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3 Continents Cruise Premier
View Itinerary
Combine your passion for ancient history and culture with a relaxing sea voyage from Greece to Egypt, Israel, Cyprus and Turkey. You’ll encounter timeless wonders, sophisticated seaside ports and the diversity of the Eastern Mediterranean.
W T T C Safe Travels Stamp IconTrip code
WTCL
3 Continents Cruise Premier
W T T C Safe Travels Stamp IconBook with confidence
Looking to book in a group of 9 or more?
Deals and savings available, plus if you need a different date or itinerary change we can create a custom trip. Contact us for more details >>
View Itinerary
Combine your passion for ancient history and culture with a relaxing sea voyage from Greece to Egypt, Israel, Cyprus and Turkey. You’ll encounter timeless wonders, sophisticated seaside ports and the diversity of the Eastern Mediterranean.
Book with confidence
Looking to book in a group of 9 or more?
Deals and savings available, plus if you need a different date or itinerary change we can create a custom trip. Contact us for more details >>
Trip code
WTCL
Your Holiday
- Your itinerary
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8 Cities
Select a day
- Day 1 Welcome to AthensNavigation Chevron Right Icon
- Day 2 Discover Ancient AthensNavigation Chevron Right Icon
- Day 3 Relax as you Cruise to EgyptNavigation Chevron Right Icon
- Day 4 Marvel at the Great Pyramid of GizaNavigation Chevron Right Icon
- Day 5 Explore Historic AshdodNavigation Chevron Right Icon
- Day 6 Discover Vibrant LimassolNavigation Chevron Right Icon
- Day 7 Admire Remarkable RhodesNavigation Chevron Right Icon
- Day 8 Marvel at the Iconic Ruins of EphesusNavigation Chevron Right Icon
- Day 9 Athens Your WayNavigation Chevron Right Icon
- Day 10 Farewell AthensNavigation Chevron Right Icon
The Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Athens
Welcome to a land of myths and legends, gods and goddesses, philosophers and politicians. Athens is your springboard to an exciting cruise adventure to three continents – Europe, Africa and Asia. In anticipation of your epic journey, spend the day exploring the sights on your own before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director on an unforgettable experience.
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Marriott
Day 2
Discover Ancient Athens
Step back in time, joining a Local Specialist today for a journey into antiquity. You’ll Dive Into Culture on a guided sightseeing tour of the Acropolis that will reveal the wonders of ancient Athens. View bygone treasures such as the Parthenon, the Acropolis and Agora which remain as a testament to Greece's great past. You’ll have an opportunity to admire the march of the curiously clad Evzone guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Later, you’ll board your cruise ship for your journey across the Mediterranean.
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Aegean Cruise
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Experience
Cape Sounion
Take a relaxing trip down to the southernmost tip of Mainland Greece to see the fifth century B.C Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. See if you can spot where Byron carved his initials on one of the temple’s sixteen columns. Marvel at the sheer rugged beauty of the coastline and the ancient temple perched above a 197-foot drop down to the Aegean Sea below. Stand above the site of the world’s first lighthouse, overlooking an area steeped in classical Greek history, ever since the tragic King Aegeas threw himself from the rocky precipice into the sea below, thereby giving his name to the Aegean Sea.
Adult Price: €45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Traditional Greek Taverna Meal With Entertainment
This is an evening excursion to a taverna in the centre of Athens. Enjoy excellent traditional Greek food in a lively atmosphere while being entertained by dances and music from all parts of the country. Wine, beer and soft drinks are also included. Although the venue does have an official ending time, guests are more than welcome to stay on in the taverna, to join in with the local residents! (Casual dress.)
Adult Price: €55.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Dinner "Meze" Style In Psiri With Acropolis Illuminations
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at a wonderful restaurant located in the lively area of Psiri. Dining is “meze style”, giving you the opportunity to taste many Greek cuisine dishes, which are served in the centre of the table. Also enjoy the local free-flowing wine! Afterwards see the Acropolis beautifully illuminated as you return to your hotel (Casual dress).
