Wondering what tips anyone can give for a couple of first time travelers.
Trying to find out about the 3 day cruise around the Greek island - what ship? how are the cabins?
what optional tours would be definite inclusions on the supreme tour if you had the chance to do them?

Hi Daxon, if you go to "Tour Tales" and then click on "where are ALL the tales" link at the top you can scroll down and there are a number of tales on Greek 4 day and 7 day cruises and on your tour too.

If you post a question on either Travel advice or Trafalgar tours on the main board you may get a few more replies.

Good luck with your planning.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Aussie Miss,

Hi Daxon & welcome to the BB

There have been a number of tour tales written by BBers about the European Supreme. You can find them on the tour tales page which is here:

Tour Tales

Hello Daxon, welcome to the board. We did the Supreme 5 years ago (it seems like yesterday). I have just had a look at the optionals offered and will write a few comments.... biased of course by our opinion of them.


H20b - AMSTERDAM. Dinner in an historic Dutch House & Canal Cruise
Savour a meal of Dutch specialities in elegant surroundings, drinks included. Later we board our private boat and glide gently along illuminated canals, past town-houses built right on the water’s edge and under picturesque bridges.


After a very long day on the bus, an early start with breakfast at 5.15 am and arrival in Amsterdam at approxiamtely 5pm we were pretty shattered. The dinner was a good way to begin to meet fellow travellers. The cruise along the canals was interesting and our TD finished up the evening by taking those interested for a stroll (?) through the red light district.

Being taken to dinner saved us the bother of trying to find food after a pretty exhausting day. The canal ride was interesting and the stroll even more interesting.

Was it worth 60 E? I doubt it, but we were too tired to begin to think of trying to find food for ourselves and we would not have seen the canals. Plus it gave us the opportunity to begin to meet tour mates.

The meal we had was in a floating Asian restaurant..... maybe the link between the Netherlands and Indonesia is the link to Dutch specialities... or the venue has changed.

EP79 - ATHENS. Traditional Greek Show Taverna Meal
This is an evening excursion to a taverna in Plaka, which is within walking distance from most of the central Athens hotels. Excellent traditional Greek food in a lively atmosphere, entertained through dances and music from all parts of the country. Wine, beer and soft drinks are also included. Although the venue does have an official ending time, clients are more than welcome to stay on in the taverna, to join in with the local residents! (Casual dress)
52 (€)

We enjoyed this optional because by the time we had arrived in Athens we had been on tour for 2 weeks and we had made some damn good friends by that time.

Like many of the optionals, it is predominantly a meal with entertainment thrown in.

If you feel uncomfortable with spending 52 E on a meal, then maybe you could miss it and just spend the time in the Plaka.

The meal was lovely, the conditions were very squashed! We were packed in like sardines.

Following the meal we chose to spend a few hours in the Plaka alone and loved every minute of it.

It would be very easy to spend the evening in the Plaka alone and have a wonderful time.

ROM 1 - BUCHAREST. The People's Palace - Ceausescu's Folly
A once in a lifetime opportunity to visit the interior of the most impressive and controversial building in Romania. See the Private and Public audience rooms of this colossal building, now occupied by Romania's parliament. Wonder at the crystal chandeliers, mosaics, oak paneling, marble gold leaf and stained glass of this 'no expense spared' palace, during our guided tour.
30 (€)

This was not offered in 2004.


We drove past only and stopped for photos, Romania was light on things to do. The TD seemed to be very concerned about our safety and we were kept together with the plea not to wander away.

I guess this would give you a great contrast to the often sad conditions Romanians live in whilst Ceausescu raped and pillaged the people.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Penny1,

M1 - BUDAPEST. Danube Cruise with Dinner
Enjoy a scenic cruise along the romantic Danube River followed by a tasty dinner of Hungarian specialities.
52 (€)

A lovely night, although it is really just another meal optional. However, if nothing else, the sights of the Danube at night from the boat are stunning. The commentary is excellent as the history of Budapest is fascinating.

You could equally get the same view by walking up to Fishermans Bastion in the evening and sitting there, but you would have to take your own history notes to read..... but again, fun with tour mates is always good.

M7 - BUDAPEST. Old Hungary Excursion with Lunch and Visit to the Parliament or Opera House
First we visit the elaborate Hungarian Parliament on the banks of the Danube. (When the Parliament is closed, we will visit the exquisitely decorated, 'Renaissance' Opera House). Then on to the lovely medieval town of St. Andrew’s, with its ancient walls and narrow, cobbled streets. Being a centre of art and handicrafts, it has a truly unique atmosphere. First we visit the Skansen Open-air Museum, where town houses and village cottages from medieval Hungary are preserved. Then on to St. Andrew’s itself to stroll around, take pictures and perhaps strike a bargain in the shops that sell beautiful Hungarian embroidery and ceramics. The visit will be completed with a typical Hungarian lunch and a glass of excellent wine.


A must do, simply to see St Andrews.

