x
Threading the Islands to Troy and Istanbul

Eastern Mediterranean: From Piraeus to Istanbul 12 Day Expedition Cruise

D2123091211
Dates
09/12/23 - 09/23/23
Ship
SH Diana
Duration
11 Nights
Guests
2 Guest
Price From
$ 0
Per Person
BOOK NOW
Trip Details

From Athens’ most famous ruins at the Acropolis, set sail on this adventure exploring Ancient Greek and Roman ruins on this Ancient Cities of the Eastern Mediterranean cruise on board our five-star boutique ship. Stand in the stadium that first hosted the Olympic Games in 776 BC and discover the excavations at Akrotiri on Santorini and decide whether this was indeed the Lost City of Atlantis. We follow in the footsteps of Minoans, Venetians and Turks who all left their legacy on these ancient lands, and walk the ancient streets of Roman cities, such as Ephesus in modern-day Turkey. This captivating cruise takes you to some of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, from the Temple of Zeus to the Colossus of Rhodes and Temple of Artemis. Learn more about the region’s history as we sail through, before concluding this remarkable voyage where the ancient and modern worlds collide in vibrant Istanbul. 

READ MORE
Trip Highlights
Seek answers from the god Apollo at the Ancient Greek sanctuary at Delphi
Explore the ancient stadium that sat 45,000 at the first Olympics in 776 BC
Uncover the location of the Lost City of Atlantis at Akrotiri in Santorini
Wander the main street at Ephesus, one of the ancient world’s most legendary cities
Learn more about three of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World from our onboard experts
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).

Cruising Corinth Canal Day 1

The Corinth Canal connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland. The canal is 6.4 kilometers long and only 21.3 meters wide at its base, making it impassable for most modern ships.

Itea Day 2

An important historical place, the harbour town sits below Mount Parnassus, home to the mythical Muses, and is near the ancient Greek sanctuary of Delphi, where Pythia, the Oracle, prophesied the words of Apollo to those who sought divine advice for the future. Parnassus was also home to the winged horse Pegasus of Bellerophon. More recently, Itea was the site of the Battle of Agali during the Greek War of Independence where Greece defeated the Ottoman–Egyptian fleet on 29/30 September 1827. The mountain area is also home to Greece’s largest olive grove and one of the oldest in the world.

Shore Excursion
view
Galaxidi Walking tour
  • Duration: 03 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Walking tour of town of the Golf of Corinth
  • Visit the Naval Museum of Galaxidi which exhibits models of the ship
  • Admire a mountainous landscape and discover the impressive church of Agios Nikolaos
Mythical Delphi
  • Duration: 03 h 50 m
  • Included
  • Visit the sanctuary of Delphi, which had the most famous oracle of ancient Greece
  • Discover the Archaeological Museum, one of the most important in Greece with its rich collections
Ossios Loukas Monastery
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Discover the beautiful Monastery of Ossios Loukas adorned with these mosaics and frescoes of the Great Church
  • Breathtaking mountain scenery passing by the village of Arachova
Preveza Day 3

Located at the mouth of Amvrakikos Gulf in Western Greece, Preveza is a charming city with bundles of character. The yacht-filled marina and carless seafront offer the perfect setting for a pleasant stroll. Sit and watch the world go by at the many restaurants and tavernas, or indulge in some retail therapy in the many interesting shops. Further afield you’ll find the ancient city of Nikopolis, founded by the Roman Emperor Octavian. During the Roman and early Byzantine periods, the city flourished as the capital of Old Epirus. Today visitors can explore the ruins of the Roman city walls, odeum, theatre and many other preserved archaeological features.

Shore Excursion
view
Traditional Arta
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Visit Arta's Bridge learn the history of its construction and myth
  • Admire the church of the Panayia Parigoritissa,dating back to the 13th c. is dedicated to the Annunciation
Nikopolis Arch. Site & Museum
  • Duration: 03 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Visit Nikopolis, the amazing largest ancient city in Greece, built in the 1st c. AD
  • Learn why the impressive theatre isn’t like the others ancient Greek ones
  • Take some time to listen to the stories of the different basilicas
Katakolon Day 4

Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games is a short drive away from this pretty Greek harbour town. Take time to explore the ancient stadium that sat 45,000 at the first Olympics in 776 BC, and then every four years, to honour the god Zeus. Look out for the marble starting blocks and the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, where once stood a 12m-tall gold statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. North of Katakolon, explore wineries or stop for lunch at the harbour and sample some of their produce.

