Cathedral of Hagia Sofia in Istanbul Turkey
Cathedral of Hagia Sofia in Istanbul

The Wonders of Turkey and the Greek Isles: Istanbul to AthensVisit fascinating sites in Turkey and Greece on this value cruise

Sep 9 - 22, 2013
Enjoy a value cruise of the Mediterranean aboard Aegean Odyssey
Starting at $4,450
Call 855-330-1542
|
 
 
Overview
  • The ancient Greeks spread their phenomenal culture—from art, architecture, and literature to philosophy, science, and mathematics—throughout the Mediterranean, and their accomplishments continue to have a strong influence on the Western world. This voyage has been designed to reveal the history and legacy of the Greeks, from the emergence of the great Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations to the magnificent artistic and architectural achievements of the Byzantines.

    This popular all-inclusive, value cruise to the Mediterranean aboard the 350-guest Aegean Odyssey begins with two nights in Istanbul, home to outstanding Byzantine and Ottoman sites. You'll also explore other fascinating archaeological sites in Turkey, including Pergamum and Ephesus, and the Greek Islands of Santorini, sacred Delos, Mykonos, and Crete. Your cruise concludes with visits to the splendid Greek theater at Epidaurus and a two-night stay in Athens, with time to visit the Acropolis and recently opened Acropolis Museum. Throughout your cruise, you'll enjoy included excursions in each port, as well as time to relax or additional optional excursions.

    Our cruise also offers an onboard educational program as well as the flexibility to determine your own schedule: after your included excursions you can choose to explore sites or ports further on your own, join an optional excursion, or simply relax. And cruising aboard Aegean Odyssey (a mid-size ship accommodating 350 guests), you’ll enjoy the amenities of a larger ship as well as the ambiance and gracious service of a more intimate vessel.
    • Special Highlights
  • Discover the great monuments of Byzantine Istanbul, among them Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
  • View the spectacular coastline monasteries of Mount Athos, a peninsula known as the “Holy Mountain” on which women are forbidden to set foot.
  • Explore Akrotiri, the ancient Minoan outpost on the island of Santorini, and Ephesus, the classical Roman capital of the province of Asia.
  • Marvel at the Minoan palace, eccentrically restored by British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, at the Bronze Age site of Knossos, Crete.
  • Tour the famous temples and buildings of Delos, the paramount religious sanctuary of the ancient Greek world.
  • Visit the recently opened Acropolis Museum in Athens and explore the Acropolis itself, the city’s ancient citadel.
  • Enjoy our flexible schedule, including free afternoons in Athens and Istanbul, to explore on your own!
    • World Heritage sites
  • This tour features the following World Heritage sites on this tour:
    • Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey
    • Mount Athos, Greece
    • The Island of Delos, Greece
    • Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus, Greece
    • Archaeological site of Mycenae, Greece
    • The Acropolis, Athens, Greece
    See a complete list of all Smithsonian tours featuring World Heritage sites.


    •