Turkey and Greece: A Sailing Odyssey aboard the legendary Sea CloudA Mediterranean cruise from Athens to Istanbul

Itinerary

Special Note
Please note that the itinerary will go in reverse, from Istanbul to Athens, on the May 13th, June 10th, and September 24th departures.

Day 1-2 - U.S., Fly to Athens, Greece
Upon arrival in Athens, make your way to the Electra Palace Hotel, located in the shadow of the Acropolis. After lunch in Athens, travel to Piraeus to embark Sea Cloud and cruise into the Aegean. (L,D)

Day 3 - At Sea, Folégandros
After a morning of sailing, anchor at the small island of Folégandros and head up to the cliff-side town, or chora. Explore the cobbled streets and wind your way amid the city walls for views of the island’s rocky shores and pristine beaches. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - Delos, At Sea
Tiny Delos is known as the birthplace of the twin gods Artemis, goddess of animals and the hunt, and Apollo, god of healing, reason, and light. Explore this extraordinary archaeological site today. Walk along the Terrace of the Lions and encounter the marble Temple of Apollo, one of the holiest sites in ancient Greece. Enjoy the afternoon under sail through the central Cyclades, en route to Santoríni. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - Santoríni
Make sure you’re on deck this morning as we glide into Santoríni’s volcanic caldera and see the island’s spectacular cliffs and whitewashed villages. Ashore, take a drive to the tiny village of Oia and stroll past its iconic domed churches and windmills. Then continue to Thira and take in splendid views of the caldera. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - At Sea
Enjoy a day at sea while we sail from the Cycladic Islands to Turkey. Relax with a book on deck, take in the views, and attend talks by our experts. Late this afternoon, we may stop for a swim. (B,L,D)

Day 7 - Bodrum, Turkey
In the lively seaside town of Bodrum, venture into the 15th-century Castle of St. Peter, built by the Crusaders to combat the spread of the Ottoman Empire. The castle now houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, which was developed with the help of archaeologist Dr. George Bass. This afternoon, set sail for Didyma. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - Didyma, At Sea
In Didyma, explore an Ionian shrine that was the site of the oracle of Apollo. Walk among the ruins of massive columns to the Temple of Apollo and discover the site’s significance in the ancient world. In the afternoon, watch sailors climb the lines to raise the sails by hand as we set sail for Kusadasi. (B,L,D)

Day 9 - Kusadasi, Ephesus, Izmir, Istanbul
Disembark this morning at Kusadasi and drive to Ephesus, once home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Follow the Marble Way to the spectacular Terrace Houses, then to the dazzling facade of the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater. This afternoon, drive to Izmir to board a flight for Istanbul. Check into the Four Seasons Sultanahmet and gather for dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 10 - Istanbul, Return flights to the U.S.
Transfer to the airport for flights home or begin the optional post-cruise extension in Istabul. (B)