Ancient Wonders of the Classical World
Flights from London→Athens → Nafplio → Syros → Patmos → Kusadasi → Fethiye → Antalya → Alanya → Tasucu → Mersin → Limassol→Return to London
Organised by Noble Caledonia.
From
from £5995
per person
Overview
A voyage tracing the ancient routes between Athens & Larnaca aboard the MS Monet
Join Noble Caledonia for this relaxing and informative voyage exploring the ancient wonders of the Eastern Mediterranean as you cruise between Greece and Cyprus, visiting some of the most fascinating sites of the ancient world and spending time in some of the scenic towns and coastal ports along the way. Noble Caledonia’s itinerary has been devised to include a rich collection of archaeological, historical and beautiful sites in Greece, Turkey and Cyprus, and combines some 'must see' sites together with charming ports where the laid back atmosphere will complement the small ship as guests explore the delightful towns.
The awe-inspiring sites of Greece and Turkey have fascinated travellers throughout the centuries and during this voyage guests will explore some of the most historic and scenically beautiful sites of the region, learning about the great cities that flourished and fell, and the intriguing civilisations that so coveted these ancient lands. The itinerary includes some truly wonderful places such as Nafplio, a beautiful coastal city in the Peloponnese from where guests will visit the ancient Greek city of Epidaurus, famed as a place of miraculous healing, and a day on Patmos to visit the grotto of St John. Continuing to the Turkish Coast, the voyage will visit some truly magnificent ancient sites including Ephesus, one of the most famous Graeco-Roman sites in the Mediterranean. Guests will also discover the ancient cities of Perge and Side, the town of Silifke which dates back to the 3rd century BC, and Tarsus, the birthplace of St Paul. This enthralling voyage concludes in Cyprus with final days spent exploring some of the island's ancient sites including the Temple of Apollo and the ruins of Kourion with its Graeco-Roman Theatre and lovely coastal views.
Highlights
- Sail the Aegean and Mediterranean aboard the MS Monet, departing from the port of Lavrion.
- Explore the ancient site of Epidaurus, home to one of the best-preserved Hellenic theatres in the world.
- Discover the 19th-century trading heritage and Cycladic architecture of Syros and its capital, Ermoupoli.
- Visit the sacred Grotto of St John on Patmos, where the Book of the Apocalypse was written.
- Tour the world-renowned ruins of Ephesus, including the Library of Celsus and the massive Grand Theatre.
- Uncover the history of the Lycian region with guided visits to the ancient capitals of Xanthos and Letoon.
- Experience the best-preserved Roman amphitheatre in the Mediterranean at the ancient city of Aspendos.
- Explore the Seljuk-era Alanya Castle and the iconic Red Tower, a masterpiece of medieval military architecture.
- Journey into the Taurus Mountains to visit the Roman ruins of Diocaesarea and the pilgrimage site of St Thecla.
- Walk the historical streets of Tarsus, the birthplace of St Paul, and visit the House of Dionysus in Paphos to view 2nd-century mosaics.
Explore further
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1 London to Athens, Greece.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Monet and embark. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
- 2
Day 2 Nafplio.
After breakfast we depart on a tour to Epidaurus, one of the most renowned of Greece's ancient sites. Situated on the slopes of a beautiful, wooded valley, Epidaurus was known throughout the Hellenic world for its unique medical facilities and healing treatments. Dedicated to Asclepius, the god of healing, the city was filled with curative spas and baths, and certain secret rites were accessible only to priests. Most of the ruins of Epidaurus have been reduced to their foundations, with the exception of the astonishing theatre. Still used for special performances, the theatre is in an admirable state of preservation. Return to the ship for lunch and the afternoon is at leisure in Nafplio to explore at your own pace, perhaps wandering through its labyrinth of narrow streets and admiring the Venetian and Ottoman architecture of this charming town.
- 3
Day 3 Syros.
After a relaxing morning at sea, we arrive at Syros which was the Aegean's foremost cultural and trading centre in the 19th century and the capital Ermoupoli was Greece's principal port. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon with a stroll through the town of Ermoupoli, the capital of the Cyclades. The prosperity of the island in the 19th and early 20th centuries is reflected in the architecture, with its grand town hall, theatre and beautiful square. Overlooking Ermoupoli stands hill-top Ano Syros, the original Medieval district with narrow lanes and whitewashed houses.
- 4
Day 4 Patmos.
