17-night An Extended Journey of Changing Light & Coastal Lives

Piraeus: The Ancient City of Athens - 8 Hours

Dominated by the remarkable Parthenon, which has stood for over 2,000 years, Athens is a city of major architectural and archaeological treasures. At Piraeus Port you will receive a warm welcome from your guide and driver who provides a captivating insight into the city’s history and culture during your full day tour.

For most, the highlight of a visit to Athens is the world famous Acropolis and the Parthenon. Dedicated to the Goddess Athena, it is one of the most important ancient monuments in the Western world. This afternoon, delight in the mesmerising display of eclectic Greek and Oriental art at the Benaki Museum. Complete your day with a drive past the Panethenaic Stadium, the pure marble masterpiece that served as the original site for the modern Olympics. At the end of the tour you are privately transferred back to your cruise ship.

Highlights:

• Ascend the Acropolis to the Parthenon, one of the most important ancient monuments in the Western world
• Tour the Benaki Museum

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local guide for 8 hours
• Entrance fees to all sights and museums
  All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Piraeus: Cape Sounion - 5 hours

Meet your guide as you disembark your cruise ship in Piraeus and venture along the scenic coast to Cape Sounion where you visit the ancient ruined Temple of Poseidon. This temple is believed to date from the 5th century BC and was built to honour Poseidon, who ranked second only to Athena herself in terms of power. The Temple enjoys an impressive position, high on the cliffs, and has, over the centuries, been marked by many travellers’ carved signatures, including that of Lord Byron. After touring the site, you return to your cruise ship in Piraeus.

Highlights:

• Venture along the coast to Cape Sounion to the ancient ruins of the Temple of Poseidon

Santorini Island Tour - Half Day Tour approx 4 hours

You will be met by your English-speaking guide upon disembarkation from the ship, at the bottom of the cable car at the Old Port of Fira. Our lovely tour starts with a scenic drive through the plains of Santorini to picturesque Oia, the crowning glory of peace and tranquility. 

Built on the northern part of the caldera rim, it is here where many artists have been inspired due to its magnificent location with its most superb views of the caldera, the rest of the island and the Aegean Sea.. We then stop at one of the famous wineries to enjoy a wine tasting tour of the fine wines produced on the island. Our final stop is Fira, the islands capital town.

The island used to be circular, but a massive volcanic explosion around 3,500 years ago blew out the centre of the island. (Many people attribute the decline of Minoan civilization on Crete to this cataclysmic eruption. High cliffs jutting into the sea are all that's left of the crater rim.

The surrounding islands are the remains of the sides of the crater, and the sea has filled in the gaps, forming a beautiful bay. Sunsets on the island are particularly striking; all the restaurants and bars in Fira face west over the sunken volcano and the Aegean Sea.

Santorini: Santorini Highlights - 4 hours

Meet your local guide and driver as you disembark your ship this morning for a half day exploring Santorini. Drive to Fira, where you will visit the Archaeological Museum which exhibits many items from excavations across the island such as vases from the 5th century BC and items from the Minoan age. After a short stroll in Fira, you may like to drive north to Oia, the most picturesque little town of the island, with white-washed houses, windmills and caves, perched on the very edge of the cliff.

A visit to Domain Sigalas or Boutari Wines will convince you that this small island, with some the oldest vineyards in the world, produces truly unique white wines. Or if you are an art lover you may like to visit the unique experience that is the Art Space, an art gallery set within caves of pumice rock. These carved chambers are those of a century old winery that is still in production now. The old winery production machines can be viewed alongside contemporary art from around the globe followed by a tasting of the wine produced there if you wish.

Highlights:

• Drive to Fira to visit the Archaeological Museum before heading to Oia, the most picturesque little town on the island
• Try some of the white wine produced on the island from some of the oldest vineyards in the world

Santorini's ancient Akrotiri excavation & Oia Tour approx 4 hours

Begin with a scenic drive through the plains of Santorini to the picturesque village of Oia, the crowning glory of tranquillity, boasting the most superb views of the caldera. Stroll around the narrow streets and explore its quaint boutiques of local art, paintings and semi-precious jewellery.
Continue with a visit to Akrotiri and marvel at the “Minoan" excavations that have revealed complexes of multi-level buildings, streets and squares, with remains of walls standing as high as 8 meters, all entombed in the solidified ash of the famous eruption of Thera.
Our final stop is to Fira, the capital, perched on the edge of an impressive cliff 260m high, where you will have free time to explore on your own. Many of its beautiful buildings blue domed churches and sun-bathed veranda were constructed during the Venetian invasion and offer stunning views over the submerged volcano

Santorini cooking and wine tasting class approx. 4 hours

Today you will be closer to the genuine tastes of Santorini through a farm to table experience. You will be offered fresh vegetables and herbs as well as other precious ingredients from local farmers, so as to cook them under the guidance of an experienced chef. This is an interactive course, where each participant is offered a glass of wine from Artemis Karamolegos Winery. Afterwards, you will enjoy the fruits of your labour at the picturesque veranda of the restaurants main area while enjoying 2 more wines while the presentation of the wines is given from experienced sommeliers. Upon completion of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel/ship.

