In western Peloponnese, in the beautiful valley of the Alpheios river, lies the most celebrated sanctuary of ancient Greece. Dedicated to Zeus, the father of the gods, it sprawls over the southwest foot of Mount Kronios, at the confluence of the Alpheios and the Kladeos rivers, in a lush, green landscape. Although secluded near the west coast of the Peloponnese, Olympia became the most important religious and athletic centre in Greece. Its fame rests upon the Olympic Games, the greatest national festival and a highly prestigious one world-wide, which was held every four years to honour Zeus. The origin of the cult and of the festival went back many centuries. Local myths concerning the famous Pelops, the first ruler of the region, and the river Alpheios, betray the close ties between the sanctuary and both the East and West.

The earliest finds in Olympia are located on the southern foot of Mount Kronios, where the first sanctuaries and prehistoric cults were established. A large number of pottery sherds of the Final Neolithic period (fourth millennium BC) were found on the north bank of the stadium. Traces of occupation of the three periods of the Bronze Age were identified in the greater area of the Altis and new museum. A great tumulus of the Early Helladic II period (2800-2300 BC) was discovered in the lower strata of the Pelopion, while several apsidal structures belong to the Early Helladic III period (2150-2000 BC). It is traditionally believed that in approximately 1200 BC the region of Olympia was settled by Aetolians under the leadership of Oxylos, who founded the state of Elis. The first planned sanctuary dedicated to local and Pan-Hellenic deities was probably established towards the end of the Mycenaean period. The Altis, the sacred enclosure with its shady oaks, planes, pines, poplars and olive-trees, was first formed during the tenth and ninth centuries BC, when the cult of Zeus was probably established. Olympia was subsequently devoted exclusively to worship and for many centuries had no other structures except for the Altis, a walled precinct containing sacrificial altars and the tumulus of the Pelopion. The numerous votive offerings, mostly figurines, bronze cauldrons and tripods were placed outdoors, on trees and altars. The first figurines representing Zeus, the master of the sanctuary, date to the Geometric period.

In 776 BC, Iphitos, king of Elis, Kleosthenes of Pisa and Lykourgos of Sparta reorganized the Olympic Games in honour of Zeus and instituted the sacred ekecheiria, or truce. Soon the quadrennial festival acquired a national character. The great development of the sanctuary began in the Archaic period as shown by the thousands of votive offerings - weapons, figurines, cauldrons etc - dating from this period. This is when the first monumental buildings were constructed - the temple of Hera, the Prytaneion, the Bouleuterion, the treasuries and the first stadium. The sanctuary continued to flourish into the Classical period, when the enormous temple of Zeus (470-456 BC) and several other buildings (baths, stoas, treasuries, ancillary buildings) were erected, and the stadium moved to the east of its Archaic predecessors, outside the Altis. The countless statues and precious offerings of this period were unfortunately lost, as the sanctuary was pillaged several times in antiquity and especially under Roman rule. In the Hellenistic period the construction of lay buildings, such as the gymnasium and palaestra, continued, while in Roman times several existing buildings were refurbished and new ones built, including hot baths, luxurious mansions and an aqueduct. Many of the sanctuary's treasures were removed and used for the decoration of Roman villas.

The sanctuary continued to function during the first years of Christian rule under Constantine the Great. The last Olympic Games were held in 393 AD, before an edict of Theodosius I prohibited all pagan festivals. In 426 BC Theodosius II ordered the destruction of the sanctuary. In the mid-fifth century AD a small settlement developed over the ancient ruins and the Workshop of Pheidias was transformed into a Christian church. In 522 and 551 the ruins were devastated anew by earthquakes, the Temple of Zeus being partially buried. In subsequent centuries the Alpheios and the Kladeos overflowed and together with landslips from Mount Kronios buried the site deep in mud and sand. Olympia remained forgotten under a layer of debris 5-7 metres deep. The area was dubbed Antilalos and it is not until 1766 that the ancient sanctuary was re-discovered.

