Ports
of Call
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Piraeus
(Athens), Greece
Capital of Greece, cradle of democracy, birthplace of Western
Civilization - Athens is a vibrant city where old and new
co-exist.The majestic Parthenon rises above the city, its ancient
glory still visible in the time-worn stone, and the National
Archaeological Museum holds countless treasures from Athens'
Golden Age.
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Mykonos,
Greece
On Mykonos you will find beautiful beaches, chic boutiques, and
elegant nightclubs. Beneath its sophisticated surface, lies a
quite essential Greek island. Hundreds of tiny cha-pels dot this
blue and white-washed island with its beautiful windmills. Find a
table on the waterfront and bask in the serenity of sunset over
its picturesque harbor.
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Rhodes,
Greece
The beautiful "Island of Roses" has a rich and varied history. On
a hill above the charming town of Lindos rises an ancient
acropolis dedicated to the goddess Athena. Below lies the bay of
St. Paul, where the apostle landed during his voyages. The
crusading Knights of St. John left the medieval city of Rhodes
behind when they were defeated by Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent.
The Ottoman Turks then occupied Rhodes for almost 400 years
leaving mosques, minarets and a Turkish bath to mark their
presence.
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Patmos,
Greece
This island is known as the site of the apocalyptic Revelations of
St. John the Divine, written here during his exile from the Roman
Empire.The cave where he lived is near the site of the Monastery
of the Apocalypse.The Monastery of St. John, built on one of the
island's highest points, houses priceless icons and manuscripts in
its Treasury.
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Kusadasi
(Ephessos), Turkey
A tour to nearby Ephessos should not be missed, for here history
truly comes to life. Walking towards the ancient harbor, down a
marble road rutted by the wheels of countless chariots, you pass
architectural masterpieces like the Library of Celsus before
arriving at the Great Amphitheater where St. Paul was arrested and
cast out of the city.
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Heraklion
(Crete), Greece
Heraklion, the capital of Crete and its principal commercial port
is just three miles away from the fantastic ruins of the Palace of
Knossos. Discovered in 1899 by Sir Arthur Evans and partially
reconstructed, the elaborate Palace is believed to be the mythical
Labyrinth of King Minos and the seat of ancient Minoan culture.
The Archaeological Museum in Heraklion displays many of the
treasures found during the excavations.
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Istanbul,
Turkey
As you approach Istanbul from the sea, the gra-ceful minarets of
countless mosques appear on the horizon and the Islamic call to
prayer car-ries over the water. Istanbul's blend of East and West
has resulted in some of the most magni-ficent architecture in the
world, including Agia Sofia and the Blue Mosque. At the Topkapi
Museum, formerly Sultan's Palace, the treasures of the Ottoman
empire are on view. Bargain for your own treasures in the Grand
Bazaar.
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Santorini,
Greece
The island of Santorini is perhaps the most breathtaking of all
the Greek Islands.The town of Fira white-washed houses, narrow
streets, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques cling to steep
cliffs, accessible by cable-car or mule. To the south is Akrotiri
where recent Minoan excavations support the theories that
Santorini might be the fabled lost continent of Atlantis.
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Volos
(Meteora), Greece
Its privileged location between the country's two main urban
centres, Athens and Salonica and by the slopes of Mt. Pelion,
makes this a lively and modern city offering varied cultural life
and entertain-ment. Its scenic waterfront is ideal for a stroll.
It is the gateway to ama-zing Meteora, home of the impressive
monasteries perched on top of giant rocks.
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