The visit to the museum and the ride on the horse and cart was pretty cheesy.

We loved St Andrews and left the group shopping to walk further up the hilly streets to get a great view of the Danube and the area.

Worth every Euro.

F20 - FRENCH RIVIERA. The Three Corniches, Lunch or Dinner
We take a scenic excursion along the Riviera Corniche Roads, enjoying spectacular views along perhaps the most beautiful coast in Europe. We reach the ‘Grand Corniche’ - the highway which follows the ancient Aurelian Way. We continue to our restaurant where we will enjoy a typical meal of specialities from the French Riviera. (Drinks included).
65 (€)

Another meal, but how else are you going to get to see the incredible landscape and Via Aurelia?

Recommended for the scenery.

A27 - INNSBRUCK. Horse & Carriage Ride
A spectacular drive leads us to a typical mountain village. Then we enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride through the magnificent alpine scenery. We stop for a drink before our return to Innsbruck.
35 (€)

This was not offered when we were there. If given the opportunity to do this, I would probably say no and would rather spend the time exploring Innsbruck. Although the scenery from the bus as you drive to the alpine village would be pretty stunning....pity about the horse ride.

EP20 - KALAMBAKA. Meteora
The visit to Meteora is a unique experience, with its monasteries perched on top of huge rocks. Here, where was once the sea, are giant columns of granite, on top of which reverent Christians found shelter to worship God in peace. During this excursion you will have the opportunity to visit some of these monasteries, shrines of Byzantine art. From their courtyards you will command an impressive view of the valley of the River Pineios and of the surrounding mountains.
31 (€)

DON"T MISS THIS ONE.

Incredible scenery, amazing architecture, stunning achievements.

EP5 - KUSADASI. Excursion to Ephesus
Drive through the colourful town of Kusadasi, and along the coast to reach Ephesus, famous in antiquity for its Temple of Diana - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - and later the home of St. John. During the years of the Roman Empire, the Greek port of Ephesus became the greatest city in Asia Minor. Upon arrival at Ephesus follow your guide to enter the ancient site through the Magnesian Gate. Discover innumerable monuments including the Forum, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the Thermal Baths of Scolastika and the Great Theatre built in the Greek era and reconstructed in the Roman period, which is still noted for its remarkable acoustics. View the symbols all around and marvel at the fact that one is still able to read the inscriptions in the ancient Greek language. Walk back to your motor coach along the Arcadian Way, where once Mark Anthony and Cleopatra rode in procession. As you drive back to Kusadasi, on a hill above Selcuk, just outside Ephesus, view the Basilica of St. John, which was erected over his grave in the 6th Century AD by Emperor Justinian. Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time for shopping in Kusadasi or get a cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibition of carpets and jewellery. (Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties)
59 (€)

Again, DON"T MISS THIS ONE.

You will not be the same person after you have walked through the ancient city of Ephesus. If you have the opportunity to see the houses ...do it.

EP6 - KUSADASI. Excursion to Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary
Drive through the colourful town of Kusadasi to reach Mt. Koressos. Situated in a small valley where the humble chapel lies on the site of the little house where The Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days. Despite the many controversies, the Christian World still favours this belief and the site has been officially sanctioned by the Vatican for pilgrimage. Continue on to Ancient Ephesus accompanied by your guide; walk through the Magnesian Gate which is the entrance to the ancient city of Ephesus. Your guided walking tour will take you through one of the most magnificent excavations in the world. See the Odeon (concert hall), the Fountain of Trajan, the steam-heated Baths of Scolastika, the Temple of Hadrian and the Latrians, the Library of Celsus and The Great Theatre, the largest one in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats where St. Paul preached. Walk back to the motor coach along the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession. While driving back to Kusadasi and just outside Ephesus, view the Basilica of St. John, which was erected over his grave in the 6th Century AD by Emperor Justinian. Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time in Kusadasi or get a cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibition of oriental carpets and jewellery. (Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties)
62 (€)

Not offered the day we were there...but as above.

PS... you may be taken to a carpet factory as you first enter/exit Kusadasi.... just give it a miss. Go for a walk into the market area and make sure you are back in time for the bus...ask the TD how long the carpet demo will be. He/she may hedge and not want to say....just take off anyway. After the carpet demo, you are given a set of time to go exploring anyway.

Carpet factory was a big waste of time.

Duty free shopping was pretty good in the duty free store in the Turkey Port. Not a big variety...but great for alcohol and chocolate.

CH23 - LUCERNE. Folklore show with Lunch
Join in the fun of a lively folklore show with typical Swiss entertainment. Enjoy a delicious lunch (including cheese fondue) and one drink as we listen to yodelling and Alpine horn blowing.
76 (sf)

We did this but wouldn't do it again and in hind sight wish we hadn't. Lucern is a great city and there is a lot to see. Take the time and walk up the hill for a fantastic view over the city and lake.

Think cheese... literally in food and cheesy content.