I will be sailing on these itineraries and will be organizing group tours for the ports of call. If you are interested booking seats on any of these excursions, please send me an email (epictravelswithbrian@gmail.com) with sail date, tour name and number of seats requested and I will email you details for submitting deposits. DEPOSITS will be 50% due to hold seats and final payment due within 90 days of sailing. Deposits and payments are non-refundable, however I understand life can happen… so if something comes up and you cannot travel, you are welcome to transfer the deposit to someone else with a $25 per seat administration fee. The group Facebook page for the cruise is a great tool to use if you need to transfer your deposits if you cannot sail. Payments can be submitted by Zelle, Venmo or PayPal ( + 4% service fee if paying with PayPal).

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Carnival Miracle (Europe)
Aug 25 - Sept 6, 2025
Sept 6 - Sept 15, 2025
Sept 15 - Sept 27, 2025
Sept 27 - Oct 6, 2025
Oct 6 - Oct 18, 2025
Oct 18 - Oct 26, 2025
Oct 26 - Nov 8, 2025

ROME - (FOR AUG 25, 2025 CRUISE ONLY)

August 23, 2025 - MAGNIFICENT HIGHLIGHTS OF FLORENCE (full day trip from Rome) - Begin this memorable Tuscan day by meeting at the Termini Train Station in central Rome where we will take the 1-1/2 hour train ride to Florence (roundtrip train ticket included). Upon arrival in Florence we will join our local guide for an approx 3 hour walking tour of the historic city. This tour is meant to show you the highlights of Florence and architectural history through its monuments, statues, churches, Medieval towers & Renaissance Palaces. We will visit the inner courtyard of the Palazzo Vecchio and of course cross over the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge that spans the Arno River. No trip to Florence would be complete without visting the religious center of Florence, the Doumo area. We will admire this architectural masterpiece and surrounding buildings from the exterior. Upon completion of the walking tour, you will have free time on your own to enjoy a Tuscan lunch (at your own expense), shop, explore more, enter churches (at your own expense). The day will conclude with a train ride back to Rome. Cost: $220.00 per person

AUGUST 24, 2025 - HIGHLIGHTS OF ROME - Looking for a great way to see all of the highlights of Rome in a private, air conditioned vehicle? This 1/2 day tour (4 hours) of Rome, (max 8 people per vehicle), with a local guide will show you all the highlights of Rome without the hassles of dealing with public transportation and walking in the heat of Rome. This is a great way to see all of Rome with the opportunity to get out of vehicle at each of the stops and take photos. Stops include: Pantheon, Colosseum (exterior only), Roman Forum, Piazza Navona,Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, St. Peter’s Basilica (exterior only), Terrazza Del Gianicolo (see Rome from above), & Piazza Del Cavalleri di Malta (the famous “Keyhole.” Stops may vary and seats will be extremely limited. Cost - $129 per person.

MYKONOS - (Sept 2, Sept 9, Sept 22, Oct 1, or Oct 13, 2025 sailings)

BEST OF MYKONOS ISLAND TOUR w/BEACH BREAK - We will start the city and island tour with port pick up by a local tour guide. After boarding our private bus, we will explore the island, visiting a famous beach and the inner landscape. We will see fishermen, small private chapels and houses built in typical Greek style. In the second main village of Mykonos Island, Ano Mera, we will have enough free time for a stroll around the traditional square and you can visit the monk monastery of Panagia Tourliani built in the 16th century. Next stop is Paradise beach (approx 1 hour) where there is time to relax for a while, swim or have coffee/refreshment/lunch (not included in the price). There are multiple restaurants at this beach where you can try some delicious traditional Greek cuisine. At the end we will reach a place with a fantastic view all over the town and the neighboring islands. After the viewpoint, we will be driven to the famous windmills where we will begin our walk through the maze of streets in Mykonos town. At the end of the walk, you will have free time to roam the streets on your own or return to the ship. This tour is approximately 4 hours, leaving some time for self exploration and shopping in Mykonos town. The order of the stops may vary and this excursion will happen rain or shine, so please come prepared for the day. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. THIS EXCURSION WILL INVOLVE WALKING ON UNEVEN SURFACES, INCLUDING COBBLESTONES AND STAIRS. If you have mobility issues or difficulty walking, this is not an excursion you will want to be on. COST: COMING SOON per person (Carnival’s comparable priced at $174.99)