In 1829 the French Scientific Expedition of the Peloponnese partially excavated the Temple of Zeus, taking several fragments of the pediments to the Muse du Louvre. Systematic excavation began by the German Archaeological Institute in 1875 and continues to the present. During this last decade U. Sinn, Professor of Classical Archaeology at the University of Wurzburg and member of the German Archaeological Institute, and his team researched the southwest building, while Dr. H. Kyrieleis, former director of the German Archaeological Institute, and his team excavated the Prehistoric buildings of the sanctuary. Several monuments of the site are currently under conservation and restoration.

6 h. tour (Private tour)

(transportation + guidance throughout + drive by the Venetian castle + visit Agiassos village + visit of Barbagiannis Ouzo Distillery)

For those of you that have more time at their disposal and would like to see as much as possible of the landscape of this beautiful island, we can arrange for you a private tour through the most important sights of the island of Lesvos. Your tour will begin with a panoramic drive through an old aristocratic neighborhood of Mytilene that lies near the Venetian Castle and admire the fine architecture of the old mansions, but also drive by the Venetian castle where you will hear a lot about its history.

You will then continue with a drive to the village of Agiassos which is situated on the pine and olive covered slopes of mount Olympus. After a short stop in the village, you will continue your drive to Plomari.

Plomari has been the center of cultural and economic activity on the island for many decades, famous for its distilleries that produce what many consider to be the best ouzo in Greece. Agios Isidoros is a nearby beach and there you will visit the Barbagiannis Distillery, complete with a tour of the museum and the production plant. You will learn the methods of creating genuine ouzo and how the aspects of the original method are still present in modern distillery. Afterwards you will have the opportunity to taste the Barbagiannis ouzo, reputed to be the best in the world.

Return to Mytilene port and back to your cruise ship.

4 h. mostly walking tour (Private tour)

(transfer to the Venetian castle + guided tour of the castle + walking tour of the Mytilene old town + free time)

Your licensed tour guide will be meeting you at the port as soon as you get off your ship. You will then get on the private vehicle and drive up to the famous and well preserved Venetian castle. The rest of your tour after that will be on foot in order to admire the architecture of all buildings and churches. At the Venetian Castle you will be able to explore it and hear a lot about its history from your tour guide. Mytilene town is full of little alleys with little cafes and shops that you might have already seen many times on travel magazines not realizing where those pictures came from. Let your imagination travel and walk, getting in the relaxed mood of the locals. One of the highlights of your walking tour will be the visit one of the many historical churches of the 16th century.

Then you will proceed with the visit of the archaeological museum and you will be amazed by the remaining mosaics of some of the ancient villas.

The market place of the island is consisted by a long shopping street, built on the remainings of the ancient road of Evripos.

Before you return to the ship, time permitting, you should enjoy some free time by a local tavern, to taste the famous local fish and ouzo.

6 h. tour (Private tour)

(transportation + guidance throughout + visit Kanoni + visit the Achillion Palace + visit the Theotoky Estate winery + free time in Corfu old town)

Departing from Corfu’s port, you will drive to Kanoni, from where you can enjoy the excellent views of the picturesque Mouse Island and Vlacherna Convent which is linked to the mainland by a causeway. Mouse Island was formed, according to legend, when the ship of Odysseus that took him back to his homeland Ithaca, was turned to stone. The god of the sea Poseidon was angry at Phaeceans because they defied him.

Then you will drive to the village of Gastouri and visit the Achillion Palace, which was built at the end of the 19th century by the Empress Elizabeth of Austria (known as Sissy) on land bought during a visit to Corfu. This large neoclassical building has three floors adorned with many statues and paintings and is surrounded by vast gardens that are decorated with many statues, the most famous of which are the two bronze runners, the dying Achilles and the statue of Achilles Triumphant. After the assassination of Empress Elizabeth, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany bought the palace and used it as a place for relaxation. All of the rooms contain personal items of the former owners and their original furniture.

After the visit of Achillion, you will drive to a famous winery of Corfu, the Theotoky Estate. There you will enjoy a tour of the winery and have a chance to taste some of the most famous wines of Corfu.

