I'm glad you decided to follow us in our journey and I hope you will continue to pray for us each day we are away. Being away from home and in other countries where there are unknown risks can be a little stressful so we welcome your prayers for a safe journey. I have some concern around our day in Istanbul since there is a travel advisory at the moment not to travel there. I have already questioned Princess Cruise about this but they have not made any changes to their schedule yet. I am sure they will be monitoring the situation and this itinerary may get changed at the last moment.
So here is where plan to go and do ...
May 5 - leave Victoria at 2 pm
May 6 - arrive in Venice at 1:45 pm, transfer to Hotel Ca’ Formenta. We get to rest up and explore Venice a bit before we meet our tour guide and companions on the 8th.
May 8
Welcome Reception Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions at a welcome reception.
May 9
VENICE MORNING SIGHTSEEING
Walking Tour Meet your local guide and explore St. Mark's Square, one of the world's most beautiful squares. Your next stop is Doge's Palace built in Venetian Gothic style and one of the main landmarks of the city.
May 10
RAIL: VENICE TO FLORENCE The train ride is approximately 2 hours.
Enjoy a Tuscan dinner at a local restaurant.
May 11
FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING
Florence sightseeing Follow your local guide for a half-day tour of Florence. See the magnificent Duomo cathedral, Giotto's Bell Tower, and the Baptistry's heavy bronze "Gate of Paradise." You will also visit the Academy of Fine Arts where you'll experience Michelangelo's celebrated David. Conclude your walking tour with a visit to Signoria Square, Ponte Vecchio and Santa Croce Square.
May 12
COACH: FLORENCE TO ROME
Motorcoach: Florence to Rome En-route to Rome, enjoy a stop at San Gimignano, a walled medieval hill town in the province of Siena, Tuscany. You'll have free time to explore the tower houses and unique architecture before proceeding to the Chianti area for wine tasting and lunch at a local restaurant. Continue your drive to Rome ...
May 13
ROME MORNING SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Rome City Tour This morning you will depart your hotel for a guided visit of the Colosseum, the greatest architectural legacy from ancient Rome. Then the Roman Forum, the birthplace of Roman civilization built in the marshy land between the Palatine and Capitoline hills.
AFTERNOON AT LEISURE
Afternoon at leisure After getting settled in your hotel room, plunge into all that the city has to offer. Within walking distance is the Via Veneto, as well as many shopping and dining options. Your Tour Director will be available to assist with questions about area attractions and activities as well as organized optional tours.
May 14
ROME MORNING SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Rome City Tour Your tour of Rome includes sightseeing with a local guide which starts with a visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, world famous for Michelangelo's ceiling paintings and The Last Judgement. Continue to monumental St. Peter's Square and Basilica. After some free time for photos and shopping in St. Peter's Square, board your motorcoach for the drive to Civitavecchia.
Transfer: Rome hotel to pier Transfer to the ship berthed in the city of Civitavecchia.
May 15
Naples, Italy (for Capri & Pompeii) 7 am - 6 pmNaples, Italy (for Capri & Pompeii)
Board an air-conditioned motorcoach in Naples. From there, you'll take a scenic 45-minute drive south along the Autostrada with magnificent views of the Bay of Naples en route to Mt. Vesuvius-the still-active volcano that buried Pompeii in 79 A.D.
Your motorcoach drops you off at the 3,000-foot level of Mt. Vesuvius where you'll hike to the volcano's crater. The steep gravel path to the crater is approximately 550-yards long. You'll feel the energy of this active volcano as you walk across hardened lava where crevices still exude fumes and heat. The hike takes approximately 40 minutes to walk roundtrip. You'll have approximately two hours total at the Mt. Vesuvius site. It's a vigorous experience that pays off with stunning views of Naples and its bay.
Afterwards, we'll stop at a local cameo factory where you can shop for handmade seashell and coral jewelry, including intricately carved brooches, rings and bracelets before driving to Pompei with a stop at a local chalet for a 30-minute break.
