Many of the most important archaeological treasures on Cyprus are located in Paphos, the island’s administrative capital during Roman times. During your tour of this ancient city, explore three UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Sanctuary of Aphrodite, the Tomb of the Kings, and the Archaeological Park (renowned for its Roman mosaics).

As we head out from the harbor, see the Petra tou Romiou. This large, rather picturesque rock off the coast of Paphos is known as the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, ancient goddess of love and beauty. Delve further into her myth at the ruins of the Sanctuary of Aphrodite. Adjacent to the ruins is a museum in a medieval manor; the exhibits housed there shed a fascinating light on the cult of Aphrodite and its religious practices – which employed conical stones, limestone bathtubs and fertility symbols.

Explore the Tomb of the Kings, an ancient necropolis carved out of solid rock and given this regal name because of its imposing character. After descending the stairs you’ll reach a series of sunken courts ringed by peristyles of Doric columns hewn from the rock. Beyond the colonnades, lie passages leading to rooms with alcoves where the dead are interred.

Then it’s off to the Archaeological Park where in 1962 a farmer plowing his fields accidentally unearthed spectacular Roman mosaics. Subsequent excavations have revealed an extensive complex of Roman buildings fitted with exquisite floor mosaics picturing scenes from ancient mythology. They are considered to be among the best examples of Roman mosaics in the Eastern Mediterranean and testify to the wealth and opulence of Imperial Rome.

Examine Turkey’s ancient Roman past with a walking tour of Old Antalya, En route to the city, visit the Antalya Regional Museum, one of Turkey’s finest, with your knowledgeable English-speaking guide. Its extensive collection ranges from Stone-Age remains to a beautiful 6th century relief of the archangel Gabriel. Several of its larger exhibition spaces are filled with Greek and Roman sculptures while others contain a very good ethnographic collection, with a special section on the Yurek nomads of Anatolia.

After touring the museum, re-board your motorcoach and travel the short distance to the center of town where you’ll begin your walking tour. Make your triumphal entry into Old Town through Hadrian’s Gate, constructed in honor of the emperor’s visit here in 130 AD. Stroll through the 13th century, where you’ll pass the Yivli Minare Mosque, its grooved minaret a city landmark; and the Karatay Medrese, an Islamic school built in 1251, now home to a ceramics and tile museum. Gaze up at the distinctive Kesik Minaret, struck by lightning long ago. Today it serves a mosque but was once a Byzantine Church.

Wander narrow streets where graceful Ottoman mansions have been converted into quaint lodges festooned with bougainvillea vines. And stop for tea and refreshments in the courtyard of a well-known and venerable mansion. Time moves slowly here, so relax and take in your exotic surroundings. Later, as you make your way to the old harbor, pass the Hidirlik Tower, a squat, stone cylinder that is believed to be the tomb of a 2nd century Roman consul. Not long ago this ancient Roman harbor was falling into ruins. It is now an award-winning yacht marina, surrounded by cafés, restaurants and charming shops filled with vividly colored handicrafts. End your tour in town with time to shop, explore a bit further and perhaps enjoy a light lunch. You can head back to the ship at the conclusion of the tour or take a later shuttle.

Traveling east of Kas, along the mighty Taurus mountain range, pass plateaus and fields blanketed with colorful wildflowers, before your motorcoach reaches the village of Ucagiz, known in the ancient world as Teimussa. Explore the fascinating Lycian ruins and cemeteries. Embark on a motorboat cruise of Kekova Lagoon.

Over the centuries, numerous earthquakes have disturbed the land, causing several of the ancient buildings to be submerged. Today you can easily view these sunken ruins from your boat before continuing on to Simena and the village of Kale. See a Lycian sarcophagus lying in the water and view the castle of Simena. Climb up to the hill fort for unsurpassable views.

Bodrum, Turkey      May 10, 2010
Bodrum is a picturesque yacht harbor filled with traditional varnished wooden sailboats, charming outdoor cafés and small shops selling tempting souvenirs, leather goods, jewelry and local artwork. In antiquity it was the site of ancient Halicarnassus. Under King Mausolus Bodrum prospered and, in death, the king left the city its most enduring legacy: his majestic tomb, from which we derive the world "mausoleum." Only its massive foundations remain today but it was the largest tomb ever built by the Carians and one of the Seven Wonders of Ancient World.