You will then return to Corfu Town with its unique architecture influenced by Venetian, French and British occupation. You will see impressive buildings such as the Old and New Fortresses as well as the Palace of Saint Michael & Saint George which now houses an impressive Museum of Asiatic Art. The Liston is Corfu Town's most traditional meeting place, where people gather to read newspapers and drink coffee or ouzo at the old-established cafes. Its terrace, with a series of arches fronting the road, is based on the Rue de Rivoli in Paris and was designed by the French in the early 19th century. It forms the western side of the Esplanade, which is the largest square in southern Europe.

4 h. tour (Private tour)

(transportation + visit of Virgin Mary monastery + visit to Kanoni + free time in Corfu old town)

Departing from Corfu's port, you will drive to Paleokastritsa, the west coast's most picturesque resort. Paleokastritsa consists of two large peninsulas and five coves surrounded by wooded hills. There you will find the Monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary, founded in 1225, perched on the rocky northern promontory. The building which exists today was built later and houses a museum with Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons. Its picturesque bell tower must be one of the most photographed sights in Corfu.

You will continue to Kanoni, from where you can enjoy the excellent views of the picturesque Mouse Island and Vlacherna Convent which is linked to the mainland by a causeway. Mouse Island was formed, according to legend, when the ship of Odysseus that took him back to his homeland Ithaca, was turned to stone. The god of the sea Poseidon was angry at Phaeceans because they defied him.

You will then return to Corfu Town with its unique architecture influenced by Venetian, French and British occupation. You will see impressive buildings such as the Old and New Fortresses as well as the Palace of Saint Michael & Saint George which now houses an impressive Museum of Asiatic Art. The Liston is Corfu Town's most traditional meeting place, where people gather to read newspapers and drink coffee or ouzo at the old-established cafes. Its terrace, with a series of arches fronting the road, is based on the Rue de Rivoli in Paris and was designed by the French in the early 19th century. It forms the western side of the Esplanade, which is the largest square in southern Europe.

At the end of your excursion you will be taken back to the port.

6 h. tour (Private tour)

(transportation + visit the Cave of the Apocalypse + visit the monastery of St. John + visit the house of Simandiris + visit a nun's monastery + visit Gricou bay and Lambi beach)

Your air-conditioned private vehicle will start from the port of Skala and drive half way up the mountain to the Cave of St. John to visit the most important site of the island. Here is where St. John the Theologian wrote the Revelation, the last book of the New Testament. Once visited your tour guide will proceed to the Monastery of St. John. Christodoulos, Servant of Christ, built the Monastery in 1088. Its castle like structure crowned all around with battlements has a total of eight chapels inside. Once entering the courtyard one can see the intricately designed frescoes adorning the main chapel entrance.

The Monastery’s museum houses a magnificent collection of jeweled chalices, crowns and crosses. In addition, amongst the many icons and religious paintings there is an original El Greco painting which is one of his first. The library, which unfortunately is not open to the public, has many ancient books exhibited in the museum.

After leaving the Monastery on top of the hill, a short walk into the old town will bring you to the doorstep of a Patmian house from the 18th Century. Next to it, one will visit the active Nun’s Monastery. Both sites will give you an idea of how one lives today in Chora. Time will be given for the opportunity to take photos in the narrow streets of the old town. If time allows it and you are interested, you can visit a local restaurant for lunch.

After lunch the tour continues by following the coastal road back to the port via Gricou Bay on way to the north part of the island which is the agricultural area. During the leisurely drive a complete image can be formed on how the beautiful inlets and tranquil beaches appeal to the many guests that visit Patmos.

The last site is the bay of Lambi where the famous beach for its colorful stones is definitely a place to visit and take as many photographs as you can. Last minute shopping can be done after the coach returns you to the port.

