Hotel Siviglia

Via Gaeta, 12

00185 Rome

Italy

Tel: +39 06 4441197

Kumuka or your agent can assist in booking pre tour accommodation for you at this hotel.

Rome. Today is a joining day. The pre departure meeting will be held at the meeting point at 6pm.  The Local Guide will run through the tour details and you will be able to meet your fellow travellers.

Please note that if you arrive at the hotel before your room is ready you will be able to leave your luggage with hotel reception.  Rooms are on a twin share basis (single room supplements available at time of booking).

Sorrento.  Today is a free day for you to explore. Lie on the beach and soak up the Mediterranean sun or take an optional day trip to the Island of Capri. See where the rich and famous take their holidays and visit the Blue Grotto.

Meteora. We arrive this morning on Greek shores. After disembarking our ferryboat in Igoumenitsa we are met and transferred to the spectacular valley of Meteora. Here, the Orthodox monasteries cling to the top of the towering stone pinnacles. We will have a guided visit that will take us into Greece’s Byzantine past.

Please Note: When you disembark from the ferry in Igoumenitsa, your vehicle and Greek Tour Guide will be waiting for you at the dock. Please look out for the vehicle which will display a Kumuka sign.

Athens - Free Day.   Today is a free day for you to explore Athens at your leisure, or relax.

Please note that new clients may be joining us this evening for the cruise sector of the tour. There will be a pre departure meeting for them at 6pm which you are welcome to attend so that you get to meet those joining you here and hear more about the next few days. The Local Guide will confirm the transfer time to the port, and will also brief you on the cruise ship and cruise.

Kusadasi, Turkey then Patmos. Overnight sail to Rhodes. We arrive into Kusadasi early in the morning with time to explore until midday, or the chance to take an optional shore excursion.

Ephesus & the House of Virgin Mary (Euros 70 pp - half day). Drive through the colourful town of Kusadasi to reach Mt. Koressos. Situated in a small valley, the humble chapel lies on the site of the little house where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days. Despite the many controversies, the Christian World still favours this belief and the site has been officially sanctioned by the Vatican for pilgrimage. Continue on to Ancient Ephesus and accompanied by your guide walk through the Magnesian Gate which is the entrance to the ancient city of Ephesus. Your guided walking tour will take you through one of the most magnificent excavations in the world. See the Odeon (concert hall), the Fountain of Trajan, the steam-heated Baths of Scolastika, the Temple of Hadrian and the Latrians, the Library of Celsus and The Great Theatre, the largest one in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats where St. Paul preached. Walk back to the coach along the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession. While driving back to Kusadasi and just outside Ephesus, view the Basilica of St. John, which was erected over his grave in the 6th Century A.D. by Emperor Justinian. Before returning to the ship, get a cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibition of oriental carpets, jewellery or leather goods.

Please Note! Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties. Due to some walking at certain sites, comfortable and non-slip shoes are recommended.

Ancient Ephesus (Euros 65 pp - half day). Drive through the colourful town of Kusadasi and along the coast to reach Ephesus, famous in antiquity for its Temple of Diana - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - and later the home of St. John. During the years of the Roman Empire, the Greek port of Ephesus became the greatest city in Asia Minor. Upon arrival at Ephesus follow your guide to enter the ancient site through the Magnesian Gate. Discover innumerable monuments including the Forum, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the Thermal Baths of Scolastika and the Great Theatre built in the Greek Era and reconstructed in the Roman period, which is still noted for its remarkable acoustics. View the symbols all around and marvel at the fact that one is still able to read the inscriptions in the ancient Greek language. Walk back to your coach along the Arcadian Way, where once Mark Anthony and Cleopatra rode in procession. As you drive back to Kusadasi, on a hill above Selcuk, just outside Ephesus, view the Basilica of St. John, which was erected over his grave in the 6th Century A.D. by Emperor Justinian. Before returning to the ship, get a cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibition of oriental carpets, jewellery or leather goods.

Please Note! Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties.

At noon we commence our sail to Patmos arriving at about 16.30pm. Disembarkation is by tender boats (weather permitting). Explore on your own, or join one of the optional shore excursions.

