Emerald Kaia sailing on April 17th, 2027

About Larnaca

Larnaca, a town with an easy-going pace, has strong links to the past. In the heart of modern Larnaca one finds remains of the ancient city-kingdom of Kition, reminiscent of its glorious days. The Mycenaean Greeks fortified the town with cyclopean walls in the 12th century while the Phoenicians founded a powerful kingdom here in the 9th century.

Larnaca Attractions

Larnaca District Archaeological MuseumThe Pierides Foundation Museum (Archaeological)Larnaca Fort - District Mediaeval MuseumKition Archaeological SiteMunicipal Museum of Natural HistoryHala Sultan Tekesi - Salt Lake

About Paphos

Paphos is a charming long stretched resort town. The main town is located on a hill, 43 m. above sea level and lies separated from lower Paphos and its historical harbour.

Paphos Activities

At the harbour, there is the Castle of Paphos, originally built as a Byzantine fort to protect the harbour and rebuilt by the Lusignans in the thirteenth century, then dismantled in 1570 by the Venetians, who found themselves unable to defend it against the Ottomans, who in their turn restored and strengthened it after they captured the island. The city contains many catacomb sites dating back to the early Christian period. The most famous is Saint Solomoni Church, originally a Christian catacomb retaining some of its twelfth century frescoes. A sacred tree at the entrance is believed to cure the ailments of those who hang a personal offering on its branches. A few miles outside the city, the rock of Aphrodite emerges from the sea. According to legend, Aphrodite rose the waves in this strikingly beautiful spot. The Greek name, Petra tou Romiou is associated with the legendary frontier-guard of Byzantine times, Digenis Acritas, who kept the marauding Saracens at bay. It is said in one such fight he heaved a large rock (Petra), at his enemy. Near Petra tou Romiou, there is Palaepaphos, Old Paphos, one of the most celebrated places of pilgrimage of the ancient Greek world, and once an ancient city kingdom of Cyprus. Here are the ruins of the famous Temple of Aphrodite, the most ancient remains, go back to the 12th century BC. The temple was one of the most important places of cult and pilgrimage of the ancient world, till the 3rd-4th century A.D. The Museum, housed in the Lusignan Manor, is small but impressive with many finds from the area. Geroskipou with its remarkable five-domed Byzantine church of Ayia Paraskevi, and its Folk Art Museum is a town in Paphos metropolitan area known for many years now for its special delight 'loukoumi'. North-east of Paphos lies Ayios Neophytos Monastery, famous for its 'Encleistra', Enclosure, carved out of the mountain by the hermit himself, which boasts some of the finest Byzantine frescoes of the 12th and 15th centuries. Near by too is the painted village church of Emba (Empa).

About Antalya

All of the right elements come together to make this sun-drenched Mediterranean town on the Turkish Riviera a major holiday resort. The beautiful crescent bay, dramatic cliffs and jagged mountains contribute to a stunning backdrop. It is an attractive city with shady palm-lined boulevards and a prize-winning marina. In the picturesque old quarter, narrow streets and old wooden houses huddle against the ancient city walls.

Antalya Attractions

Although the beaches are out of town, Antalya itself draws visitors who come here to see the old town with its picturesque harbor and the excellent Archaeological Museum. Its outstanding exhibits provide fascinating glimpses into ancient and modern life of the region. In the surrounding area are additional attractions such as Aspendos, Perge and Side. Their remains of antiquity are considered among the most impressive sites in Anatolia.

Antalya Activities

Hadrian's Gate: This structure was built in honor of the Roman Emperor Hadrian who visited Antalya in 130 A.D. Main Square: With its landmark clock tower, the square offers lovely views of the bay and the distant mountain peaks. Karatay Medrese (Theological College): Built by the Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubat in the 13th century, this college exemplifies the best of Seljuk stone carving. It is located in the old quarter. Ataturk Museum: The museum features a collection of interesting memorabilia commemorating the founder of the Turkish Republic.

About Rhodes

Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese Islands, is truly a vacation destination with something for everyone: sunshine, spectacular beaches on the Aegean Sea, a medieval walled city, an ancient acropolis, and much more. In ancient times, the people of Rhodes chose Helios, the Sun, as their divine patron. With an average of three hundred plus days of sunshine a year, it's safe to say that Helios continues to smile upon Rhodes today.

Rhodes Attractions

On the north end of the island, overlooking the sea, stand the ancient remains of the Acropolis of Rhodes. The buildings of the Rhodes Acropolis date back to the 3rd-2nd century BC. Though the entire Acropolis has yet to be excavated, some amazing sections have been restored: the stadium; a marble odeion - a concert hall or theatre; four columns of the Temple of Pythian Apollo; and a few remains of the Temple of Athena Polias and Zeus Polieus.