4 h. tour (Private tour)

(transportation + visit the Convent of Evangelismos + visit the Convent of Zoodohos Pigi + visit the monastery of St. John + visit the Cave of Apocalypsis)

You will board your private vehicle at the port of Skala and you will take the coastal road passing the south end of the island to the Convent of Evangelismos which lays in a beautiful setting surrounded by well-kept gardens with a spectacular view over the bay of Kipi. The original chapel of St. Luke dates from 1613 and the Convent itself was founded in 1937.

You will have the opportunity to see a wonderful collection of frescoes painted by the nun Olympia who died within the last decade. This large Convent is a wonderful example of ecclesiastical architecture and houses an exhibition where examples of handicrafts made by the nuns can be purchased.

You will then drive to the old village of Chora where you will start with a short walk through the winding cobbled streets and arrive at the tiny Convent of Zoodohos Pigi (The Spring of Life) built in 1607. On one side of the cobbled courtyard is the chapel, where you will discover an array of recently restored 17th century frescoes, the timeless art of the icon along with a beautifully carved icon wall. On the other is a small gift shop where one can purchase handicrafts made by the nuns.

You will then continue by foot through a labyrinth of atmospheric lanes winding their way to the foot of the Monastery of St. John the Theologian built in the 11th century. Here one can get a glimpse of monastic life and absorb timeless history through the magnificent ecclesiastical artifacts of its museum. Among the Monastery’s treasures are frescoes of the founder Christodoulos and miracles of St. John, ancient documents dating from the 6th century, vestments, silverware and numerous icons including a work attributed to El Greco.

After a short ride you will arrive at the Cave of the Apocalypse - home to the birth of the Book of Revelation, the last book in the Holy Bible. In 95AD, at the time of the persecution of the Christians, St. John was exiled to the Island of Patmos where the vision of the Revelation was revealed to him in this small cave which has now become a place of worship and an important destination for pilgrims.

After this memorable tour, you will embark your private vehicle and enjoy a short ride back to the port.

2.5 h. tour (Private tour)

(transportation + scenic island tour of Patmos)

An interesting scenic island tour has been designed for those of you who prefer to discover the beauties of Patmos within the comfort of an air-conditioned private vehicle.

Commencing your tour from the port of Skala you will drive halfway up the mountain to the cave of St. John to visit the most important site of the island.

Your sightseeing will then bring you to the windmills of Chora, once upon a time the landmark of all Aegean islands. Enjoy the view, take photos and from there continue to the south part of the island and observe the highest point of it and the small village of Gricou.

You will continue your drive around the island to see its landscape of outstanding natural beauty comprised mostly of rocky hills, dozens of tongues of land reaching out into the sea, tranquil beaches and many picturesque inlets, before you arrive at the village of Kambos, located in the north part of the island.

Here you will be welcomed with a refreshment and a traditional local sweet. Your tour ends in the port of Skala, the quaint and picturesque harbor of the island.

3.5 h. tour (Private tour)

(transportation + private guided tour of the Cave of the Apocalypse + guided tour of the monastery of the St. John + visit the house of Simandiris + walking tour of Chora)

This varied tour is perfect for those who want just a little bit more.

You will visit the Cave of the Apocalypse, home to the birth of the Book of Revelation, the last book in the Holy Bible. In 95AD, at the time of the persecution of the Christians, St. John was exiled to the island of Patmos where the vision of the Revelation was revealed to him in this small cave which has now become a place of worship and an important destination for pilgrims.

On leaving the Cave you will drive to the old village of Chora, on the hilltop where you will have the opportunity to photograph the breathtaking panoramic view over the island and discover the stunning architecture of houses dating from the fifteen to eighteen hundreds.

Chora, the island's capital, houses the 11th century Monastery of St. John the Theologian. Here one can get a glimpse of monastic life and absorb timeless history through the magnificent ecclesiastical artifacts of its museum. Among the Monastery’s treasures are frescoes of the founder Christodoulou and miracles of St. John, ancient documents dating from the 6th century, vestments, silverware and numerous icons including a work attributed to El Greco.