Adult Price: €50.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 3
Relax as you Cruise to Egypt
Sail on the calm waters of the Aegean past the Greek Isles towards the North African coastline. Settle into your comfortable accommodation, stroll along the ship’s expansive promenade or sit back in one of the elegant bars and lounges and watch the world float by. You’ll have a full day at sea to recover from all of yesterday’s sightseeing in Athens.
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Marvel at the Great Pyramid of Giza
As the sun rises we arrive in Port Said, your gateway to Egypt’s astounding pyramids and the modern capital of Cairo. Dive Into Culture on a guided excursion to the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramid of Giza. Admire the magnificent man-made feat which saw the pyramid built in just 20 years and learn about the secrets that lie beneath its dusty limestone exterior. We exchange the desert landscape for the cacophony of Cairo where you’ll see some of the city's most famous historic monuments such as the Cairo Citadel, Cairo Tower and Mosque of Muhammad Ali, before rejoining your cruise in Port Said.
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Explore Historic Ashdod
Sailing east, we arrive in Ashdod, the gateway to Jaffa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Embark on an Optional Experience to Israel’s most famous religious sights and cultural highlights, from trendy Tel Aviv to the ancient port city of Jaffa. Explore the holy landmarks in Jerusalem, including Temple Mountain, the Wailing Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and visit the birthplace of Jesus Christ, Bethlehem. Rejoin your cruise this evening bound for Cyprus.
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Experience
Jerusalem and Bethlehem
Departure. Ascend to the biblical Judean Hills through the Gate of the Valley. that was besieged during the War of Independence, 1948. Mount of Olives – where Jesus went on Palm Sunday to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem when he came from Jericho and Bethany. See the nice panorama of Jerusalem and the walls of the Old City. The Church of Gethsemane (Church of the All of the Nations) where Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot and captured by the Romans and was later on sentenced by Pontius Pilate. Old City of Jerusalem, visiting the colourful market where the three religions coincide to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre where Jesus was crucified, anointed and buried – from here proceeding back to the market and the Via Dolorosa to the Wailing Wall in the Jewish Quarter, the most holy place to Jews where you can write a wish and insert it in the Wall. Then to Mount Zion, the room of the Last Supper where Jesus celebrated with is Disciples the Passover feast. Lunch break at Bethlehem. To Bethlehem, to the city of David and Jacob and to the Church of the Nativity, the place where Jesus was born and was visited by the three angels from the East. Return to Ashdod
Adult Price: €115.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
Discover Vibrant Limassol
The sophisticated seaside port of Limassol emerges on the horizon this morning. You’ll have an afternoon to explore the medieval Old Town or stroll along the seafront promenade and cobbled streets to the old fishing harbour. Consider a visit to the Prokymea Sculpture Park to admire the works of Cypriot, Greek and international artists, or sit back at one of the seaside cafés and savour a Cypriot coffee before boarding your ship for its onward journey north.
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Experience
Pafos, a city of UNESCO
Pafos is on the western coast of the island and is one of the most important archaeological regions of the island. The whole town is included in the official UNESCO list of cultural and natural treasures of the world heritage. We first drive to “Petra tou Romiou”, the place, where according to the Greek mythology, Aphrodite, the Goddess of beauty and love was born. Photo stop in this picturesque place. Next we visit the Tombs of the Kings. Spread over a vast area, these impressive underground tombs date back to the 4th century BC. They are carved out of solid rock while some are decorated with Doric pillars. High officials rather than Kings were buried here, but the magnificence of the tombs gave the locality its name. Our journey continues then to Kato Pafos. After the lunch break we will visit the Archaeological Park, where the House of Dionysos, the House of Aion and the House of Thysseus are. The mosaic floors of these noblemen’s villas dating back to the 3rd to the 5th century AD are considered among the finest in Eastern Mediterranean. Free time will be given at the fishing harbour.
Adult Price: €74.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Curium the Wine village of Omodos and Limassol city bus tour
We drive first to the Archaeological park of Curium. Curium was an important ancient city-kingdom founded by the Greeks in the 14th century BC. We will visit the Greco Roman Theatre and the House of Efstolios. The House of Efstolios originally was a private Roman villa that became a public recreation centre during the early Christian period. It consists of a complex of baths and a number of rooms with beautiful 5th century AD mosaic floors. After the visit we will continue driving to the vineyard area of Limassol. We will arrive to one of the most beautiful and traditional villages of the island, the village of Omodos. We will have free time for lunch break in the village. After lunch we will visit the Monastery of the Holy Cross at the village square and the medieval wine press. We will enjoy a wine tasting in one of the villagers’ wine cellar before we leave for Limassol. Before our arrival back to the port we will drive through the Limassol city.
