Pn-pt 1000-1800 sob 1000

IST08 - DE LUXE ISTANBUL TOUR

Duration: full day, lunch included.

Enjoy an exclusive excursion discovering the “jewels” of this important Turkish city. Leave the port and drive to the Blue Mosque where we will admire the interior panels made up of blue and white ceramic tiles. Built between 1609 and 1616, the Blue Mosque contains the tomb of its founder, as well as a madrash (school) and a hospice. After the visit we will enjoy a panoramic view over the ancient Hippodrome that was the centre of Byzantine public life before continuing to St. Sophia church to admire the wonderful Byzantine mosaics and learn more about this building. One of Istanbul’s main attractions, it evolved from a church to a mosque and has since become a museum. The excursion continues at the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the ancient centre of the Ottoman Empire and private residence of the Sultans and their court. During the XVIII century the Topkapi Palace grew to its current size and incarnation and at times it housed 10.000 residents and Guests. We will break for a delicious lunch at the Ciragan Palace, located on the shores of the Bosphorus and which overlooks the ancient city of Istanbul. The original palace was torn down and rebuilt many times over the centuries ; it was used as a banqueting hall by Mahmut I for foreign ambassadors. After lunch you can indulge in the favourite Turkish past-time of shopping. You will have the opportunity to shop and enjoy free time in the Grand Bazaar as well as the chance to enjoy a short carpet demonstration and/or shop in a jewelry store or in a leather shop.

Please note: if the visit falls on a Sunday or a religious holiday the visit to the Grand Bazaar will be replaced with a crossing the bridge uniting Asia to Europe. Conservative attire is recommended for visiting sites of religious importance. This tour is not suitable for guests using a wheelchair.

IST10 – ISTANBUL BY LAND & SEA

Duration: full day, lunch included

Join this day-long excursion and discover the gems of Istanbul by land and sea. Your tour will begin with a transfer to the Ottoman Rüstem Pasha Mosque designed by the architect Mimar Sinan for Grand Vizier Damat Rüstem Pasha from 1561 to 1563. We will admire its interior characterized by exquisite tomato-red Iznik tiles set in a stunning floral and geometric design typical of the early Iznik period (1555 – 1620). The mosque was built on a high terrace over a complex of vaulted shops and boasts a double porch with five domed bays. We will continue to the “Cisterna Basilica”, the largest of several underground cisterns beneath the city of Istanbul, with 336 marble columns. The name comes from a large public square, the Stoa Basilica, beneath which it was originally constructed. You will admire the face of Medusa, located in the northwest corner of the cistern and which is set upside down, apparently to diffuse the power of this Gorgon’s gaze. The excursion also includes a visit to the fabulous Gran Bazaar. Enjoy free time for shopping, watch a typical carpet demonstration and/or shop in a luxury jewelry store. We will have time for a delicious lunch before enjoying a lovely cruise across the Bosphorus, the waterway that lies between the two continents of Europe and Asia. You can admire Istanbul from the sea and see how the different periods of history unfold in the city’s monuments: witness the amazing Byzantine Anadolu Fortress and the Beylerbeyi Ottoman Palace, summer residence of the Sultans. Admire the ancient quarters of Uskudar and Kuzguncuk with their wooden villas and houses before continuing to Dolmabahce Palace, the Ortakoy Quarter and past Leander’s Tower ( also the “Maiden’s Tower” ) on Kiz Kulesi island. Sail under the two bridges that link Asia and Europe.

Please note: if the visit falls on a Sunday or a religious holiday the visit to the Grand Bazaar will be replaced with a crossing the bridge uniting Asia to Europe. Conservative attire is recommended for visiting sites of religious importance. This tour is not suitable for guests using a wheelchair.

