Ancient Odyssey
14-night cruisefrom £949 per person
Travel through 3,000 years of history in 14 days as the past meets the present on the Island Escape or Island Star with our Ancient Odyssey cruise.
- Ports of call & itinerary
- Shore excursions
- On board experience
Shore excursions
We organise a wide selection of shore excursions to enable guests to pack as much in to their holiday as possible. All guests are of course welcome to stay on the ship or do their own thing in any port of call.
For a full list of available shore excursions, see our Shore excursions section.
Example shore excursions for this cruise
Messina, Sicily
Sicily offers an extraordinary concentration of history, Greek temples, Roman mosaics, Arab-style Norman churches and ornate Baroque architecture. Dominating the skyline is Mount Etna, whilst old time Sicily is home of The Godfather movies.
Beach jaunt
- Half Day excursion, £47.50/adult, £32.00/child
- Activity level: Suitable for most passengers
- Family-friendly
We will take you from Messina to Naxos Beach for a fantastic afternoon of sun, sea and sand. On the transfer you will follow the coast road giving you some great views along the way. You will then have two hours to enjoy the resort.
Mount Etna and Taormina
- Full Day excursion, £49.50/adult, £33.00/child
- Activity level: Not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties / wheelchairs
Dominating the skyline above Sicily, Mt Etna is Europe's largest volcano soaring to heights of nearly 3300 meters. Towards the summit, there's an opportunity to view the amazing craters before a well earned lunch at 1900 metres ! We then descend to the enchanting hill top resort of Taormina. This tour includes time to admire the famous Gothic Corvaja Palace dating back to the 15th century and Taormina's impressive amphitheatre with its extraordinary acoustics and stunning location. You will have free time to wander through the streets, take our advice, try an ice cream!!
Old time Sicily
- Half Day excursion, £35.00/adult, £17.50/child
- Activity level: Not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties / wheelchairs
A fantastic opportunity for the movie enthusiast to experience old time Sicily with familiar sights from the Godfather movies. Bar Vitelli, which was used in the filming of the original Godfather movie, and Forza D'Argo, a medieval town with a distinct Sicilian atmosphere. This is where Michael Corleone's wedding was filmed for the Godfather II.
Taormina
- Half Day excursion, £36.50/adult, £21.00/child
- Activity level: Not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties / wheelchairs
Nestled on a cliff's edge above the spectacular Sicilian coastline, Taormina has a delightful medieval character. This tour includes the Corvaja Palace and Taormina's Greco amphitheatre. From the upper tiers you can enjoy spectacular views revealing majestic Mt Etna, Europe's largest and most active volcano. There is free time to soak up the atmosphere of this fantastic resort. Sicily is famous for its ice cream, you will not be disappointed!
Katakolon, Greece
Katakolon offers the sports fan a fantastic opportunity to visit the home of the first ever Olympic games of 776BC. The archeological site of Olympia includes The Temple of Zeus, the altar where the Olympic flame was lit and Gymnasium where athletes trained.
A visit to Olympia
- Half Day excursion, £36.00/adult, £18.00/child
- Activity level: Not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties / wheelchairs
A unique visit to the archaeological site of Olympia. Here you’ll enter the remains of the Temple of Zeus and see the stadium where the first Olympic Games took place back in 776 BC. Then we take you to see the altar where the Olympic flame was lit and the Gymnasium and Palaestra where athletes trained through sweat and tears to compete in the games. Next, onto the museum containing the impressive pediment of the Temple of Zeus and a masterpiece of the classic period, a marble statue of Hermes. The tour includes free time to explore the site and Olympia town at your leisure.
Mercouri estate and wine tasting
- Half Day excursion, £37.00/adult, £18.50/child
- Activity level: Moderate walking involved and possibly some steps
This is a relaxing morning to enjoy the finer things in life! After a pleasant drive through countryside and villages we arrive at the Mercouri estate, which has a long tradition in the production of wine, currants and olive oil. One of the family members shows you around at a leisurely pace before having the chance to sample the produce!
