Great Escapes in the Eastern Med
Parent-free trips for ages 9-17 year olds
Take a look at the adventures your teens could get up to in the Eastern Med...
Please note Great Escapes are only available between 3rd July and 4th September 2008 and are only bookable once on board. All dates are for 2008.
Drogarati Cave - Cephalonia, Greece
Monday (available on Temples and Tavernas)
Marvel at the mind-bending sights in this spectacular cave and then follow in the footsteps of Hollywood legends Penelope Cruz and Nicholas Cage at nearby Sami.
The Best Bits:
Drogarati Cave - Your trip begins with a 25 minute drive from Argostoli to Drogarati Cave. Starting to feel the heat? Dart inside, cool off and head 60m underground to reach this stunning cave that’s over two million years old! Forget dark spaces, dripping ceilings and mining helmets – prepare to be
amazed in this huge cavern where the strangely shaped stalactites and stalagmites are brightly lit.
Sami - Ever wanted to walk in the footsteps of a movie star? Now’s your chance... Wander around the old port town of Sami where the Hollywood blockbuster ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’ was filmed then tuck into some lunch.
Anything else I should know?
The surface within the cave can be slippery due to moisture and low temperatures (around 18°C). Flash photography is not allowed inside the cave. This trip is not suitable if you suffer from claustrophobia or have walking or breathing difficulties. Everyone on this trip will receive a salad, chicken or a burger, along with potatoes, ice cream, water and a soft drink (Coca Cola, Fanta, or Sprite) for lunch in Sami.
REMEMBER TO BRING: Sun protection cream, water, a hat – and wear comfortable walking shoes with a good grip as the ground is uneven and you’ll need to negotiate around 150 steep stone steps (with handrail) at Drogarati Cave.
Rock and Ruins - Athens, Greece
Wednesday (available on Temples and Tavernas)
Explore the rubbly ruins of the world-famous Acropolis, then tuck into lunch at the musical memorabilia-filled Hard Rock Café.
The Best Bits:
Scenic Drive - Join your guide to see and learn about Athens’ top sights – including Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – on the drive from Piraeus to the Greek capital.
Acropolis - Standing proud on top of a hill and keeping a watchful eye on Athens below, the Acropolis – or ‘Sacred Rock’ – is pretty hard to miss! Your guided tour kicks off with a walk through the Propylea – a huge former gateway to this incredible site. Ever wondered where Nike got their name? Here you’ll see, among others, the Temple of Athena Nike that was named after the Greek Goddess of Victory and the impressive Parthenon with its wedding cake columns.
Hard Rock Café - All the rubble made your stomach rumble? Head for Athens’ Hard Rock Café, home to some famous musical memorabilia, and tuck into a chicken or beef burger, fries, ice cream, plus water and soft drink with a refill (Coca Cola, Sprite or Lemonade) for lunch.
Anything else I should know?
Restoration work is often carried out at the Acropolis and some sections may be covered in scaffolding.
REMEMBER TO BRING: Sun protection cream, water, a hat – and wear comfortable walking shoes with a good grip as the ground is uneven and there are around 80
wide steps to climb to reach the Acropolis.
Jeep Adventure - Limassol, Cyprus
Saturday (available on Olives and Ouzo )
Jump in a jeep and get off the beaten track on this action-packed, fresh-air filled day exploring the Troodos Mountains.
The Best Bits:
Hit The Road - Jump in a 4x4 jeep and soak up the local sights as you leave Limassol on this exhilarating ride through the Cyprus countryside.
Mesa Potomos - Drive up into the mountains, past some stunning scenery, through the deep gorges and pine forest of the Pitsilia region. Stop off and visit Mesa Potomos, where you’ll take a short walk to reach the local waterfalls.
Troodos - Got a head for heights? It’s onwards and upwards as you drive to the top of the Troodos Mountains to stroll around and explore the picturesque village of Troodos.
Vouni Village - Swing by this small village and visit a donkey sanctuary, before enjoying the views on the way back to the port of Limassol.
Anything else I should know?
Everyone on this trip will receive a bottle of water. Each vehicle seats seven passengers and has seat belts, which must be worn at all times. The seats at the back of the vehicle face sideways. This trip is not suitable if you are pregnant or have back, neck or heart problems. Some of the roads used are not
main roads and can be bumpy.
REMEMBER TO BRING: Sun protection cream, water, a hat – and wear comfortable walking shoes with a good grip as the ground is uneven.
Volcano Hike - Santorini, Greece
Saturday (available on Olives and Ouzo)
Forget reading about volcanoes in science books – on this trip you’ll hike to the edge of a live one!
The Best Bits:
Your journey begins with a short boat transfer across the bay to the mighty volcano that’s home to the world’s largest eruption. The Nea Kameni volcano – or ‘New Burnt’ in the local lingo – destroyed the entire ancient Minoan population over 3,600 years ago and catapulted bits of the island as far as Scandinavia! Give your legs a workout as you follow your guide and head off on foot for around 40 minutes up to the crater’s edge, checking out the awesome views and whiffing the lingering smell of sulphur along the way. Had enough of a workout? Wander back down the volcano to where your boat awaits to take you back across the bay
to Santorini.
REMEMBER TO BRING: Sun protection cream, water, a hat and plenty of energy – and wear comfortable walking shoes with a good grip, as the ground is uneven.
