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CRUISE HOLIDAYS UK

Call Susan Holt on: (0123) 328-0908, or e-mail: sholt@cruiseandtravelholidays.co.uk

DESTINATIONS

 

Africa

 

Alaska

 

Asia

 

Bahamas

 

Bermuda

 

Canada / New England

 

Caribbean

 

Hawaii

 

Mediterranean

      Athens (Piraeus),

      Greece

 
      Barcelona, Spain

 
      Cannes, France

 
      Dubrovnik, Croatia

 
      Ephesus (Kusadasi),

      Turkey

 
      Gibraltar, United   

      Kingdom

 
      Istanbul, Turkey

 
      Mykonos, Greece

 
      Naples & Capri, Italy

 
      Nice (Villefranche),

      France

 
      Provence (Marseilles),

      France

 
      Rhodes, Greece

 
      Rome (Civitavecchia), 

      Italy

 
      Santorini, Greece

 
      Venice, Italy

 

Mexican Riviera

 

Northern Europe

 

Panama Canal

 

South America

 

South Pacific

 
Not only is Santorini one of the most beautiful islands in the world, it is also geologically and archaeologically one of the most dramatic. The island which is also called Thira, is shaped like an enormous pair of jaws
encircling a lake filled with pure blue water. This is the core of an ancient volcano, which according to legend destroyed the lost continent of Atlantis when it blew its top about 3,600 years ago, burying the ancient city of Akrotiri (now being excavated) under tons of ash and sending out tidal waves that inundated other landmasses. The island's two towns, Fira and Ia, are perched on the cliff tops of the highest part of the island. Ferries arrive and depart in the harbour below, and visitors walk or ride donkeys up the steep winding path to the towns. The towns are equipped with hotels, good restaurants, bars and plenty of nightlife to keep tourists happy while they relax between visiting the archaeological remains of ancient Thera, dating back to the 9th century BC, on the east side of the island. Other attractions include the excavations at Akrotiri, an archaeological museum and an 18th-century monastery. Santorini has two swimming beaches, Perissa and Kamari, both characterised by their volcanic black sand.