Megalochori village & the lost Atlantis Museum approx. 4 hours

Our tour begins with a visit at Megalochori village and you will walk through the traditional vineyards, the lava-stoned streets, the renovated and abandoned houses after the earthquake of 1956, and the colorful houses. Then we will continue with the Symposium experience. In ancient Greece, the symposium was a ritualized drinking event, when drinking for pleasure was accompanied by music, dancing, recitals, or conversation. Similarly, we will be accompanied by live Lyre playing, mythological and historical wine narration. Afterwards, embark on a journey in Greek History, Mythology, Philosophy and Geology! Discover all the evidence that connects Plato’s Lost Atlantis myth with the volcano eruption of the island. Follow Plato’s Journey that inspired him to write about the ideal city through an interactive fresco. View a Holographic representation of the geological evolution of Santorini Island from the prehistoric ages until today. Re-live, with all your senses, the earthquake, the tsunami, and the volcanic eruption that led to the destruction of Atlantis in a 9D experience.

Santorini Walking food tour approx. 4 hours

Join us on a walking tour through Fira and neighboring Firostefani for a journey through senses - breathtaking views, hidden alleyways, local eateries - all of that while exploring the secrets of Greek cuisine and filling your belly!
The tour starts in Firostefani and ends in Fira, making a minimum of 7 stops to cover different aspects of Greek and local Santorini cuisine - from Greek coffee to local delicacies, to classic mezes and delicious deserts. Greek cuisine is not imaginable without olives and olive oil, as well as wine and ouzo. We will taste all this and much more. The goal of the tour is to introduce guests to the Greek cuisine in a fun and informative manner from the local standpoint, showcasing not only the flavors & ingredients of Mediterranean cuisine, but also the beauty of Santorini as a world-famous destination.

Santorini sunset cruise approx. 5 hours

Enjoy sailing around the crystal-clear blue waters of Santorini. First, we will visit the Red and White beaches, both unique and named after the colour of the volcanic pebbles of which they are comprised. Next, we will sail past Akrotiri and into the Caldera. Sail close the volcanic island of Thirassia is the Hot Springs, where you will enjoy swimming and a spa-like mud bath in the warm waters. We continue to Palea Kameni island for some time for swimming and snorkelling. A delicious barbeque dinner will be prepared and served on board while the magical sunset appears on the horizon.

Santorini caldera hiking trail OIa to Fira approx. 4 hours

This is the most scenic hike on the island of Santorini, starting from the capital city of the island, Fira, you will be led to Oia walking through the villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli. The greater part of the path is on the rim of the Caldera. Following this path affords a gorgeous view to the famous volcano and the Aegean Sea and also allows visitors to see the four most important villages of the island.

Hvar: The Island of Hvar - 4 hours

Considered to be the most beautiful of the islands of Dalmatia (and known to be the sunniest), Hvar, with its wealth of wild flowers and bountiful fields of scented lavender and rosemary, is a nature-lover’s paradise. The town of Hvar is situated in a picturesque natural setting, facing the south, the sun and the sea. After centuries of unforgettable and amazing history, Hvar is today a main tourist centre of the island and one of the best loved resorts on the Dalmatian Riviera. In Hvar Town, a combination of Renaissance palaces, ancient monasteries and an elegant marina has created the most chic resort on the Adriatic. Visit the old theatre built in 1612, the arsenal, and the old patrician palaces from the 15th century. The town is best known for its medieval buildings which are the legacy of Venetian rule. Perched high on a hill overlooking the town, the gleaming white limestone walls of the Spanjol Fortress afford breathtaking views for those that take the time to climb up to the top.

Highlights:

• Climb to the Spanjol Fortress for views across the glimmering Adriatic Sea and Hvar Town

Hvar: Hiking the Lost Villages of Hvar - 4 hours

The tour starts in Hvar town where you meet with the guide and travel to the village of V.Grablje, which is approx. 14km from Hvar town. The road to the starting point will offer amazing views of the surrounding islands. Hike through villages where you would see the traditional architecture and way of living, learn about medical herbs and much more. Meet with one of the locals who is a lavender producer and will explain about the tradition of lavender on the island.

