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13th13 | JunJun | 202121 | Piraeus, Greece, embark on the Azamara Pursuit | 18:00 | |||
It's no wonder that all roads lead to the fascinating and maddening metropolis of Athens. Lift your eyes 200 feet above the city to the Parthenon, its honey-color marble columns rising from a massive limestone base, and you behold architectural perfection that has not been surpassed in 2,500 years. But, today, this shrine of classical form dominates a 21st-century boomtown. To experience Athens—Athína in Greek—fully is to understand the essence of Greece: ancient monuments surviving in a sea of cement, startling beauty amid the squalor, tradition juxtaposed with modernity. Locals depend on humor and flexibility to deal with the chaos; you should do the same. The rewards are immense. Although Athens covers a huge area, the major landmarks of the ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods are close to the modern city center. You can easily walk from the Acropolis to many other key sites, taking time to browse in shops and relax in cafés and tavernas along the way. From many quarters of the city you can glimpse "the glory that was Greece" in the form of the Acropolis looming above the horizon, but only by actually climbing that rocky precipice can you feel the impact of the ancient settlement. The Acropolis and Filopappou, two craggy hills sitting side by side; the ancient Agora (marketplace); and Kerameikos, the first cemetery, form the core of ancient and Roman Athens. Along the Unification of Archaeological Sites promenade, you can follow stone-paved, tree-lined walkways from site to site, undisturbed by traffic. Cars have also been banned or reduced in other streets in the historical center. In the National Archaeological Museum, vast numbers of artifacts illustrate the many millennia of Greek civilization; smaller museums such as the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art Museum and the Byzantine and Christian Museum illuminate the history of particular regions or periods. Athens may seem like one huge city, but it is really a conglomeration of neighborhoods with distinctive characters. The Eastern influences that prevailed during the 400-year rule of the Ottoman Empire are still evident in Monastiraki, the bazaar area near the foot of the Acropolis. On the northern slope of the Acropolis, stroll through Plaka (if possible by moonlight), an area of tranquil streets lined with renovated mansions, to get the flavor of the 19th-century's gracious lifestyle. The narrow lanes of Anafiotika, a section of Plaka, thread past tiny churches and small, color-washed houses with wooden upper stories, recalling a Cycladic island village. In this maze of winding streets, vestiges of the older city are everywhere: crumbling stairways lined with festive tavernas; dank cellars filled with wine vats; occasionally a court or diminutive garden, enclosed within high walls and filled with magnolia trees and the flaming trumpet-shaped flowers of hibiscus bushes. Formerly run-down old quarters, such as Thission, Gazi and Psirri, popular nightlife areas filled with bars and mezedopoleia (similar to tapas bars), are now in the process of gentrification, although they still retain much of their original charm, as does the colorful produce and meat market on Athinas. The area around Syntagma Square, the tourist hub, and Omonia Square, the commercial heart of the city about 1 km (½ mi) northwest, is distinctly European, having been designed by the court architects of King Otho, a Bavarian, in the 19th century. The chic shops and bistros of ritzy Kolonaki nestle at the foot of Mt. Lycabettus, Athens's highest hill (909 feet). Each of Athens's outlying suburbs has a distinctive character: in the north is wealthy, tree-lined Kifissia, once a summer resort for aristocratic Athenians, and in the south and southeast lie Glyfada, Voula, and Vouliagmeni, with their sandy beaches, seaside bars, and lively summer nightlife. Just beyond the city's southern fringes is Piraeus, a bustling port city of waterside fish tavernas and Saronic Gulf views. | |||||||
14th14 | JunJun | 202121 | Mykonos, Greece | 08:00 | 22:00 | ||