Rhodes Activities

Storm the Street of the Knights in the Old Town. This medieval, cobble-paved street lies over an ancient pathway from the Rhodes Acropolis to the port. In the early 16th century, the street was lined with inns housing the Knights of the Order of St. John, who once ruled the island. The inns that remain today are a study in history and architecture, definitely worth seeing. For a cleansing experience like no other, visit the Municipal Baths (Turkish baths) located in a 7th-century Byzantine structure in the old town. Discover the large collection of tombstones of the Knights of the Order of St. John at the Archeological Museum of Rhodes.

About Agios Nikólaos, Kríti

About Santorini

Perched at the very top of precipitous cliffs, Santorini towers above its original harbor and was once reached only by foot or mule. Today a cable car is the best route. The island scenery is unique in all the world with jagged outcroppings of red and black lava and stairways cut deep in the cliffsides. Buried under volcanic ash in a cataclysmic explosion during the 16th century BC, the ruins of ancient Thera are a great "find" for archaeologists.

Santorini Attractions

Santorini's spectacular caldera is a vestige of what was probably the biggest volcanic eruption in recorded history, believed by some to have caused the disappearance of Atlantis. The island's violent volcanic history is visible everywhere you look - in black-sand beaches, earthquake-damaged dwellings and raw cliffs of lava plunging into the sea.

Santorini Activities

Visit the architectural site of Akrotiri, a once-powerful Minoan kingdom. See the amazing ruins that have been excavated there, buried some thirty feet below the earth's surface after the eruption of the island's volcano. Discover the ancient city's squares and cobblestone streets and peer into some of the houses and shops. Stop at a Santorini wine producer to enjoy a glass and explore the important role wine has served in the island's growth. Stroll through the scenic village Oia, a haven for artists and artisans, and explore their shops, enjoy a drink or a traditional dinner while watching the sun sink into the caldera.

About Mykonos

Beautifully reflected in a golden light, the white-washed fishing lodges, charming chapels and windmills of Mykonos present visitors with a picture-perfect enchanted island. Spend private time on one of many beaches or wander through the Venice Quarter where tiny cottages perch precariously on cliffs above the sea.

Mykonos Attractions

Mykonos is famous for its sand and sea. Get lost looking out at the endless waters of the Aegean Sea as you grab a little sun on one of its beautiful beaches.

Mykonos Activities

Visit the birthplace of Apollo on the historic island of Delos. Dating back to the third millennium B.C., Delos is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. Marvel at the ancient ruins from famed architectural sights. Visit the Archaeological Museum on Mykonos, featuring important finds from the ruins on neighboring Delos. Spend an enchanting afternoon exploring the charming cobblestone streets and two-story, whitewashed shops and homes of these beautiful islands. The best beaches are Aghios Stephanos, Psarou, Kalafatis, Onros, Panormos and Elia.

About Athens (Piraeus)

Piraeus is the port of Athens. Serving as the gateway to the past and civilization as we know it, Athens is far more than the Acropolis. Nowhere on earth are mans past accomplishments more dramatically displayed as a backdrop to a modern metropolis. Spend time exploring ancient ruins, viewing incalculable treasures or just relax as another day evolves in the cradle of civilization.

Athens (Piraeus) Attractions

No visit to Athens would be complete without a visit to the Acropolis. There you'll find the Parthenon, the largest building in the Acropolis and one of the world's most awe-inspiring sights. It was built as a temple to Athena and is still a remarkable structure today.

Athens (Piraeus) Activities

Visit Plaka, the old neighborhood of Athens. Explore the narrow streets and alleys, single-story houses, neoclassical villas, taverns and many tourist shops. Experience the traditional flea market of Monastiraki, the neighborhood next to Plaka. Explore the National Archaeological Museum, home to a formidable collection of the world's antiquities. Pay a visit to ancient Agora, ancient site of the religious and political heart of Athens. The Archaeological Museum is known to have the finest collection of Greek art in the world. Exhibits include the sensational finds from the excavations at Mycenae and the remarkably well preserved frescoes from a 3,000-year-old civilization discovered at Akrotiri on the island of Santorini. There are also classical statuary, pottery, stone carvings and jewelry from excavations throughout Greece. The Benaki Museum has recently undergone thorough modernization. Its three floors house more than 30,000 items, all illustrating the character of the Greek world. Located near Kolonaki, the Goulandris Museum features a fantastic collection of Cycladic and ancient art spanning 5,000 years. The exhibits were assembled by ship owner Nikolaos P. Goulandris. Its treasures include many of the slim marble figurines that fascinated artists like Picasso and Modigliani. Mount Lycabettus, Athens' highest hill, is only a 10-minute walk from Syntagma Square. It borders the fashionable Kolonaki residential area. A steeply inclined funicular climbs to the summit, which is crowned by a small, white chapel. Pollution permitting, the view from Mount Lycabettus is the finest in Athens. Plaka stretches east from the Agora, this lovely quarter, with winding alleys, neo-classical buildings, whitewashed, bougainvillea-framed houses and tiny churches, is worth your exploration. Agios Eleftherios is a 12th-century Byzantine church and Athens' former cathedral is known for the fanciful figures and zodiac signs that adorn its walls.