SANTORINI - (Oct 29, 2025 sailing)

OIA AND THE BEAUTIFUL BLUE DOMES OF SANTORINI - After arriving ashore from the tender boat, we will board a private water taxi that will sail along the coast of Santorini, where you can take in the breathtaking views of the cliffside homes above you. We will arrive in the new port of Athinios, where we will board a bus that will drive us to the enchanting village of Oia (approx 45 min to 1 hour drive). Upon arriving in Oia, we will have approx 3 hours to explore Oia on your own, leaving plenty of time to eat, shop and of course view the famous blue dome churches before being driven back down to the new port of Athinios. We will board a boat again that will take us back to where the tender boats dropped us off in the morning. COST: COMING SOON per person

KUSADASI - (Sept 1, Sept 10 ,Sept 18, Sept 30, Oct 9, Oct 21, or Oct 30, 2025 sailings)

TOP SIGHTS OF EPHESUS FULL DAY TOUR- Begin this exciting full day excursion in Turkey with port pick up in a private bus. We will be driven to visit the the House of the Virgin Mary. Catholic pilgrims visit the house based on the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken to this stone house by Saint John and lived there for the remainder of her earthly life (entrance included). We will then be driven to the ancient Roman City of Ephesus, where we will begin our walking tour down the cobblestone streets and past the amazing archeological ruins (entrance included). If you would like to visit the Terrace Houses within the archeological site, you may do so (entrance included). Upon exiting the ruins we will board the bus and be driven to the ruins of St John’s Basilica, where the remains of St John are said to be buried (entrance included). Our last stop of the day before heading back to the port will be for a delicious Turkish lunch which is included in the excursion (beverages not included with lunch). Upon arriving at the port you will have free time to shop at the local Bazaar Markets or return to the ship. The order of the stops may vary and this excursion will happen rain or shine, so please come prepared for the day. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as well as an umbrella to shield you from the sun. THIS EXCURSION WILL INVOLVE WALKING ON UNEVEN SURFACES, INCLUDING COBBLESTONES AND STAIRS. If you have mobility issues or difficulty walking, this is not an excursion you will want to be on. COST: $139.00 per person (Carnival’s comparable priced at $169.99)

ATHENS - (Sept 3, Sept 11, Sept 23, Oct 2, Oct 14, Oct 22, or Nov 3, 2025 sailings)

TOP SITES OF ATHENS FULL DAY TOUR - Get set for an amazing day as we explore the top highlights of Athens in a private bus on this full day tour. We will start the day with the port pick-up and head to the hill of Acropolis. On the historical hill, you will have the opportunity to stroll freely (no guide provided at the Acropolis). After the Acropolis, we will head towards the Temple of Zeus. We will visit Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896 (we will not enter). Then moving into the historical center of the city we will drive to the Ancient Agora, which is considered the birthplace of democracy, philosophy and free speech. Next we will drive alongside the National Garden and see the changing of the guard in front of the old palace, which is today Parliament House. Our driver will take us to the Plaka neighborhood with narrow cobblestone streets lined with tiny shops selling jewelry, clothes, local ceramics and numerous Greek taverns serving authentic Greek dishes to grab lunch. You will have plenty free time in the Plaka to relax, eat and shop (lunch is not included). After lunch, we will make our way back to the ship. The order of the stops may vary and this excursion will happen rain or shine, so please come prepared for the day. Comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella (to provide shade) are recommended. THIS EXCURSION WILL INVOLVE WALKING ON UNEVEN SURFACES, INCLUDING COBBLESTONES AND MANY STAIRS. If you have mobility issues or difficulty walking, this is not an excursion you will want to be on. COST: $135 per person

