LEARN more. EXPLORE more. DREAM more.
Enrich your vacation with Vantage's collection of deluxe optional tours, designed
exclusively for our guests. You’ll discover a world beyond the landmarks and gain
immeasurable insight into the culture and people of your destination. So join us
… and make the most of your journey!
Approximate Cost:
$99 USD per person
Cape Sounion Tour
Athens, Greece
Afternoon tour
Approximate Time:
4 hours
Cape Sounion is one of the most famous and picturesque places in
Attica. Bordered by the sea on three sides, its sharply indented
coastline is fringed with beautiful beaches. Today, you will see some of
the marvelous vistas Attica offers together with lunch overlooking the
sea. Departing from the hotel, you will drive along the scenic west
coast of the Attica Peninsula affording you fine views of the Saronic
Gulf, and the fertile countryside inland. The island of Aegina will be
on your right as you pass Voula, Lagonissi, and other resorts on your
way to the southeastern most tip of the land mass of Europe — Cape
Sounion. Here on top of the cliff, from where King Aegeus threw himself
into the sea that even now bears his name, stand the 17 remaining Doric
columns of the 5th-century BC Temple of Poseidon. Built in Pentelic
marble, the columns have retained much of their original gleaming white
appearance. Many visitors, both illustrious and ordinary, have carved
their names on the pillars since the 18th century. Lord Byron proudly
carved his signature, but you are discouraged from leaving your mark!
The breathtaking panorama from this lofty spot is superb with the
deep blue Aegean Sea studded with the islands before you. Your lunch
will be nearby, where you can enjoy these stunning views a little while
longer before returning to the hotel.
Approximate Cost:
$99 USD per person
Bafa Lake & Heraclea
Didim, Turkey
Half-day Tour
Approximate Time:
3.5 hours
Enjoy a visit to beautiful Lake Bafa, which was once a gulf of the Aegean Sea before gradually closing during the Classical period. Home to 224 bird species, Lake Bafa area was declared a national park in 1989, which makes this tour a delightful opportunity for nature lovers. At the innermost northeast tip of the lake is the village of Kapikiri, as well as the ancient ruins of Heraclea by Latmus. The Besparmak mountain chain rises on the back, sheltering the non-restored ruins of a dozen monasteries dating from the Byzantine era on its slopes. This tour offers both stunning views and fascinating history, making it a wonderful addition to your time spent in Turkey.
Princess Islands Tour
Istanbul, Turkey
Half-day tour
Approximate Time:
4 hours
Your tour begins with a short drive to the ferry, which will take you to Buyukada —the largest of the Princess Islands. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy the opportunity to explore this beautiful island, which was once used as a place of exile. Almost all of the historical buildings and ruins you’ll see here have a religious background, including the St. George Monastery, where monks once made and sold their own wine, which sits on top of the highest hill. The hill itself has been a religious center since the Byzantine period, when the mentally ill were brought here for treatment.
With its preserved old works and houses with gardens, Buyukada is among the top summer resorts in Istanbul today. You’ll enjoy free time for lunch on your own in any of the restaurants, if you like. After the visit, you’ll depart by ferry for your return to Istanbul.
Approximate Cost:
$79 USD per person
Bosphorus Cruise Tour
Istanbul, Turkey
Half-day Tour
Approximate Time:
4 hours
Enjoy a scenic cruise through the Bosphorus, a straight connecting the Marmara Sea and the Black Sea. One of the most exquisite places in the world, this naturally formed passage was very much esteemed by sultans and pashas, who they built their kiosks and residences along the water. As the wearing effects of time caused wooden buildings to demolish, they have been replaced with new ones. In place of the Besiktas Palaces, there appeared the Dolmabahçe Palace. Beylerbeyi Palace was rebuilt, while stone buildings were erected to complete its final outlook.
With its architecture matching its natural delights, the Bosphorus has reached an incomparable beauty. The buildings embroidering the shores of free-flowing waters, embraced by a green background, offer a view of unceasing delight. This wonderful cruise will provide unforgettable memories as you see the magnificent waterfront houses and palaces close up.
Approximate Cost:
$69 USD per person
Rhodes, Greece
A Visit to Lindos, Morning tour
Approximate Time:
3.5 hours
A beautiful 30-mile drive along the east coast of Rhodes will take you past picturesque little villages, with many glimpses of the sea and gorgeous landscape of orange and lemon groves, vineyards, and gnarled olive trees. Lindos was an ancient Doric town and rose to power hundreds of years before the birth of Christ — when the population was twenty times as great as today. In medieval times, it was the island’s second most important center, after the town of Rhodes itself. It’s not surprising that the ancient Greeks, the Byzantines, and the Knights of St. John all made good use of the stupendous Acropolis, which dominates the little town and the curving bay below. You will walk up to the summit (or you may elect to hire a donkey to take you most of the way, subject to availability) to discover the magnificent remains of past civilizations. Here, you’ll find the 4th century BC Doric Temple of Athena Lindia, a double-winged portico, Byzantine church, and the fortifications of the knights, including the remains of the Governor’s quarters. The view is truly panoramic, and at the very foot of the Acropolis is St. Paul’s Bay, where the Apostle is said to have sought shelter during a storm. Below the Acropolis are the clustered, old whitewashed houses and narrow streets of this delightful village. A haunt of artists and writers for many years, it also contains many tiny shops brimming with attractive souvenir items. Your return to the pier in Rhodes will be via the same scenic route.
This tour includes private motorcoach transfers, a professional guide (1 guide for every 25 passengers), a dramatic drive along the east coast of Rhodes, stunning views from the foot of the Acropolis in St. Paul’s Bay, and entry into the Acropolis.
Approximate Cost:
$149 USD per person
Kervansaray Dinner & Show
Istanbul, Turkey
Evening Tour, Including Dinner
Approximate Time:
3.5 Hours
Enjoy a visit to beautiful Lake Bafa, which was once a gulf of the Aegean Sea before gradually closing during the Classical period. Home to 224 bird species, Lake Bafa area was declared a national park in 1989, which makes this tour a delightful opportunity for nature lovers. At the innermost northeast tip of the lake is the village of Kapikiri, as well as the ancient ruins of Heraclea by Latmus. The Besparmak mountain chain rises on the back, sheltering the non-restored ruins of a dozen monasteries dating from the Byzantine era on its slopes. This tour offers both stunning views and fascinating history, making it a wonderful addition to your time spent in Turkey.
Please Note: All prices are per person and subject to change.
All optional tours are offered by Vantage Deluxe World Travel. Descriptions and
scheduling are subject to change. Minimum tour participation is required to operate
optional tours. Optional tours cancelled by passengers within 48 hours of the excursion
are non-refundable.