Athens, Greece
Athens is steeped in history, from the marble buildings of the Acropolis standing high over the city to the charming old quarter with its narrow winding streets and inviting tavernas.
Athens and Acropolis
- Half Day excursion, £35.00/adult, £17.50/child
- Activity level: Not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties / wheelchairs
See the Temple of Olympian Zeus by coach and the unique Panathenaic Stadium, spotting colourful Greek soldiers dressed in traditional costumes. Reaching the sacred Rock of Acropolis, you have time to explore the sculptures and temple.Please note that the Acropolis museum is now closed and the new Archeological museum has not yet opened to the public.
Athens panoramic
- Half Day excursion, £18.00/adult, £12.50/child
- Activity level: Suitable for most passengers
- Family-friendly
A great way to take in the city at your own pace. You will be taken to the main points of interest in the city centre, before enjoying free time to have some lunch or simply stroll around the city's shopping area.
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul offers plenty with its strong connections to the Roman, Byzantium and Ottoman Empires. Highlights include the Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome, where chariot racing took place. Not forgetting the Bosphorous river and shopping at the Grand Bazaar!
East meets West
- Full Day excursion, £38.00/adult, £19.00/child
- Activity level: Moderate walking involved and possibly some steps
Fancy a visit to Asia? Then join this excursion, which includes a cruise along the Bosphorus and a short stop on the Asian side of Istanbul. The morning includes a visit to the St Sophie Museum after crossing the Bosphorus Bridge by coach. Enjoy lunchtime on your cruise ship before visiting the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar in the afternoon.
Highlights of Istanbul
- Full Day excursion, £50.00/adult, £25.00/child
- Activity level: Not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties / wheelchairs
Istanbul is an astonishing place to visit with its strong connections to the Roman, Byzantium and Ottoman Empires. Visit the Topkapi Palace, once the imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans, the Agia Sophia Church and the Blue Mosque, built at the beginning ofthe 17th century. We also include a visit to the Hippodrome where chariot racing took place. Your day would not be complete without browsing the world famous Grand Bazaar, selling everything from antiques to carpets. This tour covers the main attractions and is the best way to get the most out of your stay in this beautiful city. A light lunch is included.
Kusadasi, Turkey
A lively resort town with an attractive harbour and promenade, Kusadasi is also the gateway to Ephesus, one of the ancient world's largest archeological and religious sites. The Temple of Artemis, noted as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is just one of the treasures to explore here.
Ancient Ephesus
- Half Day excursion, £20.00/adult, £10.00/child
- Activity level: Not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties / wheelchairs
From a visit to the remains of the Temple of Artemis, noted as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, you'll continue on an amazing guided tour of the treasures of Ephesus. Once a powerful trading and religious city, you'll walk through the Magnesia gates and proceed along the marble streets to the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan and the Great Theatre. View the three-storey library of Celcus, adorned with magnificent statues and columns and walk down the famous Arcadian Way where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession.
Ephesus and beyond
- Half Day excursion, £27.50/adult, £13.75/child
- Activity level: Not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties / wheelchairs
Visit the House of the Virgin Mary where tradition states she spent the later days of her life. We then move on for the tour of Ephesus. After a 3 course Turkish lunch, we continue on to the Basilica of St. John before some free time in the typical Turkish village of Sirince. The itinerary ensures you see the most exciting historical sites of the region.
Santorini, Greece
Some believe the Island of Santorini to be part of the legendary lost continent of Atlantis. This is your chance to step ashore and make up your own mind about it. The volcanic island has great views from Mount Profitis Ilias and a monastery dating back to 1712.
Fira villages & wine tasting
- Half Day excursion, £35.00/adult, £14.25/child
- Activity level: Moderate walking involved and possibly some steps
An exciting and varied half day, we take you to the highest point the island, Mount Profitis Ilias and visit the monastery built in 1712. The views from here are spectacular. Then it's off to visit two traditional villages. The villages have pristine white houses, courtyards and mansions giving them a very special beauty. You will have free time in each village, before coming to rest at a local winery. The perfect end to a relaxing tour.