Adult Price: €98.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Panoramic Limassol & Curium
First we drive to the centre of Limassol. Guests will have the opportunity to walk with a local guide in the old city at the medieval fort and Marina/Fishing harbour area. The medieval Fort, built in the 14th century on the site of an earlier Byzantine Castle. It was here that, according to tradition, Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre and crowned her Queen of England in 1191 (a visit to the fort is not included in the program). Free time will be given to stroll in the city. Next visit the Archaeological park of Curium. Curium was an important ancient city-kingdom founded by the Greeks in the 14th century BC. We will visit the Greco Roman Theatre and the House of Efstolios. The House of Efstolios originally was a private Roman villa that became a public recreation centre during the early Christian period. It consists of a complex of baths and a number of rooms with beautiful 5th century AD mosaic floors.
Adult Price: €65.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 7
Admire Remarkable Rhodes
We arrive on the scenic shores of Rhodes, one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece with its beautiful beaches and centuries-old history. You'll have free time to relax or choose an Optional Experience exploration of the ancient Lindos Acropolis and Citadel of the Knights perched high above the coast and the quiet village of Lindos below. Or join a walking tour through the medieval heart of the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Rhodes. Rejoin your cruise in time for dinner.
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Marvel at the Iconic Ruins of Ephesus
We arrive in Kusadasi, your gateway to the ancient Greek city of Ephesus. Join an included excursion to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Stroll alongside the marble colonnades to Hadrian’s Temple and the Great Theatre, carved into the side of Mt. Pion. Later consider spending some time exploring the Turkish seaside setting with a stroll along its seafront promenade, before returning to your ship this evening for dinner.
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Experience
Philerimos Church and the Palace of the Knights
Our tour begins at the Acropolis of Rhodes, just outside the city. It dates from the Classical Greek period and sits proudly on the hill of St Stephanos. We wander through the ruins of the Hellenistic Temple of Apollo with its impressive columns. Below is the restored Ancient Stadium of Diagoras and theatre. The stadium once hosted games in tribute to the sun-god Helios. We then head for Philerimos, one of the great tourist attractions of the island. The beautiful Monastery of Panagia Philerimos is located on a hill above Ialyssos, one of the three Rhodian cities that participated in the Trojan War. The Monastery, accessed by stone steps surrounded by Cypress trees, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary the Life-Giving Source and unusually is Gothic in style. It was built in the 15th Century by the Knights of St John. We also take time to visit the Byzantine Church of St George Hostos with its rare frescoes depicting the Knights. The church is also home to the ‘Golgotha’ a series of copper reliefs depicting the Passion of Christ. We return to the capital Rhodes to learn more about the Knights, where they lived and how they were the last bastion of Christianity in a region dominated by the Ottomans who eventually captured the island in 1522. In the Knights’ Quarter we visit the magnifi cent Palace of the Grandmaster also known at the Kastello. This too was built in Gothic style. This is one of the most atmospheric and intriguing areas of Rhodes, where we delve into the very heart and soul of its history.
Adult Price: €74.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Walking Tour in the Medieval City of Rhodes
Sometimes the best way of immersing yourself completely in the history and atmosphere of a place is to explore on foot. That’s exactly what we do on this fascinating tour where we get to the very heart of Medieval Rhodes and the compelling story of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem. We begin along the Street of the Knights in the Old City. It’s one the best preserved medieval thoroughfares anywhere. We will see the buildings that were home to the Knights, ranked by Order with the crests still in place today. The purpose of the Knights originally was to provide medical care for wounded crusaders but they soon became a military order and fought off attempts by the Ottomans to capture Rhodes (which they did eventually). The head of the Order was the Grand Master. We visit the splendid Palace of the Grand Master, the focal point and most important site of the Knights’ Quarter. This magnificent structure is also called the Kastello is a fine example of Gothic architecture. The Byzantine citadel was constructed in the 7th Century, the palace itself in the 14th Century. Where the palace sits today might have been the spot where once stood the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Our tour also takes in the Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent, Turkish Baths, the Hospital of the Knights and the Church of Our Lady of the Castle, which has stood guard since the 11th Century.