From the Monastery you will walk through the winding cobbled streets of Chora to the house of Simandiris. There you will have the unique experience of seeing the interior of a traditional Patmian house along with antique furniture, embroidery, and paintings collected over 8 generations of the Simandiris family members.

Before returning by your private vehicle to the port of Skala, you will conclude your tour with a walk through Chora and have the opportunity to browse the open air shops.

6 h. tour (Private tour)

(Transportation + guidance all the way + guided tour of Akrotiri + visit of Red Beach + beach getaway or wine tasting experience at a local winery + visit of Oia village)

Santorini is an island famous all over the world, not only for its beauty and unique location but also for its history and the great archaeological site of Akrotiri, where the excavations have brought to light some exquisite artifacts and frescoes from the prehistoric times. This island  was once cursed to get totally destroyed by the volcanic eruptions, but is today blessed to have so many people from all over the world arriving to visit and photograph it. In addition to that the volcanic soil and the lack of water are responsible for the production of some of the most famous wines in the world. Therefore you will notice as you will be driving pass the fields that the vineyards are nothing like what you see in the rest of the world. They are kept low and just above the soil, so that they absorb every single drop of moisture that comes from it. The older plants look like handwoven baskets.

You could spend days on this island and still want to explore more and more of it. But since you will be stopping only for a few hours while on a cruise, we have designed this customizable tour, in order to help you make the most of your time there.

The tour will start as soon as you meet your tour guide at the designated area.

After an approximately 30 minute drive, arrive and enjoy a guided tour of the archeological site in Akrotiri. The usual duration of this guided tour is approximately 60 minutes, but is at your discretion to make it last longer with the help of your guide, if its history fascinates you. The site is covered by a large canopy, so you will be in the shade, even during summer.

After the visit of Akrotiri, you will drive to the nearby famous Red Beach for a short stop for photographs.

Your day will continue with one of the following activities that you can choose of, or if you don't delay getting off and getting around the rest of the places, you might combine them both:

A. Visit a famous local winery

You will proceed to one of the most famous and oldest wineries in Santorini. Established in 1880 inside a natural cave 8 meters below ground, there is also located the only wine museum in Greece which is considered one of the best wine museums in the world (ranked as #2). You will enjoy a tour of the wine museum that presents the history and life of wine from 1660, and then enjoy in a private room a wine tasting experience of 4 wines, one of which is the famous Vinsanto, accompanied with snacks. An electronic audio guide will be provided to you with information for both the wine museum, but also for the tasting experience.

B. Visit the Perivolos beach

Santorini is famous mostly for other things rather than its beaches. Still, the beaches found on the southern part of the island are unique due to the volcanic soil and covered with black rocks. Among other beaches, Perivolos is one of the most famous ones, where you can swim, enjoy the sun and relax by the seaside. There are also various sea sports available. In case you do not want to swim, you can enjoy lunch or a beer with "mezes" at a seaside taverna. The island is very famous for its cherry tomatoes, the fava beans, the white eggplants and many other products that come from the dehydrated soil. One of your best experiences will be to taste the tomato or fava bean balls, or the salads they make with their own local way, with a mixture of the aforementioned products.

Last but not least drive to the village of Oia and walk along its narrow streets, which typifies the white-painted houses of the Cyclades. In many cases they are built directly into niches which are cave houses used by the crew of the ships, on the lip of the volcanic crater, between which are narrow alleys and blue-roofed churches with cupolas and neoclassical mansions that used to be captain’s houses in the 19th century. Your tour guide will give you narrations and will let you explore the magnificent Oia and take "millions" of pictures.

Finally return to Fira where your tour will end. You can either spend time exploring Fira village on your own or you can take the cable car to return to your ship. Your tour guide will give you tips and suggestions so you will be able to make good use of your time. If you don't choose to have lunch somewhere during the tour, you can enjoy lunch or dinner in one of the many restaurants in Fira, overviewing the caldera gulf.

Kindly note that due to rock falling some times the visit at the Red Beach is prohibited by the local authorities. In such a case we will visit the picturesque traditional village of Megalochori.