Hot springs
- Half Day excursion, £35.00/adult, £18.00/child
- Activity level: Not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties / wheelchairs
Santorini is a volcanic island and this excursion takes you to the heart of the action! Sail to the lava islet of Nea Kameni and take your chances at the crater of the still active volcano! Leaving the volcanic island, we drop anchor at the Thermal springs for those who want a relaxing swim.
Heraklion, Crete
Crete is rich in scenery with an abundance of tall mountains, beaches, gorges of astounding beauty and a capital, buzzing with activity. Home to an archeological site of an ancient civilization Crete's natural beauty is not its only attraction.
Knossos Palace
- Half Day excursion, £32.00/adult, £18.00/child
- Activity level: Not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties / wheelchairs
Visit Knossos, the capital of the ancient Minoan civilization that flourished 4,000 years ago, only to disappear without a trace in 1,500 BC. Excavations of the Knossos Palace have since opened up this lost world. Once you have explored the archaeological site, you'll head for Heraklion for free time or an opportunity to visit the Archaeological Museum (entrance fee 6.00 euros not included).
Natural Crete
- Full Day excursion, £38.50/adult, £20.00/child
- Activity level: Moderate walking involved and possibly some steps
Crete has so much to offer and on this excursion you will see the true island. We include visits to the fishing port of Agios Nikoloas, villages of Krista and Tzemiado and an authentic olive farm where you can watch the production of oil. Included is a Cretan lunch. A great way to see this fantastic island.
Malta
Wherever you go, Malta's scenery and traditional honey-coloured stone set against the deepest of Mediterranean blues provide a spectaular backdrop.
A taste of Malta
- Half Day excursion, £25.00/adult, £12.50/child
- Activity level: Moderate walking involved and possibly some steps
Discover the history of the island as your coach drives through quaint villages and a spectacular landscape. The first stop is the most picturesque locations in Malta, Marsaxlokk. Then it is on to a wine tasting session at Marsovin Cellars. The second part of the morning is spent at the village of Siggiewi, before a photo stop at Dingli Cliffs where there is a fantastic view of the sea and the tiny island of Filfla.
Malta panoramic tour
- Half Day excursion, £23.00/adult, £11.50/child
- Activity level: Suitable for most passengers
This coach tour takes you along the Valletta Bastions with stops at the Yacht Marinas in Sliema and St Julian. We then reach Mdina, the old capital. Also known as the "Silent City" it comands a magnificant view of the island and although it is fully inhabited, silence reigns supreme. Complete your tour with a walking tour of Rabat where you'll sample local wines and browse the stalls at a souvenir and crafts centre.
Palma, Majorca
All of our Mediterranean cruises start in Palma. Think of it as the world's best departure lounge and a perfect place to get into the Mediterranean lifestyle.
City sightseeing
- Half Day excursion, £10.00/adult, £5.00/child
- Activity level: Suitable for most passengers
- Family-friendly
Palma is a fascinating city. There are so many things to see and do, that it would be a shame not to explore a little on the busy “changeover day” onboard. We have an agreement with the City Sightseeing Tours, which leave right from the terminal building. The whole circuit last one and a half hours, however they operate a “Hop on Hop off” system, so you can visit many of the sites. See your Shore excursion Team onboard for your special ticket.
Marineland
- Half Day excursion, £25.00/adult, £12.50/child
- Activity level: Suitable for most passengers
- Family-friendly
Why not spend your morning at Marineland? Just a short drive away, you can make the most of your last days holiday or, if you are with us for another week, escape the busy embarkation day. Marineland has a host of activities going on throughout the day including, Dolphin and Sea Lion shows, parrot shows and much more. See your Shore Excursion Team onboard to make a booking.
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