Istanbul to Athens on the Aegean Sea

Depart the U.S.

Istanbul | Embark Le Dumont D'Urville

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel this morning.

Istanbul, uniquely situated at the crossroads of the continents of Europe and Asia, is divided by the Bosphorus Strait. The city was formerly known as Constantinople and was the capital of four empires: the Roman, Byzantine, Latin and Ottoman. Its location made it a crucial center for trade on the Silk Road, connecting East and West. Embark on a tour of this fascinating city.

Old City tour. Our tour will stop at several ancient sites, most notably two renowned mosques. Hagia Sophia, which translates to “Holy Wisdom,” is a historic building originally constructed as a Christian cathedral and later converted into a mosque, a museum, and most recently a mosque again. The now-iconic landmark was commissioned by Emperor Justinian I and built between A.D. 532 and 537 on the site of two former cathedrals that had burned down in the fourth and fifth centuries. Hagia Sophia is considered a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and engineering, famous for its massive dome. The dome is supported by four huge piers and a system of pendentives, creating the illusion that the dome floats above the building. A ring of windows at the base of the dome floods the interior with light, and stunning gold mosaics cover the ceilings and walls. Note: The mosque’s dress code requires shoulders and knees to be covered and women to wear a headscarf.

The Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a historic imperial mosque constructed between 1609 and 1617. It is considered a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, known for its domes and six surrounding minarets. It is dubbed the Blue Mosque because of the over 20,000 handmade ceramic blue Iznik tiles that decorate its interior, featuring intricate designs of tulips, roses, carnations, and lilies, all beautifully lit by 260 windows. Note: The mosque’s dress code requires shoulders and knees to be covered and women to wear a headscarf. (Moderate Activity Level)

Free Time: After the excursions, you will stop in an area with numerous restaurants and cafes within walking distance. Make your own choice for lunch; your Travel Director is happy to help with suggestions.

With the group, transfer to the port to embark the deluxe Ponant Le Dumont D’Urville. Settle in to your suite or stateroom and begin to familiarize yourself with the ship.

This evening, attend a Gohagan & Company welcome briefing and lifeboat drill, followed by a dinner on board the ship as we depart Istanbul.

Canakkale | Troy

This morning (and every morning on board!) enjoy a delicious breakfast. Afterward, disembark in Çanakkale for a 35-minute drive to the ancient city of Troy. The legendary city is renowned for its rich history, particularly for the Trojan War described in Homer’s Iliad, and is over 5,000 years old.

Ancient Troy. Troy is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was one of the most important cities in the ancient world, with layers of settlement dating back to the Bronze Age. It was a commercial and military center due to its strategic location at the entrance to the Dardanelles Strait, a crucial waterway for trade between the Aegean and Black Seas. Today, visit the Troia Museum, which features interactive displays and well-preserved artifacts from various periods of the city’s history. Next, explore the archaeological site itself — a mound comprising nine main archaeological layers, each representing successive cities built on top of the ruins of their predecessors over the course of centuries of settlement. At the entrance of the archaeological site, a large wooden horse replica stands as a tribute to the city’s most famous legend. Visitors can climb inside for a unique photo opportunity. (Moderate)

Return to the ship and tuck in to a tasty lunch. Spend the afternoon at leisure, relaxing on board or taking in some of the ship’s amenities. This afternoon, the ship will sail the Dardanelles — a historic and scenic passage connecting the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara, which separates Europe and Asia.

Welcome Reception: Join your fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception and Dinner on board the ship this evening.

Dikili | Pergamon

Enjoy a delicious breakfast as the ship arrives in Dikili, where you’ll disembark for your excursion to Pergamon.

Pergamon. Pergamon is an ancient city in Turkey, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its multi-layered history and extensive ruins, including its Acropolis, ancient theater and Asklepion healing center. Originally the capital of the Attalid dynasty in the third century B.C., Pergamon became a major center of art, science, culture and learning — with one of the largest libraries in the ancient world — and later a significant city under the Roman and Byzantine empires. The site is situated near the modern city of Bergama and features a blend of Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman architectural remains.

