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Colors of Eastern Mediterranean
D2624090511
Dates
09/05/24 - 09/16/24
Ship
SH Diana
Duration
11 Nights
Guests
2 Guest
Price From
$ 9,630
Per Person
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Trip Details
Embark on a journey through the magic of the Aegean Sea. From the bustling port of Piraeus to the charming town of Monemvasia and the picturesque island of Milos, this cruise will take you on a journey through some of Greece's most beautiful and historic destinations. As you sail through the Aegean Sea, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the ancient ruins of Rethymnon and Chíos, stroll through the picturesque streets of Symi and Rhodes, and soak up the sun on the beautiful beaches of Nisyros and Mytilene. And when you’re ready to relax and unwind, you can enjoy a leisurely day at sea as you take in the stunning views of the Mediterranean.
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Itinerary Map
Itinerary
Piraeus Day 1

Greece’s buzzing cosmopolitan capital is served by Piraeus port and is an exciting mix of ancient and modern. Walk the Grand Promenade that winds beneath the city’s most famous landmark, the Acropolis. This walkway, built during the 2004 Olympic Games, links the city’s main archaeological sites. No visit to Athens is complete without seeing the Acropolis itself of course. Start with the Acropolis Museum for some informative context and then walk the marble path up Filopappou Hill for majestic views of the ‘high city’ with the iconic Parthenon perched on top (a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, patron of the city).

Monemvasia Day 2

On a small islet attached to the mainland, the preserved 6th-century medieval castle town of Monemvasia sits under a cliff at the edge of the sea. Ramble around the cobblestone alleys of this storied castle, before stopping for a rooftop lunch at one of the houses.

Shore Excursion
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Mystras - Last Byzantine City
  • Duration: 07 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Enjoy the panoramic drive trough orange and olive groves with the mighty Taygetus Mountain in the background
  • Visit the ancient town of Mystras and his Castle, an old town surrounded by Byzantine walls and with an imposing palace on top of the hill
  • Walk trough the narrow streets lined with churches and houses, monasteries and palaces
Milos, Adamas Day 3

Adamas is a port town located on the island of Milos in Greece. Adamas showcases many ancient ruins and historical sites to explore. Some popular attractions include the Church of the Holy Trinity, the Catacombs of Milos, and the Ancient Theatre of Milos.

Shore Excursion
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A Taste of Milos
  • Duration: 06 h 45 m
  • Optional
  • Visit the picturesque village of Plaka
  • Taste some local wine varieties along with delicious products grown on the farm
  • Discover incredible volcanic swimming pool of Papafragas Cave
Sea Kayaking & Volcanic Food Tasting
  • Duration: 05 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Paddle to Tsigrado, a small bay and beach with wonderfully clear blue-green water
  • Enjoy the combination of sport activity and good food
  • Taste he 'volcanic food', cooked in the sand heated by geothermal activity
Discover Milos' Highlights
  • Duration: 03 h 45 m
  • Included
  • Visit to the classic Cycladic village of Plaka, with cobblestone streets and white stone houses accentuated with bougainvillea flowers
  • Enjoy the idyllic landscape of Papafragas, one of the most impressive sites of Milos
  • Admire the remnants of the imposing Cyclopean wall of ancient Phylakopi site
Rethymnon, Crete Day 4

First inhabited by the Minoans, the Venetians and then the Turks, this romantic port has seen many styles of occupation through the ages. The city’s multicultural history is immediately evident as you begin exploring its enchanting lanes. Venetian fortifications intersperse orthodox and catholic churches and mosques. Ancient mansions with floral canopies and ornate monuments adorn the charming Venetian-Ottoman quarter. The harbour area offers an atmospheric setting for an evening meal, and just above the imposing Fortezza castle stands guard over the town. If you are feeling energic, take a walk to the castle up Palekastro Hill for spectacular views of the sparkling Mediterranean below.