St. John’s Monastery & Grotto of the Apocalypse (Euros 55 pp - 3 hours). Depart from the port of Scala and enjoy a short drive to the village of Chora, where the Monastery of St. John is built within the walls of a strong fortification. As you walk uphill towards the entrance of the monastery marvel at this magnificent structure, which was built 900 years ago. View the courtyard, the monks’ dining room and the old bakery before you visit the main church noted for its outstanding frescoes and interior decoration. Next, visit the small museum where priceless ecclesiastical treasures, books, manuscripts, mosaics, icons, splendid medieval textiles, vestments and jewellery are housed. Return to your motor coach and continue to the nearby Grotto of the Apocalypse. Walk down the steps to the Grotto of the Apocalypse. Here you will see the niches in the wall that mark the pillow and ledge used as a desk by the author of the Book of the Revelation and the crack in the rock made by the voice of God honouring the Holy Trinity. Afterwards, drive back to the port of Scala and enjoy some free time in this quaint and picturesque town.

Please Note! Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties. Modest dress is required in the Religious Sites, no bare shoulders and knees must be covered. Please watch your step when visiting the Grotto of Apocalypse.

Scenic Island Tour (Euros 45 pp - half day). An interesting scenic island tour has been designed for those passengers who prefer to discover the beauties of Patmos from the comfort of an air-conditioned motor coach. Start the tour from the port of Scala and drive to the central part of the island “Chora” which is the location of the Majestic Byzantine Monastery of St. John the Divine, built in 1088. Your sightseeing will first bring you to the Grotto of the Apocalypse, and then to the windmills of Chora, once upon a time the landmark of all Aegean Islands, from where you will enjoy a beautiful view and have the chance to take photos. Afterwards, continue around the island to see its landscape of outstanding natural beauty comprising of rocky hills, dozens of tongues of land reaching out into the sea, tranquil beaches and many picturesque inlets. Before arriving at the port, a stop of 10 minutes is made at the square at Kambos in the north part of island. The tour ends at the port of Scala to enjoy free time in the quaint and picturesque little town. A refreshment or a coffee will be offered at Arion Café, the oldest and most beautiful café of the town.

Please Note: Shore excursions are NOT included in the tour cost. All shore excursions may be booked and paid for locally. Prices are a guide and may be subject to change.

Please Note: Shore excursions are NOT included in the tour cost. All shore excursions may be booked and paid for locally. Prices are a guide and may be subject to change.

At 9pm the ship departs heading for Rhodes overnight.

Crete (Heraklion), Santorini, Overnight Sail to Athens. We arrive into Heraklion early, and several shore excursions are available.

Knossos Palace (Euros 60 pp - half day). Crete is the largest and the most rugged of the Greek islands. It is also the home of the great Minoan Civilization and the mythological home of Zeus. After a short drive through the town of Heraklion the tour will arrive at the Knossos excavations. Here, Sir Arthur Evan’s archaeological discoveries revealed a civilization dating back to 4000 B.C., when a great empire flourished on the island of Crete. Based on the wealth of artefacts that were found, Evans theorized that this was the site of the ancient Minoan Kingdom. These findings will be viewed in detail, as your guide will lead you on a journey of discovery to learn of the sophisticated culture that flourished thousands of years ago on this island. The Palace, decorated with frescoes and shields houses the Hall of the Royal Guard, the Hall of the Double Axes, the King’s Chamber with the alabaster throne, the Queen’s Apartment, beautiful courtyards and shrines. Having visited this remarkable site your coaches will take you back to the Venetian lion-guarded port of Heraklion to rejoin your ship.

Please Note! Walking in the archaeological site of Knossos will be on uneven gravel surfaces. Passengers may not be allowed to enter the site with big bags/rucksacks.

A Taste of Crete (Euros 60 pp - half day). The tour begins from the Venetian lion-guarded port of Heraklion with a drive through the city to the famous wine producing area of Peza, south of Heraklion. The drive is through breathtaking landscape of countryside and vineyards as old as Minoan times. The first stop is a modern winery, where you will see the updated methods of wine making and sample some of the delicious Cretan wines. The drive continues through rural villages to the village of Archanes, the municipality in the area. On the way, a photo stop is made at Vathypetro to view one of the oldest farmhouses in Crete, dating to the Minoan period 16th Century B.C.. The tour continues through the island’s hilly countryside where olive groves and vineyards existed from as far back as 4,000 years. Arriving at the village of Archanes, which is situated 10 km south of the Palace of Knossos, you will visit the quaint market town of Archanes characterised by many restored sandstone houses dating from the Turkish period. At a taverna in the village’s tree-shaded square, you will sample an assortment of Cretan snacks and locally produced wine, and have a chance to mingle with many of the locals themselves while listening to typical Greek music. You will have free time to browse before the return drive to the port of Heraklion and the ship.