At the Pompeii ruins, you'll discover the archeological excavations of a lost city buried deep beneath the ash from Mt. Vesuvius. Explore the grounds on this 2-hour guided tour of the city. Entering by the sea gate, your guided walking tour takes in the city's baths, villas, theaters and wrestling grounds. Plaster casts mark the positions of the fallen that were swiftly overcome by volcanic ash. The highlights include stunning frescoes and elaborately detailed mosaic-inlaid floors decorating interiors of wealthy homeowners' villas, as Pompeii was known as a vacation community for high society.
Your knowledgeable guide will point out the remarkably preserved remains that hint at daily Roman life-their customs, buildings and cuisine; how they entertained, decorated and lived. Afterward reboard your motorcoach for the 30 minute return to Naples.
May 16 At Sea
May 17 Crete (heraklion), Greece 9 am to 6 pm
From its incomparable natural beauty of endless rolling hills, rugged mountains, and plateaus to the manmade splendors of Minoan monuments, Crete weaves a tapestry of awe and wonder. Nowhere is this more evident than in the country's charming villages, where age-old traditions, handed down through the generations, play a part in keeping Cretan's heritage alive.
You'll want to wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera to record your visit, which begins when you board your motorcoach for your engaging four-and-a-half hour tour. Sit back and relax as your 40-minute scenic journey travels into the heart of Crete. Your first destination is the quaint town of Thrapsano. Tucked in the folds of a mountain, Thrapsano is renowned for its pottery and ceramics. This ancient art form has flourished here dating back over 4,000 years and Thrapsano's craftsmen are said to be descendents of the potters from the Minoan era. To see a potter at work, you'll visit a workshop and watch how simple mud and water are turned into interesting pottery and ceramic pieces. As in ancient days, the mixture is placed on a wheel then the craftsman works the clay into a variety of shapes followed by drying and baking time. After the demonstration, the potter will ask for a volunteer to try their hand at the wheel (be careful, you may get splashed with clay) followed by some time to shop and purchase some of the items on display.
Next on your itinerary is a trip back near Heraklion to the town of Arolithos. Nestled in the hillsides and surrounded by vineyards, Arolithos may look centuries old but it's actually a modern take on a traditional Cretan village. Built in 1988, the town boasts art workshops, two houses, a hotel, a restaurant and a tavern, a café and a small church. After stepping off the motorcoach, you'll weave your way around the narrow tree-lined streets past the traditional blacksmith's shop and into the enchanting square, where you may see a wedding being celebrated in the quaint church that sits nearby. Continuing on, you'll have picture-perfect views of the traditional shops filled with local artisans creating baskets, wood sculptures, religious artifacts and more before reaching the restaurant. Here, you can sit and enjoy a delicious snack of spanakopita (little cheese and spinach pies), olives and cucumbers, and your choice of beverage including wine or raki, the anise-flavored national drink, while a folkloric show of dancers perform Greek and Cretan songs for you.
Then, with the incredible imagery, history and taste sensations from this wonderful journey in mind, you'll board your motorcoach for an idyllic drive back to the ship…
May 18 Kusadasi, Turkey (for Ephesus) 7 am to 1 pm
A motorcoach tour from the port of Kusadasi to the Shrine of the Virgin Mary is a scenic delight, with wonderful views of the Byzantine fortress in Selcuk and the Temple of Artemis. From your window, great vistas of the valley can be seen as you travel a long and winding road to the picturesque Solmissos Mountains.
The House of the Virgin Mary is considered by the Vatican to be a Holy Place, and a small shrine, dedicated to her, was found in the ruins when the house was first discovered. The shrine is still cared for by the Lazarist Fathers, and Mass is celebrated at this spot every day. A curative spring runs through the property, from which you are welcome to drink.
Your tour continues to the ancient city of Ephesus. A slow, downhill walk into the ruins gives you time appreciate the historic significance of the area, once the trade center of the ancient world and the site of a succession of great civilizations. Your knowledgeable guide will take you back in time and highlight such sights as the beautifully preserved Temple of Hadrian, the magnificent Trajan Fountain, the Odeon Theater, once used for both political and entertainment purposes, and the beautiful Celsus Library with its imposing façade and two-story Corinthian-style columns. The dramatic Great Theater is one of the few structures still used today. It seats twenty-five thousand was an arena for gladiator games.