Depart from the harbor by coach, driving through the narrow streets of Bodrum to the site of the mausoleum, exploring the area's ancient past with your knowledgeable guide. See the remains of the city walls and the amphitheater looking over the harbor, then continue to the Torba cove for a glimpse of the shores of Bodrum before returning to the town center.

Your next stop is the Castle of St. John, a dramatic medieval complex sitting high on a rocky peninsula on the site of the original Carian settlement. Its towers rise majestically, dominating the harbor front. Built of green stone, masonry and marble slabs from the mausoleum the castle offers magnificent views from the ramparts to the town and its picturesque harbor, as well as your anchored Spirit of Oceanus. The castle complex houses an excellent Museum of Underwater Archaeology, where you’ll see displays of artifacts from the world's oldest known shipwrecks along Turkey's Turquoise Coast. Also see superb exhibits in various sections of the castle. At the conclusion of the tour, return to the ship or enjoy the town and waterfront at your leisure.

How often do you get to attend a gala event where Alexander the Great, Cleopatra and Mark Antony were once greeted with pomp and ceremony? This evening you will be escorted via motorcoach from Kusadasi to the ancient city of Ephesus (Ultimate Explorers Experience), where you are greeted by modern-day Ephesians in traditional costume. Your hosts will lead you either to the Celsus Library (built in 135 A.D.). Tonight, both sites are open exclusively for Cruise West guests.

There, among the ancient Roman ruins, you’ll be our honored guest at an invitation-only cocktail party, sampling authentic Turkish hors d’oeuvres, libations and sparkling conversation. Following the party, take your seat and enjoy an evening of classical music provided by a string quintet. At the concert’s conclusion, you’ll be escorted back to your ship, with wonderful memories in tow.

Take a scenic motorcoach drive through the verdant island of Samos, passing by charming little villages and crystalline bays. Your first stop will be the quaint little hamlet of Pythagorion, where you can wander the picturesque streets and shops.

Reach Pagondas, a traditional Greek village nestled among groves of orange, lemon and olive trees. Your coach will stop at the entrance of the village and, together with your guide, walk its narrow streets to the village square, bordered by old shade trees, cozy tavernas and graceful homes.

In the middle of the square, see large tables covered with tempting local delicacies and world-famous Samian wine, a traditional Greek feast for you to savor. As you enjoy the food and wine, a local orchestra and dance troupe will perform for you. At the end of your memorable Greek celebration, re-board your coach and return to your ship.

Patmos, called the Jerusalem of the Aegean, is the sacred island where St John wrote the book of “Revelations,” the final book of the Bible. Travel to the village of Chora, capital of Patmos, and visit the Grotto of St. John, a 17th century monastery built around the cave where St. John spent two years living the life of an ascetic (95-97 AD). It was during this period that St. John had his apocalyptic visions and dictated them to his disciple Prochoros.

From the Grotto, continue up the hill to the Monastery of St. John, a Byzantine structure built in 1088 by the Blessed Christodoulos, servant of Christ. Behind its thick, high walls, lies a fantastic array of religious treasures, relics of saints, priceless heirlooms, jewelry and votive offerings. The monastery's library is of great importance because of its rare collection of books and manuscripts.

On your way down the road to Chora, visit a traditional Patmian house, home of the Simantiris family. The interiors of such Patmian homes are magnificent and entering one is like stepping into another dimension. The Venetian-style furniture and handicrafts, as well as the ornate ceilings and multi-colored mosaics date back to the 18th century. After your tour here, proceed to Aloni settlement to enjoy some ouzo with Greek snacks, while attending a Greek folklore show, then return to your ship.

Leaving the port of Chios, take a scenic road that climbs high into the foothills of Mount Provatas to the monastery of Nea Moni, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most famous Byzantine structures in the world. The main church, a very important example of Byzantine architecture of the Aegean region, is graced with mosaics renowned for both their technique and vivid colors. Visitors can also visit the refectory and the cistern, which are preserved intact and date back to the 11th century.