Adult Price: €47.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Medieval tour - Acropolis of Lindos and the Citadel of the Knights
Let’s begin in unusual fashion, with what you won’t see in Rhodes. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World once proudly stood here. He was the Colossus of Rhodes and is of course long departed, probably destroyed by an earthquake. Nevertheless as you arrive on this wonderful, historic island, you may just be able to imagine this statue of the Greek sun-god Helios in 280BC, standing 100 feet tall in celebration of Rhodes’ victory over Cyprus. The largest of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes has a compelling back story and there are still remnants of its occupation by the Knights of St John during the Crusades. So while the Colossus may not be there, you will be wowed by the many historical sites. We travel fi rst to Lindos, about 55km from Rhodes Town and high above the village sits the impressive Acropolis of Lindos with the Doric Temple of Athena, built in 300 BC. Captains’ mansions constructed between the 16th and 18th centuries are dotted here and there and in the heart of Lindos is the Church of the Virgin Mary with lovely frescoes from the 15th Century. Back in Rhodes is where we are really immersed in the history of the island in the Knights’ Quarter. We stroll through Gate d’Amboise to walk along the Street of the Knights and see where they lived, separated according to Order, their crests still visible today. We will also see (outside) the imposing Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, a medieval castle also known as the Kastello. It’s one of the few examples of Gothic architecture in Greece. The Byzantine citadel was built in the 7th Century, the palace itself in the fourteenth. Where the palace sits today could well have been the spot where once stood the Colossus according to recent studies. Either way, this tour takes us into the heart of the fascinating history of Rhodes.
Adult Price: €74.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 9
Athens Your Way
We return to the Greek capital this morning and are transferred to our hotel, after which we’ll have a full day at leisure to explore on our own or simply relax. Stroll through the Plaka, spend your time watching people go by on their day-to-day activities in Syntagma Square or go in search of the city’s tastiest souvlaki washed down with the local raki. This evening, why not join your fellow travel companions for a rousing celebration to toast to your three-continents journey?
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Marriott
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast
Day 10
Farewell Athens
Our cruise adventure at its end, we bid new friends a fond farewell. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 2
Cape Sounion
Take a relaxing trip down to the southernmost tip of Mainland Greece to see the fifth century B.C Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. See if you can spot where Byron carved his initials on one of the temple’s sixteen columns. Marvel at the sheer rugged beauty of the coastline and the ancient temple perched above a 197-foot drop down to the Aegean Sea below. Stand above the site of the world’s first lighthouse, overlooking an area steeped in classical Greek history, ever since the tragic King Aegeas threw himself from the rocky precipice into the sea below, thereby giving his name to the Aegean Sea.
Adult Price: €45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 2
Traditional Greek Taverna Meal With Entertainment
This is an evening excursion to a taverna in the centre of Athens. Enjoy excellent traditional Greek food in a lively atmosphere while being entertained by dances and music from all parts of the country. Wine, beer and soft drinks are also included. Although the venue does have an official ending time, guests are more than welcome to stay on in the taverna, to join in with the local residents! (Casual dress.)
Adult Price: €55.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 2
Dinner "Meze" Style In Psiri With Acropolis Illuminations
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at a wonderful restaurant located in the lively area of Psiri. Dining is “meze style”, giving you the opportunity to taste many Greek cuisine dishes, which are served in the centre of the table. Also enjoy the local free-flowing wine! Afterwards see the Acropolis beautifully illuminated as you return to your hotel (Casual dress).
