Athens to Istanbul Cruise

Day 1 - Athens

Arrive: Sat 02 December 2028 at 05:30 / Depart: Sat 02 December 2028 at 17:00

Piraeus is the gateway to the ancient city of Athens, known as the “Cradle of Western Civilization” because of its immense impact on cultural and political achievements throughout the world. Due mainly to tourism and the 2004 Olympics, Greece has redeveloped many sites in Athens. A historian’s delight, Athens is home to such magnificent wonders as: the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the atmospheric winding streets of the Plaka, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Temple of Athena Nike, and the Archaeological Museum with the world’s finest collection of ancient artifacts. Shore excursions on the first and last day of a cruise are only available for guests who are combining back-to-back voyages to create a longer cruise. Those guests may organize custom tours through the Destination Services Desk on board

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - Alexandria, Egypt

Arrive: Mon 04 December 2028 at 06:00

Egypt’s second largest city and chief harbor was built in 332BC by Alexander the Great. As new technology augments exploration capabilities, columns and statuary from its glorious past are still being recovered from Alexandria’s bay. Discover the city’s intriguing past at the Roman Catacombs of Kom El Shuquafa, Pompey’s Pillar, the Roman Theater, and the Citadel of Quait Bay, built on the foundation of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Walk among the fragrent splendor of the Montaza Gardens, with 115 acres of lush, botanical beauty.

Day 4 - Alexandria, Egypt

Depart: Tue 05 December 2028 at 23:00

Egypt’s second largest city and chief harbor was built in 332BC by Alexander the Great. As new technology augments exploration capabilities, columns and statuary from its glorious past are still being recovered from Alexandria’s bay. Discover the city’s intriguing past at the Roman Catacombs of Kom El Shuquafa, Pompey’s Pillar, the Roman Theater, and the Citadel of Quait Bay, built on the foundation of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Walk among the fragrent splendor of the Montaza Gardens, with 115 acres of lush, botanical beauty.

Day 5 - At Sea

Day 6 - Jerusalem

Arrive: Thu 07 December 2028 at 06:00

Visit the land of miracles - Galilee, the Jordan River, the Mount of the Beautitudes and Tabgha, or venture to Nazareth, home of the young Jesus. See the largest hanging gardens in the world at the Bahai Gardens of Haifa. The Panorama Center in Central Carmel offers some of the country’s best women’s clothing stores. For antiques and crafts, head to the boutiques on Massada Street. South of Haifa, the artists’ village of Ein Hod offers hand-blown glass, pottery, silver, gold, and crafts. From French to Continental to Middle Eastern cuisine, dining choices abound. Fresh fish and grilled lamb dishes are the highlight. The best dessert is homemade kanafeh, a traditional ancient dish of baked sweet cheese, pistachio and honey.

Day 7 - Jerusalem

Depart: Fri 08 December 2028 at 22:00

Visit the land of miracles - Galilee, the Jordan River, the Mount of the Beautitudes and Tabgha, or venture to Nazareth, home of the young Jesus. See the largest hanging gardens in the world at the Bahai Gardens of Haifa. The Panorama Center in Central Carmel offers some of the country’s best women’s clothing stores. For antiques and crafts, head to the boutiques on Massada Street. South of Haifa, the artists’ village of Ein Hod offers hand-blown glass, pottery, silver, gold, and crafts. From French to Continental to Middle Eastern cuisine, dining choices abound. Fresh fish and grilled lamb dishes are the highlight. The best dessert is homemade kanafeh, a traditional ancient dish of baked sweet cheese, pistachio and honey.

Day 8 - Limassol

Arrive: Sat 09 December 2028 at 10:00 / Depart: Sat 09 December 2028 at 18:00

Limassol is the jumping off point to explore the ancient riches of Cyprus.View ruins, vast groves of lemons, oranges and olives, majestic mountains and scenery, and stunning beaches. Visit Lemesos Castle, where Richard-the-Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre, and its fascinating museum. Or stroll through ancient Curium and admire its stunning mosaics, theater, basilica and panoramic views over the sea. Venture inland to Nicosia and its wonders, the Cathedral of St. John, the Venetian fortifications, a restored old town and mosque and the Museum. Take home some lovely lace, copper items, jewelry and pottery. Enjoy a selection of appetizers so extensive it can be a hearty meal as well as fresh seafood accompanied by a delicious glass of wine.

Day 9 - Antalya

Arrive: Sun 10 December 2028 at 09:00 / Depart: Sun 10 December 2028 at 17:00

Discover this delightful ancient town and its many treasures, from the superb artifacts in the museum to Ottoman mansions, Byzantine churches and mosques, Hadrian’s Gate, and the ancient Roman harbor now restored and alive with cafés and pleasure boats. Or head for the magnificent ruins of Perge and Aspendos and imagine the history of these cities, from Alexander to St. Paul, the Romans and Arabs. Stand in awe of the huge Roman theater and the crumbling aqueduct. Look for local handicrafts in the old town including carpets, copper ware, jewelry, leather goods and textiles. Try some kebabs, stuffed grape leaves called dolmas and a local dessert called beurrek, a cheese filled pastry. Enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee, a local beer or glass of wine with any of these for a delicious light meal or snack.

Day 10 - Rhodes

Arrive: Mon 11 December 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 11 December 2028 at 17:00

Renowned as the site of the former Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Rhodes was home to the Knights of St. John from the 12th to 16th centuries. Their famous Palace of the Grand Masters remains a “must-see,” as are many of the inns occupied by the Crusaders and the replica of the old church. For a more in-depth look at the city, visitors can take in the Archeological where the Acropolis of Rhodes and the ancient stadium offer perfect photo opportunities.

Day 11 - Kusadasi

Arrive: Tue 12 December 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 12 December 2028 at 17:00

Originally a minor port, Kusadasi now serves as the gateway to Ephesus, one of the ancient world’s largest and most important archaeological and religious sites. As you walk the white marbled pathway, note the grooves made by centuries of chariot wheels. Stand in awe before the great Library of Celsus, and sit for a moment as the past seems to come alive at the Great Amphitheater, carved from the side of a mountain. Sacred places nearby include the Basilica of St. John and the House of the Virgin Mary.

Day 12 - At Sea

Day 13 - Istanbul

Arrive: Thu 14 December 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 14 December 2028

Bridging both Europe and Asia Minor, Istanbul is literally where “East meets West.” The city was founded by Constantine the Great and the history of this capital dates back sixteen centuries to the powerful Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Many of our voyages include overnight stays in this legendary city, allowing more time to explore Istanbul’s highlights. Shop among the winding byways of the Grand Bazaar and the exotic stalls of the Spice Bazaar. Tour the magnificent courtyards of Topkapi Palace, stroll among the treasures of the Blue Mosque with its unique six minarets, then view Dolmabahce Palace, the one-time residence of the sultans. Or you may cruise along the Bosphorus for a unique perspective of the city’s numerous seaside mansions, mosques and palaces.