Of all the Greek islands, Patmos is the most sacred to Christians, both Orthodox and Western alike, as it was here that St John received his revelation. This morning we will make our way to the Grotto of St John. This small cave, now converted into a beautiful chapel, is where the Saint lived, had his revelation and wrote ‘Book of the Apocalypse'. From here we continue to the village of Chora, with its simple houses and Byzantine churches, and climb to the Monastery of St John the Theologian. Upon entering the courtyard, admire the intricate pebbled-laid floor, decorated arches and frescoes adorning the entrance to the chapel of Christodoulos. Return to the MS Monet for lunch and this afternoon and evening are at leisure to explore the picturesque town of Skala.
- 5
Day 5 Kusadasi, Turkey.
Arrive in Kusadasi over breakfast. From our berth we drive to the nearby ancient city of Ephesus, a stunning and partially excavated site where archaeological work has been taking place for over a century. Broad streets are lined with impressive buildings including the Library of Celsus and the Temples of Serapis and Hadrian. Once the capital of Ionia, St Paul preached here on his second missionary journey and we will see the Church of the Virgin Mary, the most important Christian monument in Ephesus. Also visit the spectacular Grand Theatre, originally built in the 3rd century BC by the Greeks, and later expanded by the Romans to its present capacity of 24,000. After lunch in a local restaurant we will return to the MS Monet in Kusadasi where the remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure.
- 6
Day 6 Fethiye.
Enjoy a relaxing morning at sea. After lunch on board, we arrive in Fethiye and travel southeast to discover the rich Lycian towns of the past. Drive along the Esme River to the ancient city of Xanthos, Lycia's prominent capital city built on a high cliff overlooking the river. Xanthos boasts several significant ruins, including the Nereid Monument, an exquisite classical building whose figured friezes are in the British Museum. Continue to Letoon, a city named after Leto, the mother goddess of Lycians. The history of Letoon is closely linked with that of Xanthos. It is known to have been one of the most important religious centres of the Lycian region in Anatolia. Due to the rising water level, archaeological digs have been suspended. The remains unearthed indicate they belong to the period between the 7th century BC and the 6th century AD. We will see the ruins of the temples dedicated to Leto, Artemis and Apollo, and the amphitheatre.
- 7
Day 7 Antalya.
This morning from Antalya we will explore the principle Roman ruins along Turkey's southern coast. We pass the modern city of Antalya en route to the ancient city of Perge, which dates back to 1000 BC and was founded by Mopsus and Calchas after their retreat from Troy. See the Basilica of Perge, which played an important role in the spread of Christianity, the 2nd century AD stadium, the baths complex and two magnificent round towers of the Greek Gate. We drive further east for a visit to Aspendos, whose amphitheatre built in the 2nd century AD is considered the best preserved in the Mediterranean. After lunch in a local restaurant, continue to visit the excellent Archaeological Museum or return to the ship for some free time.
- 8
Day 8 Alanya.
After breakfast we drive along the beautiful Turkish Riviera towards the ancient city of Side, once one of the leading Pamphylian cities on the south coast of Anatolia. Visit the Grand Theatre, a perfect example of a Roman theatre built on vaults on flat land. Walk through the town, view the old harbour and see the remains of the Temple of Apollo. We drive back to Alanya with views of the Taurus Mountains in the east, then continue towards Incekum along the Turkish Riviera to the west. Our drive passes citrus and banana plantations before arriving at Damlatas Cave - a masterpiece of nature, renowned for its curative properties for asthma. After lunch on board, we visit the Archaeological Museum in the city centre, which displays artefacts from Perge and the Pamphylian coast of Turkey. Continue on to the Alanya Castle, a Seljuk era citadel dating from 1226. Inside the castle is the Suleymaniye Mosque and Caravanserai, built by Suleiman the Magnificent. We end our day with a visit to the Kızıl Kule (Red Tower). This is the last of Alanya Castle's 83 towers that protects the Tersane (arsenal) and still remains one of the finest examples of Medieval military architecture.
- 9
Day 9 Tasucu.
