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

Itinerary

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.

Itinerary
September 9-10 – U.S., Istanbul, Turkey
Depart the U.S. on your overnight flight. Upon arrival in Istanbul, transfer to your hotel.

September 11 – Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque
Known throughout history as Byzantium, Constantinople, and now Istanbul, this city is home to some of the most significant buildings and works of art in the Western world. This morning explore the 6th-century Byzantine cathedral of Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque)—all World Heritage sites. In the afternoon enjoy time for independent exploration or relaxation. (B)

September 12 – Archaeological Museum, The Underground Cistern, Embark Aegean Odyssey
During your tour of the Archaeological Museum, trace the footprints of Anatolian civilizations thousands of years back. The museum features hundreds of invaluable artifacts including the Code of Hamurabi, the chains used to close the entrance of Golden Horn during Istanbul conquest and the Kadesh Peace Treaty. Continue on foot to The Underground Cistern, used during the Ottoman period as a reservoir for water storage for Topkapi Palace. The interior is spectacular with its 336 columns in 12 rows and most column capitals are either in Corinthian or Doric style. In the afternoon transfer to the port and board the Aegean Odyssey. (B,D)

September 13 – At Sea, Lemnos, Greece
Cruise through the Sea of Marmara and the Dardanelles to Lemnos, a volcanic island that controls the approaches to the Dardanelles. Explore the capital, Myrina, a stronghold fought over by the Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans. (B,L,D)

September 14 – Mount Athos, Skiathos
Mount Athos, or “Holy Mountain,” is actually a long peninsula that rises at its southern tip to a 6,000-foot peak. Dotted along the length of this World Heritage site are some twenty monasteries, some dating from the 10th and 11th centuries, and innumerable smaller monastic settlements and hermitages. Although a restricted area, most of the monasteries are located on or near the coast and, weather permitting, will be clearly observable from the ship. In the early afternoon, arrive in the picturesque Greek town of Skiathos for an afternoon of leisurely exploration. (B,L,D)

September 15 – Izmir, Ephesus, Turkey
The port of Izmir has been a major trading center since the 3rd century A.D. Enjoy a full afternoon excursion to Ephesus, the ancient Roman capital of the province of Asia and one of the greatest sites of the Classical world. (B,L,D)

September 16 – Izmir, Pergamon
Tour the Hellenistic ruins of Pergamon, founded by the Greeks in the 8th century B.C. Pergamon once rivaled Athens and Alexandria as a center of culture and learning. See the remains of the Altar of Zeus, the Temples of Dionysus and Trajan, and the impressive Greek theater. Choose to take an optional tour of Izmir in the afternoon, or enjoy free time exploring on your own. (B,L,D)

September 17 – Delos, Mykonos, Greece
Delos is one of the most interesting archaeological sites in Greece and was the paramount religious sanctuary of the ancient Greek world. Explore this World Heritage site’s temples and buildings, as well as the famous marble lions that guard the sanctuary of Apollo. Continue to nearby Mykonos to enjoy some time at leisure in the charming main town, then cruise to the island of Santorini. (B,L,D)

September 18 – Santorini
Take a short drive to Akortiri, a remarkable archaeological site where excavations have uncovered the remains of a sophisticated civilization dating back to the 16th century B.C. In the afternoon enjoy free time to relax in Fira or visit the Archaeological Museum before returning to the ship via cable car with a panoramic ride. (B,L,D)

September 19 – Rethimnon, Knossos, Crete
This morning explore the Minoan site of Knossos. The heyday of Minoan civilization (2000-1600 B.C.) was marked by the construction of great palaces, the best known of which is Knossos. Excavations were begun in 1899 by the British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, who controversially “restored” the palace according to his own eccentric ideas of Minoan interior design. This afternoon make an optional visit to Chania, a beautiful town (Minoan Kydonia) that was fought over repeatedly by the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Turks, or explore the well-preserved Venetian and Ottoman architecture in Rethimnon. (B,L,D)

September 20 – Nauplia, Mycenae, Epidaurus
Today your ship anchors off the port of Nauplia. From here, take an excursion to the World Heritage site of Mycenae, reputedly Agamemnon’s capital and the citadel of Homer’s Iliad. The great Mycenaean culture flourished in this area, known as the Argolid plain, between 1600 and 1300 B.C. This afternoon, choose from two optional excursions: Epidaurus, sacred to Asklepios, the god of medicine, and the site of the best-preserved of all ancient Greek theaters, or the elegant town of Nauplia, which has an excellent archaeological museum housed in a former Venetian arsenal. This evening, depart for Athens. (B,L,D)

September 21 – Acropolis, Acropolis Museum
Enjoy a guided tour of the ancient citadel of Athens, the Acropolis. Built during the “Golden Age” of Athens between 447 and 438 B.C. under the orders of the great statesman Pericles, the Acropolis represents the magnificent achievements of Athenian culture during this remarkable era. Visit the recently opened Acropolis Museum where floors of glass provide an extraordinary perspective on the layers of Greek history that lie below. Enjoy afternoon at leisure to relax or continue exploring the city independently. (B,L,D)

September 22 – Athens
Transfer to the airport for flights home. (B)