Shore Excursion
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Be a farmer for the day
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Visit the Agreco farm have the unique possibility to learn how it feels to make and eat home-made traditional Cretan food
  • Have a real culinary experience in a very friendly athmosphere
Mandraki, Nisyros Day 5

An enchanting city that divides two continents, we’ll approach Istanbul from the Bosphorus Strait, one of the world’s most important maritime routes. With the shores of Asia to the east, the first Bosphorus Bridge to the north and ‘old Istanbul’ to the south, few other ports offer such an immersive welcome. After disembarking, you’ll soon discover that the city is a vibrant, inclusive and friendly place that blends its tradition and modernity with ease. The history here is diverse and far-reaching. The city’s strategic location attracted many conquering forces over the years including the Greeks, Romans, Venetians and Ottomans. Istanbul was also the final point on the legendary Silk Road, attracting traders from the world over, and paving the way for the culturally diverse Istanbul of today.

Symi Day 5-6

Symi is a small island of the Dodecanese group between Rhodes and mainland Turkey. Its main village is considered one of the most beautiful and picturesque ports of Greece, with its houses in vivid colors perched on the slopes of a high hill. Popular attractions include the Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis, the Symi Museum, and the Castle of Symi.

Shore Excursion
view
Symi Island Highlights
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Enjoy splendid panoramic views of your surrounds, including the ruins of 20 old windmills and Pontikokastro
  • Climb the steps to the Church of Our Lady of the Castle
  • Visist the Church of Timiou Prodromou dating back to 1838
Rhodes Day 6

Rhodes Town is known for the 100-ft high bronze statue of Colossus of Rhodes, which once stood at Mandraki Harbour. The UNESCO-listed Old Town dates back to the 14th century and was constructed by the Knights of St. John. The sites of interest include Panagia Bourgou Gate, the Jewish Quarter, and the Mosque of Suleiman in the bustling Turkish District. The Grand Masters' Palace, decorated with colorful marble mosaics, is among the notable attractions, along with the Gothic-lined Street of the Knights. The ancient Acropolis of Rhodes, a 4th-century BC hilltop fortress with remarkable ruins, lies just outside the town.

Shore Excursion
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Rhodes Natural Beauty
  • Duration: 04 h 30 m
  • Optional
  • Visit the beautiful Kallithea Springs, located on the eastern coast
  • Discover the Bee Museum offering a fascinating look into the world of bees and honey production
  • The perfect way to end the visit will be the valley of the Butterflies, a stunning nature reserve home to thousands of colorful butterflies
Walking Tour of Old Rhodes Town
  • Duration: 03 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Rhodes Old Town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, it’s certainly unlike the main town of any other Greek island
  • Palace of the Grand Master, also known as the Kastello, the headquarters of the Order of the Knights of St John is the stand-out building of the old town
  • Walk through the Street of the Knights, one of the best-preserved medieval street in Europe
Acropolis of Lindos
  • Duration: 04 h 30 m
  • Included
  • Enjoy the scenic drive along the east coast passing by quaint villages, orange and lemon groves, vineyards and gnarled old olive trees
  • Admire the 4th-century B.C. Doric Temple of Athena Lindia and a double-winged portico
  • Look at the breathtaking panoramas from atop the Acropolis, including St. Paul's Bay
Patmos, Pamos Day 7

Patmos, an Aegean island in the Dodecanese islands, is an important sacred site for Christian pilgrims. It is here that St. John, or John of Patmos, was believed to have written the Book of Revelations in the Cave of the Apocalypse, above the port of Skala. Visitors also walk to the top of the hill to the 11th-century Monastery of Saint John, which overlooks the picturesque white-washed capital of the island, Chora.