IST11 – ISTANBUL: THE CITY ON TWO CONTINENTS

Duration: full day, lunch included

This unique excursion takes you to the Asian and European sides of this metropolis located on the shores of the Bosphorus. We will cross the Bosphorus Bridge to reach the Asian side, with a visit to Beylerbeyi Palace, summer residence of the sultans and stunning example of late Ottoman architecture. One of the most attractive rooms is the reception hall, with its extravagant marble pool and fountain. We will then board a boat to reach the European shore of Istanbul, where we will have lunch. The afternoon is dedicated to the amazing “Cisterna Basilica”, the largest of several underground cisterns beneath the city of Istanbul, with its 336 marble columns. Its name comes from a large public square, the Stoa Basilica, beneath which it was originally constructed. You will admire the face of Medusa, located in the northwest corner of the cistern and which is set upside down, apparently to diffuse the power of this Gorgon’s gaze. The tour also foresees some time for a typical carpet demonstration and/or visiting a luxury jewelry or in a leather store before free time for shopping in the fabulous Gran Bazaar.

Please note: drinks are not included in lunch - only water. If the visit falls on a Sunday or a religious holiday the visit to the Grand Bazaar will be replaced with a crossing the bridge uniting Asia to Europe. Taking photos or shooting videos inside Beylerbeyi Palace is prohibited.
IST12 ― ISTANBUL: ANTIQUITY, TRADITIONS & SHOPPING

Duration: approx. 4.5 hours

After leaving the port, this fascinating excursion will show you the sights of this lovely Turkish city, including the Golden Horn, the historical inlet of the Bosphorus dividing Istanbul, and the ancient defensive walls of Constantinople. The tour also includes a visit to Süleymaniye Mosque, the city’s largest mosque that was built at the order of Sultan Süleyman, who was known as Süleyman the Magnificent. Having been completed in only seven years, the original complex consisted of the mosque itself, a hospital, public baths, a caravanserai and a public kitchen. The mosque also houses the tombs of Sultans Suleiman II and Ahmed II. A further highlight of the tour is a visit to the colourful and wonderfully aromatic spice market, some free time to spend browsing through the fabulous Grand Bazaar and a chance to see a typical carpet demonstration and/or to shop in a luxury jewellery or in a leather store. The tour concludes by taking you back to your vessel.

Please note: the order of the visits may vary. If the visit falls on a Sunday or a religious holiday the visit to the Grand Bazaar and to the Spice Market will be replaced with a crossing the bridge uniting Asia to Europe. Conservative attire is recommended for visiting sites of religious importance.

IST14 ― ISTANBUL BY NIGHT : DINNER & SHOW

Duration: approx. 4 hours

Located on the Bosphorus Strait in the scenic natural harbour called the Golden Horn, the ancient city of Istanbul is the only metropolis worldwide to straddle two continents: Europe and Asia. As beautiful as Istanbul is by day with its magnificent mosques, cosmopolitan flair and fabulous architecture, after sundown the city is transformed into a fairytale world of twinkling lights that cannot fail to delight. This colourful and culinary night-time tour to Istanbul begins with a coach drive to a renowned nightspot for a delicious dinner, accompanied by live entertainment in the form of a typically Turkish folklore show. After dinner, look forward to rejoining your coach and embarking on a sightseeing tour of this exciting Turkish city, the largest in the country with a population of some 13 million in its greater catchment area. You will also cross the famous Bosphorus Bridge to reach the Asian side.

Please note: this excursion is available only for guests onboard MSC Armonia.
IST16 – ISTANBUL’S BYZANTINE LEGACY

Duration: approx. 4.5 hours

The city of Istanbul is not only Turkey’s largest metropolis, but also home to a rich legacy of Byzantine history. On leaving the pier by coach, you will head for the first of these Byzantine moments with a stop at the fabulous Süleymaniye Mosque, the city’s largest place of Islamic worship. The huge structure was built at the order of Sultan Süleyman – also known as Süleyman the Magnificent – from 1550 to 1558. Apart from the mosque itself, the original complex also featured a hospital, primary school, public baths, caravanserai, several Qur’an schools, a medical college and a public kitchen to feed the poor. In the gardens behind the main building, you will also find two mausoleums with the tombs of Sultans Suleiman I, Suleiman II, Ahmed II and Safiye. A short drive will then take you to see the gorgeous Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora, which is regarded as a particularly fine example of Byzantine architecture and is a further highlight on this tour. Most of the current building dates back to the late 11^th century and over time, the church first underwent conversion into a mosque and latterly became a museum. The interior of the church is covered with fine mosaics and frescoes. Your Byzantine experience is rounded off with panoramic views of the city’s Byzantine walls and a chance to watch a typical carpet demonstration and/or to shop in a luxury jewellery or in a leather store. The tour then ends with your return to the port and your ship.