Shore Excursion
view
Highlights of Olympia
  • Duration: 04 h 15 m
  • Included
  • Embark on a guided tour that will take you to Olympia, in the middle of a fertile valley with the rivers of Alphios and Kladhios flowing past
  • See the site of the Ancient Stadium of Olympia, the largest of its day with a capacity of 45,000 spectators
  • Visit the the Magna Grecia Farm and wander through the grove as you learn the history of the olive trees before enjoying a variety of mezes (appetizers)
Rethymnon, Crete Day 5

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
view
Venetian Rethymnon
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Visit the Fortezza, built on the site of the citadel of ancient Rithimna and the Temple of Artemis Rokkea
  • Walk along the Venetian Harbor
  • Stop by the Rimondi fountain, built in 1626 during the Venetian rule
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
The Palace of Knossos
  • Duration: 05 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Enjoy this guided tour through the Palace of Knossos where you’ll visit the king and queen’s quarters as well as the theatre area, potters’ workshops and rooms for state occasions
  • Learn about the people who continued to lived here after the catastrophic eruption of the volcano in Santorini around 1.500 - 1.450 B.C.
  • Hear the story of how the palace was restored by Sir Arthur Evans, and though criticized for its modernity has been helpful for tourist to visualize the palace as it was and understand its labyrinthine complexity
Santorini Day 6

Famed for its whitewashed homes clinging to the cliffside and churches with blue-painted domed roofs, the Cyclades island’s capital of Fira overlooks a submerged volcanic caldera. Explore the town’s narrow alleys and enjoy the views and local wines from a tiny restaurant terrace. Santorini is also believed to be the location of the Lost City of Atlantis. Findings at the nearby preserved ruins of Akrotiri - thought to be the location - buried nearly 4,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption in 1650 B.C., seem to back up the claim.

Shore Excursion
view
Akrotiri & Oia Village
  • Duration: 04 h 30 m
  • Included
  • Visit the ruins of the famous windmill
  • Discover Akrotiri, the famous archaeological site with its ruins dating back to the Bronze Age
  • Visit one of the most famous villages in Greece, OIA and take the Postcard picture with the ship in the background
Wineries of Santorini
  • Duration: 05 h 20 m
  • Optional
  • Discover the Santorini Wine Museum with its unique position
  • Taste some incredible wines
  • Visit one of the most famous villages in Greece, OIA and take the Postcard picture with the ship in the background
Volcano Hiking
  • Duration: 03 h 05 m
  • Optional
  • Take an hike that will lead you to the crater of the volcano
  • Enjoy the views of Santorini island and the amazing cliff of the caldera
  • Sail to the thermal springs of Palea Kameni and take an incredible swimm
Sailing the Caldera
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Enjoy a scenic, relaxing ride around the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni and Thirassia.
  • Drop anchor into the green sulfur waters to swim
  • Have delicious Greek lunch will be served on board while sailing.
Despotiko Island Day 7

Despotiko, with untouched beaches, is a tiny uninhabited Greek island in the Cyclades with only about a thousand resident goats. Important archaeological remains at Mandra show evidence of a huge 6th-century B.C. temple complex. Further ancient ruins in the south of the island have since confirmed that this was a place of worship for Apollo, his twin sister Artemis, and Hestia devotees. Excavations show temples, a dining hall and even an aqueduct.

Shore Excursion
view
Discover the Apollo Sanctuary
  • Duration: 02 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Discover one of the less known archaeological sites in Greece
  • Admire the temple dedicated to the God Apollo
Parikia, Paros Day 7

The capital of the Cyclades island of Paros, Parikia is home to the 4th-century church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani (known as the church of 100 doors), considered one of the most important Byzantine monuments and best preserved Orthodox churches in Greece. The typical Cyclades town has cobblestone alleyways lined with blue-and-white houses. In Parikia, you’ll also find a striking Venetian castle, a bustling old market, tavernas, quaint shops, several churches and archaeological sites.

Shore Excursion
view
Walking tour of Paros
  • Duration: 02 h 30 m
  • Included
  • Visit Ekatontapyliani monastery one of the best-preserved Paleo-Christian monuments in Greece
  • Enjoy a stop by Frankish castle built by the Venetians in 1260 using marble from ancient Greek temples
Rhodes Day 8

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
view
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
Upgraded Lindos and Ancient Rhodes
  • Duration: 08 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Take this full day tour that will give you the opportunity to discover the most important highlights of the Island
  • Visit the unique archaeological site of Lindos
  • Stroll around the narrow streets of the old town
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
Jeep Safari
  • Duration: 07 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Discover the mountainous northern non-tourist parts of Rhodes Island from West to East
  • Following a German Italian war route with historical points of interest through villages
  • Experience a mixture of on and off-road routes in the peaks of the mountains with panoramic views, wild life and stunning nature
Kusadasi Day 9

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
view
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
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
Chios Day 10

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
view
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
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
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
view
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
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.

SHOW MORE
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
SHOW MORE
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