Walk towards Malo Grablje following the old trail which in medieval time used to be the main road connecting Hvar with Stari Grad on the north side of the island. The entire trail is downhill, starting with approx. 20 long steps and continuing as a small trail for approx. 1.5km. After that part we continue our walk to Malo Grablje.

Stop for lunch (payable locally) at a small traditional tavern hidded in the Ghost village. After we continue walking for about 45minutes on a wide, gravelly road to Milna. A walk from Milna back to Hvar follows a small, rocky trail and it lasts approximately 1.30h

Highlights:

• Hike through some of Hvar's most beautiful villages, along the old medieval trail

Hvar: By Bike - 4 hours

Some 2400 years ago, the Ancient Greeks sailed into the harbour of modern-day Stari Grad from the island of Paros. Cycle along its long promenade outlining the deep protected bay.
From Stari Grad we have numerous options where to go, so your day can be anything from 10-50km. Depending on the route you take you will pass through some small traditional villages in the interior of the island. Our guides will decide about the route depending on the group and their fitness level.
On our way back to Stari Grad stop on a small local farm situated at the Stari Grad Plain. As well as growing a range of organic produce, Zuvela’s range of Hora wines is a byword for authenticity and quality. Croatia has more than 130 indigenous grape varieties and only grown on the island.

Highlights:

• Choose from multiple route options, all of which end at a local farm that grows a range of organic produce

Half day wine tour on Hvar

Today is perfect for a half day wine tour containing two premium wineries visits and a lot of great food and fine wine tasting. After just a 25-minute drive from Hvar town, you will get to see the beautiful vineyards with colorful grapes.

In order to truly understand Hvar and its wine - it is important to hear the history, to visit the vineyards and olive groves. Its modern winemakers are becoming increasingly internationally recognized – exported as far away as California and served in 3-star Michelin restaurants in the Netherlands.

In both wineries, you will be able to degustate some of the best wine produced in the region and to truly experience the autochthonous taste of island Hvar and its wine-making legacy. Cheers!

Notes: please let us know in advance if you have any food dislikes or allergies

Highlights:

• Unique island experience 
• Personal guide/driver
• Wine tasting 

• Private guide/driver,
• Round transfers
• Wine tasting in two wineries

• Lunch
• Additional drinks
• Gratuities
• Items purchased for personal use

Hvar city tour 2h

Discover the natural beauty and history of Hvar and learn about the town’s citadel, its medieval walls, monasteries and palaces. This tour will let you discover the most interesting museums and sites of Hvar Old Town. You will have an oportunity to choose between different sites this beautigul city has to offer such as the Renaissance-style loggia and its clock tower, the Theatre in the Arsenal building, St Stephen’s Square and the Cathedral. Feel free to walk through the Old streets of Hvar and visit the Lace Museum in the Benedictine nunnery, where nuns keep the secret of their unique handicraft which is now a part of UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity - lace making of agave threads.

Highlights:

• Sightseeing experience
• Personal guide

• Private guide
• Museum tickets

• Gratuities
• Food, drinks
• Transfers

Kayaking adventure around Pakleni archipelago

• Kayaking expirience
• Personal guide
• Kayaking equipment

Something extra Hvar city tour

This tour will unveil the historical legacy of town Hvar, step by step. You will explore this amazing old gem, alongside your private, professional guide. This journey into discovery of Hvar will begin with a car transfer to Fortica castle. Fortica castle is the best place for enjoying a perfect view of the entire town and surrounding Pakleni archipelago. You will then gently stroll down the serpentine paths of agave park leading the way to old part of the town called Groda. During the tour, you will learn about the town’s citadel, its medieval walls, its monasteries and palaces.

Highlights:

• Unique sightseeing experience 
• Personal guide

• Private guide
• Museum tickets
• Refreshment drink 

• Food and drinks
• Gratuities and items purchased for personal use

Hvar: Elegant Hvar - 8 hours

Considered to be the most beautiful and sunniest of the islands of Dalmatia, Hvar with its wealth of wild flowers and bountiful fields of scented lavender and rosemary, is a nature-lover’s paradise. In Hvar Town itself, a combination of Renaissance palaces, ancient monasteries and an elegant marina, has created one of the most chic resorts on the Adriatic Sea. The town is best known for its medieval buildings which are the legacy of Venetian rule. On your walking tour, visit the old theatre, built in 1612, the arsenal, and the old patrician palaces from the 15th century. Perched high on a hill overlooking the town, the gleaming white limestone walls of the Spanjol Fortress afford breath-taking views out across the glimmering Adriatic Sea and Hvar Town.
 
