European Supreme Plus 3 Day Aegean Cruise Moderate with Eurostar 2013

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Hofburg PalaceParliament, ViennaAlexander Nevsky CathedralBig BenTower of LondonChamps ÉlyséesEiffel TowerNotre Dame CathedralHeidelberg Castle in Heidelberg, GermanyRiver RhineAcropolisCorinth Canal, GreeceChillon CastleCampania PompeiiFaraglioni RocksFlorenceThe Leaning TowerThe ColosseumSt Peter's BasilicaSt Mark's Square
Hofburg Palace
Parliament, Vienna
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Big Ben
Tower of London
Champs Élysées
Eiffel Tower
Notre Dame Cathedral
Heidelberg Castle in Heidelberg, Germany
River Rhine
Acropolis
Corinth Canal, Greece
Chillon Castle
Campania Pompeii
Faraglioni Rocks
Florence
The Leaning Tower
The Colosseum
St Peter's Basilica
St Mark's Square
Map
Image

Optionals

On every itinerary, we offer a range of optional excursions that allow you to further enhance your experience should you so choose. These are purchased when you are on your trip, via your Trafalgar Travel Director. Depending on the region visited these can be paid with cash or credit card.

  • HERAKLION

    • + A TASTE OF CRETE The tour begins from the Venetian lion-guarded port of Heraklion with a drive through the city to the famous wine producing area of Peza, south of Heraklion. The drive is through breathtaking landscape of countryside and vineyards as old as Minoan times. The first stop is a modern winery, where you will see the updated methods of wine making and sample some of the delicious Cretan wines. The drive continues through rural villages to the village of Archanes, the municipality in the area. On the way, a photo stop is made at Vathypetro to view one of the oldest farmhouses in Crete, dating to the Minoan period 16th Century B.C.. The tour continues through the island's hilly countryside where olive groves and vineyards existed from as far back as 4,000 years. Arriving at the village of Archanes, which is situated 10 km south of the Palace of Knossos, you will visit the quaint market town of Archanes characterised by many restored sandstone houses dating from the Turkish period. At a taverna in the village's tree-shaded square, you will sample an assortment of Cretan snacks and locally produced wine, and have a chance to mingle with many of the locals themselves while listening to typical Greek music. You will have free time to browse before the return drive to the port of Heraklion and the ship

    • + CITY TOUR AND MUSEUM Departure by bus from port and have a city tour for approximately 45 minutes . " Heraklion is the largest urban centre in Crete, the capital of the region and the economic centre of the island. The first European civilization, the Minoan civilization, flourished on this land 5000 years ago. The city is also the commercial and scientific centre of the island. It has a strategic geopolitical position in the southeast basin of the Mediterranean Sea connecting three continents and many different cultures." Continue with visit to archaeological museum which contains the most important artifacts from the Minoan civilization. After have free time for shopping in Heraklion centre return to port.

    • + PALACE OF KNOSSOS Crete is the largest and the most rugged of the Greek islands. It is also the home of the great Minoan Civilization and the mythological home of Zeus. After a short drive through the town of Heraklion the tour will arrive at the Knossos excavations. Here, Sir Arthur Evan's archaeological discoveries revealed a civilization dating back to 4000 B.C., when a great empire flourished on the island of Crete. Based on the wealth of artefacts that were found, Evans theorized that this was the site of the ancient Minoan Kingdom. These findings will be viewed in detail, as your guide will lead you on a journey of discovery to learn of the sophisticated culture that flourished thousands of years ago on this island. The Palace, decorated with frescoes and shields houses the Hall of the Royal Guard, the Hall of the Double Axes, the King's Chamber with the alabaster throne, the Queen's Apartment, beautiful courtyards and shrines. Having visited this remarkable site your coaches will take you back to the Venetian lion-guarded port of Heraklion to rejoin your ship. Walking in the archaeological site of Knossos will be on uneven gravel surfaces. Passengers may not be allowed to enter the site with big bags/rucksacks.

  • PATMOS

    • + AGRIOLIVADO BEACH TRANSFER After disembarking the vessel join your coach and drive to one of the most beautiful, picturesque and clean family beach of the island, called "Agriolivado" located at the northern part of the village of Skala. There you can enjoy swimming in crystal clear waters and relax on the sandy beach for approximately two hours. Rejoin your motor coach which will bring you back to the port of Skala, where you can either return to the vessel or enjoy a casual stroll around the picturesque port town Skala.

