8 Days Aegean Explorer - MS Caledonian Sky

Day 1 -  Arrive Athens, Embark Ship

Fly from Ireland and arrive in Athens, transfer to your ship. This evening, get to know your Cruise Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception.

Stay: Seven nights, MS Caledonian Sky

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Day 2- Milos

Famed for being the home of the iconic Venus de Milo, the volcanic island of Milos gently curves around a central caldera, offering breathtaking coastal landscapes. Its dramatic cliffs and colourful, surreal rock formations are truly captivating. Step ashore and embark on a guided tour of the island, visiting Plaka, the charming capital, the striking Sarakiniko beach, and the peaceful fishing village of Pollonia. In the afternoon, take time to unwind at Paleochori, one of the island's most scenic beaches. As the day draws to a close, gather with your fellow travellers for a Gala Welcome Dinner.

Daily:

·  Breakfast

·  Lunch

·  Dinner

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Day 3 -  Delos, Mykonos

This morning, discover beautiful Delos, one of the most important historic sites in Greece. Explore the ancient location at your leisure before setting sail to the sun-drenched isle of Mykonos. Perhaps  join an optional walking tour through the main town of Chora. Your ship will stay docked in port until late evening, so you may wish to disembark and enjoy dinner at your leisure at a local restaurant.  

Enhance Your Journey – Walking Tour of Town and Island Tour 

Join an optional tour by coach through the main town of Chora, taking in the incredible views of inland Mykonos. Admire the old port and spot local fishermen in their traditional fishing boats. Enjoy panoramas of charming Cycladic architecture and famous windmills so often featured on postcards. Next stop is the village of Ano Mera. Prepare to be in awe of its alluring architecture, captivating public square and the historic Panagia Tourliani Monastery. Observe local life as you wander through a labyrinth of authentic bakeries, taverns and cafes. Then, spend some time at leisure at Kalafatis beach, a particularly stunning setting with a backdrop of the Aegean Sea. Venture back to the old port of Mykonos. Set off through a maze of bustling tiny lanes, soak in the whitewashed buildings with iconic blue shutters, and see the majestic blue-domed churches. 

Enhance Your Journey – Delos Sacred Site Combination & Mykonos Walking Tour

On this combination tour, explore the magnificent archaeological sacred sites of Delos before discovering Mykonos’s Old Town. Start with a visit to Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Greece’s most remarkable historical landmarks, famously known as the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Stroll through the well-preserved ruins, including key sites like the Terrace of the Lions, the South Stoa, and the Sacred Way. The tour includes a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Delos, which houses an intriguing collection of artefacts, including the iconic lions from the Terrace of the Lions. You'll then enjoy an immersive guided walking tour through Mykonos’ main town, winding your way through traditional laneways lined with iconic cubed architecture, charming blue shutters and bright-domed churches. Discover the delightful old port, boasting authentic fishing boats and glittering turquoise water, reminiscent of postcards. Relish free time to explore more or enjoy a drink at a local terrace bar before concluding your tour.  

Daily:

·  Breakfast

·  Lunch

·  Dinner

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Day 4 -  Patmos

Today visit Patmos and discover the tiny island’s rich history. First settled in 1088, the island was deserted for centuries because of constant raids by pirates and the Turks. It is now a quiet respite from other more popular Greek Isles. Enjoy time at leisure in town and delight in panoramic views over the Bay of Patmos and the stretch of islands in the archipelago beyond. Perhaps choose to join one of the optional sightseeing tours on offer.

Enhance Your Journey – Walking Tour of Town and Island Tour

Head out on a scenic island tour of Patmos and indulge in the most idyllic sites this location has to offer. Commence your tour at the port of Skala, before visiting the most historical site of the island, the Cave of St. John. Continue to the windmills of Chora and soak in the surrounding scenery, worthy of a postcard. Then, venture south to Patmos’ highest peak and the surrounding village of Grikos. Relish stunning views of the coastal landscape boasting rugged hills, dreamy peninsulas and tranquil beaches. Conclude your tour with an authentic taste of Greece at a local restaurant. Feast on a spread of Greek meze, a variety of small dishes of regional ingredients accompanied with a glass of wine. Return to the island’s idyllic port of Skala.

Enhance Your Journey — Sacred Monastery and Grotto

Begin your tour with a drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. John. The building’s fortified exterior offers a glimpse into the island’s history and the threat of pirate invasion. Discover the numerous religious artefacts housed in the monastery, including the iconostasis. From the monastery, enjoy intoxicating views of Skala and its surrounds. Next, visit the Holy Grotto of the Revelation, a small cave transformed into a chapel. Learn about St John and his life’s work.

Daily:

·  Breakfast

·  Lunch

·  Dinner

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Day 5 -  Kuşadasi, Ephesus

This morning you will dock in Kuşadasi, located on Türkiye’s Anatolian coast.

Insider Experience – Visit Ephesus

Drive to the nearby ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities of the Eastern Mediterranean. Step back in time today as you immerse yourself in ancient Roman life and imagine the city’s former splendour. Broad streets are lined with impressive buildings, including the library of Celsus, which was built in memory of Celsus Polemeanus, a Roman senator and reportedly a great book lover.

Daily:

·  Breakfast

·  Lunch

·  Dinner

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Day 6 -  Mytilene, Lesbos 

Spend a day at leisure in charming Mytilene, the capital of Lesbos. Perhaps join an optional guided tour and admire once-grand 19th-century mansions, jumbled ancient streets and the imposing Byzantine castle.

Enhance Your Journey – Mytilene Walking Tour and Castle Visit

Explore the captivating old aristocratic neighbourhood of Mytilene, abundant with old mansions. Visit one of the largest castles in the Mediterranean, the Castle of Mytilene. Perched on top of a hill covered in pine trees, savour exceptional views of the town and Aegean Sea. Then, take a short drive to commence your walking tour at the old port of Mytilene followed by a stroll through the main market. Observe the variety of shops at one of the most active marketplaces in Greece, in particular the local fish mongers which offers an authentic slice of local life. Choose to return to the ship via the alluring waterfront or explore further.

Enhance Your Journey – Olives and Ouzo – A Taste of Mytilene

Set out on an enchanting drive through the countryside of Mytilene towards the village of Papados. Head to the historic Vrana Olive Press, first established in 1887. It played a pivotal role during the Industrial Revolution of Lesvos as one of the island’s first steam-powered factories. In 2005, a large restoration project resulted in the traditional mill transforming into an informative museum which you will explore today. Delve into the mill’s rich history as well as the role it played in the surrounding region, and observe the original machinery. Then, visit the charming coastal village of Perama for a tasting of ouzo accompanied with light regional snacks. Relish the serene atmosphere, a direct contrast to the busier side of Mytilene.

Daily:

·  Breakfast

·  Lunch

·  Dinner

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Day 7 -  Çanakkale, Gallipoli Peninsula

This morning, arrive in Çanakkale and travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula to experience the Anzac legend first hand. Witness an array of trenches and memorials that remain as a tribute to those who lost their lives in World War I. Take a memorable visit to Anzac Cove, the Australian Memorial at Lone Pine and the New Zealand Memorial at Chunuk Bair. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a Captain's Farewell Dinner.

Daily:

·  Breakfast

·  Lunch

·  Dinner

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Day 8 -  Disembark Ship, Depart Istanbul

After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight to Ireland.

Daily:

·  Breakfast