TRAVEL PLAN

WEDNESDAY 20TH AUGUST
Istanbul,Turkey
Guests embark Hebridean Spirit in Istanbul.

THURSDAY 21ST AUGUST
Istanbul,Turkey – See Privately Escorted Tour Highlights
In the morning, our guided tour of the vast Topkapi Palace – for centuries the opulent hub of Ottoman power – includes a look at the extraordinary Harem complex and the glittering artefacts of the Imperial Treasury. Guests can attend a carpet demonstration or sample the sprawling warren of commerce that is the Grand Bazaar.There is an opportunity to lunch ashore before we take an afternoon tour of the 17th century Sultan Ahmed or ‘Blue’ Mosque, and visit Hagia Sophia, built as a church by the Byzantines in AD537 and converted to a mosque 900 years later.The aromas of the Spice Bazaar conclude an atmospheric day.

FRIDAY 22ND AUGUST
Canakkale,Turkey
Our day begins with a tour of ancient Troy – already a legend in the time of Homer. History is layered on history, and excavations continue at what is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Remnants of no fewer than nine cities can be seen, dating from the Bronze Age until Roman times. Guests have an opportunity to take lunch ashore before an afternoon walk around Canakkale’s narrow, picturesque streets. Highlights include the harbour district, the fifth century Çimenlik Castle, the spectacular wooden horse used in Wolfgang Petersen’s 2004 film Troy, and the replica of the famous minelayer, Nusrat, in the grounds of the Naval Museum.

SATURDAY 23RD AUGUST
Alexandropouli, Greece
We tour the archaeological sites at Maroneia and Mesembria. Maroneia was founded on the slopes of Mount Ismaros in the seventh century BC and soon became a prosperous Hellenic city-state.The huge site includes remains of the ancient city walls, a theatre, third-century BC mosaics, and the city’s famous Sanctuary of Dionysos. Mesembria, a Samothracian colony, dates from the same era and flourished in the fifth and fourth centuries BC. Among its important monuments are the Sanctuary of Demeter and Temple of Apollo, as well as the remains of walls, gates and private houses.The afternoon is spent at sea.

SUNDAY 24TH AUGUST
Kavala, Greece – See Privately Escorted Tour Highlights
In the morning we visit the ancient site of Philippi at Vergina, established in 356BC by Philip II, King of Macedonia and father of Alexander the Great. It is here, in AD50, that the Apostle Paul baptised the first Christian convert on European soil. Many of the remains have been restored and include a Hellenic theatre, temples and three Byzantine basilicas. Guests can lunch at one of the fish restaurants near Kavala harbour, after which we take a walking tour of the old town’s narrow, cobbled streets and see the remains of the Byzantine acropolis.

MONDAY 25TH AUGUST
At sea
We spend a relaxing day at sea sailing around the Mount Athos peninsula.The dozens of villages and monasteries clinging to remote, precarious locations make an unforgettable sight.

TUESDAY 26TH AUGUST
Thessaloniki, Greece – See Privately Escorted Tour Highlights
The day is spent touring the mountain range of Pieria – dominated by Mount Olympus, legendary home of the Greek pantheon – and exploring the unique ecology of the region’s coastal wetlands. After lunch, we visit the archaeological site of Dion, where remains span the period from Classical times to the early Christian era. Among them are the Sanctuary of Zeus, a Macedonian tomb dating from the fourth century BC, and an early Christian basilica.

WEDNESDAY 27TH AUGUST
Thessaloniki, Greece
Guests disembark Hebridean Spirit in Thessaloniki.

2 Gala Dinners

ROUTE MAP

PRIVATELY ESCORTED TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

THURSDAY 21ST AUGUST
SULTAN AHMED MOSQUE
Commissioned in the early 17th century by Sultan Ahmed I, the so-called Blue Mosque was built by Mehmet Aga, a student of the great mosque architect Mimar Sinan. With its six minarets and sleek silhouette, this is Islamic architecture at its most sensuous.

SUNDAY 24TH AUGUST
VERGINA
This outstanding museum displays the unplundered tomb of Alexander the Great’s father, Phillip II of Macedonia, the splendid gold and jewels displayed as they were discovered.

TUESDAY 26TH AUGUST
MOUNT OLYMPUS
Legendary home of the Greek gods, where Zeus, Apollo and Aphrodite dwelled in crystal mansions, Mount Olympus is also the highest peak in Greece and one of Europe’s tallest mountains.

PRICES

Pricing Plan Per Person for 20th Aug 2008 - 27th Aug 2008
Single Cabin	Tariff Price	Best Price from *	Cabin Details	Virtual Tour
Price Category E1	£5,156	£3,867
Price Category D1	£5,308	£3,981
Price Category C1	£5,880	£4,410
Double Cabin
Price Category E2	£4,172	£3,129
Price Category D2	£4,336	£3,252
Price Category C2	£4,800	£3,600
Price Category B2	£6,300	£4,725
Suite
Price Category A	£7,444	£5,583

Price includes private return flights, transfers, privately escorted tours, all meals, specially selected wines, spirits and champagne on board, gratuities, port and passenger taxes.

BOOKING INFORMATION

• Call 01756 704 704 to talk to our UK based specialist cruise advisors or click here to make on online enquiry.
• Alternatively click here to request a brochure.
• * The Best Price consists of the maximum savings available for occupancy rated deductions, full payment and past guest loyalty savings.
• Please note that these prices are per person. Prices include house wines and spirits, meals, gratuities and shore visits as detailed.
• Hebridean's Terms & Conditions
• A - Z destination Guides
• Book Lists from Amazon and Longitude