DISCOVER ANCIENT HISTORY AND THERMAL SPAS
On this amazing journey, you can capture so much ancient history and the luxury of the thermal spas to boot! Check it out and have a happy Wednesday!
Itinerary Courtesy of Seabourn Cruises
Day 1: Departure Port – Istanbul, Turkey – departs 5pm (Visa Required)
Istanbul is one of the world’s most interesting cities. Domes and minarets span the skyline, and in the old Stamboul area, every city built since the community was established over 600 years before Christ are evident. Istanbul was once Rome’s eastern capital and Istanbul was the center of the huge Ottoman Empire as well. Landmarks you can see here include Hagia Sophia, once Christendom’s greatest church; the Blue Mosque with its striking Iznik tiles; Topkapi Palace, containing a sultan’s ransom of treasures; Chora Church with its Byzantine mosaics; and the Grand Bazaar, the most amazing shopping experience.
Day 2: Myrina, Nisos Limnos, Greece – 9am-5pm (Tender Required)
Limnos is a volcanic island and is quite a dry climate here, located near the mouth of the Dardenelles. The volcano & sulphurous springs on the island is wehre many legends in ancient times came from. Limnos was the home of Hephaistos ( mythological Vulcan), who was sent away from Mount Olympus by Zeus (his father) and broke his leg when landing on Limnos. Unable to walk since, the God of Fire lived here and worked at his forges, the volcanoes, teaching the people of the island metalworking. Jason and the Argonauts stopped here during their quest for the Golden Fleece and during the Trojan War, Hercules’ companion, Philoctetes was cured of a gangrenous wound by the magical earth of the island.
Sample Tours:
- LIMNOS & WINE FACTORY
- LIMNOS HIGHLIGHTS
- DISCOVER LIMNOS BY 4X4
- BEACH & COAST BY TRADITIONAL CAIQUE
Day 3: Cesme, Turkey 8am-6pm (Tender Required)
Cesme is located on the tip of a peninsula which has the same name. The town is dominated by the medieval Cesme Castle, but its back streets invite a lovely stroll with their old houses from the time of the Ottoman and Greek empires, charming those who pass by. South from the castle there’s an Ottoman caravanserai built in 1528 that has been transformed into a really nice boutique hotel, & nearby also is the Greek Orthodox church of Ayios Haralambos which offers art exhibitions. Alongside the historical things to see, you will enjoy local enjoyments, like a dip in thermal baths before partaking in the culinary delights of native fruits, artisan cheeses and local wines!
Sample Tours:
- PICTURESQUE ALACATI
- A STROLL THROUGH CESME
- A DAY OF WINDSURFING
- THE BEST OF CESME
- DELUXE EPHESUS, THE CELSUS LIBRARY & TERRACE HOUSES: A UNESCO PARTNER TOUR
- EPHESUS & THE TERRACE HOUSES IN FOCUS: A PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR: A UNESCO PARTNER TOUR
- CESME PRIVATE VAN – HALF DAY OR FULL DAY
- PRIVATE CAR – HALF DAY OR FULL DAY
Day 4: Bodrum, Turkey 8am-11pm (Tender Required)
Bodrum is a beautiful yacht harbor full of traditional wood sailboats, lovely outdoor cafes & busy streets filled with small shops selling carpets, leather, jewelry & artwork. It was once the site of ancient Halicarnassus. Only its massive foundations remain today but it is interesting to keep in mind that this was the largest tomb ever built by the Greeks & is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Models on site recreate its original form for guests. Alexander the Great attacked this city in 334 BC, leveling all except the Mausoleum, which was later destroyed by an unfortunate earthquake. There’s so much history in this little area and it’s worth a visit!
Sample Tours:
- BODRUM CASTLE & MAUSOLEUM
- ANCIENT IASSOS
- PANORAMIC PENINSULA
- CULINARY BODRUM
- GULET CRUISING, SWIMMING AND LUNCH
- WINE TASTING & DINNER AT KARNAS VINEYARDS
- LIVING LOCAL: TURKISH VILLAGE EXPERIENCE
- BODRUM PRIVATE MINIVAN OR CAR WITH GUIDE – HALF DAY OR FULL DAY
Day 5: Rhodes, Greece 8am-6pm (Tender Required)
Rhodes is the most well known of the Dodecanese Islands, and is a captivating architectural patchwork of its past. The legacy of the ancient Greeks mingles with that of besieging Turks, crusading knights, & occupying Italians mixes and blends here. Twin bronze deer, the symbol of Rhodes, guard the Harbor where the 100-foot Colossus is said to have stood, a wonder of the ancient world. The city’s cobbled streets take guests from the dominating castle to the bustling bazaar & lively harbor that is a center of the yachting scene.
