Eastern Mediterranean | From Istanbul to Limassol 11 Day Expedition Cruise

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.

Landmarks of Istanbul

Included

04 h 00 m

Take a tour that will show yo the most famous landmarks of this incredible town
Marvell as you enter the Blue Mosque
Visit St. Sophia Museum, the magnificent Byzantine Church built directly across from the Blue Mosque, and one of the finest architectural works in the world

Hidden Treasures Of Istanbul

Optional

06 h 45 m

Discover some of the hidden gems of the town
Suleymaniye Mosque built by the legendary architect, Mimar Sinan, it is known as one of his masterpieces, and his largest design. The sense of space and light is emphasized in the supporting semi-domes to the northwest and southeast and the monumental arched spaces to the southwest and northeast.
Wander around Balat, one of Istanbul’s oldest neighbourhood. This part of town is a melting pot of immigrants, including Jews, Orthodox Christians, and of course Turks.

Jewels Of Imperial Constantinople

Optional

07 h 30 m

Learn the history of Haghia Sophia, the 6th-century Byzantine church whose name means “Divine Wisdom”, and which has been nominated the 8th wonder of the world by many historians.
Visit the Underground Cistern, the largest and most magnificent covered cistern in Istanbul, built under Emperor Justinian in 532 AD.
Discover how the Sultans used to live while visiting the Topkapi palace

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.

Troy & Museum

Included

03 h 45 m

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

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.

Nea Moni Monastery & Anavatos

Optional

04 h 00 m

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 Highlights

Included

04 h 30 m

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

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.

Ephesus - Terrace Houses & Museum

Included

04 h 30 m

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

St. John Basilica - Artemis Tempel & V. House Of Virgin Mary

Optional

03 h 30 m

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

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.

Spirit of Patmos

Included

04 h 30 m

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

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.

Acropolis of Lindos

Included

04 h 30 m

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

Optional

08 h 00 m

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

Kastelorizo is the remotest island in Greece, located on the easternmost edge of Dodecanese. It is also known as Megisti. The island is a small complex of fourteen rocky islets and islands. Kastelorizo’s origins trace back to prehistoric times. The Knights of Rhodes ruled the island in the 14th century. The Ottoman Empire followed them until it was ceded to Italy in 1912. The British occupied it during World War II and returned the island to Greece in 1948.

Kastelorizo Walking Tour

Included

02 h 30 m

Walk towards the town's main square, Plateia Ethelondon, where you'll find the historic mosque and the church of Saint Konstantinos and Eleni
From the medieval castle of the Knights of St. John enjoy stunning views of the island and the surrounding sea
Pay a visit of the Folk Art Museum. The museum houses a collection of traditional costumes, embroidery, ceramics

Blue Cave

Optional

01 h 00 m

Board a small boat specifically designed to navigate the narrow passages leading to the Blue Cave
Cruise along the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea, passing picturesque coastal landscapes
Marvel at the translucent blue waters while inside the cave

Fethiye is a port city on Turkey's aptly named Turquoise Coast, best-known for its blue waters. The town is also the site of numerous rock tombs including the 350 B.C. Tomb of Amyntas, carved into a bluff overlooking the city. Modern Fethiye is built over the Ancient Greek city of Telmessos, the largest city of Lycia. The newly created Lycian Way Trail path runs 400 km between Fethiye and Antalya. In the south, Belcekız beach at Ölüdeniz is sheltered by the glistening warm waters of the Blue Lagoon, while nearby Butterfly Valley is a designated nature reserve.

Tour Of Xanthos And Letoon

Included

04 h 30 m

Discover the remarkable archaeological complex of Xanthos-Letoon, the most unique extant architectural example of the ancient Lycian Civilization
Begin your visit in Xanthos, which was the capital of ancient Lycia
Continue then to Letoon, the ancient federal sanctuary, the place where all religious and political decisions

The Rock Cut Toms and Fethiye’s Archaeological Museum

Optional

03 h 30 m

The Lycian rock-hewn tombs, dating back to the 4th century BC
Visit the Fethiye’s Archaeological Museum

Founded in 150 BC by Attalos II, King of Pergamon, Antalya is now a major harbour and the largest Turkish city on the Mediterranean coast. The city’s long and fascinating history is evident just about everywhere. Hadrian’s Gate marks the historical entrance to Antalya and in the Archaeological Museum, you can find impressive collections of pottery, mosaics and artefacts. Immerse yourself in ancient times as you wander the narrow winding streets of Antalya’s Old Town. Or for an authentic Turkish shopping experience, the Antalya Bazaar is a must.

Termessos

Optional

04 h 15 m

Visit to the ancient city of Termessos, nestled in a stunningly dramatic 1050 meter (3444 feet) plane directly between two steep mountains
Enjoy the panoramic ride through the beautiful, forested slopes of the Gulluk Mountains
Learn the history of the Termessos theatre built into the side of a steep canyon, looking over the precipitous slopes of Gulluk mountain

The second largest city in Cyprus, sunny Limassol is located between the ancient sites of Amathous and Kourion. Just like its island home, Limassol has seen many occupations come and go, and the result is delightfully cosmopolitan. The modern waterfront buildings and sleek promenade stand in contrast to the ancient core of the Old Town. Here you’ll find Limassol Castle, best known as the place where Richard the Lionheart (King Richard I) married Berengaria of Navarre after his conquest of the island in 1191. Kolossi Castle is located around 14 kilometres outside the city and was a command post during the Crusades. Take a break from the city’s long and fascinating history and explore the beautiful beaches, bustling restaurants and cafes, or perhaps enjoy the island’s natural beauty on hike along Cape Greco’s stunning coastal trails.

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Sailing the Cusp of Europe and Asia

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