Strolling through the streets, it is easy to see that Ephesus is one of the best-preserved classical cities in the world and is considered one of the great outdoor museums of Turkey. Although in ruins, the Basilica of St. John is still a majestic sight to behold. Large columns, frescos and mosaics still stand, paying homage to the monumental basilica built during Emperor Justinian's reign - created in the shape of a cross and covered with six individual domes.
St. John is thought to be buried under the central dome. Constructed out of stone and brick - a rare find in architecture of this time - the monumental basilica has marble columns in the courtyard that are carved with the monograms of Emperor Justinian and his wife Theodora.A scenic drive back to port affords time to reflect with fellow travelers on the wonders you have seen.
Once in Kusadasi, you'll have time to explore the colorful markets and bazaars, where handmade goods and traditional foods are sold, or view a demonstration of the intricate art of carpet-weaving. Ample time to explore on your own is provided and you may walk back to the ship at your leisure.
May 19 Istanbul, Turkey 8 am - 6 pm
A scenic 25-minute drive in your motorcoach takes you across the Galata Bridge into the heart of Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey and the capital of the Ottoman Empire.
The Byzantine Hippodrome presents an opportunity to snap a photo or two as you walk by this imposing arena, once the heart of Constantinople's political and sporting life, and the scene of games through the history of the Byzantine empire.
Your first destination is the Blue Mosque, also known as The Sultan Ahmed Mosque. This 17th-century marvel was built to rival and surpass the grandeur and beauty of nearby Hagia Sophia, and is a true study in color. It displays a multitude of domes and semi-domes and graceful minarets on the exterior, and over 20,000 shimmering blue Iznik tiles in more than 50 different tulip designs, and 216 stained glass windows, on the interior.
A short distance away, you'll enter the awe-inspiring Topkapi Palace Museum, a huge walled complex that hugs the Bosphorus. This former palace of Ottoman sultans is now a museum displaying an extraordinary collection of art, artifacts, and jewels, including the famed Topkapi Diamond. The windows promise breathtaking views of the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara.
Just inside the palace, the harem offers a revealing look into how the sultans of the Ottoman Empire lived. These private apartments were carefully situated so as not to be seen from the state apartments or courtyards where public affairs were conducted.
A short walk brings you to the luxury, Karakol Restaurant where you'll enjoy a traditional Ottoman lunch, featuring Turkish specialties and beverages on the grounds of the Topkapi Palace.
Refreshed from lunch, next you'll visit the St. Irene Church. This Byzantine Church dates from 6th Century and has excellent acoustics. The building reputedly stands on the site of a pre-Christian temple. It ranks, in fact, as the first church built in Constantinople. Roman emperor Constantine I commissioned the first St. Irene church in the 4th century. From May to July 381 the First Council of Constantinople took place in the church. It was burned down during the Nike revolt in 532. Emperor Justinian I had the church restored in 548. It served as the church of the Patriarchate before St. Sophia was completed in 537.
Your tour continues by land with a drive to the Grand Bazaar, the largest market in the world with over 4.000 shops. You'll view a carpet demonstration and explore the shops filled with jewelry, carpets, leather ware, and copper goods. Bargaining is expected and half the fun.
Minutes away, you'll arrive at Hagia Sophia, also known as St. Sophia, the Church of Holy Wisdom. It was originally built by Constantine the Great, and later rebuilt by Emperor Justinian to be a "queen church" of the new empire. Considered one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture, it's rich with mosaics and marble pillars and coverings.
Your tour concludes with a walk back to your motorcoach, and a relaxing drive back to the port.
