Eastern Mediterranean Cruise - from Athens - 109549

Patmos is a small island measuring around 12 kilometres in length in the Dodecanese Islands not far from Turkey and is called the "Jerusalem of the Aegean". This is because the island is home to many beautiful monasteries as well as the cave where St. John the Apostle wrote his "Apocalypse". The port of Skala, the capital of the island, can be reached by sea via a long, narrow inlet. The city lies in the shadow of the medieval castle-convent of St. John. It can be seen from all directions from sea and many pilgrims travel here each year. A visit to the village of Chora with its narrow streets is also a must. Some of the taverns provide a breathtaking view right down to Skala. Other sights include: the monastery of St. Christodoulos, the holy cave of the revelation and Agia Anni chapel.

The shortest route between the northern Ionian Sea and the Saronic Gulf runs through the Gulf of Patras, the Corinthian Gulf and finally through the Corinthian canal, which stretches over 3.2 miles from the most south-eastern point of the Corinthian Gulf (Posidonia) to the north-western corner of the Saronic Gulf (Isthmia). The canal is 25 metres wide and the maximum draught for ships passing through it is 7 metres. The bluffs into which the canal was carved rise up to 75 metres high.

Taormina, a medieval town at the East coast of Sicily that lies 200 m high overlooking the sea has narrow streets and stairways, an ancient theatre and 'hanging gardens'. Around the Greek theatre there are lots of busy little streets full of souvenir shops and taverns serving regional dishes. In contrast, the city park is an oasis of calm. The climb to the castle provides a stunning view of the city, the sea and the impressive volcano Mount Etna, especially at night.

The capital of the Cote d'Azur stretches along the wonderful Baie des Anges. Thanks to its favourable geographical and climactic position, this location has had a settlement since early days. Nice is a flourishing modern town with cultural activities on a grand scale (congresses, exhibitions, festivals). The town nevertheless retains its old traditions, e.g. the famous carnival and the charm of its picturesque old town with bustling little streets, the colourful flower market and the old harbour. As soon as you say 'Nice', people immediately think of the famous "Promenade des Anglais'‚ which has become the town's landmark and is now an international meeting place. Sights worth seeing: the Palais Lascarris, the Hotel Négresco, Place Masenna, Museum Massena, the harbour area, the castle hill and the Cadran solaire humain de Rauba Capeu.