*PLEASE NOTE: the cost of the combo ticket to enter the Acropolis and other archaeological sites is not included in this excursion price. As of Sept 2024, the cost for the ticket is $30 euro (this could change by the time of our cruise). I will be able to buy these in advance so we can skip the line that day. I will reach out prior to sailing to confirm if you want me to buy your ticket(s). DO NOT buy the tickets independently, as they are sold in time slots and we must all enter together*

KATAKOLON - (Aug 27, Sept 12,Sept 24, Oct 3, Oct 15, Oct 23 or Nov 5, 2025 sailings)

ANCIENT OLYMPIA & OLIVE PRESS - Upon arriving in the quaint Greek village of Katakolon we will be picked up by private mini bus and be driven through the beautiful Greek countryside to the city of Olympia. The driving time is approximately 30 minutes. We will arrive at the Olympia archaeological site (approx. 1 hour free time) where you will have the chance to see the birthplace of the Olympic games, Zeus temple, the stadium and all other temples consisting of the unique archaeological site of Olympia (Entrance fee excluded). Exploration in Olympia site will be on your own. We will have time to visit the Archaeological Museum of Olympia (entrance fee excluded, approx 1/2 hour). We will then head to the city of Olympia for 1 hour of free time to shop/eat. Our next stop will be at an Olive Press, where they will explain the process of the local olive oil production. Approx 30 -45 minute stop at the Olive Press. The last stop will be at a beach. There will be time for a quick swim under the Greek sun, to get refreshments/food (at your own expense). Approximately 1 hour stop at the beach. This is approximately a 6 hour tour. The order of the stops may vary and this excursion will happen rain or shine, so please come prepared for the day. Comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella for shade are recommended. THIS EXCURSION WILL INVOLVE WALKING ON UNEVEN SURFACES, INCLUDING COBBLESTONES AND STAIRS. If you have mobility issues or difficulty walking, this is not an excursion you will want to be on. (NOTE: Due to the end of the beach season, the Oct. 3, Oct 15, Oct 23 & Nov 5 sailings will not stop at the beach).
* Please note the cost of the entrance ticket to the Olympia archeological site and museum are not included and as of Sept. 2024 were $12 euro. DO NOT BUY THESE INDEPENDENTLY, AS THEY ARE TIMED TICKETS AND WE MUST ENTER AS A GROUP. I will reach out after final payment to collect payment for the entrance ticket* COST: $120.00 per person

MESSINA - (Oct 24, 2025 sailing)

MT. ETNA & TAORMINA FULL DAY EXCURSION - One of my favorite excursions! This full day excursion will begin with port pick up in a private vehicle where we will be driven to the Silvestri Craters at Mt. Etna (approx 90 minute drive) where you will be able to see the lava formations and the craters. After spending some free time at the rim of the crater, we will drive to Taormina, which is an enchanting hilltop town also in Sicily with medieval cobblestone streets that lead to charming spots where you can take in sweeping seascapes and peer out over calm blue waters, all with a dramatic outline of Mt. Etna in the background. In Taormina we will visit one of most famous sites, the Ancient Theatre of Taormina (entrance fee of $12 euro excluded as of Sept 2024). This theater is a UNESCO World Heritage site. We will also spend time visiting Corso Umberto, which is the Main Street lined with medieval buildings with Renaissance style architecture. We will visit the Plazza Duomo, which is a charming central square that features the Church of San Nicolo and has a panoramic terrace with breathtaking views. We will also visit Plazza IX Aprile, which is home to the Church of San Giuseppe and the Clock Tower before heading back to the cruise ship. The order of the stops may vary and this excursion will happen rain or shine, so please come prepared for the day. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. THIS EXCURSION WILL INVOLVE WALKING ON UNEVEN SURFACES, INCLUDING COBBLESTONES AND STAIRS. If you have mobility issues or difficulty walking, this is not an excursion you will want to be on. COST: $180 per person.