Shore Excursion
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Spirit of Patmos
  • Duration: 04 h 30 m
  • Included
  • Visit the monastery dedicated to the ‘beloved disciple’, founded t in the late 10th century, place of pilgrimage and Greek Orthodox learning ever since
  • Discover Simantiri, the oldest mansion house of Chora, dating back to 1625 it Keeps the traditional and classic style
  • Enjoy the geek cuisine before getting back to the port
Daily life of a nun
  • Duration: 02 h 30 m
  • Optional
  • Discover the humble, and yet surprisingly artful, lives of the approximately 100 nuns who live and work at the historic Monastery of Evangelismos
  • Stroll along private pathways taken by the nuns each day; witness their vibrant gardens; and learn how they make fresh honey and sweet fruit liquors
  • Enjoy a scenic drive before getting back to the port
Hiking in Patmos
  • Duration: 05 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Take an hike route through an area that remains untouched by time since the era of St. John
  • Enjoy unique views
Kusadasi Day 8

Kusadasi is the gateway to Ephesus, one of the ancient world’s most legendary cities. Remarkably well preserved, Ephesus is a UNESCO listed world heritage site and the best place in the Mediterranean to learn about past civilisations. A short distance from Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis (also known as the Temple of Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, once stood. Although the temple is no longer there, it is still possible to walk amongst its foundations. After the Romans arrived in 129 BC, Ephesus became the capital of western Asian Minor. Wander through its ancient streets and step back in time into one of Rome’s most important commercial hubs.

Shore Excursion
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Priene -Miletus & Didyma
  • Duration: 08 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Discover Priene, less visited than other site in the region offers gorgeous Turkish landscapes, and retains a great deal of its ancient Greek heritage
  • Learn the history of Miletus, home not only to explorers and traders, but to a significant intellectual community
  • Wonder in front of the Didyma's Temple of Apollo
St. John Basilica - Artemis Tempel & V. House Of Virgin Mary
  • Duration: 03 h 30 m
  • Optional
  • Visit this mystical site believed to be the last residence of the Virgin Mary
  • Stop at the Basilica of St. John, which was one of the most significant religious monuments of its time
  • Stop at the Temple of Artemis also known as the Temple of Diana, one of the 7 wonders of the world
Ephesus - Terrace Houses & Museum
  • Duration: 04 h 30 m
  • Included
  • Visit Ephesus, considered Europe’s most complete ancient city. Ephesus was an important religious center second only to Athens and later Jerusalem
  • Admire the Terrace Houses "The Houses of the Rich", luxury Roman Villas
  • Sepnd some time in the Ephesus Museum, here are not only findings from the ongoing excavations
Chios Day 9

Located in the beautiful Aegean Sea, Chios is the birthplace of the Greek poet Homer and is known for its incredible beaches and fascinating medieval villages. Pyrgi and Olympi stand out for their elaborate architecture and intricate geometrical patterns. When the Roman Empire fell, Chios joined the Byzantine Empire. Castles, villages and strongholds were built, most of which remain today. Chios remains largely untouched by mass tourism and walking through the narrow streets of the villages and along the harbour is an authentic, sensory experience.

Shore Excursion
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Nea Moni Monastery & Anavatos
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Pay a visit to the Nea Moni monastery, considered as one of the most famous buildings of the Byzantine period
  • Stroll around the small streets of Avgonima, surrounded by the stone made houses with the flat roofs and have a coffee break at the central square
Chios Town history and Food tour
  • Duration: 03 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Walk through the small alleys of Chios Town and make several stops to the locals’ favourite places
  • Taste some local specialties
Chios Highlights
  • Duration: 04 h 30 m
  • Included
  • Visit Pyrgi Village one of the most beautiful villages on the island of Chios, known as the "painted village" thanks to the unique facade of the stone houses
  • Continue the island discovery to the Mesta, the best preserved medieval village of Chios
  • Discover the secrets of Masticha plantations
Mytilene, Lesbos Day 10

Mytilene is the capital of the Greek island of Lesbos. It is built on seven hills and is dominated by the Gateluzzi castle and the church of St Therapon with its impressive dome. Visitors can enjoy The Commander of Lesvos Monastery, Olive Wood House, Mytilene Castle, Theriade Library and Museum of Modern Art, and Ktima Oinoforos.