Please note: conservative attire is recommended for visiting sites of religious importance. This tour is not available on calls falling on a Wednesday.

IST18 – MYSTIC DERVISHI SHOW & DINNER

Duration: approx. 4 hours

Delve into the world of whirling dervishes and the 13^th-century Sufi mystic known as Mevlãnã (or Rumi) on a fascinating night out in Istanbul. On your way to the venue to watch the "Whirling Dervishes Performance", you will also have a chance to see the outside of the Süleymaniye Mosque complex. Characterised by great architectural beauty, this amazing feat of early structural engineering is one of best-known sights in the whole of Istanbul. As followers of Mevlãnã, these Sufi ascetics of the Mevlevi Order take part in a formal ritual, called Sema, that involves 4 states of whirling. Each of these 4 stages represents a transition from an original state of being God’s unknowing servant to a state of acquired knowledge and perfection. This enlightened state can only be achieved through receiving God's love and truth as well as by allowing oneself to engage in spiritual communion with God. Watching the dervishes elevate themselves into a state of religious ecstasy – revolving at tremendous speed in time with the music, heads bent, eyes closed, arms and legs flailing wildly, colourful skirts swirling – is truly inspirational. Following the Sema ritual, you will make your way to the restaurant section in Süleymaniye Mosque – the former soup kitchen of the larger mosque complex designed by the architect Sinan – for a taste of Turkish specialities. Your return to the pier and your ship marks the end of the tour.

Please note: as the restaurant is located in the Süleymaniye Mosque complex, alcoholic drinks are prohibited by Islamic rules. Only soft drinks, natural fruit juices or water will be served during dinner. This tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems or using a wheelchair. This tour is available only for guests on board the MSC Armonia.


IZMIR (Turkey)
Izmir is located in Turkey’s Aegean province, which enjoys an extremely mild year round climate. Turkey’s third largest city is located in a magnificent historic region which has rendered it a key holiday destination. Lively and cosmopolitan, Izmir boasts scenic, palm-lined promenades that line a glittering bay, and is a short ride away from Ephesus, one of the best archaeological sites in the world.
IZM01 - CITY TOUR

Duration: approx. 4 hours

A great chance to team culture with a spot of shopping, the excursion begins with a visit to the fascinating Izmir Museum of History and Art, which is located in the city’s Kültürpark and was established in the year 2004. The museum is split over three separate buildings, each of which is dedicated to showcasing a different kind of artefact found in Izmir or in the immediate vicinity, including treasures made of stone and ceramics from the 2^nd century A.D.. After time to explore the museum, the tour continues by coach to Izmir’s fashionable district of Karşiyaka, the ideal spot to relax on one of the benches along the gorgeous waterfront. A boat will finally return you to Izmir port and your ship.

IZM02 – EPHESUS

Duration: approx. 5 hours 15 minutes

The ancient and once vibrant city of Ephesus, which had a population of more than 250,000 in its heyday, is now a gargantuan archaeological site that is situated an approx. 1-hour drive inland from Izmir. Ephesus was originally founded by the Ionians c. 1,000 B.C. and even then boasted features that modern society still appreciates to this day, for instance a huge theatre with absolutely perfect acoustics and a capacity to seat 25,000 people. Your guided tour around the complex will take you past the ancient baths, Hadrian’s Temple, the Library of Celsus, which was built by Tiberius Julius Aquila to commemorate his father, and the marble street where many of the shops were situated. The site provides a fascinating insight into a highly developed and sophisticated ancient civilisation. The tour also foresees some time visiting a handicraft shop and/or a leather shop before returning to the port.