Adult Price: €50.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Jerusalem and Bethlehem
Departure. Ascend to the biblical Judean Hills through the Gate of the Valley. that was besieged during the War of Independence, 1948. Mount of Olives – where Jesus went on Palm Sunday to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem when he came from Jericho and Bethany. See the nice panorama of Jerusalem and the walls of the Old City. The Church of Gethsemane (Church of the All of the Nations) where Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot and captured by the Romans and was later on sentenced by Pontius Pilate. Old City of Jerusalem, visiting the colourful market where the three religions coincide to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre where Jesus was crucified, anointed and buried – from here proceeding back to the market and the Via Dolorosa to the Wailing Wall in the Jewish Quarter, the most holy place to Jews where you can write a wish and insert it in the Wall. Then to Mount Zion, the room of the Last Supper where Jesus celebrated with is Disciples the Passover feast. Lunch break at Bethlehem. To Bethlehem, to the city of David and Jacob and to the Church of the Nativity, the place where Jesus was born and was visited by the three angels from the East. Return to Ashdod
Adult Price: €115.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Pafos, a city of UNESCO
Pafos is on the western coast of the island and is one of the most important archaeological regions of the island. The whole town is included in the official UNESCO list of cultural and natural treasures of the world heritage. We first drive to “Petra tou Romiou”, the place, where according to the Greek mythology, Aphrodite, the Goddess of beauty and love was born. Photo stop in this picturesque place. Next we visit the Tombs of the Kings. Spread over a vast area, these impressive underground tombs date back to the 4th century BC. They are carved out of solid rock while some are decorated with Doric pillars. High officials rather than Kings were buried here, but the magnificence of the tombs gave the locality its name. Our journey continues then to Kato Pafos. After the lunch break we will visit the Archaeological Park, where the House of Dionysos, the House of Aion and the House of Thysseus are. The mosaic floors of these noblemen’s villas dating back to the 3rd to the 5th century AD are considered among the finest in Eastern Mediterranean. Free time will be given at the fishing harbour.
Adult Price: €74.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Curium the Wine village of Omodos and Limassol city bus tour
We drive first to the Archaeological park of Curium. Curium was an important ancient city-kingdom founded by the Greeks in the 14th century BC. We will visit the Greco Roman Theatre and the House of Efstolios. The House of Efstolios originally was a private Roman villa that became a public recreation centre during the early Christian period. It consists of a complex of baths and a number of rooms with beautiful 5th century AD mosaic floors. After the visit we will continue driving to the vineyard area of Limassol. We will arrive to one of the most beautiful and traditional villages of the island, the village of Omodos. We will have free time for lunch break in the village. After lunch we will visit the Monastery of the Holy Cross at the village square and the medieval wine press. We will enjoy a wine tasting in one of the villagers’ wine cellar before we leave for Limassol. Before our arrival back to the port we will drive through the Limassol city.
Adult Price: €98.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Panoramic Limassol & Curium
First we drive to the centre of Limassol. Guests will have the opportunity to walk with a local guide in the old city at the medieval fort and Marina/Fishing harbour area. The medieval Fort, built in the 14th century on the site of an earlier Byzantine Castle. It was here that, according to tradition, Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre and crowned her Queen of England in 1191 (a visit to the fort is not included in the program). Free time will be given to stroll in the city. Next visit the Archaeological park of Curium. Curium was an important ancient city-kingdom founded by the Greeks in the 14th century BC. We will visit the Greco Roman Theatre and the House of Efstolios. The House of Efstolios originally was a private Roman villa that became a public recreation centre during the early Christian period. It consists of a complex of baths and a number of rooms with beautiful 5th century AD mosaic floors.
Adult Price: €65.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Philerimos Church and the Palace of the Knights
Our tour begins at the Acropolis of Rhodes, just outside the city. It dates from the Classical Greek period and sits proudly on the hill of St Stephanos. We wander through the ruins of the Hellenistic Temple of Apollo with its impressive columns. Below is the restored Ancient Stadium of Diagoras and theatre. The stadium once hosted games in tribute to the sun-god Helios. We then head for Philerimos, one of the great tourist attractions of the island. The beautiful Monastery of Panagia Philerimos is located on a hill above Ialyssos, one of the three Rhodian cities that participated in the Trojan War. The Monastery, accessed by stone steps surrounded by Cypress trees, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary the Life-Giving Source and unusually is Gothic in style. It was built in the 15th Century by the Knights of St John. We also take time to visit the Byzantine Church of St George Hostos with its rare frescoes depicting the Knights. The church is also home to the ‘Golgotha’ a series of copper reliefs depicting the Passion of Christ. We return to the capital Rhodes to learn more about the Knights, where they lived and how they were the last bastion of Christianity in a region dominated by the Ottomans who eventually captured the island in 1522. In the Knights’ Quarter we visit the magnifi cent Palace of the Grandmaster also known at the Kastello. This too was built in Gothic style. This is one of the most atmospheric and intriguing areas of Rhodes, where we delve into the very heart and soul of its history.
