Aegean Adventure

Thomson Cruise itinerary – Aegean Adventure

This is a really great cruise, the beautiful weather in this part of the Med., the excellent service from the friendly crew, 24 hour dining, and great entertainment from the troupe  and not forgetting the massive and amusing contribution from the cruise director (top marks for the seemingly inexhaustible Bram) – we can personally recommend this cruise. The excursions are also not to be missed, and take a look at the slide show for some of the sights you can take in when you take a Thomson Cruise in this part of the Aegean. There’s always plenty to see and do, and the little ones will be delighted with the activities in the KidZone , a kids club with enthusiastic and friendly staff.

Thomson Celebration  7 nights runs from  25 Jun 12 – 03 Sep 12
Thomson Cruise - Aegean Adventure

Days 3 & 4  Wednesday, Istanbul – TURKEY  08:00 – 23:59 Thurs 00:01 – 14:00

• Everything about Istanbul is a taste of the exotic. Fragrant bazaars echoing with the sound of haggling merchants. Belly dancers shimmying past in a flash of sequins and sparkle. The call of the muezzins wafting from ancient minarets. You’re guaranteed an unforgettable adventure in this spice-scented slice of the world.
• The skyline of palaces and mosques will leave an indelible mark on your memory. See the world famous St. Sophia, a magnificent church that rises above the Old City of Istanbul.
• Visit the Topkapi Palace and see the light shimmering through the stained glass windows onto 20,000 blue tiles
• Stand before the Blue Mosque and marvel at its spectacularly decorated dome and six soaring minarets.
• Lose yourself in the labyrinthine alleyways of the 14th-century Grand Bazaar, a rich tapestry of 4,000 shops selling everything from hand-woven rugs to embroidered slippers.

 

Day 5 Friday, Izmir – TURKEY  08:00 – 17:00

• One of Turkey’s biggest hubs, Izmir is your gateway to Ephesus, the Mediterranean’s best-preserved classical city. It was in Ephesus that one of the seven Ancient Wonders of the World once stood, the Temple of Artemis. Be whisked back to the Roman age and feast on its architectural riches.
• Delve into the treasures on display at the Izmir Archaeological Museum. The exhibitions showcase the ancient artefacts uncovered in the local area, and include everything from ceramics to precious stones.
• Sample the local tipple in one of Sirince’s restaurants. This pretty hillside town is famous for its wine production, which includes a range of homemade fruit wines.
• Legend has it that the Virgin Mary came here with St Paul towards the end of her life. Make sure you visit the ruined 4th-century Church of the Virgin Mary.

 

Day 6 Saturday, Mykonos Town* – MYKONOS  08:00 – 17:00

• A jewel in the Aegean, this sun-blushed island is sprinkled with sugar-cube houses and whitewashed windmills. It’s a popular corner of Greece loved by everyone, from millionaires to backpackers, yet somehow it’s managed to stay delightfully unspoilt.
• Wander through the narrow labyrinthine-like lanes of Mykonos Town, or Chora as it’s also called, crammed with tiny churches, shrines, shops and cafés. Pause for a photo opportunity at the striking white Paraportiani Church.
• Take a stroll along the seafront known as Little Venice. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for places that appeared in Shirley Valentine, like the colourful harbour for instance.
• Relax at Platis Gialos beach, a long ribbon of golden sand on the south coast of the island. The coastline here is backed by a stretch of cocktail bars, many of which offer waiter service to the beach.
• See the island’s sights in style – from the front seat of a four-wheel drive. Rev your way to the pretty village of Ano Mera and the beaches of Kalo Liadi and Ornos.

 

Day 7 Sunday, Rhodes Town – RHODES  08:00 – 17:00

• Basking in more hours of sunshine than any other Greek island, Rhodes is loved for its fascinating past, not to mention its glittering sandy beaches.
• Spend some time getting to know Rhodes Town. Go yacht-spotting in Mandraki harbour and venture inside the ancient walls of the citadel to discover the Medieval city left behind by the Knights of St John.
• Wander your way around the pretty village of Lindos. The architecture here is a fusion of Gothic, Byzantine, Greek and Middle Eastern, and the most famous monument is probably the ancient acropolis.
• Get snapping at Filerimos Hill. Just 12 kilometres outside Rhodes Town, this elevated area of land offers up great views of the countryside and a selection of historical buildings, including a Byzantine Church.
• Take your pick from banana boat rides, parasailing and jet-skiing on the lively Falaraki Beach. Alternatively, just enjoy the music coming from the beachside bars as you laze the day away.

 

• Turkey’s biggest beach resort, Marmaris has a definite ‘Riviera’ feel to it. An elegant, palm-lined promenade weaves its way around the shoreline, while the marina plays host to a flotilla of gleaming white yachts.
• Discover a Turkish tradition with a visit to a hammam or Turkish bath. They’ve existed since Medieval times and normally have separate areas for men and women. When you get there, you’ll change into your swimwear before heading for the gobektasi, a heated stone where you’ll be treated to a body scrub that’ll leave you feeling really refreshed.
• Smother yourself in therapeutic mud in celebrity haunt Dalyan. You’ll feel film star fabulous in no time.
• Set sail for Cleopatra Island. Draped in olive groves and ringed by white sandy beaches, it’s a real Turkish delight. So much so, Cleopatra and Mark Anthony couldn’t get enough of the place.

Thomson Cruise - Aegean Adventure