Sample Tours:
- THE ACROPOLIS OF LINDOS
- MT FILERIMOS & MEDIEVAL RHODES TOWN: A UNESCO PARTNER TOUR
- PANORAMIC RHODES: A UNESCO PARTNER TOUR
- RHODES IN FOCUS: A PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR: A UNESCO PARTNER TOUR
- GREEK COOKING CLASS
- EXPLORING RHODES’ RELIGIOUS PAST: A MINDFUL LIVING TOUR
- EXTRAORDINARY ACROPOLIS OF LINDOS IN 3D AUGMENTED REALITY
- PRIVATE CAR OR MINIVAN – FULL OR HALF DAY RHODES
Day 6: Thira (Santorini), Greece 8am-9pm (Tender Required)
The volcanic Greek island in the Sea of Crete can be affectionately known also as “Thira, the Wild Island” and “Kalliste, the Fairest One”. Extra special because of its black sand beaches & limestone cliffs, Santorini showcases remnants of the Phoenician, Spartan and Minoan cultures, all of whom were drawn in by its an unvarying, irresistible lure that still continues to this day. Fira, which is the picturesque, no-vehicles capital, is reached from the seaport via a cable car ride that offers thrilling views as you climb into the area.
Sample Tours:
- PROFITIS ILIAS & OIA VILLAGE
- VOLCANO HIKING: A MINDFUL LIVING TOUR
- OIA VILLAGE & GREEK COOKING
- DISCOVER ANCIENT AKROTIRI
- TRANSFER TO PERISSA BEACH
- THIRA ON YOUR OWN
- AKROTIRI & FREE TIME IN OIA
- EXCLUSIVE CALDERA BY CATAMARAN
- CALDERA YOGA & WINE TASTING: A MINDFUL LIVING TOUR
- PRIVATE CAR – HALF OR FULL DAY THIRA (SANTORINI)
Day 7: Spetsai, Nisos Spetsai (Spetses), Greece (Tender Required)
Often called “The Isle of the Aromas”, Spetsai is a great cruise port to engage all of the senses. The island’s historic old town is a yachtsman’s paradise, boasting a gorgeous harbor, adorable shops & some of the best restaurants to be found in the Saronic Gulf. The rest of the island is relatively light in population & is circled by a single road, where you can travel in a horse-drawn carriage. As you pass by quiet, rolling hills, be sure to stop at one of the quiet coves along the way to refresh yourself with a dip into the cerulean waters.
Sample Tour: A STROLL THROUGH SPETSES: A MINDFUL LIVING TOUR
Day 8: Disembarkation Port: Piraeus (Athens), Greece 7am
Piraeus has been the port for Athens since 482 BC. This busy harbor is full of ferries & cruise ships on their way to the Greek Islands & other Mediterranean cities. Athens and its treasure trove of antiquities lie just a few short miles from the port. Even as the modern city grew, with its high-rise buildings, crowded sidewalks & busy traffic, the beauty of the Acropolis, the amazing museums, charming cafés, sidewalk shops & stunning views come together in a cultural artwork for all to experience and enjoy.
Sample Tours:
- ATHENS & THE ACROPOLIS: A MINDFUL LIVING TOUR
- ANCIENT CORINTH & CANAL
- TRANSFER TO ATHENS
- THE ACROPOLIS IN 3D
- VIRTUAL REALITY ACROPOLIS: A UNESCO PARTNER TOUR
- ATHENS SIGHTSEEING & LYCABETTUS VIEWS: A UNESCO PARTNER TOUR
- ATHENS & THE NEW ACROPOLIS MUSEUM WITH AIRPORT TRANSFER: A UNESCO PARTNER TOUR
- ATHENS & THE NEW ACROPOLIS MUSEUM: A UNESCO PARTNER TOUR
- PRIVATE CAR – FULL OR HALF DAY
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