The monastery was founded in the middle of the 11th century by the Byzantine emperor Constantine IX Monomachos. For many centuries it was the most important religious center on the island of Chios but was repeatedly destroyed in the 19th century. Chiots sought refuge in the monastery in1822, but were massacred there by Turkish troops. In 1881 the monastery was severely damaged by an earthquake that caused the collapse of the dome, the bell tower, as well as the destruction of numerous mosaics. In modern times, many efforts have been made to restore the monument and preserve the mosaics in the catholicon.

Our next stop is the medieval village of Avgonima where you’ll have time to walk narrow streets lined with rustic stone, flat-roofed dwellings and enjoy a cup of coffee in the town square before we head out to Anavatos. The town of Anavatos is perched on a cliff 450 meters above the sea, with steep sides to the south and west. The 400 houses inside the city walls are narrow, and built of gray stone with flat wooden roofs, low doors, tiny arched windows and wooden terraces; their outside walls, together with the cliff, form the perimeter of a fortress. The village was abandoned after the massacre of 1822 and is now a national monument. Although it’s deserted today, it offers a unique glimpse of a bygone era. (Zodiac landing or touring)

Discover the old aristocratic neighborhood of Mytilini, near the Venetian Castle, where you’ll admire the fine architecture of its stately old mansions. Explore the beautiful suburb of Vareia, stopping in at the Theofilos Museum, which houses 86 paintings by the famous folk painter, Theofilos Chatzimichael.

After visiting the museum, take a scenic drive heading north to the medieval village of Mithimna, or Molyvos as it was called during the Middle Ages. The town is situated on a small mountain topped by a dramatic medieval castle, built by the Byzantines. Visit the castle, then explore the picturesque village with its beautiful harbor, stone houses and shops and enjoy lunch in one of the traditional Greek tavernas in nearby Vafios village before taking the return journey to Mytilini port.

In your comfortable air-conditioned motorcoach, cross the Galata Bridge, entering the Old Town of Constantinople. It takes little effort to imagine thundering chariots and the cheers of excited spectators as you stroll among the remains of the Byzantine Hippodrome. Rome’s great Circus Maximus inspired the huge square, where you’ll glimpse the pink granite Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpentine Column, Istanbul’s oldest monuments.

Visit Sultan Ahmet Camii, better known as the Blue Mosque, which takes its nickname from the cerulean cast of its intricately tiled interior. Take a moment to view the impressive minarets that soar skyward. Then, remove your shoes at the mosque’s entrance and cross rich layers of carpet that have been donated by the Muslim faithful over the years.

Opposite the famous mosque is the ancient Basilica of Hagia Sophia. Now a museum, this magnificent church was built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed by the Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. As you approach on foot, observe its immense dome, which rises to a height of 150 feet. For 1,000 years, this dome earned the distinction of being the “world’s largest.” Gorgeous frescoes and the world’s most celebrated mosaics adorn its antique interior.

Your Old Town tour continues at an unassuming doorway a few blocks away. A short, but steep flight of stairs leads down to the underground cistern known as the Sunken Palace. This giant reservoir was constructed to bring water to the city for use in the palaces. Some of the pillars here date from the 4th century. Stroll through the cavern accompanied by classical music, a truly magical experience, before returning to your ship for lunch. The afternoon is at your leisure.

This evening, journey to Istanbul’s Old Town for an unforgettable encounter with a unique culture. Your first stop is the spectacular Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent, a landmark that testifies to the grandeur of the Golden Age of the Ottoman Empire. After a brief visit at the mosque, you’ll walk to Daruzziyafe, the mosque’s former kitchens, built between 1150 and 1555 on the order of Suleyman. Here, you may sample traditional Turkish tea and sweets as you enjoy the highlight of the evening: the ceremony of the mystical Dervishes.

Known to the west as “the Whirling Dervishes,” the Mevlevi Order was founded in the 13th century. The order, which wrote of tolerance, forgiveness and enlightenment, survives today as a cultural brotherhood. Wearing long white robes and conical hats, the members of the brotherhood spin in ecstatic meditation to chants, music and verses recited from the Koran.

At the end of the evening, return to your ship with new insights into the many unique and beautiful forms of religious expression — along with some lasting memories.

Disembark or continue your journey with the next voyage.