    • + SCENIC ISLAND TOUR An interesting scenic island tour has been designed for those passengers who prefer to discover the beauties of Patmos from the comfort of an air-conditioned motor coach. Start the tour from the port of Scala and drive to the central part of the island "Chora" which is the location of the Majestic Byzantine Monastery of St. John the Divine, built in 1088. Your sightseeing will first bring you to the Grotto of the Apocalypse, and then to the windmills of Chora, once upon a time the landmark of all Aegean Islands, from where you will enjoy a beautiful view and have the chance to take photos. Afterwards, continue around the island to see its landscape of outstanding natural beauty comprising of rocky hills, dozens of tongues of land reaching out into the sea, tranquil beaches and many picturesque inlets. Before arriving at the port, a stop of 10 minutes is made at the square at Kambos in the north part of island. The tour ends at the port of Scala to enjoy free time in the quaint and picturesque little town. A refreshment or a coffee will be offered at Arion Café, the oldest and most beautiful café of the town.

    • + ST JOHN S MONASTERY AND GROTTO OF THE APOCALYPSE Depart from the port of Scala and enjoy a short drive to the village of Chora, where the monastery of St. John is built within the walls of a strong fortification. As you walk uphill towards the entrance of the monastery marvel at this magnificent structure, which was built 900 years ago . View the courtyard, the monks' dining room and the old bakery before you visit the main church noted for its outstanding frescoes and interior decoration. Next, visit the small museum where priceless ecclesiastical treasures, books, manuscripts, mosaics, Icons, splendid medieval textiles, vestments and jewelry are housed. Return to your motorcoach and continue to the nearby Grotto of the Apocalypse and the Monastery of the Apocalypse above it. Walk down the steps to the Grotto of the Apocalypse. Here you will see the niches in the wall that mark the pillow and ledge used as a desk by the author of the Book of the Revelation and the crack in the rock made by the voice of God honouring the Holy Trinity.Afterwards, drive back to the port of Scala and enjoy some free time in this quaint and picturesque town. (Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties)

  • KUSADASI

    • + ANCIENT EPHESUS Drive through the colourful town of Kusadasi and along the coast to reach Ephesus, famous in antiquity for its Temple of Diana - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - and later the home of St. John. During the years of the Roman Empire, the Greek port of Ephesus became the greatest city in Asia Minor. Upon arrival at Ephesus follow your guide to enter the ancient site through the Magnesian Gate. Discover innumerable monuments including the Forum, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the Thermal Baths of Scolastika and the Great Theatre built in the Greek era and reconstructed in the Roman period, which is still noted for its remarkable acoustics. View the symbols all around and marvel at the fact that one is still able to read the inscriptions in the ancient Greek language. Walk back to your coach along the Arcadian Way, where once Mark Anthony and Cleopatra rode in procession. As you drive back to Kusadasi, on a hill above Selcuk, just outside Ephesus, view the Basilica of St. John, which was erected over his grave in the 6th century A.D. by Emperor Justinian. Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time in Kusadasi or get a cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibition of oriental carpets, jewellery or leather goods.

    • + ANCIENT EPHESUS AND THE TERRACE HOUSES Drive through the colourful town of Kusadasi and along the coast to reach Ephesus, famous in antiquity for its Temple of Diana - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - and later the home of St. John. During the years of the Roman Empire, the Greek port of Ephesus became the greatest city in Asia Minor. Upon arrival at Ephesus follow your guide to enter the ancient site through the Magnesian Gate. Discover innumerable monuments including the Forum, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the Thermal Baths of Scolastika and the Great Theatre built in the Greek Era and reconstructed in the Roman period, which is still noted for its remarkable acoustics. View the symbols all around and marvel at the fact that one is still able to read the inscriptions in the ancient Greek language. Walk back to your coach along the Arcadian Way, where once Mark Anthony and Cleopatra rode in procession. As you drive back to Kusadasi, on a hill above Selcuk, just outside Ephesus, view the Basilica of St. John, which was erected over his grave in the 6th Century A.D. by Emperor Justinian. Ephesus terrace houses are located on the hill, opposite the Hadrian Temple Also called as "the houses of rich", important for the reason give us information about family life during the Roman period. They were built according to the Hippodamian plan of the city in which roads transected each other at right angels. There are six residential units on three terraces at the lower end of the slope of the Bulbul Mountain. The oldest building dates back into the 1C BC and continued in use as residence until the 7C AD. Ephesus Terrace houses are covered with protective roofing which resembles Roman houses. The mosaics on the floor and the frescos have been consolidated and two houses have been opened to the public as a museum. They had interior courtyards (peristyle) in the center, with the ceiling open. They were mostly two-storied, upper stores have collapsed during time. On the ground floor there were living and dining rooms opening to the hall, and upstairs there were bedrooms and guest rooms. The heating system of the terrace houses were the same as that in baths. Clay pipes beneath the floors and behind the walls carried hot air through the houses. The houses also had cold and hot water. The rooms had no window, only illuminated with light coming from the open hall, so that most of the rooms were dim. The excavations of the terrace houses started in 1960. The restoration of the two of the houses have been finished and can be visited today. Before returning to the ship, get a cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibition of oriental carpets, jewellery or leather goods. Terrace Houses visit is not recommended for people with walking difficulties. Also walking in sites can be on uneven gravel surfaces.

