Luxury Small Ships, Expedition Cruise, Mediterranean Cruises, Caledonian Sky, Kimberley Coast Cruises, Private Yacht Experiences
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94 Mediterranean Wildflowers, History & Architecture 12 Day Botanica Cruise | MS Island Sky Greece | Italy Day 1. Arrive Athens. Embark the MS Island Sky at 4pm at Piraeus Harbour and sail this evening towards the island of Crete. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner. 11 Night Stay: aboard the MS Island Sky. D Day 2. Heraklion, Crete, Wildflowers. Step ashore on the fascinating island of Crete and journey to Knossos, the ancient capital of the great king Minos. Discover the fantastic ruins of the ancient palace complex and then journey through the charming countryside of Crete to one of the three great mountain ranges, Mt Dikti, where you'll hunt for spring flowering plants including wild tulips and anemones. BLD Day 3. Rethmynon, Crete, Freedom of Choice. Visit the ancient Fortezza and enjoy a scenic drive to Gaios Kambos, which is renowned for endemic Cretan plants. Seek out the crown anemones, turban buttercups, narcissus tazetta, orchids, irises and bulbocodium species, before a visit to the Monoan Cemetery at Armenoi. After lunch on board, enjoy a free afternoon to explore on your own or choose to take a scenic drive to a botanical park with 20 hectares of fruit trees, herbs, medicinal and ornamental plants to explore. BLD Day 4. Peloponnese, Freedom of Choice. Enjoy a picturesque drive through the fertile Peloponnese countryside to Agios Nilona, where there is a riot of springtime Euphorbia and wildflowers. At Areopoli, stroll the cobbled lanes that wind through the village. Otherwise, visit the ancient Greek site of Sparta, where the warrior society ruled in the Archaic and Classical periods. BLD Day 5. Kefalonia. Discover the island of Kefalonia, made famous by the filming of Captain Corelli's Mandolin. See the capital Argostoli, including the famous lighthouse, then drive to the Botanical Gardens. Continue to Mt Ainos National Park renowned for its forest of Kefalonian Fir trees and endemic flowers including orchids. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore. BLD Day 6. Corfu, Freedom of Choice. Enjoy a half-day visit to the historical village of Gastouri and the Achilleion Palace. Explore the museum filled with royal treasures and enjoy the splendour of the landscaped gardens. Return to World Heritage-listed Old Town of Corfu for a tour and some free time before re-boarding the ship for lunch. Alternatively, enjoy a full-day trip taking in Mon Repos and the beauty of Corfu Island including Mouse Island. Then indulge in an Explore the ancient ruins in Knossos CRUISE APPEAL This Botanica cruise will feature docking in ports throughout your cruise, and will appeal to guests who: ✫ Wish to explore some of the most exquisite gardens of the Mediterranean, both public and private ✫ Have a passion for learning about historic architecture, especially ancient Roman sites ✫ Want to explore Greek and Italian islands and absorb their unique culture and landscapes ✫ See historical sights and villages on the islands of Crete, and Sicily, as well as the pretty Peloponnese peninsula ✫ Visit the Greek Islands of Crete, Kefalonia and Corfu ✫ See the Botanical Gardens of Crete ✫ Learn about ancient civilizations and architecture ✫ Explore Paradise Quarry in Syracuse ✫ Private garden visits to Marquess of San Giulliano's and Princess Borghese gardens ✫ Visit the beautiful Sicilian walled-town of Taormina ✫ Explore the Island of Ischia & La Mortella garden ✫ Discover the fascinating volcanic ruins of Herculaneum ✫ Freedom of Choice Sightseeing™ in Crete, Peloponnese, Corfu and Naples CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS Freedom of Choice TM Sightseeing www.botanica.travel