Please note: this tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair as it involves long periods of walking.
IZM03 - ST. JOHN’S MONASTERY AND MARY’S HOUSE

Duration: approx. 5 hours 15 minutes

The house of the Virgin Mary is located in a quiet valley and it was only in 1892 that the building was recognized as a holy Christian site and then visited later by Pope Paul VI and John Paul II. The Virgin Mary had lived in this house for 46 years. Our tour continues at St. John's Monastery, the most famous Byzantine structure in Ephesus. The monastery was built by the emperor Justinian and queen Teodora in the VI century A.D. on the ruins of a small church which contained the Tomb of St. John who died in Ephesus in 100 A.D.

Please note: the coach ride to the sites takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes each way; this tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair as long walking is involved. Only photos with no flash are allowed inside Mary’s House. Conservative attire is recommended for visiting sites of religious importance.
IZM05 - EPHESUS & MARY'S HOUSE

Duration: approx. 5 hours 45 minutes

This excursion combines history and religion: visit the stunning archaeological site of Ephesus and visit the Odeon theatre built to hold 25.000 spectators and which still boasts excellent acoustics. You will also visit the Library of Celsus, built by Tiberio Giulio Aquila in commemoration of his father and see the Temple of Hadrian which contains some ancient bas-reliefs. Walk down the marble street which pays testament to the former importance of this ancient city of Asia Minor. The tour continues with the visit to Mary's House where the Virgin Mary spent the last years of her life. The tour also foresees some time visiting a handicraft shop and/or a leather shop before returning to the port.

Please note: the coach ride to the sites takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes each way. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair as it involves long periods of walking. Only photos without flash are allowed inside Mary’s House. Conservative attire is recommended for visiting sites of religious importance.
IZM09 - DE LUXE BEACH TOUR AT SHERATON HOTEL

Duration: approx 5 hours

Treat yourself to a couple of hours of unadulterated beach time on this deluxe tour. After leaving the port, a 1.5-hour coach drive will take you from Izmir to Çeşme, an exclusive seaside resort on the Turkish shores of the Aegean Sea. Your destination is equally exclusive: Çeşme’s very own high-class Sheraton Hotel, one of the most prestigious establishments in the area. A welcoming drink will be served when you arrive, after which you can enjoy the hotel’s facilities, such as the outdoor swimming pool, swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean or simply relax in the hot Turkish sun. Your tour concludes with your return to the port and your ship.

Please note: this excursion operates from June until the end of September. Guides available only in English.
IZM12 – SPLASH OUT AT THE ADALAND AQUAPARK

Duration: approx. 5 hours

Designed to keep you entertained for half a day with a slew of wonderfully watery activities, this splash of a tour begins with a relaxing 1.5-hour coach ride to the resort of Kuşadası, situated on the scenic Aegean coast approx. 100 km south of Izmir, and the biggest water-amusement complex in Europe: the Adaland Aquapark. Considered by many to number among the best of its kind in the world, the park provides an almost unlimited array of family-based fun that is sure to keep you amused for hours on end – regardless of your age. In addition to a variety of exciting slides and dedicated pools, including one for children, the park also features a Jacuzzi, trampoline, rafting options along a 1-km waterway, a lazy river and even a safari park! With all that activity likely to whet your appetite, the food and drink that are also on offer at the park (attracting fees not included in the price of the tour) are sure to hit the spot. The return trip to Izmir and your ship then brings your Adaland experience to a leisurely close.

Please note: The tour runs from June until the end of September. Guides available only in English. Some activities attract additional charges, which will be payable directly to the Adaland Aquapark.
KATAKOLON (Greece)
Katakolon is a small holiday port town in Ilia, western Greece. Known as the ‘gateway to Olympia’ Katakolon lies just east of the ancient city of Olympic, the birthplace of the famous Games. This really is a destination for everyone and everyone will come away with a greater understanding of the ancient Hellenic civilisations.