    • + EPHESUS AND THE HOUSE OF THE VIRGIN MARY Drive through the colourful town of Kusadasi to reach Mt. Koressos. Situated in a small valley, the humble chapel lies on the site of the little house where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days. Despite the many controversies, the Christian World still favours this belief and the site has been officially sanctioned by the Vatican for pilgrimage. Continue on to Ancient Ephesus accompanied by your guide walk through the Magnesian Gate which is the entrance to the ancient city of Ephesus. Your guided walking tour will take you through one of the most magnificent excavations in the world. See the Odeon (concert hall), the Fountain of Trajan, the steam-heated Baths of Scolastika, the Temple of Hadrian and the Latrians, the Library of Celsus and The Great Theatre, the largest one in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats where St. Paul preached. Walk back to the coach along the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession. While driving back to Kusadasi and just outside Ephesus, view the Basilica of St. John, which was erected over his grave in the 6th century A.D. by Emperor Justinian. Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time in Kusadasi or get a cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibition of oriental carpets, jewellery or leather goods.

  • VIENNA

    • + DINNER AND VIENNESE CONCERT We will enjoy a delicious meal of Viennese specialities, with drinks, followed by a wonderful concert of Viennese classical music including some of the most famous works of Johann Strauss and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, performed by some of the most highly acclaimed soloists and dancers in Austria. We provide you with 'A Class' tickets and a complimentary glass of local champagne during the interval.

    • + DINNER WITH TRADITIONAL MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT IN A LOCAL RESTAURANT Enjoy dinner in an atmospheric Viennese restaurant. Drinks and traditional musical entertainment included.

    • + SCHONBRUNN PALACE AND GARDENS We enjoy a guided visit to the Palace of Schönbrunn, with its magnificently preserved state rooms and exquisite gardens. You will have time for a walk through the park, perhaps as far as the Gloriette pavilion with its magnificent views.

    • + VIENNESE CONCERT A wonderful concert of Viennese classical music including some of the most famous works of Johann Strauss and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, performed by some of the most highly acclaimed soloists and dancers in Austria. We provide you with 'A Class' tickets and a complimentary glass of local champagne during the interval.

  • AMSTERDAM

    • + DINNER IN AN HISTORIC DUTCH HOUSE Savour a meal of Dutch specialities in elegant surroundings. Drinks included.

  • SANTORINI

    • + EXCURSION TO OIA VILLAGE Driving along the road you'll have the unique opportunity to admire the panoramic view of the Aegean sea with the neighbouring islands. A unique sight is also the various layers of lava that one can see on the face of the rock, each layer being another phase of the activity of the volcano. Built on the Caldera rim, Oia Village is an excellent example of Cycladic architecture Accompanied by your guide explore the village walking along the cobble-stone streets and the white washed houses with blue shutters where one gets the impression that they are living in a beautiful travel poster. After Oia the bus will drive you up to Fira, where you will make your own way back to the ship.

    • + JEEP SAFARI ADVENTURE Departing the ship by local tender you will head for Athinios port where you will meet the guide and begin your Jeep Safari by heading for the FAROS meaning "Light house", at AKROTIRI, the most southern part of the island. After a quick photo stop you will leave the Faros behind and move on to the next destination which is VLYCHADA BEACH. The village of Vlychada is where all the local fishing boats are moored. After a photo stop here we move on to the next destination PERISSA BEACH. This beautiful beach with its black sand which is a fantastic backdrop for the lively beach bars that can be seen all along the beach front. Here you will have the opportunity to stop and enjoy refreshment in one of the many cafes if you feel like or to walk around and stretch your legs before getting back into the jeep to continue to the next stop. The following stop is highest point of the island and offers you the most amazing and dramatic, panoramic view, up at PROFITIS ELIAS. Leaving Profitis Elias and heading down the mountain you will drive through EXO GONIA a small sleepy village. Next stop for photos is KAMARI beach, once a fishing village it is now a hub of life, having been discovered by tourists from all over the world it now hosts many hotels and restaurants and of course, colourful shops. The last village you will visit will be MONOLITHOS, this lovely place remains a little quieter and seems more sleepy that the previous beach of Kamari, but no less beautiful. The final stop on your safari tour will be FIRA TOWN, here you will leave the jeeps behind and follow your guide up to the Metropolis Church of Fira town to end your guided tour and return to the ship by cable car.