Our morning tour starts with a drive into the Taurus Mountains to Uzuncaburc, where the remnants of Roman Diocaesarea are located within the village. Originally the ancient city of Olba, the most conspicuous remains are those of the ancient Temple of Zeus Olbius and a great watch tower. After lunch on board there will be an afternoon tour to Silifke. Silifke, the ancient Seleucia, is situated at the foot of the town hill on both sides of the Goksu River, known in antiquity as the Calycadnus, and was founded between 296 and 280 BC by Seleucus Nicator, one of the most famous generals of Alexander the Great. We will visit the underground church of St Thecla, a Christian site dedicated to St Thecla, one of St Paul's early devotees. Thecla is said to have spent her later years here trying to convert the locals of Seleucia to Paul's teachings and it is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Turkey. We continue to Silifke Archaeological Museum which displays Roman and Byzantine objects, as well as local folk costumes. Continue along the shore to Corycos where, in 191 BC, the fleet of Antiochus the Great was defeated by the Romans. See the ancient tombs and view the castle of Kiz Kalesi from the shore.
- 10
Day 10 Mersin.
This morning we arrive in Mersin, the capital of Icel province, which borrows its name from myrtle, the evergreen vegetation which grows in the area. From here it is a short drive to Tarsus, the birthplace of St Paul which was an important part of the trade route to the interiors of Asia Minor. We will see the well dedicated to St Paul and the church built in 1862 to his name. Walk through the narrow streets of old Tarsus with typical stone and timber-built houses, see the Roman road in the north of the city and visit the Tarsus Museum where we will see the relics from Gozlukule excavations. We end at the Ulu Mosque and Makami-Sherif Mosque, both converted from ancient churches. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy the afternoon sailing.
- 11
Day 11 Limassol, Cyprus.
Today we drive to Paphos, the ancient capital of Cyprus and birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Beauty symbolised by the legendary Aphrodite's Rock. We will visit the 13th century Chrysopolitissa Church which is shared by the Anglican and Catholic congregations. Saint Paul visited Paphos in AD 45 in an attempt to convert the ruler of the time to Christianity. He was successful in his efforts, but not before being tied and whipped to an otherwise unremarkable lump of stone, the Pillar of Saint Paul, which we will see during our visit. After lunch in a local restaurant and some free time in the picturesque fishing harbour of Paphos, we continue to the archaeological park, known as the House of Dionysus with the fabulously preserved mosaics which date back to the 2nd century AD.
- 12
Day 12 Limassol.
This morning we drive to the Temple of Apollo, one of the main religious centres of ancient Cyprus. We will continue to the ruins of Kourion, a city built in 1200 BC. The most spectacular site at Kourion is the Greco-Roman Theatre which has been completely restored and is used today for open-air musical and theatrical performances. We will also visit Kolossi Castle, which was built in the 15th century on the ruins of a former fortress dated to the beginning of the 13th century. Some of these ruins can still be seen east of the present castle. After lunch on board, the afternoon is at leisure to explore further at your own pace.
- 13
Day 13 Larnaca to London.
Disembark in Limassol after breakfast and transfer to Larnaca Airport for the return scheduled flight to London.
Meet your Experts
A distinguished team of guest lecturers, expedition leaders and specialist hosts will be travelling with you on selected departures — enriching your voyage with their insight, expertise and company.
Rt Rev Nick Baines
The Rt Revd Nick Baines has been the Bishop of Leeds since 2014. He was previously the Bishop of Bradford and the Bishop of Croydon. He read German and French at Bradford University and, before ordination, worked for four years as a Russian linguist at GCHQ. Nick has a particular expertise in communication. He has 16.5 thousand followers on X and his blog has been viewed more than 2 million times. He is regularly heard on Radios 2 & 4, is often asked to comment nationally on topical issues, and has written seven books on Christian faith. Nick has been a member of the House of Lords since 2014, leading on Europe, Russia, Sudan, security & intelligence. He has represented the Archbishop of Canterbury at international faith conferences and for 11 years was the English Co-chair of the Meissen Commission which develops relationships between the Church of England and the EKD (Protestant Church
Rt Rev Nick Baines will be on the following tour dates: 25 October to 6 November 2027
Dr Steve Kershaw
Dr Steve Kershaw is a tutor in Classics for Oxford University Department for Continuing Education, an accredited lecturer for The Arts Society (ex- NADFAS), and lectures for the Victoria and Albert Museum's Early Medieval: 300 - 1250 and The Classical World and Classical Revivals courses. His publications include The Penguin Dictionary of Classical Mythology, A Brief Guide to the Greek Myths, A Brief Guide to Classical Civilization, A Brief History of the Roman Empire, A Brief History of Atlantis: Plato's Ideal State, Barbarians: Rebellion and Resistance to Rome, and Mythologica (a children's book on the Greek myths). Steve is the author and tutor for Oxford University's online courses in Greek Mythology, The Fall of Rome, and Minoans and Mycenaeans. In 2016 he appeared as an Expert Contributor to The History Channel's Barbarians Rising series, and he has travelled widely in the wo
Dr Steve Kershaw will be on the following tour dates: 6 to 18 November 2027
The Ship
Monet
We are delighted to have chartered the MS Monet, a 220 foot motor yacht accommodating a maximum of 50 guests. Originally built in 1970, MS Monet was converted and launched as a passenger ship in 1998, fully renovated in 2016 and upgraded again in 2018. If you find large resort style vessels accommodating many thousands of passengers attractive then of course this isn't the vessel for you. However, if you prefer an informal and warm atmosphere more akin to a private yacht combined with an itinerary dedicated to both discovery and relaxation then you need look no further.