Although the fishing boats still go out in good weather, Mykonos largely makes its living from tourism these days. The summer crowds have turned one of the poorest islands in Greece into one of the richest. Old Mykonians complain that their young, who have inherited stores where their grandfathers once sold eggs or wine, get so much rent that they have lost ambition, and in summer sit around pool bars at night with their friends, and hang out in Athens in winter when island life is less scintillating. Put firmly on the map by Jackie O in the 1960s, Mykonos town—called Hora by the locals—remains the Saint-Tropez of the Greek islands. The scenery is memorable, with its whitewashed streets, Little Venice, the Kato Myli ridge of windmills, and Kastro, the town's medieval quarter. Its cubical two- or three-story houses and churches, with their red or blue doors and domes and wooden balconies, have been long celebrated as some of the best examples of classic Cycladic architecture. Luckily, the Greek Archaeological Service decided to preserve the town, even when the Mykonians would have preferred to rebuild, and so the Old Town has been impressively preserved. Pink oleander, scarlet hibiscus, and trailing green pepper trees form a contrast amid the dazzling whiteness, whose frequent renewal with whitewash is required by law. Any visitor who has the pleasure of getting lost in its narrow streets (made all the narrower by the many outdoor stone staircases, which maximize housing space in the crowded village) will appreciate how its confusing layout was designed to foil pirates—if it was designed at all. After Mykonos fell under Turkish rule in 1537, the Ottomans allowed the islanders to arm their vessels against pirates, which had a contradictory effect: many of them found that raiding other islands was more profitable than tilling arid land. At the height of Aegean piracy, Mykonos was the principal headquarters of the corsair fleets—the place where pirates met their fellows, found willing women, and filled out their crews. Eventually the illicit activity evolved into a legitimate and thriving trade network. Morning on Mykonos town's main quay is busy with deliveries, visitors for the Delos boats, lazy breakfasters, and street cleaners dealing with the previous night's mess. In late morning the cruise-boat people arrive, and the shops are all open. In early afternoon, shaded outdoor tavernas are full of diners eating salads (Mykonos's produce is mostly imported); music is absent or kept low. In mid- and late afternoon, the town feels sleepy, since so many people are at the beach, on excursions, or sleeping in their air-conditioned rooms; even some tourist shops close for siesta. By sunset, people have come back from the beach, having taken their showers and rested. At night, the atmosphere in Mykonos ramps up. The cruise-boat people are mostly gone, coughing three-wheelers make no deliveries in the narrow streets, and everyone is dressed sexy for summer and starting to shimmy with the scene. Many shops stay open past midnight, the restaurants fill up, and the bars and discos make ice cubes as fast as they can. Ready to dive in? Begin your tour of Mykonos town (Hora) by starting out at its heart: Mando Mavrogenous Square. | |||||||
15th15 | JunJun | 202121 | Kusadasi, Turkey | 08:00 | 18:00 | ||
Whilst the busy resort town of Kusadasi offers much in the way of shopping and dining – not to mention a flourishing beach life scene, the real jewel here is Ephesus and the stunning ruined city that really take centre stage. With only 20% of the classical ruins having been excavated, this archaeological wonder has already gained the status as Europe’s most complete classical metropolis. And a metropolis it really is; built in the 10th century BC this UNESCO World Heritage site is nothing short of spectacular. Although regrettably very little remains of the Temple of Artemis (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world), the superb Library of Celsus’ façade is practically intact and it is one of life’s great joys to attend an evening performance in the illuminated ruins once all the tourists have left. The history of the city is fascinating and multi-layered and it is well worth reading up on this beforehand if a visit is planned. Another point of interest for historians would be the house of the Virgin Mary, located on the romantically named Mount Nightingale and just nine kilometres away from Ephesus proper. Legend has it that Mary (along with St. John) spent her final years here, secluded from the rest of the population, spreading Christianity. An edifying experience, even for non-believers. For the less historical minded amongst you, Kusadasi offers plenty in the way of activities. After a stroll through the town, jump in a taxi to Ladies’ Beach (men are allowed), sample a Turkish kebap on one of the many beachfront restaurants and enjoy the clement weather. If you do want to venture further afield, then the crystal clear beaches of Guzelcamli (or the Millipark), the cave of Zeus and the white scalloped natural pools at Pamukkale, known as Cleopatra’s pools, are definitely worth a visit. | |||||||