    • + SAILING AND VOLCANO Enjoy a cruise (by motorboat) around the active crater of Nea Kameni islet. Sail along the strange formations of its volcanic shores, where black lava rocks and white pumice are combined beautifully with the red colour of lava. Take a walk to the top of the volcanic island where sulphur is spewed into the air by one of the craters. Enjoy this surreal landscape as your guide narrates the creation and history of the volcano and the last eruption leading to the destruction of the island of Santorini. The tidal wave created by the eruption was of such an immense magnitude, it destroyed the thriving city of Knossos on the island of Crete. As your caique enters the narrows of the two lava islets, Palea and Nea Kameni, the colour of the water changes from dark blue to sulphur green. In the distance, admire the breathtaking sight of Fira town with its white washed houses clinging precariously on the rim of the Caldera. Take time to swim in the warm waters heated by Hot Springs on the sea floor. Your excursion will end in Fira where your guide will show you the way to the cable car and you will make your own way back to the ship. NB. This tour is available from April to September and is subject to weather conditions. Please note the water at the hot springs is reddish brown in colour and may stain light coloured swimsuits.

  • VENICE

    • + HIDDEN VENICE A historical walk, with a local guide, through some of the lesser known areas of Venice. Discover the markets where Venetians buy fresh produce, and some of the secrets of other quarters of the Venetian labyrinth.

    • + LAGOON CRUISE WITH LUNCH OR DINNER Take some time off the beaten track! We are taken by private boat to the nearby islands in the lagoon of Venice. See the island of Murano where the glass blowers live. Lunch or dinner is taken at the picturesque 'Island of the fishermen', Burano, famous for its multicoloured houses and a photographer's paradise. Drinks are also included.

    • + VENETIAN MAGIC An unforgettable introduction to this unique and magical city! We cruise along the Grand Canal by private water taxi, admiring the magnificent and elegant palazzos. We see the Rialto Bridge and then reach 'the most beautiful outdoor drawing room in the world', St Mark's Square. Later during your Gondola Ride, you will glide along the picturesque smaller canals, sipping Italian champagne while a duo of musicians entertains. (with a drink in one of the historic cafes on St Mark's Square instead of during the gondola ride - Euro 73)

  • INNSBRUCK

    • + HORSE AND CARRIAGE RIDE A spectacular drive leads us to a typical mountain village. Then we enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride through the magnificent alpine scenery. We stop for an included drink at a traditional Tyrolean Gasthof before our return to Innsbruck.

    • + TYROLEAN EVENING Enjoy a lively evening of traditional entertainment. Singers, dancers, and musicians dressed in national costume provide a colourful show of folklore and fun. (includes two drinks)

  • KALAMBAKA

    • + METEORA The visit to Meteora is a unique experience, with its monasteries perched on top of huge rocks. Here, where was once the sea, are giant columns of granite, on top of which reverent Christians found shelter to worship God in peace. During this excursion you will have the opportunity to visit some of these monasteries, shrines of Byzantine art. From their courtyards you will command an impressive view of the valley of the River Pineios and of the surrounding mountains.

  • SOFIA

    • + RILA MONASTERY A beautiful drive through the heart of the Balkans takes you to Rila Monastery, a perfect example of Byzantine architecture. Lunch is included

  • ROME

    • + ROMAN EVENING WITH DINNER A light hearted evening in Rome. We will relax and enjoy a typical Italian meal (drinks included), while live musicians entertain us. To complete our evening, we will drive along the Via Veneto, a location made famous by the film 'La Dolce Vita' and see how the Romans enjoy their city. A wonderful end to our day.

  • BUDAPEST

    • + SZENTENDRE AND LIGHT LUNCH Follow our guide to the lovely medieval town of Szentendre, with its ancient walls and narrow, cobbled streets to visit Margit Kovacs Ceramic Museum. Being a centre of art and handicrafts, it has a truly unique atmosphere. Perhaps strike a bargain in the shops that sell beautiful Hungarian embroidery and ceramics. The excursion will be completed with a visit to the quaint, charming restaurant, where Hungarian goulash soup, cake and drinks will be served.