This afternoon, journey along the coast of the island to the villages in the central area which have a long tradition of viticulture and winemaking. Throughout the centuries, people on Hvar cultivated their vineyards with great skill and care, blessed with the warm Mediterranean climate. Some of the finest grape varieties are grown in this area, but it still remains a challenge to turn this agricultural bounty into great wines. The wines from this area have the reputation of being the best of Hvar, with the Plavac red being especially favoured. Enjoy a wine tasting and lunch (at leisure) here before exploring Vrboska village, the UNESCO protected world heritage site. Stroll through the many narrow streets and cross stone bridges before returning to your cruise ship.

Highlights:

• Discover the elegance of the marina and the ancient monasteries of the island
• Explore the winemaking region and a UNESCO World Heritage village

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local guide throughout (8 hours)
• Entrance fees
• All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Sail into the sunset on Hvar island

This sailing trip offers you the perfect afternoon experience of sunset sailing. Enjoy the beauty of a sunset and enjoy nature's farewell kiss for the night. Sunset sailing to Pakleni Islands is a tour designed perfectly to fit all your plans to embrace the beauty of Hvar and near by islands. If you are not an early bird, or just prefer to spend this time of the day on board, this tour will fit all your needs and expectations. As the summer days are long, and this tour starts in the afternoon, you will have enough time to enjoy swimming in the crystal clear water, snorkeling and sunbathing. As you sail back to the island of Hvar have a glass of delicious wine with the magic of experiencing sunset on board as you cruise along. The Pakleni Islands are popular with boaters and sun-seekers, the islands offer secluded beaches, vibrant marine life, and charming beach bars.

Highlights:

• Private sailing boat
• Sunset tour
• Local snacks and drinks
• Private skipper

• skipper
• fuel
• SUP board
• water
• wine
• snacks
• snorkeling equipment

• Guide
• Tickets
• Lunch
• Gratuities purchased for personal use
• Other sea toys

CROATIA_From Hvar: Hvar half day island tour - 5h

Description:
 
Charming Slovenian Istria with its rich cultural and historical heritage.  

 
Highlights:

• Explore historic Hvar City, its charming stone streets, and the impressive St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

• Climb to Fortica Fortress for breathtaking panoramic views of the Adriatic and nearby islands.

• Visit the tranquil traditional villages of Brusje and Malo Grablje, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.

• Stroll through Hvar’s famous lavender fields, enjoying captivating scents and centuries-old traditions.

• Discover the ancient charm of Stari Grad, one of Europe’s oldest towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Optional traditional lunch in the secluded village of Malo Grablje, featuring authentic local flavors.
  
   

Rijeka and Opatija sightseeing

Rijeka and Krk sightseeing

This fun tour consists of two equally amazing parts. A cultural sightseeing of Rijeka – a very vibrant and unconvèntional city, and of exploring the biggest Croatian island, Krk. Rijeka always had a great importance regardless if it was under Austro-Hungarian Empire or in Yugoslavia. Industrial centre and a port, Rijeka was a pioneer in many things. Did you know that torpedo was invented and constructed in Rijeka for the first time? Today, Rijeka has a strong underground culture and a unique industrial energy and it’s still filled with architectural masterpieces and interesting sites.

Highlights:

• Unique sightseeing experience
• Personal guide
• Round transfers

Tour Duration: approx. 8h
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions: 

• Private guide
• Round transfers

Not Included:

• Tickets
• Food and drinks
• Gratuities and items purchased for personal use

Rijeka and Trsat sightseeing

Today, after a car transfer to Rijeka, you will meet your guide and embark on a quest to get to know the beautiful area of Rijeka. Important throughout the ages and always equally interesting, Rijeka is today a blend of all the influences from the past combined. Did you know that Rijeka has its own leaning tower? It is like that because the Roman thermal baths once stood in its place and the canals underneath it are bending the tower today. Enjoy its main artery – street Korzo, stroll by its marina or visit exceptional buildings dating to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Options are endless.

Highlights:

• Unique sightseeing experience
• Personal guide

Tour Duration: approx. 4h
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions: 

• Private guide
• Round transfers

Not Included:

• Tickets
• Food and drinks
• Gratuities and items purchased for personal use