16th16 | JunJun | 202121 | Rhodes, Greece | 08:00 | 20:00 | ||
Early travelers described Rhodes as a town of two parts: a castle or high town (Collachium) and a lower city. Today Rhodes town—sometimes referred to as Ródos town—is still a city of two parts: the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site that incorporates the high town and lower city, and the modern metropolis, or New Town, spreading away from the walls that encircle the Old Town. The narrow streets of the Old Town are for the most part closed to cars and are lined with Orthodox and Catholic churches, Turkish houses (some of which follow the ancient orthogonal plan), and medieval public buildings with exterior staircases and facades elegantly constructed of well-cut limestone from Lindos. Careful reconstruction in recent years has enhanced the harmonious effect. | |||||||
17th17 | JunJun | 202121 | Santorini, Greece | 07:30 | 22:00 | ||
Undoubtedly the most extraordinary island in the Aegean, crescent-shape Santorini remains a mandatory stop on the Cycladic tourist route—even if it's necessary to enjoy the sensational sunsets from Ia, the fascinating excavations, and the dazzling white towns with a million other travelers. Called Kállisti (the "Loveliest") when first settled, the island has now reverted to its subsequent name of Thira, after the 9th-century-BC Dorian colonizer Thiras. The place is better known, however, these days as Santorini, a name derived from its patroness, St. Irene of Thessaloniki, the Byzantine empress who restored icons to Orthodoxy and died in 802. You can fly conveniently to Santorini, but to enjoy a true Santorini rite of passage, opt instead for the boat trip here, which provides a spectacular introduction. After the boat sails between Sikinos and Ios, your deck-side perch approaches two close islands with a passage between them. The bigger one on the left is Santorini, and the smaller on the right is Thirassia. Passing between them, you see the village of Ia adorning Santorini's northernmost cliff like a white geometric beehive. You are in the caldera (volcanic crater), one of the world's truly breathtaking sights: a demilune of cliffs rising 1,100 feet, with the white clusters of the towns of Fira and Ia perched along the top. The bay, once the high center of the island, is 1,300 feet in some places, so deep that when boats dock in Santorini's shabby little port of Athinios, they do not drop anchor. The encircling cliffs are the ancient rim of a still-active volcano, and you are sailing east across its flooded caldera. On your right are the Burnt isles, the White isle, and other volcanic remnants, all lined up as if some outsize display in a geology museum. Hephaestus's subterranean fires smolder still—the volcano erupted in 198 BC, about 735, and there was an earthquake in 1956. Indeed, Santorini and its four neighboring islets are the fragmentary remains of a larger landmass that exploded about 1600 BC: the volcano's core blew sky high, and the sea rushed into the abyss to create the great bay, which measures 10 km by 7 km (6 mi by 4½ mi) and is 1,292 feet deep. The other pieces of the rim, which broke off in later eruptions, are Thirassia, where a few hundred people live, and deserted little Aspronissi ("White isle"). In the center of the bay, black and uninhabited, two cones, the Burnt Isles of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, appeared between 1573 and 1925. There has been too much speculation about the identification of Santorini with the mythical Atlantis, mentioned in Egyptian papyri and by Plato (who says it's in the Atlantic), but myths are hard to pin down. This is not true of old arguments about whether tidal waves from Santorini's cataclysmic explosion destroyed Minoan civilization on Crete, 113 km (70 mi) away. The latest carbon-dating evidence, which points to a few years before 1600 BC for the eruption, clearly indicates that the Minoans outlasted the eruption by a couple of hundred years, but most probably in a weakened state. In fact, the island still endures hardships: since antiquity, Santorini has depended on rain collected in cisterns for drinking and irrigating—the well water is often brackish—and the serious shortage is alleviated by the importation of water. However, the volcanic soil also yields riches: small, intense tomatoes with tough skins used for tomato paste (good restaurants here serve them); the famous Santorini fava beans, which have a light, fresh taste; barley; wheat; and white-skin eggplants. | |||||||