At 11am we set sail for Santorini arriving at about 1630pm.

Excursion to Oia Village (Euros 60 pp - half day). Driving along the road you will have the unique opportunity to admire the panoramic view of the Aegean Sea and the neighbouring islands. A unique sight is the various layers of lava that can be seen on the face of the rock, each layer being another phase of the activity of the volcano. Built on the Caldera rim, Oia Village is an excellent example of Cycladic architecture. Explore the village walking along the cobble-stone streets and the white washed houses with blue shutters where one gets the impression that they are a beautiful travel poster. Your coach will bring you back to the port of Athinios, where you will embark your tender boat.

Please Note! It will be possible to remain in Fira and reach the port by cable car. Passengers will have to purchase the ticket at the cable car station.

Santorini Sailing & Volcano (Euros 60 pp - half day). Enjoy a cruise (on motorboat) around the active crater of Nea Kameni islet. Sail along the strange formations of its volcanic shores, where black lava rocks and white pumice are combined beautifully with the red colour of lava. Take a walk to the top of the volcanic island where sulphur is spewed into the air by one of the craters. Enjoy this surreal landscape as your guide narrates the creation and history of the volcano and the last eruption leading to the destruction of the island of Santorini. The tidal wave created by the eruption was of such an immense magnitude, it destroyed the thriving city of Knossos on the island of Crete. As your caique enters the narrows of the two lava islets, Palea and Nea Kameni, the colour of the water changes from dark blue to sulphur green. In the distance, admire the breathtaking sight of Fira town with its white washed houses clinging precariously on the rim of the Caldera. Take time to swim in the warm waters heated by Hot Springs on the sea floor. Your excursion will end in Fira where your guide will show you the way to the cable car and you will make your own way back to the ship.

Please Note! The tour will be available from April to September and is subject to weather conditions. Please note talso that he water at the hot springs is reddish brown in colour and may stain light coloured swimsuits

The ship sets sail at 9pm bound for Athens.

Athens.  The tour ends today after breakfast

Please note that accommodation in Athens is NOT included today, but post tour accommodation can be booked if you wish to spend additional time in Athens at the end of the tour.

Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals, public holidays, and ferry schedules. However, we shall endeavor to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs smoothly.

Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate. Your passport must be valid for six months after the END of your tour, and must have one blank page for each country to be visited.

Vaccinations:

No vaccinations are compulsory in Europe however you may need additional inoculations so please contact your G.P or a travel medical centre for further information.

We also recommend:

• A dental check-up prior to travelling.
• That you know your blood group in case of emergency.
• That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking.          

You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details.

Europe, like the rest of the world, is no stranger to theft. You must exercise extreme care with wallets, cameras and other valuables especially in towns or busy tourist areas. We advise that you make copies of your passport, credit cards, airline tickets and your insurance policy and that you keep a careful note of both used and unused traveller’s cheque numbers. At times when you are unable to store your valuables in safety deposit boxes in hotels we recommend that you carry some sort of money belt or hidden pouch for safekeeping of valuable items.

Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe.

How much should I take?

- Please bring lightweight walking shoes or sandals, and a day sac. Pack essentially for hot conditions  

- Because of limited luggage space on transport, we must limit each passenger to ONE main suitcase or frameless backpack and one day bag. Your main bag must not weigh more than 20 kg’s.

- A frameless or internally framed backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles.

- A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions.

- We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards travellers checks etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes.

TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!!

English will be widely spoken in the major tourist attractions of the main cities. Take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.

Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this:

Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad.

Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use.

Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka

Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts

Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!

Tipping is a way of life and very much expected. For many tipping is a means of supplementing their wage and is a normal part of payment for goods and services. Be sure to keep small denomination notes or coins on you to avoid embarrassment.

It is customary to tip for services received, however, not compulsory. Your tour guide will be able to recommend a general figure for the services that you will receive.

Tipping of Tour Guides and Drivers - This is at your discretion. You may consider tipping your tour guide and driver, as an expression of your satisfaction for their efficiency and service, in making your tour as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Please note, however, that in your tour cost, tipping for cruise staff has been included, as this is a compulsory charge.

Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.