Today, visit some of Pergamon’s key sites, beginning with the Acropolis, which is the upper city that served as the capital. It features the Temple of Trajan and the ancient theater. The theater could seat up to 10,000 spectators and was celebrated for its steep angle and excellent acoustics, a prime example of ancient Greek theater design.

Next, travel to the Asklepion, a renowned healing sanctuary located outside the main city, dedicated to the god of healing, Asclepius. It was built in the fourth century B.C. and operated for 900 years, attracting patients from all over the Mediterranean. (Moderate)

Enjoy an included group lunch at a local restaurant.

Free Time: Return to Dikili and enjoy a free afternoon to spend at your leisure.

Return to the ship and savor another delicious dinner on board.

Bodrum

Savor a tasty breakfast on board as the ship arrives in Bodrum, where you’ll disembark for this morning’s excursion.

Bodrum. This coastal city on the Bodrum Peninsula boasts twin bays and the massive Bodrum Castle, a medieval fortress that stands sentry at the entrance to the harbor. It was built, starting in 1402, partly using stones from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, which was constructed in the fourth century B.C. and is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Bodrum Castle was built by the Knights of St. John, who originally named it St. Peter’s Castle. Nowadays, it houses the fascinating Museum of Underwater Archaeology, which you’ll visit this morning. The main exhibits feature artifacts recovered by archaeologists from the waters of the Aegean Sea, including shipwrecks and ancient pottery. (Moderate)

Spend the remainder of the morning at leisure, exploring Bodrum on your own. Then return to the ship for lunch onboard as the ship sails toward Rhodes, Greece.

Free Time: Spend this afternoon relaxing on deck, indulging in a spa treatment or taking a dip in the pool. Enjoy another delectable dinner tonight.

Rhodes, Greece

Savor breakfast this morning as the ship arrives at Rhodes, where you will disembark for this morning’s excursion.

Rhodes. Rhodes is renowned for its rich history. Setting off from the port on foot, explore the medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, built by the Knights of St. John in the 14th and 15th centuries. Notice the massive city walls encircling the area, and walk along the Street of the Knights, one of the most intact medieval streets in the world. Visit the stunning Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights, featuring Gothic architecture, mosaic-tiled floors and a collection of iconic artworks, furniture and other treasures from the medieval era. Historically, Rhodes was home to the Colossus of Rhodes, a massive bronze statue of the sun god Helios, built around 300 B.C. by Chares of Lindos to celebrate Rhodes’ victory over a siege. It stood approximately 105 feet tall and was destroyed by a powerful earthquake in 226 B.C. Today, nothing remains of the original statue, though it is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. (Moderate)

Return to the ship for lunch. If you choose, set off on an active excursion this afternoon. Or feel free to spend the afternoon at leisure on board or in the port area.

Acropolis of Lindos. Those who choose to explore ancient Lindos will walk through its narrow, cobbled streets — past colorful courtyards and mosaics — and climb more than 200 steps to the legendary Acropolis. At a height of 535 feet, this iconic site offers stunning views of the entire village, including its medieval castle, sandy beaches and charming whitewashed houses. After a guided tour of the Acropolis, you can walk back down to the village and return to the ship. (Active: Walking conditions include a steep climb over uneven terrain and many stairs to reach the Acropolis; not recommended for those with mobility issues.)

Tonight enjoy another delicious dinner on board.

Naxos

Savor a tasty breakfast as the ship arrives in Naxos. Disembark for your morning’s excursion.