18th18 | JunJun | 202121 | Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete, Greece | 08:00 | 15:00 | ||
Having been controlled by Arabic, Venetian and Ottoman empires over the years - it's no surprise that Heraklion is a diverse patchwork of exotic cultures and historical treasures. Celebrated as the birthplace of the Spanish Renaissance artist, El Greco, you can visit to explore the storied ruins of the Minoan empire's capital, and unearth the rich cultural treasures that Crete’s bustling modern capital has to offer. | |||||||
19th19 | JunJun | 202121 | Piraeus, Greece, disembark the Azamara Pursuit | 05:00 | |||
It's no wonder that all roads lead to the fascinating and maddening metropolis of Athens. Lift your eyes 200 feet above the city to the Parthenon, its honey-color marble columns rising from a massive limestone base, and you behold architectural perfection that has not been surpassed in 2,500 years. But, today, this shrine of classical form dominates a 21st-century boomtown. To experience Athens—Athína in Greek—fully is to understand the essence of Greece: ancient monuments surviving in a sea of cement, startling beauty amid the squalor, tradition juxtaposed with modernity. Locals depend on humor and flexibility to deal with the chaos; you should do the same. The rewards are immense. Although Athens covers a huge area, the major landmarks of the ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods are close to the modern city center. You can easily walk from the Acropolis to many other key sites, taking time to browse in shops and relax in cafés and tavernas along the way. From many quarters of the city you can glimpse "the glory that was Greece" in the form of the Acropolis looming above the horizon, but only by actually climbing that rocky precipice can you feel the impact of the ancient settlement. The Acropolis and Filopappou, two craggy hills sitting side by side; the ancient Agora (marketplace); and Kerameikos, the first cemetery, form the core of ancient and Roman Athens. Along the Unification of Archaeological Sites promenade, you can follow stone-paved, tree-lined walkways from site to site, undisturbed by traffic. Cars have also been banned or reduced in other streets in the historical center. In the National Archaeological Museum, vast numbers of artifacts illustrate the many millennia of Greek civilization; smaller museums such as the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art Museum and the Byzantine and Christian Museum illuminate the history of particular regions or periods. Athens may seem like one huge city, but it is really a conglomeration of neighborhoods with distinctive characters. The Eastern influences that prevailed during the 400-year rule of the Ottoman Empire are still evident in Monastiraki, the bazaar area near the foot of the Acropolis. On the northern slope of the Acropolis, stroll through Plaka (if possible by moonlight), an area of tranquil streets lined with renovated mansions, to get the flavor of the 19th-century's gracious lifestyle. The narrow lanes of Anafiotika, a section of Plaka, thread past tiny churches and small, color-washed houses with wooden upper stories, recalling a Cycladic island village. In this maze of winding streets, vestiges of the older city are everywhere: crumbling stairways lined with festive tavernas; dank cellars filled with wine vats; occasionally a court or diminutive garden, enclosed within high walls and filled with magnolia trees and the flaming trumpet-shaped flowers of hibiscus bushes. Formerly run-down old quarters, such as Thission, Gazi and Psirri, popular nightlife areas filled with bars and mezedopoleia (similar to tapas bars), are now in the process of gentrification, although they still retain much of their original charm, as does the colorful produce and meat market on Athinas. The area around Syntagma Square, the tourist hub, and Omonia Square, the commercial heart of the city about 1 km (½ mi) northwest, is distinctly European, having been designed by the court architects of King Otho, a Bavarian, in the 19th century. The chic shops and bistros of ritzy Kolonaki nestle at the foot of Mt. Lycabettus, Athens's highest hill (909 feet). Each of Athens's outlying suburbs has a distinctive character: in the north is wealthy, tree-lined Kifissia, once a summer resort for aristocratic Athenians, and in the south and southeast lie Glyfada, Voula, and Vouliagmeni, with their sandy beaches, seaside bars, and lively summer nightlife. Just beyond the city's southern fringes is Piraeus, a bustling port city of waterside fish tavernas and Saronic Gulf views. |
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.