Shore Excursion
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Highlights of Lesbos
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Visit the Church of the Virgin Mary in Agiasos
  • Discover the history of the Monastery of Taxiarches
  • Enjoy the panoramic views
Canakkale Day 11

The culturally important seaport of Çanakkale is the gateway to the Dardanelles (known in classical antiquity as the Hellespont), which connects the Sea of Marmara to the Aegean Sea. Alongside the Bosphorus, these are the two historically significant and legendary Turkish straits. And there is no better way to explore this historical waterway than by small ship cultural cruising. Cruising into the Dardanelles we’ll pass the site of ancient Troy (Biga Peninsula) and the Gallipoli Peninsula, the place of the epic World War I battle.

Shore Excursion
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Troy & Museum
  • Duration: 03 h 45 m
  • Included
  • Discover Troy Antique Site, with its 4,000 years of history, is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world
  • After the visit of the aecheological site spend some time at the Museum, honoring this heritage and is a medium to tell the rich history of Troy
Assos Antique Site
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Discover the incredible history of Assos founded by Methymians from the Island of Lesbos in the 7th century BC
  • Have a full immersion in the history of this incredible site
Cruising Dardanelles Day 11

The Dardanelles is the strait separating the Aegean Sea from the Sea of Marmara, between the European portion and the Asian portion of Turkey at the northeastern end of the Mediterranean basin. Cruising through Dardanelles is a unique experience that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Istanbul Day 12

An enchanting city that divides two continents, we’ll approach Istanbul from the Bosphorus Strait, one of the world’s most important maritime routes. With the shores of Asia to the east, the first Bosphorus Bridge to the north and ‘old Istanbul’ to the south, few other ports offer such an immersive welcome. After disembarking, you’ll soon discover that the city is a vibrant, inclusive and friendly place that blends its tradition and modernity with ease. The history here is diverse and far-reaching. The city’s strategic location attracted many conquering forces over the years including the Greeks, Romans, Venetians and Ottomans. Istanbul was also the final point on the legendary Silk Road, attracting traders from the world over, and paving the way for the culturally diverse Istanbul of today.

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Rates Include
Regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation (ONLY available for Antarctica cruises starting or ending in Ushuaia, Arctic cruises starting and ending in Longyearbyen and Kangerlussuaq)
Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
All meals onboard
Onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category
24-hour room service
Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
One selected shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
Standard WiFi
Onboard gratuities & port taxes
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Itinerary Map

We are providing a list of sample excursions that Swan Hellenic may offer on this itinerary, which are subject to change. We constantly update our shore excursion program with exclusive and genuine experiences, so please do not hesitate to review your excursion program choice closer to your departure date.

We invite all guests to visit swanhellenic.com for the most updated information.

09:00 AM – 05:30 PM (EST)

+1 (800) 537 6777
ARRANGE A CALLBACK
Stateroom
Number of Guests
Oceanview D4
20 m2 Sleeps 2
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Price From
$ 0
Oceanview M4
20 m2 Sleeps 2
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony D5
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony M5
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony D6
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on decks 6, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Junior Suite
35 m2 Sleeps 2
SH Diana’s Junior Suite features a Super King Size bed, separate living room area, walk-in closet, luxurious ensuite bathroom, and a 7 sq. m private balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Suite
44 m2 Sleeps 2
Our Suites feature a Super King Size bed and separate living room with a soothing flame-effect fireplace, a luxurious ensuite bathroom, a walk-in closet, and a 6 sq. m. private balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Premium Suite
47 m2 Sleeps 2
SH Diana’s Premium Suites feature a Super King Size bed, separate living room with homely flame-effect fireplace, luxurious ensuite bathroom, spacious walk-in wardrobe and a 12 sq. m private balcony.
Price From
$ 0

We are providing a list of sample excursions that Swan Hellenic may offer on this itinerary, which are subject to change. We constantly update our shore excursion program with exclusive and genuine experiences, so please do not hesitate to review your excursion program choice closer to your departure date.

We invite all guests to visit swanhellenic.com for the most updated information.

09:00 AM – 05:30 PM (EST)

+1 (800) 537 6777
ARRANGE A CALLBACK