NAPLES - (Sept 5, Sept 14, Sept 26, Oct 5, Oct 17, Oct 25, or Nov 7, 2025 sailings)

ALMALFI COAST FULL DAY EXCURSION - Upon arriving in Naples, we will be picked up in a private vehicle and driven to Positano. The drive along the Almalfi coast will be as impressive and breathtaking as the cities themselves. Upon arriving in Positano, we will have free time to explore/shop on your own. We will continue down the beautiful coastline to Almalfi with an approx 1 hour scenic coastal drive. In Almalfi you can get lunch (at your own expense) and then explore/shop. Our last city stop will be Ravello (time permitting with traffic throughout the day)to explore/ shop on your own before making our way back to the cruise ship. Please be aware that in order to provide the most memorable and relaxing day, Ravello may be omitted without any compensation. It will all depend on the timing and traffic that day. This will be a full day excursion and will be an excursion you will not soon forget. The order of the stops may vary and this excursion will happen rain or shine, so please come prepared for the day. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. THIS EXCURSION WILL INVOLVE WALKING ON UNEVEN SURFACES, INCLUDING COBBLESTONES AND STAIRS. If you have mobility issues or difficulty walking, this is not an excursion you will want to be on. COST: $190 per person

ISTANBUL - (Aug 30, Sept 20, Oct 11, or Nov 1, 2025 sailings)

We will begin the day with port pick up in a private air conditioned vehicle at the Istanbul port. Istanbul is the only city in the world located on two continents, which has been the capital of three great empires – Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman – for more than 2000 years. We will start our tour with Hippodrome Square. This is where chariot races took place and the Byzantine riots during Roman & Byzantine period. Only a short walk away, we will reach Hagia Sophia built in 532 AD by Roman Emperor Justinian I, and the Blue Mosque. The Blue Mosque gets its fame from its beautiful blue Iznik tiles. We will continue walking to Topkapi Palace, which was not only the residence of the Ottoman sultans, but also the administrative and educational center of the state. It was constructed between 1460 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Constantinople. We will visit the Topkapi Palace including the weapons section. Continuing on, we will visit Grand Bazaar, which is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with more than 58 covered streets and over 1,200 shops which attract between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. Opened in 1461, it is well known for its jewelry, pottery, spice, and carpet shops. At the end of the day, we will be driven back to the port. The order of stops may vary in this excursion. This excursion is approximately 8 hours with an hour lunch break (lunch at your own expense). ALL ENTRANCE TICKETS ARE INCLUDED: COST: $199.00 per person

Brian’s Bavarian Christmas Adventure

November 30 - December 7, 2024
SOLD OUT

Dec 8-14, 2024 - LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE

Taking names for an interest list for 2025! Contact me to be added to either list. Seats to be released Dec. 2024.

Are you looking for a magical Christmas experience that you won’t soon forget? Come join me on a journey through Germany and Austria. This will include 6 nights accommodations (double occupancy) at the Hotel Stachus (downtown Munich) in a double room, 4 excursions, and lunch the first day as a group. Deposit is 50% per person and final payment will be due by July 1, 2024. All deposits are non-refundable, as pricing is based on group rates. Seats are extremely limited and will be available on a first come first deposit received basis.

December 7, 2024 - Fly to Munich.

December 8, 2024 - Arrive in Munich and make your way to the Hotel Stachus in downtown Munich (by cab or train at your own expense - hotel is only a block from the train station). There will be an opportunity to meet Brian and your fellow Travelers in the hotel lobby in the evening at a meet and greet. We will then walk the cobblestone streets as a group to the Marienplatz Christmas Market, which is the main outdoor market in Munich for a magical evening of shopping under the German stars and twinkling Christmas lights. Be sure to try some of the local food and Gluhwein (warm spiced wine) while admiring the soaring gothic spires of the Munich Town Hall. You can collect and keep the cups as souvenirs if you like.

