Acropolis Museum has opened in Athens

This week the long awaited New Acropolis Museum has opened in Athens. The museum has been under construction for 11 years and was originally planned to open for the 2004 Olympics. The museum features about 42,000 square feet of exhibition space. Treasures found on the Acropolis are featured and other treasures buried below the ancient Athenian city are visible through the museum’s glass floor. The impressive building itself is worth a visit. If you are going to Athens add it to your list of must sees. The museum is now included on our Best of Athens tour.

Private tours from Gdansk and Gdynia

You asked for it, and now we have it. Clients visiting Gdansk and Gdynia by cruise ship have been asking for a tour which visits the Stutthof Concentration Camp but also includes a visit to the Old Town of Gdansk. You got it, we've added a new 8 hour tour.

The camp became the site for some of the worst atrocities of WWII. Between 1939 and 1945, 127,000 prisoners were officially registered in the camp, HOWEVER those who were immediately singled out for execution were not registered at all, so there is no way of knowing the exact number or people brought to Stutthof. Today the camp is a Memorial. Let us never let something like that happen again.

The Turkish entry VISA requirements

One client asked the following about the Turkish entry VISA:

"I and some family members are doing a cruise with NCL in Oct. Our final stop is Istanbul and we arrive on Sun Nov 1st at noon and have time for sightseeing that afternoon and will stay on the ship that evening. We get off the ship on the 2nd and had planned to stay another night for additional sightseeing and leave on the 3rd. Your website has been an excellent source of information and once we get our ideas together on what we wish to see I will contact you about handling the family. I did notice that a VISA is required if we spend the night on land and it is available at the airport. Might it also be offered at the cruise port for purchase when we get off the ship or must we go to the airport to purchase it?"

Answer- If you plan to stay the night in Turkey (in a hotel) you are required to obtain a Turkish entry VISA. These are not available at the port. Most cruise ships can issue the VISA so you should ask your cruise line before your departure. Otherwise you can obtain it from the Turkish Embassy in USA before departure.

Postal address:
2525 Massachusetts Avenue,
N.W Washington, D.C. 20008

Telephone:+1 202 612 67 00
+1 202 612 67 01
Fax:+1 202 612 67 44

e-Mail: contact@turkishembassy.org

More Info- The Turkish government requires overnight visitors to obtain an entry VISA. However visitors who are visiting the country by cruise ship are exempt from this entry requirement. No entry Visa is required for a shore excursion however an entry Visa is required if your cruise starts in Istanbul. Entry Visas for Americans can be obtained at the airport in Istanbul upon your arrival. The cost is about $25 USD.

Private Venice Transfers

One reader wrote: "I am looking for transfer from Venice (VCE) airport to my hotel and two days later to my cruise ship. I see where you provide this service in Rome (Civitaveccia) but I can't find it in Venice. Do you provide such a service or, if not, can you make a recommendation?"

We can arrange private transfers in all port cities where we arrange tours. In certain cities we have set rates while others have many factors which affect the price. If you need a private transfer in Venice, or any other port, just ask.

YouTube

In 2009 Private Shore Trips is starting to introduce YouTube videos for our most popular tours. So far there are videos for Turkey and Greece. Coming very soon are Italy and France. Please check it out. Click Here to get started.

Cyprus Meze for Lunch

If you are visiting Cyprus I strongly urge you to try a Meze lunch which consists of a variety of different Cypriot delicacies. This style of meal is one of the 'musts' on any visit to Cyprus. The most simple way to describe it is a large choice of small dishes served family style, sort of like appetizer sized portions. The meal can consist of 20-30 dishes! Locally eat the meal slowly so they can enjoy each others company, have a few drinks and enjoy the different flavors of Cyprus. Typically a meze meal includes breads, cheeses, olives, salads and either a selection of grilled meats and poultry or fish such as calamari. My personal favorite is Halloumi Cheese which is made from a mixture of goat's and sheep's milk. This white cheese has a texture similar to mozzarella, but with a salty flavor. The cheese is often grilled and served warm. If you get the chance, take a taste of Cyprus with a Meze meal.

The Beautiful city of Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is one of the most attractive cities in the Mediterranean region. In addition to its outstanding natural beauty and well preserved cultural and historical heritage, Dubrovnik also offers high-quality tourist opportunities. The walls of Dubrovnik girdle a perfectly preserved complex of buildings representing all periods of the city’s history, beginning with its founding in the 7th century. Particular mention should be made of the city’s main street, Stradun, the Prince’s Palace, the church of St Vlaho, the Cathedral, three large monasteries, the Custom’s Office and the City Hall. With 2,554 hours of sunshine a year, Dubrovnik ranks among the sunniest towns of southern Europe. Maybe its time for you to visit. Take a Look.