I will be on a cruise in May (Venice, Corfu, Katakolon, Athens, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Santorini, Civitavecchia, Cannes, Barcelona)with boyfriend....are there attractions on what you should not miss?

Athens - the Acropolis. One of my favourite memories is of walking from the Plaka up to see the Parthenon and site, then following the ancient road down, stopping at a hillside restaurant for a late breakfast and refreshment. We were glad we went early in the day to beat the crowds and heat. Also on the hillside is Anafiotika, a fascinating area of pathways and Cycladic-style houses. Near the National Garden is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier where you can watch the Evzones, the high-stepping guards in their pleated kilts and pompom shoes.

Santorini - Akrotiri.

I think the major enjoyment is the beauty of the places, arriving in the Bay at Santorini is amazing and the view from Thira, though I guess your ship will leave by senet. Mykonos Town and the great little alleys behind the port area. Lucky you!

While at Mykonos, catch a tour of the nearby island of Delos. It's one of the holiest sites of the ancient world (the birthplace of Apollo) and was mentioned by Homer in the Odyssey as a center of "modern" culture. It attracted civilizations around the world to worship and do trade and is so covered with ruins that you're practically tripping over them as you go. Amazing place. Also, it's only a half day of your time.

I highly recommend you Ephesus
one of the leading sites of the world also mentioned in Bible.
Sites are
Ephesus the ruined city
Basili
ca of St John
House of Virgin Mary

For more information for tours run to Ephesus for private parties please send you email request.

regaRDS

nejat Incedogan
Guide ýn Ephesus

hi emmitt. My girlfriend and i will be on the same cruise. i am looking to see what we want to do with the ship, and what to do on our own. we live in upstate ny, and maybe we could meet on the ship. [email protected]
have a blast!
curt

We loved our Greece/Turkey cruise in 2001. In Kusadasi, definitely go to see Ephesus -- well worth the trip.

On Mykonos, we took a cab to the "Shirley Valentine" beach (Agios Ioannis, 5km from Mykonos town). Spent a fun beach morning (early October, so out of season), and had a very nice lunch at the taverna on the beach. Taverna called a cab to take us back to port.

Santorini -- what can I say? We got up very early to see the sun rise as we sailed into the caldera. Spent a little time in busy Fira, then took a bus from the square to Oia. Had a wonderful afternoon wandering through the town -- taking pictures at every turn. Another nice taverna lunch, too. The crowning touch was seeing the moon rise over the cliffs as we sailed out of the caldera. I can still see it in my mind's eye. <nostalgic sigh>

We did a similar cruise last year.
You arrive at the ports and can disembark at 8 a.m. and return at 5 p.m. We did not take any of the over priced tours. Don't get me wrong they are good but very expensive. You don't need a tour in Athens but definately in Istanbul to save time. We hired a taxi at $20 a hour in Athens, had a ball. His name is Dennis Gourdoumisas you can write him at 95 Tripoleos St, Terpsithea Glyfada, 16561 Athens, Greece. Home phone after & p.m. is 96 26 063 and mobil phone 09 32 580 075.

ISTANBUL sites.... Thanks to our Ephesus Tours guide, who gave us a tour of Istanbul. We would never of got so much done without him. All the main sites in Istanbul are next to each other except for Kariye Museum this is a must see. There are a few outside shops near Kariye. One is called KARIYE we bought beautiful tiles from Nuhi Akpinar. The small hand made silver 999 mirror $25. Even gave our friends a suitcase for his many tiles. Nuhi prices were cheaper than at the Grand Bazaar.
There are many other sites but you just won't have time. Askeri Muze (Military Museum) at 3 pm the Janissairies Band dressed in traditional costumes plays old military music. Dolmabahce Sarayi (Dolmabahce Palace) 1843-1856.

Don't miss the Yerebatan Sarayei (Basilica Cistern) what a surprise you are in for. We enjoyed Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque) a little more than Hagia Sofya (St. Sophia) very dark. The secret is go up into the gallery at Hagia Sofya as you enter it is way to your left, the mosaics are outstanding and can't be seen from below. The four round panels 7.5 meters each which are as high as the gallery bear the names of God, Phrophet Muhammed and others. We missed the sacred column in the north aisle of the mosque it weeps water that can work miracles. A hole has been worn through it. Hippodrome is across the street in the center of the road.

Topkapi Sarayi (Topkapi Palace) take a day or hit the high spots. English tour is at 9:30 a.m.. We rushed through it but not all 700,000 sq meters. Lira only.

TURKISH words... HELLO = merhaba (mare ha ba). YES= evet ( air it), NO = yoke, WC for toilet.
Everyone smiled when we would greet them with merhaba or yahsu.
GREEK words ...HELLO to you = yahsu (yah SU), YES = ne (now), NO = ochi (OH-kee)

FOOD..... we ate nothing but local food where the locals eat. Haci Abdullah is good on Aga Camii Yani Sakizagaci Cad # 17 (Beyoglu) near Taksim. DO NOT ORDER CHICKEN SOUP IN EITHER COUNTRY. It is loaded with lemon juice.


ATHENS...ACROPOLIS, Roman Forum, Tower of the Winds, Agora and Anafiotika. A must is the National Archaeological Museum this is good for your departure day to the ship takes about 2 hours.

Many go to Cape Sounion on arrival day but check in at the hotel was noon not 4 pm. So head for the Plaka. Delphi or Corith 1/2 day or full day trips we will leave for next time on our own.

ISLANDS 1. Santorini - hired a cab #33...went all over. Had a great lunch. His name was Manonue 09 44 54 12 53. Tooks us every where we wanted to go.
2. Rhodes - did the old town which is a reproduction. The English and Americans bombed it in WW II. Don't really need a guide.

Our first Turkish stop coming from Athens was ****Kusadasi - Ephesus. We had another great guide with van from Ephesus Tours. Their web site: http://connect.to/ephesustours This was the highlight of our WHOLE trip. We also went to a very small village called Sirince in the hills and to the Selcuk Museum. Feel free to contact with Ephesus Tours for information on Istanbul, Ehpesus or anywhere else in Turkey. Very helpful.