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Experience is everything. And meaningful holiday experiences are for everyone. Or they should be. But try telling that to some of the eye-wateringly expensive tour operators scattered across the Mediterranean! If you don’t know where to look, or who to ask, shore excursions can be one of the most expensive parts of a cruise. But they don’t have to be…
We’ve picked out 10 of the best shore excursions in the Greek Islands and Mediterranean. Not only are they the most interesting, inspiring and exciting experiences up for grabs, they’re also completely free – included as standard with a cruise ticket. Which leaves you much more to play with in the gift shops, markets and bazaars. Bring on the souvenirs!
Spectacular Oia Village Perched On The Caldera Rim
Blue seas, blue skies, blue-domed churches and whitewashed houses. Santorini is everything you might hope for from the Greek Islands, with beauty and romance wherever you go. But nothing compares to the coastal clifftop village of Oia.
Roam past sweeping vineyards and cave houses. Skip down narrow streets lined with traditional shops and tavernas. Then seek out the main attraction: a panoramic view from the volcanic island’s clifftop. Look out over Oia, the villages beyond, the cluster of islands off the coast, and into the endless blue. Peaceful? Inspiring? You have to feel it for yourself to truly understand!
Classic Cairo
A free trip to the Pyramids of Giza… Let that sink in! Onshore excursions don’t get much more thrilling than this, and you have a full day to make the most of.
Up close and personal, these iconic structures shatter all expectations. Otherworldly, mystifying, and the definition of ‘once in a lifetime’. You might think it’s a tough act to follow on a tour – and you’d be right – but with the Sphinx, Tahrir Square and the Cairo National Archaeological Museum all on the same bill, this tour is fit for a king. Gaze into Tutankhamun’s solid gold death mask and you’ll see what we mean.
7-Night Three Continents | 18-Night Christmas & New Year 2022 | 19-Night Christmas & New Year 2023
Bosphorus Cruise And The Spice Market
Not all onshore excursions are on land. Sometimes, to get the best views, your Aegean cruise needs a mini cruise of its own. The best of these skirts the border of Europe of Asia, flowing through the heart of Istanbul.
Cruising down the Bosphorus, away from the crowds, you see every equisite detail of the Topkapi Palace, Maiden’s Tower, Rumeli Hisari Fortress and many more opulent wonders. Scent too, is a keen player in your tour. As we approach the Mısır Çarşısı spice markets, cinnamon and cloves mix with turmeric and ginger in the air. Your culinary imagination will be wide awake before you even arrive!
7-Night Eclectic Aegean | 18-Night Christmas & New Year 2022 | 19-Night Christmas & New Year 2023
Knossos Palace And The Archaeological Museum
Monsters roamed in the age of the Greek gods, and few were as fierce or famous as the Minotaur. As you explore the palace that inspired the myth, you’ll see there’s much more to the ancient Minoan civilisation than meets the eye.
Explore Knossos Palace and its stunning hilltop views of the shimmering Aegean, followed by a trip to the archaeological museum of Heraklion and iconic Venetian landmarks around the city. For those of us who love the mystery of history, it’s the perfect excursion. And don’t worry – you won’t get lost in a labyrinth on this half day tour.
Medieval Tour – Acropolis Of Lindos And The Citadel Of The Knights
Rhodes has always been about the high life, and on this half-day tour you’ll experience its Medieval magnificence for yourself in two very exciting ways.
Firstly, high above the capital, you’ll discover a walled fortress standing sentinel on the clifftops. A captivating place to explore, the Acropolis of Lindos owes its unique architecture to ancient Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottoman alike. From there, your travels take you to the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights, full of some of the most impressive treasures the world has ever known.
Ancient Ephesus Through The Ages – Hellenistic and Roman
Time is of the essence in Ephesus. Over the centuries, this fabled city has shaped the culture, spirit and history of Greece. How much will you discover in half a day?
Walk in the footsteps of early Christian emissaries, imagine daily life for Roman nobility, and feel a unmatched sense of awe at every turn. From mosaic-paved streets to the Houses of the Patricians and Celsus Library, you’ll find some of the best-preserved ruins in the Mediterranean. And then there’s the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It’s the stuff of legends.
3-Night Iconic Aegean | 4-Night Iconic Aegean | 7-Night Idyllic Aegean | 7-Night Three Continents
Veria (Berroia)
More than just an excursion, this spiritual journey takes you from the port of Thessaloniki to the Biblical city of Veria and the Vlatadon Monastery.
St Paul paved the way for your half-day mission, preaching here to Jewish nobility. As you follow his path, you’ll hear his tale and be among the first to see a recently finished mosaic that commemorates his sermon. You’ll visit beautifully frescoed churches in Small Jerusalem. And still have time to unwind with a coffee as the glorious foothills of Mount Vermion roll into the distance. It’s an experience made to share.
Minoan Palace of Knossos – First European Civilisation
Travelling in 2023? You’ll be in luck as far as epic excursions without a price tag are concerned. Knossos Palace again opens itself up to myth-chasers, sharing stories and secrets forgotten for almost 3,500 years.
Winding your way through the open-air museum in the glorious Mediterranean sun, it’s common to feel a rushing sense of wonder at human achievement. As Crete’s most important site for art and architecture, a half day here is one you’ll revisit in memory for decades to come. As if that wasn’t enough, this excursion comes wrapped up as a Christmas gift. Sunshine and celebrations all round!
Ancient Ephesus & Miletus
We return to the Turkish riviera with another epic story in Ephesus, the second-largest city in the Roman Empire. This time we have a full day to explore, so we’re going all out.
Cleopatra, St Paul, The Virgin Mary – Ephesus held a special meaning for each of them, which you’ll soon discover on your guided tour. Then, once you’ve had your fill of amphitheatres and monuments, we’re off to the coastal city of Miletus to complete our Hellenic journey. Faustina Baths and Greek philosophy – a traditional end to an enlightening day.
Panoramic Limassol & Curium
Find yourself in the Mediterranean metropolis of Limassol and you’re sure to have a memorable time. Find yourself there with a specialist guide and it becomes all the more meaningful.
Your tour takes you between the pages of the history books and into the real story of the area. Roam from the castle of Lemesos, where Richard the Lionheart was married, to the Limassol Marina, where local fisherman rub shoulders with luxury yachts. Time spent in the Old Town is a refreshing break from the action. And close by in the ancient city-kingdom of Curium, a painstakingly restored amphitheatre hosts traditional theatrical performances that stand the test of time.