The Club Continents suites are our smaller suites, yet spacious and comfortable. These suites, too, are transformed with a completely new décor inspired by nature’s elements of water, sand, wood and stone. They feature two lower beds convertible to queen size, comfortable sitting area, a spacious, newly decorated bathroom – either with a bath tub or shower, large flat-screen TV, refrigerator with mini-bar, and plenty of other fine amenities. A wonderful and refined home away from home.
Features:
Complimentary Stateroom Features
Welcome to your vacation home with ocean views, sea breezes, and all the style and amenities of a boutique hotel. Relax with plush cotton robes and slippers, French bath products, fresh flowers, and 24-hour room service. Our goal is to make you comfortable so you can spend more time on important things. Like exploring the world.
Features:
Complimentary Stateroom Features:
When you step inside your Club Ocean Suite, you step inside a large suite with elegant, contemporary décor. These suites feature new furnishings and wallpaper, plush carpeting, writings desks and more. With a large living room and a separate bedroom, and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to your own private veranda, your suite will be a wonderful respite from your many experiences on land. Marble master bath and dressing room with vanity make it easy and comfortable to get ready for the day—or for an evening dinner out. Large flat-screen television, refrigerator with mini-bar, and other fine amenities add to the comfort of the suite. You’ll be spoiled by the attention to detail in these beautiful suites, and of course, all the pampering, too.
Features:
Complimentary Stateroom Features
When you book a stateroom, you'll love the polished style and stellar service in your own private retreat. You'll appreciate the finer touches included in every stateroom, but it takes more than a beautiful room to elevate a voyage from "good" to "great." With Azamara Club Cruises®, you'll discover just how much professional service and a friendly attitude can add to your enjoyment.
Features:
Complimentary Stateroom Features
Love the feeling of being at the spa but never want to leave? With our new Club Spa Suites, you won’t have to. Located next to the tranquil Sanctum Spa, our newest suites are the ultimate in contemporary design, comfort and pampering. With easy access to the Spa, open decks, swimming pool, our great restaurants—as well as our newest venue, The Living Room, the Club Spa Suites surround you with organic, elegant décor, and the finest, most soothing amenities. Suites feature comfortable sitting area, daily delivery of healthy snacks, Frette plush robes and slippers, and in-room spa music. For the ultimate in serene surroundings, the spacious glass-enclosed spa soaking tub and separate rain shower bring the outside in, with views to the endless seas beyond. Unique spa amenities are included, such as a complimentary “Nights in Private Places” experience for two and a spa credit to be used for spa treatments of your choice. The perfect place to get away from it all. Without being far from anything.
Features:
Complimentary Stateroom Features:
When you book a stateroom, you'll love the polished style and stellar service in your own private retreat. You'll appreciate the finer touches included in every stateroom, but it takes more than a beautiful room to elevate a voyage from "good" to "great." With Azamara Club Cruises®, you'll discover just how much professional service and a friendly attitude can add to your enjoyment.
Features:
Complimentary Stateroom Features:
Our largest suites have been transformed to feature contemporary design elements that create an elegant and organic feel. The design draws inspiration from nature—a sandy cliff, flowing river beds, exquisite white sand beaches, and rustling grasses.
These luxurious accommodations feature a large living room with a separate bedroom, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to your own private veranda, marble master bath, large flat-screen television, refrigerator with mini-bar, and many other amenities. Enjoy everything our Club Owner’s Suites have to offer, and of course, all of the pampering that comes with them.