    • + VISIT TO THE HUNGARIAN PARLIAMENT Take a guided tour of this magnificent Gothic Revival building, the most ornate state parliament in Europe. (When the Parliament is closed, we will visit the exquisitely decorated, 'Renaissance' Opera House).

  • BUCHAREST

    • + THE PEOPLE S PALACE CEAUSESCU S FOLLY A once in a lifetime opportunity to visit the interior of the most impressive and controversial building in Romania. See the Private and Public audience rooms of this colossal building, now occupied by Romania's parliament. Wonder at the crystal chandeliers, mosaics, oak paneling, marble gold leaf and stained glass of this 'no expense spared' palace, during our guided tour.

  • ATHENS

    • + TRADITIONAL GREEK TAVERNA MEAL WITH ENTERTAINMENT This is an evening excursion to a taverna in the centre of Athens. Excellent traditional Greek food in a lively atmosphere, entertained through dances and music from all parts of the country. Wine, beer and soft drinks are also included. Although the venue does have an official ending time, clients are more than welcome to stay on in the taverna, to join in with the local residents! (Casual dress)

  • FLORENCE

    • + JEWELS OF THE RENAISSANCE A guided tour of the Accademia allows us to appreciate the most famous and beautiful sculpture in Italy, Michelangelo's David, the symbol of Renaissance Man. Nothing can match the experience of meeting this masterpiece in person.

    • + LUNCH OR DINNER WINE AND MUSIC IN THE TUSCAN HILLS Take a scenic drive through the beautiful Tuscan countryside to a delightful regional restaurant set among the pines and cypress trees. Here a feast of gastronomic specialities awaits, accompanied by song and music.

    • + FLORENTINE DINNER WITH ENTERTAINMENT Sample the flavours of medieval Florence, during an evening of good food and music at a distinctive historic venue. (Subject to availability).

  • LUCERNE

    • + MOUNT PILATUS AND LAKE CRUISE A series of cable cars will take us gradually up through the fields and forests to the summit of Lucerne's most well known mountain. Here you have time to explore, admire the many sweeping views, and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Then we board the cog-wheel train to the base of the mountain. (On certain departures the ascent and descent will be by cable car only). On our return trip we enjoy a scenic lake cruise. (On certain departures this optional may be operated in reverse, with the cruise first.)

    • + FOLKLORE SHOW WITH LUNCH Join in the fun of a lively folklore show with typical Swiss entertainment. Enjoy a delicious lunch (including cheese fondue) and one drink as we listen to yodelling and Alpine horn blowing.

    • + SWISS HERITAGE A chance to meet the Swiss, as local farmers take us on a delightful countryside tour in horse drawn carriages. Enjoy stunning scenery as we trot around a typical rural community, en route to a working farm where local drinks and snacks will be served.

  • PARIS

    • + MOULIN ROUGE CABARET AND DINNER Dinner and Cabaret, including wine and champagne, at the world famous Moulin Rouge - the original Paris cabaret - immortalized by the recent award winning film and featuring 60 dancers and entertainers and over 1000 costumes!

    • + NOUVELLE EVE CABARET AND DINNER Dinner with wines included at one of the most prestigious cabaret shows in town! Enjoy an evening of exciting acts, stunning tableaux and wonderful entertainment - including, of course, the world famous Can-Can. A Parisian night that you will never forget!

    • + VERSAILLES - THE PALACE, GARDENS AND FOUNTAINS * We leave the bustle of the city for the splendour of Versailles. Created by the “Sun King” Louis XIV, the palace became the envy of every other European ruler. Our guide takes us through the State apartments, including the famous Hall of Mirrors. Afterwards, take a stroll through the symmetrical tree-lined gardens while the fountains play. (NB. This optional is subject to availability).

    • + SEINE CRUISE AND PARIS BY NIGHT Paris at night is a city transformed. Enjoy this superb 'city of light' as we take a leisurely cruise on the popular river boats under the bridges of Paris, admiring the wonderful buildings which adorn the banks of the River Seine. Afterwards, as we drive through this amazing city, we stop at some vantage points for you to capture these fascinating sights on camera. (In summer, this trip may take place before sunset).

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Hotel Class Key
  • SF= Superior First Class, F = First Class, MF = Moderate First Class, ST = Superior Tourist, D = Deluxe and MD = Moderate Deluxe.
  • Hotels are subject to change.
Notes
  • * For single travellers purchasing the twin-share option, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms.
  • ^Twin-share option not available for trips to South America., Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey.

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