Shore Excursions

Taking a cruise in the Aegean, Mediterranean or Black Sea? Let Magister create the perfect shore excursions allowing you plenty of time to explore the sights in your own way.

Istanbul

Formerly Constantinople and the capital of the Roman Empire, Istanbul captivates travelers with its intriguing history and stunning location on the Bosphorus Peninsula. Delve into the heart of the Old City, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the domed Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. Or, tour the opulent Dolmabahce Palace, the beautifully frescoed Chora Church, the magnificent Suleymaniye Mosque or one of the city’s impressive museums. Whatever your interests, you have much to explore in this vibrant city.

Ephesus

Walk the white marble streets of this great Hellenistic city, pausing beneath the pillars and intact facade of its grand Celsus Library. Glimpse into the ancient lifestyles of the rich and famous at the ancient terrace houses, circa 1 BCE. Learn about the city’s pivotal role in early Christianity as you follow in the footsteps of St. Paul and the Virgin Mary.

Sardis

Noted in the Bible’s Book of Revelation, Sardis was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia during the Persian Empire. Dedicated to the goddess Artemis, the city was known for its gargantuan Temple of Artemis. Stroll through the remaining foundation of the temple site and explore the ruins of the city, including the gymnasium-bathhouse, the acropolis and the synagogue – one of the best-preserved and largest ancient synagogues excavated.

Pergamum

The Temple of Trajan, the world’s first hospital (Asklepion) and the ancient world’s steepest theatre with a towering 80 rows of seats are just a sampling of the Hellenistic achievements revealed on this in-depth guided tour of Pergamum and its acropolis. Learn about the myths, gods and heroes that made this city one of the world’s top civilizations, on a par with 2nd-century Alexandria.

Three Ionian Cities: Priene, Miletos & Didyma

Spend a full day experiencing this trio of monumental Ionian cities. Marvel at the dramatic setting of Priene, engineered some 2,500 years ago to take advantage of its location beneath a sheer mountain cliff overlooking the Meander River. Travel on to Miletos, built on a hilltop near the Aegean Sea, and view its giant theatre, accommodating over 15,000 spectators in the 4th century BCE. In Didyma, examine the sprawling ruins of the Temple of Apollo and the well-preserved Bath of Faustina, built for Marcus Aurelius’ wife.

Trabzon & Sumela Monastery

Situated along the Silk Road on Turkey’s Black Sea coast, 9,000-year-old Trabzon developed a rich and diverse culture influenced by the Romans, Goths, Greeks, Persians, Assyrians, Ottomans and Byzantines that ruled it. Explore its medieval main square and Byzantine Church and view “The Marriage Feast at Cana,” among the 13th-century frescoes at the Hagia Sophia. Beyond Trabzon, look up in wonder at the stunning Byzantine Sumela Monastery, built on a ledge carved into the mountainside.

Mykonos

Traditional white-washed houses, golden beaches and windmills spinning against postcard-perfect blue skies – you’re sure to be dazzled by the beautiful island of Mykonos, renowned as a jet-setters paradise. Dip into the warm Mediterranean sea and join in the fun at a popular beach or stroll as you please among the many cafés and shops in Little Venice and the lively town. Or, linger in peaceful meditation at the Panagia Tourliani Monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary in 1542.

Santorini

Prepare to be awed as you spend the day on Santorini soaking up the striking views and dramatic volcanic landscape, relic of one of the largest eruptions in recorded history. Grab your camera for stunning panoramic shots as you travel along the coastline and ascend to Profitis Ilias, Santorini’s highest peak, and its namesake monastery. Wander around the shops of the little village of Oia, carved into a steep slope of the volcanic caldera, and finish with a cable car ride to the pier from Fira, the island’s capital.

Corinth

Marvel at the once powerful and strategically located ancient city of Corinth, the bustling trade center immortalized in St. Paul’s Letters to the Corinthians. Visit the ruins of its UNESCO-recognized monuments, including the Temple of Apollo, the colonnaded marketplace, the mythological Fountain of Pirene and the Lechaion Road to the ancient port. Visit the Corinth Canal, first envisioned as a vital link between the Ionian and Aegean seas more than 2,000 years ago, but only completed in 1893.

Epidaurus & Mycenae

Venture to the northeast corner of the Peloponnese to explore the ruins of the ancient healing center of Epidaurus and the kingdom of Mycenae. Epidaurus was home to the most renowned Asklepion (healing temple) of the Classical world; its still-standing theatre is remarkable for its acoustics. Mycenae, the most powerful kingdom in Greece for over 400 years, is the site of the royal residence, citadel and Beehive Tombs of King Agamemnon, leader of the Trojan War.