "Pieta" and the beautifully carved Bernini Pulpit. You will then rejoin the coach and return to Civitavecchia.

Here is what you will help us experience in Crete, Greece! Relax on a trip to the magnificent Crete's countryside, visiting the Monastery of Kera and enjoying some of the famous Cretan specialties. Drive into the interior of the island, ascending to a level of 3000 feet. Pass through fertile countryside and many picturesque villages arriving an hour later at the Plateau known as Lassithi, one of the few areas in the Mediterranean with permanent inhabitants at an altitude of over 2600 feet. Stop on this magnificent mountain route at the historic Monastery of Kera, adorned with 14th century wall paintings. It is believed that the establishment of the monastery is connected with the miraculous icon of Virgin Mary, after which it takes its name. According to the tradition during the iconoclastic era, this icon was moved to Constantinople but returned back miraculously. During the Venetian era the icon was stolen from a wine merchant and taken to Rome, where it is still stored today. In 1735 the icon was miraculously replaced by another one. Typical are the old frescoes of the 14th century quite damaged over time, today Kera serves as a nunnery. Continue through quaint villages to the plateau of Lassithi, enjoying its breathtaking views. Finally enjoy some local specialties in Seli area. some famous Cretan hospitality and enjoy a traditional lunch in the village tavern.

Here is what you will help us experiencein Tuscany, Italy! Travel across Northern Tuscany to the wine area of Montecarlo di Lucca (Pinocchio's birthplace), passing medieval villages and green valleys covered in vineyards and olive trees, to a beautiful farmhouse. After a warm welcome by the owner of the vineyard, you will be shown this beautiful estate where some of the best Tuscan wine and olive oil is produced. Learn about the wine making process and sample some of their house wines accompanied by local specialties such as salami, cheese and bread. You will also have the opportunity to purchase some wine.