Eastern Mediterranean Cruise - from Athens - 131635

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 largest city in Sicily rises up from the Conca d'Oro bay (Golden Shell Bay), surrounded by glorious orange and citrus groves. It was founded in the 8th century B.C. by the Phoenicians and has been variously ruled by the Romans, the Byzantines, the Arabs, the Normans, the Spanish and the Bourbons, all of whom have left their mark on the city. Parlermo's historic centre is one of the largest in Europe; it has 158 churches, 55 monasteries, more than 400 stately homes and 7 theatres. Tours of the city can be organised depending on the various eras one is most interested in, but the cathedral dating from 1185 and the famous Cappella Palatina are not to be missed. Over the last few years the city has been undergoing a transition and wants a new image, to encourage culturally-interested tourists to visit. The Teatro Massimo, the former monastery of Spasimo, the Albergo delle Povere, Villa Niscemi, the Palazzo Merlo, the Chiesa di San Domenico and many other sights have now re-opened their doors for visitors following extensive restoration work.