Adult Price: €74.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Walking Tour in the Medieval City of Rhodes
Sometimes the best way of immersing yourself completely in the history and atmosphere of a place is to explore on foot. That’s exactly what we do on this fascinating tour where we get to the very heart of Medieval Rhodes and the compelling story of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem. We begin along the Street of the Knights in the Old City. It’s one the best preserved medieval thoroughfares anywhere. We will see the buildings that were home to the Knights, ranked by Order with the crests still in place today. The purpose of the Knights originally was to provide medical care for wounded crusaders but they soon became a military order and fought off attempts by the Ottomans to capture Rhodes (which they did eventually). The head of the Order was the Grand Master. We visit the splendid Palace of the Grand Master, the focal point and most important site of the Knights’ Quarter. This magnificent structure is also called the Kastello is a fine example of Gothic architecture. The Byzantine citadel was constructed in the 7th Century, the palace itself in the 14th Century. Where the palace sits today might have been the spot where once stood the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Our tour also takes in the Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent, Turkish Baths, the Hospital of the Knights and the Church of Our Lady of the Castle, which has stood guard since the 11th Century.
Adult Price: €47.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Medieval tour - Acropolis of Lindos and the Citadel of the Knights
Let’s begin in unusual fashion, with what you won’t see in Rhodes. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World once proudly stood here. He was the Colossus of Rhodes and is of course long departed, probably destroyed by an earthquake. Nevertheless as you arrive on this wonderful, historic island, you may just be able to imagine this statue of the Greek sun-god Helios in 280BC, standing 100 feet tall in celebration of Rhodes’ victory over Cyprus. The largest of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes has a compelling back story and there are still remnants of its occupation by the Knights of St John during the Crusades. So while the Colossus may not be there, you will be wowed by the many historical sites. We travel fi rst to Lindos, about 55km from Rhodes Town and high above the village sits the impressive Acropolis of Lindos with the Doric Temple of Athena, built in 300 BC. Captains’ mansions constructed between the 16th and 18th centuries are dotted here and there and in the heart of Lindos is the Church of the Virgin Mary with lovely frescoes from the 15th Century. Back in Rhodes is where we are really immersed in the history of the island in the Knights’ Quarter. We stroll through Gate d’Amboise to walk along the Street of the Knights and see where they lived, separated according to Order, their crests still visible today. We will also see (outside) the imposing Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, a medieval castle also known as the Kastello. It’s one of the few examples of Gothic architecture in Greece. The Byzantine citadel was built in the 7th Century, the palace itself in the fourteenth. Where the palace sits today could well have been the spot where once stood the Colossus according to recent studies. Either way, this tour takes us into the heart of the fascinating history of Rhodes.
Adult Price: €74.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
About this trip
About this trip
What's included
9 nights
Accommodation
22 Meals
6 Lunches, 7 Dinners, 9 Breakfasts
On-trip Transport
All transport shown. VIP private door-to-door UK airport transfers included. *This service is excluded from UK-based trips.
The Trafalgar difference
Dive Into Culture
At the Great Pyramid of Giza you'll learn about this feat of engineering and man-made wonder of the ancient world, and the history of the Egyptian dynasty that built it.
Dive Into Culture
Visit the Acropolis Museum containing remarkable antiquities giving visitors an insight into the lives of Athenians centuries ago.
Sightseeing highlights
Explore Athens with a Local Specialist
Discover Alexandria
Visit the Acropolis in Athens, the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Temple of Artemis in Ephesos
View the Parthenon, Hadrian's Arch and the 1896 Olympic Stadium in Athens
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Optional Experiences and free time
Seven-night Aegean Cruise
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Trip Notes
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Website Terms of Use page.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
VIP private door-to-door UK airport transfers included. *This service is excluded from UK-based trips.
Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
Active Trip Details
This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them.
What to Pack
Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional)
Weather & Altitude
While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.