May 20 Mykonos, Greece 12 pm - 8 pm
Board your motorcoach for a scenic drive through the rocky countryside en route to one of the most beautiful beaches on the island's south-west coast, Agios Ioannis, home to soft sand, crystalline blue waters and an amazing view of the island of Delos - the historic Archaeological site and reputed birthplace of the twin Gods, Apollo and Artemis.
Then, continue your drive to the charming village of Ano Mera at the center of the island, home to the lovely Panagia Tourliani Monastery. Originally built in 1542 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, its impressive architecture, whitewashed exterior and colored dome have long charmed visitors from around the world.
A beautiful marble fountain sits in front of the church, and its interior houses an impressive wooden iconostasis (altar screen), made in 1775 by Florentine artists. Note the hanging incense holders that line the wall: they're decorated with silver dragons holding red eggs in their mouths, evidence of Eastern influences.
A welcome respite in your day is a stop at Kalafatis Beach, where the deep blue Aegean Sea and golden sand beckon you for a short stroll in the sunshine. Refreshments are available for purchase from local vendors.
Return to Mykonos for your guided walking tour; passengers who do not wish to continue may return to the ship.
Mykonos is a picturesque town with a labyrinth-like maze of tiny streets, white houses and red-roofed churches. Don't be fooled by its small size; it is one of the most cosmopolitan towns of the Aegean. But despite the many shops, boutiques and stylish cafes, the town has not lost its charm and the island's strict building regulations have kept its Cycladic architectural style beautifully intact. Your guided, walking tour through the narrow, winding streets introduces you to some of the area's most treasured landmarks.
Look up and you'll find windmills dotting the landscape. Although no longer operational, they hearken back to the days when the area was once an agricultural powerhouse.
You'll want to have your camera ready to photograph Little Venice, famous for its narrow rows of brightly colored homes that literally sit in the sea. A timeless subject for artists, Little Venice is considered one of the most romantic spots in the Greek Isles.
No tour of Mykonos would be complete without the opportunity to see Paraportiani Church. A true Byzantine jewel, the island's most famous church sits just outside the city walls. Paraportiani is actually five churches, four comprise its base and the fifth is built as the dome on the top. Widely photographed, you won't want to miss the opportunity to capture it with your own lens
May 21 Athens (piraeus), Greece 4 am
Board your motorcoach for a 30- to 40-minute scenic drive into the heart of Athens. Ahead, the mighty Acropolis dominates the landscape. Your guided walking tour begins there, as you climb the 80 steep steps through the Propylaea, the monumental gateway that extends 150 feet across its western side. From there, the views of the city of Athens below are incredible.
Beyond the Propylaea, on the highest point of the Acropolis, stands the Parthenon, one of the greatest monuments of ancient civilization. Dedicated to the virgin goddess Athena, the white Pentelic marble temple was built 446 - 437 B.C. Its architectural sophistication has captivated visitors for centuries.
Beyond the Parthenon lies the Erectheum, situated on the most sacred site of the Acropolis, where Athena and Poseidon are said to have held a contest to decide who would be Patron of the city. When Poseidon thrust his trident into the ground, water burst forth, but when Athena touched the ground with her spear and an olive tree grew, she was named ruler of the city. The building itself contains the graceful Porch of the Caryatids, which features replica columns of marble maidens supporting the roof of the temple. Local legend says that when Lord Elgin took one of the maidens to decorate his Scottish mansion, you could hear the other statues crying in the night.
Your Athens tour continues as you drive through the city viewing its major highlights. Your narrated drive will cover a host of celebrated sites, including Hadrian's Arch, the statue of Lord Byron, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Constitution Square, the former Royal Palace, the National Gardens, the Academy, and the University Library.
Along the way you will pass the Old Olympic Stadium, where a brief photo stop is offered. Re-built to host the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, and used again in the 2004 Olympics for the finish of the marathon and the archery competition, this marble stadium stands on the site of the original stadium of Ancient Athens, which dated from the 4th century B.C. At the completion of your tour you will return to the pier.
May 21-23 Plaka Hotel (whew! By this time, we will need a rest ... so we have a couple days to debrief from our adventures and rest and see some of the sights of Athens before we head home.