Naxos. Set off on a guided walking tour to explore Naxos’ Old Town. See the iconic marble gate of Portara, the only remaining structure of the ancient Temple of Apollo. Meandering through cobbled alleyways and winding streets, continue on to the Castle (Kastro) area, located in the central square. Visit the nearby cathedral, known as the Catholic Metropolis, which was originally built in the 13th century during Venetian rule. (Moderate)

Return to the ship for lunch on board. Alternatively, stay in town and find a local taverna for lunch on your own.

Free time: Spend this afternoon exploring the port area at your own pace. There are many opportunities for shopping and sampling local cuisine. The island’s compact size makes it perfect for experiencing authentic island culture, stunning architecture and breathtaking Aegean Sea views.

Return to the ship for a relaxing dinner.

Mykonos

Savor a delicious breakfast, then disembark for your morning excursion in Delos.

Delos. The island of Delos occupies a little more than one square mile, but this UNESCO World Heritage site is brimming with ancient history. It also played a role in Greek mythology, as the legendary birthplace of the twin gods Apollo and Artemis. Pilgrims have flocked here over the millennia to visit the Sanctuary of Apollo and other ancient sites documented in Greek mythology. By the fifth century B.C., Delos was also a prosperous commercial hub. A visit to this sacred island is like walking back through time.

Embark on your own pilgrimage along the majestic Sacred Way, a grand roadway leading to the Temple of Apollo, lined with arcades and statues. View the ruins of three temples dedicated to Apollo as you pass the narrow Stoa of Antigonus, which forms the northern edge of the sanctuary, and then see the famous Terrace of the Lions. From there, we will head south, past the Sanctuary of Dionysus and through the Theatre Quarter to continue exploring Delos. (Moderate)

Return to the ship for lunch on board. Alternatively, you can stay in town in Mykonos and dine on your own. Then head out on this afternoon’s excursion.

Mykonos. Known as the “Island of the Winds,” Mykonos is part of the stunning Cyclades archipelago. According to Greek mythology, it was here that Hercules lured giants into battle; the large rock formations that remain are evidence of their defeat. Today, Mykonos is a sun-drenched Aegean retreat with stone-paved streets and a picturesque skyline of windmills and whitewashed houses. It is also noted for its beach bars, luxury boutiques and chic art galleries, making it one of Greece’s most popular destinations. On guided motorcoach and walking tours, experience this charming island. (Moderate)

Free Time: Explore the island on your own. Wander the narrow, winding streets of the main town, filled with whitewashed houses, colorful doors and charming windmills. Discover boutique shops, art galleries and local cafés tucked away on cobblestone lanes.

Athens

Enjoy breakfast on board as the ship arrives in the port of Piraeus, outside Athens. Disembark for this morning’s excursion.

Athens. Our excursion begins with a panoramic orientation tour of Athens, driving by such ancient landmarks as the Panathenaic Stadium and Temple of Olympian Zeus, as well as Syntagma Square — the iconic center of modern Athens — concluding at the Acropolis, where you will enjoy a guided walking tour.

Experience the grandeur of ancient Greece as you admire the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Parthenon temple and the Acropolis of Athens, a remarkable collection of monuments that showcase the culture and society that thrived here on this rocky hill during the second half of the fifth century B.C. In addition to the Parthenon, which was dedicated to the goddess Athena, you’ll see the Erechtheion temple and the Temple of Athena Nike, along with the Propylaea gates — built by Pericles to serve as the new entrance to the Acropolis after the Persian Wars. These gates were designed to be wide enough for chariots to pass through, offering a glimpse into antiquity today. (Moderate)

Free Time: Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the city at your leisure in the Plaka, one of Athens’ oldest neighborhoods, which is like a small village within a big city. Choose one of its many bustling tavernas for lunch on your own and return to the ship at your own pace. Of course, you can also return to the ship for lunch on board. Shuttles will run between Plaka and Piraeus this afternoon.

Farewell Reception: Join your fellow travelers for a Farewell Reception and Dinner on board the ship this evening. Raise a glass to your wonderful adventure on the Aegean Sea!

Athens | Piraeus | Disembark | Return to Home City