Past to Present
Exploring Europe is akin to flipping through the pages of history, where each chapter unfolds in real time before your eyes. At every turn, historical landmarks stand side by side with modern marvels, while cobblestone streets of medieval towns lead to bustling city centers adorned with contemporary architecture and sleek glass-fronted skyscrapers.
In Europe, a house isn’t simply a building, a church isn’t simply a place of worship. Every site inspires a question. The grandeur of Gothic cathedrals asks us why the impoverished population donated all their worth to have it built. Roman engineering makes us wonder whether our current stadiums, waterways, and entertainment quarters will stand the test of time against ancient coliseums, aqueducts, and theatres. Renaissance-inspired marble sculptures stand as their era’s dynastic propaganda. Were they an inspiration for today’s vibrant street art reflecting the spirit of modern-day activism?
Our ‘Your Choice’ experiences, and included locally guided tours, strive to interpret this conundrum. A tale of two worlds – the past and present, intertwine as we visit ancient sites, Moorish citadels, Medieval villages, Norman inspired towns, Victorian designed boulevards and much more. Each with its own fascinating story to tell as a testament to the passage of time.
Here are some examples of our historical focused ‘Your Choice’ experiences for you to explore.
Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
The Amalfi, Sicily and Malta: The Godfather
Athens to Naples: Myths of the Mediterranean
Known to the Neapolitans simply as ‘him’, Mount Vesuvius towers over the surrounding fertile plains at 13,779 feet (4,200 meters). He has been quiet of late, but it was a different story in 79 BCE, when lava and ash vomited forth engulfing the city of Pompeii. Albeit a tragedy, the excavation of these extensive sites reveals treasure for travelers. Physical evidence of the city’s final dramatic moments, preserved forever amongst the volcanic ash, speak louder than words. Each tells a tale of intrigue, returned to life by the ruins and remains, of these Roman cities. Our guided tour is amongst one of the most intriguing in world history.
Granada – Alhambra and Generalife
Spain & Morocco: Moor than a Myth
Traversing ‘The Med’: A Mediterranean Feast
Granada stands as a testament to the clash of civilizations between the Moors and the Christian monarchy, with monuments scattered throughout the city reflecting their respective legacies. At the heart of it all lies the iconic Alhambra, adorned with verses from the Qur’an and intricate Moorish craftsmanship. This architectural marvel embodies the cultural fusion and religious fervor of its time, with its exquisite masonry, wooden calligraphy, and ceramic tiles. The Alhambra’s clever engineering, including its intricate water features, adds to its allure, while the addition of the Christian palace of Charles V atop its ramparts symbolizes the tumultuous history of La Reconquista. As we explore this historic landmark, we’re transported back to an era of power struggles and dominance, epitomized by the reign of Charles V, who left his mark on the world with his grandiose ambitions.
Ancient Ephesus
Greece & Turkey: Turkish Delight
Athens to Naples: Myths of the Mediterranean
Join a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ephesus this morning with a traditional Turkish lunch after your visit, before returning to the ship mid- afternoon. Step into history with our locally guided tour of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Originally a Greek settlement, Ephesus flourished under Roman rule, with the Emperor Hadrian dedicating a temple to himself, and the Emperor Trajan adding aqueducts and roads. Sadly, the city’s importance declined due to invasions, and the silting of its harbour, which hindered trade, with it eventually being left in ruins. This guided tour offers a fascinating insight into the lives of those who once thrived here, as we wander among the remarkable ruins of this ancient metropolis.
Hosted by our expert guide, we stroll the marble-paved streets of Ephesus, stepping back in time amid the city’s well-preserved ruins. Hear voices from long ago at the Odeon, a small theatre used for political meetings and concerts, and the Prytaneion, where sacred fires honored the goddess Hestia. Visit the iconic Library of Celsus, once home to thousands of scrolls and the tomb of Roman senator Celsus. Its intricately carved columns and statues bring it to life. Explore the Great Theatre, which seated 25,000 cheering spectators for gladiatorial contests and performances. Discover the Temple of Hadrian, dedicated to Emperor Hadrian, adorned with detailed reliefs and sculptures. Finally, stroll through the agora, the commercial and political heart of Ephesus, where merchants traded goods, and citizens haggled over bargains and traded gossip, bringing to life the vibrant community of this ancient metropolis.