December 9, 2024 - MUNICH CHRISTMAS MARKET DAY. Sleep late or get a light breakfast on your own, then meet in the hotel lobby and walk as a group to a local restaurant for a traditional German lunch (included in price). After lunch, we will have some free time to explore more of the Marienplatz Christmas market before making our way to the Chinese Tower Christmas market. Here, you’ll find more local hand made arts and a charming Biergarten. This market will provide a more authentic experience that the locals frequent. From there, we will make our way on foot to another favorite of the locals, the Medieval Christmas Market, for a truly unique experience. Save room for a turkey leg! From the Medieval Market we will walk to the Residence Christmas Market, housed in the courtyard of the historic former palace before making our way back to the main square to explore even more of the Marienplatz market.

December 10, 2024. AUSTRIAN CHRISTMAS IN SALZBURG. We will meet in the hotel lobby before a short walk to the train station for our approx 2 hour journey to one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Salzburg, Austria… home of The Sound of Music & Mozart. Our day will be spent with a local guide exploring this magical city, which is listed as a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. Expect medieval fortresses, beautiful alpine scenery, historic cathedrals, iconic movie locations, and some of the best chocolate and confectionary in the world. If you are a fan of The Sound of Music, we will pass by some of the original filming locations of the movie, including the Mirabell Gardens. Salzburg is a compact historic city with cobblestone streets and amazing baroque architecture. You will have free time in Salzburg to meander through the old town and Christmas market. (Full day excursion) *Any entrance fees for sites you choose to visit are not included*

December 11, 2024 - CHRISTMAS IN NUREMBERG, GERMANY. We will meet in the lobby of the hotel and walk the short distance to the train station, where we will travel as a group to Nuremberg for the day. Visiting Nuremberg brings us to the heart of Germany. Nuremberg – Nürnberg in German – is known as “the most German of German cities.” Upon arrival in Nuremburg, we will walk together to the main square of the historic walled city to visit the extravagant Christmas Market. Once there, you will have free time to explore the area on your own before traveling together via train back to Munich. (Full day excursion)

December 12, 2024 - BAVARIAN CASTLES. Neuschwanstein Castle is the absolute ‘must-see’ experience for any visitor to Bavaria. We will meet in the lobby of the hotel and walk to the train station to meet our local guide to begin our 2 hour journey to Fussen, Germany, which lies at the gateway to the Bavarian Alps. Upon arrival in Fussen, we will make our way by foot (approx 30 min walk uphill) to the world famous Neuschwanstein Castle. We will have a guided tour of the inside of the castle and learn about the eccentric King who built the castle. While visiting the castle interior we will marvel at the elaborately decorated rooms dedicated to the artistic glorification of medieval German Romance and the operas of Richard Wagner, such as in the elaborate and imposing Throne Hall, and you feel you have wandered into a movie. At the conclusion of the tour we will be transported via train back to Munich. (Full day excursion)

December 13, 2024 - LEISURE DAY ON YOUR OWN. For those who want to join me in the lobby of the hotel in the evening, I will walk to a different type of Christmas Market at the Tollwood Winterfestival. This takes place on the actual grounds of the beerfest that they have for Oktoberfest. This is more of a Carnival type of atmosphere. There may also be an option for an add on daytrip to Innsbruck, Austria on this day. This additional excursion is not guaranteed to be available and pricing will not be available until you arrive in Munich. I will know at the meet and greet if this excursion will be a possibility, along with details of what we will see and pricing. This excursion will be paid in cash if available.

December 14, 2024 - The amazing journey with Brian comes to and end. Fly home or continue your adventure on your own.

PRICE: - $1350. 00 per person and seats will only be sold in groups of 2. If you are traveling solo or have an odd number in your group please reach out for availability.