Aegean Gems

Cruise Itinerary

• Day 1: Fly from UK to Limassol, Cyprus

  Fly from selected UK airport to Limassol and embark on board Marella Discovery for your 7-night cruise.

• Day 2: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 3: Souda (for Chania), Crete

  A horseshoe of sand and calm water, Souda is a laid-back port with a pretty bay found on Crete's north-west coast. Souda has been an important wartime site for centuries — particularly for the USA during World War II — and the ancient Greeks and Ottomans once even battled on a formerly-fortified island found just across the bay! Head west and you find the Venetian-style town of Chania — or Hania. Explore colourful townhouses, look around museums, visit one of the world's oldest lighthouses, and enjoy the views and sounds of the bay from a terraced cafe on the waterfront.

• Day 4: Piraeus (for Athens), Greece

  Piraeus is a charming port city in the region of Attica in Greece, located within the Athens urban area. The Archaeological Museum is one of the city's main attractions; discover fascinating artefacts from Mycenaean times to the Roman period here. Wander the beautiful bay and natural harbour and spot at the entrance the remains of Piraeus ancient walls and shipyard foundations of Athen's triremes ships. Hop on the Athens Metro and you'll be in the heart of the capital; marvel at the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, and visit the Acropolis Museum to look at the friezes of the Parthenon. Check out old uniforms, photographs, and books at the Electric Railway Museum of Piraeus and take pictures next to the Agia Triada.

• Day 5: Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Turkey

  The beach resort of Kuşadasi nestles on Turkey's western Aegean coastline. Stroll along the seafront promenade and around the marina and harbour; perhaps stop for lunch at a waterside eatery or sip a glass of ice-cold beer as you take in the view. Pay a visit the impressive 16th-century Kaleici Mosque or spend a few hours relaxing on the popular Ladies Beach. Take a walk along the causeway across to the off-shore Pigeon Island (Guvercin Adasi) to explore its walled Byzantine castle. Fun times for all the family are on the menu on the lazy river, zip lines, waterslides, and water-coasters at Adaland Aquapark on the outskirts of the town. Kusadasi is also gateway to the classical ruins at nearby Ephesus; highlights include: Cukurici Mound, Ayasuluk Hill and its Selçuk Fortress, Saint John Basilica, Isa Bey Mosque, Isa Bey Bath, Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), House of the Virgin Mary, and Ephesus Ancient City itself.

• Day 6: Mykonos Town, Mykonos

  Mykonos sits in the Aegean Sea with traditional white-washed houses and bright-blue waters. Wander the twisting narrow lanes, which were originally designed to confuse pirate invaders, and discover quaint shops and boutiques. Visit stylish beach bars, modern restaurants and see the iconic 16th-century Venetian windmills which overlook Mykonos town — the island's capital.

• Day 7: Rhodes Town, Rhodes

  Rhodes Town sits on the northern tip of the Dodecanese island of Rhodes. Admire the three windmills, Fort St Nicholas, and the two stone columns topped with bronze stag and hind figures at the entrance to the old Mandraki Harbour. Take a stroll through the narrow cobbled streets and squares of the fascinating UNESCO-listed old town and admire the minarets and domes atop the medieval walls that encircle the area. Pay a visit to Archaeological Museum in the Hospital of the Knights, then continue along the Street of the Knights to the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes - the highest point of the town. Gaze in wonder at the 20th-century artworks, sculptures and engravings at the Modern Greek Art Museum and the impressive minaret on the pink and white Suleyman Mosque. The New Town are is well worth a walk too; if only to visit the New Market, Aquarium of Rhodes, and the acropolis and amphitheatre at the top of Monte Smith.

• Day 8: Limassol, Cyprus

  Today your cruise comes to an end.