Features:
Complimentary Stateroom Features
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.
If you're in the mood for fantastic Italian-inspired cuisine, make a reservation at Aqualina, one of our onboard specialty restaurants. Aqualina will satisfy your taste for sumptuous fare in a relaxed, yet positively chic atmosphere.
With open seating and delicious nightly selections, our main restaurant is not to be missed. You'll find all your classic dinner favorites, very likely with a different twist, like gulf shrimp with cognac and garlic or a filet mignon with black truffle sauce. What's more, open seating provides you the opportunity to dine at your leisure.
If steak and seafood are on your mind, then make your way over to Prime C. Full of atmosphere and loaded with flavor, this specialty restaurant surely aims to please all who enter. The broad wooden floors and rich paneling are more than inviting and the steaks will melt in your mouth.
While a casual “pool grill” during the day, in the evening this venue will be completely transformed into a sit-down al fresco dining experience. Nice tablecloths and candles will set the mood while a reimagined menu will be served by our Pool Grill wait staff. In addition, a self-serve frozen yogurt station – Swirl & Top – can conclude your meal with a variety of flavors and your choice of toppings.
Take in the fresh breeze at an outdoor table in Windows Café, our casual buffet offering made-to-order breakfasts and a large variety of lunch and dinner options. Choices change daily and include fresh sushi, stir-frys and pastas, salads, an assortment of entrees and sides, a carving station and sumptuous desserts.
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.
This library is one of the quiet jewels of Azamara, a peaceful and beautifully appointed space for reading or relaxing after dinner. Browse the collection and feel free to borrow the library books.
Our Pool Bar serves refreshments while enjoying the Pool during the day, and cocktails of your choice in the evening.
On the starboard side of the Living Room, guests will find the Card Room for those who love a round of Bridge or other games. Four computers and interactive table tops are available for guest use during the voyage.
The idea of the Living Room is just that. It’s the perfect space for guests throughout the day and evening to engage in lively conversations, take in interesting speakers, peruse art, play a game of cards, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, wines & tapas, delightful music, or simply relax with a good book.
Enjoy live performances of professional full-stage musical revues, classical soloists, bands and other entertainment in our Cabaret Lounge featuring a full bar. You could see as many as four distinctly different shows while onboard. And considering the cost of theater and entertainment tickets back home, isn’t that nice?
Located just outside Azamara’s main restaurant, this congenial bar is a favorite gathering place for pre- and post-dinner conversation and drinks. Bar service includes a full selection of fine wines, mixed drinks, and premium spirits…plus the entertaining banter of Azamara’s friendly bartenders.
And for all you sports fans, the Spirits bar adjacent to the Casino features a flat-screen TV and full bar, making it a very pleasant place to keep up with your favorite teams.
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.
6 nights aboard the Azamara Pursuit | |||
AzAmazing Evenings event on voyages over 7 nights | |||
Pre-Paid Gratuities | |||
Select standard spirits, international beers & wines | |||
Free bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees & teas | |||
Concierge services for personal guidance & reservations | |||
Free self-service laundry | |||
Shuttle service to & from port where available | |||
English Butler Service for suite Guests | |||
Port Taxes and Fees | |||
ABTA and ATOL Protection* |
Date 13th Jun 2021 |
Nts 6 |
Please Call for Availability |
Date 13th Jun 2021 |
Nts 6 |
Please Call for Availability |
Fusion Cruises when selling travel arrangements is a trading name of The Midcounties Co-operative Ltd. Fusion Cruises is an Accredited Body Member of Midcounties Co-operative Travel Consortium. (ABTA:P6652, ATOL:6053).
Book with Confidence. We are a Member of ABTA which means you have the benefit of ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct.
Some of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme but ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services offered on this website. This website will provide you with information on the protection that applies in the case of each holiday and travel service offered before you make your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.caa.co.uk