Deck plan
Life aboard Monet
The MS Monet is a boutique motor yacht offering an intimate, informal experience for up to 50 guests. It is perfectly suited for travellers who prefer the relaxed atmosphere of a private vessel over large-scale resort-style cruise ships.
Quick facts
Guest Capacity
50
Length
68 metres
Refurbished
2018
Crew
29
Currency
Euros
Suites
Cabins are designed for comfort with wood trimmings and light fabrics, ranging from 9 to 22 square metres. Choose from four categories, with some cabins featuring windows and others equipped with portholes.
- •Category A (21-22 sqm) and B (17 sqm) cabins feature windows and double beds.
- •Category C (12-14 sqm) cabins feature windows; some have twin beds.
- •Category D (9-14 sqm) cabins feature two portholes; some have twin beds.
- •All cabins include en-suite bathroom, television, minifridge, safe, and hairdryer.
- •Twin bed cabins: 104-107, 112, 119, 205, and 210-215.
Life on board
Life aboard the MS Monet centers on a relaxed, social atmosphere with inviting public spaces. Guests can enjoy panoramic views from the open sun deck or unwind in the lounge.
- •Main lounge and bar area with comfortable seating.
- •Sun deck featuring loungers and a Jacuzzi.
- •Small library located in the lounge.
- •Outdoor deck spaces perfect for socialising or reading.
- •Complimentary Wi-Fi is available (subject to connection stability).
Dining
Meals are served in a glass-enclosed dining room with unassigned seating, offering an informal environment. Menus feature international cuisine with an emphasis on local specialities.
- •Single-sitting dining with unassigned tables.
- •Al fresco dining available on the Lumiere Deck, weather permitting.
- •House wine, beer, and soft drinks included with lunch and dinner.
- •Self-serve tea and coffee station available in the lounge.
- •Notify the reservations department of dietary requirements in advance.
Practical information
The atmosphere on board is consistently casual, with no formal dress requirements. Please note that the ship does not have a lift and requires guests to be mobile.
- •Informal dress code; no jackets or ties required.
- •Voltage is 220V (European standard); two-pin adaptors recommended.
- •Smoking is permitted only on open decks.
- •No lift on board.
- •Laundry service available for an additional charge.
- •Gratuities are included in the holiday price.
- •On-board payments accepted in Euros (cash) or by Visa/Mastercard.
Ship information may be subject to operational change. Please contact us for the latest details before booking.
Departures & pricing
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 25 October to 6 November 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisian Deck | £6295 | £5995 |
| C Twin/Double with windows on Parisian/Lumiere Deck | £6695 | £6395 |
| B Superior Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | — | — |
| A Deluxe Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | — | — |
| D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisian Deck for sole use | £8095 | £7795 |
Tour Reference Code: SCMO251027/SCMO061027
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 6 to 18 November 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisian Deck | £6295 | £5995 |
| C Twin/Double with windows on Parisian/Lumiere Deck | £6695 | £6395 |
| B Superior Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | — | — |
| A Deluxe Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | — | — |
| D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisian Deck for sole use | £8095 | £7795 |
Tour Reference Code: SCMO251027/SCMO061027
PRICE INCLUDES:
• Economy class scheduled air travel • 12 nights aboard the MS Monet on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes
Not Included:
- Travel insurance.
Please note that availability and prices shown on our website are not updated in real time and may change. For the latest availability and pricing, please call 0800 678 3787