Crete, Evening At Ephesus & Aegean Yacht Harbours

Cruise Itinerary

• Day 1: UK to Athens, Greece

  Fly from the UK to Athens. Be transferred to your hotel for a 3-night stay.

• Day 2-3: Athens, Greece

  Athens — Greece's capital city — was the birthplace of democracy and western civilisation. The city features numerous 5th-century landmarks including the former temple of Parthenon and the Acropolis, an ancient citadel that sits on a hilltop overlooking the Plaka district. The historic Plaka neighbourhood is one of the oldest in the world and features winding streets lined with family-run bars and restaurants.

• Day 4: Athens (Piraeus), Greece

  (Embarkation Day) After check out at your hotel be transferred to the cruise port to board Seabourn Ovation for your 14-night cruise.

• Day 5: Monemvasia, Greece

  Situated in the municipality of Laconia in Greece, Monemvasia (meaning single passage) sits on the island off the east coast of the Peloponnese and is connected to the mainland by a short causeway. This castle town was built in the Medieval Ages and is visually impressive; it is carved into the slopes of a sea rock and boasts a range of guesthouses, boutique hotels, restaurants, and shops. A sight that shouldn't be missed is the Church of Elkomenos Christos which is located within the Castle of Monemvasia. Head to the top of the castle where you’ll discover breathtaking views. Outside the rock, the upper town is protected by castle walls and has a number of interesting towers and guardhouse ruins to explore.

• Day 6: Agios Nikólaos, Crete, Greece

  The coastal town of Agios Nikolaos sits on the Greek island of Crete, east of the island's capital Heraklion. Lake Voulismeni is home to many tasty seafood restaurants and independent cafes; stroll around here and keep an eye out for ducks. Shop along the port area of Agios Nikolaos or perhaps take a boat tour to Spinalonga Island and appreciate the ruins caused by Turkish invasion. Voulisma Beach is the perfect combination of spectacular clear waters and soft sand; rest here on sunny days. Wander the waterfront and come across the Europa Statue & Horn of Amalthea; two impressive works of art. For a true taste of Cretan village life, you'll discover that Kritsa is a short drive away and is home to white-washed houses and timeless olive groves.

• Day 7: Mykonos, Nisos Mykonos, Greece

  Mykonos sits in the Aegean Sea with traditional white-washed houses and bright-blue waters. Wander the twisting narrow lanes, which were originally designed to confuse pirate invaders, and discover quaint shops and boutiques. Visit stylish beach bars, modern restaurants and see the iconic 16th-century Venetian windmills which overlook Mykonos town — the island's capital.

• Day 8: Bodrum, Turkey

  Bodrum overlooks two picturesque bays on the Bodrum Peninsula on Turkey's Turquoise Coast. Explore the impressive interior of the 15th-century Castle of St Peter and the on-site Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Stroll through the pedestrian alleyways lined with quaint boutiques and cafes in the nearby Old Town. Pay a visit to the ruins of Mausoleum of Mausolus to gain insight into one of the seven wonders of the ancient world or stop by Myndos Gate, the last remaining part of the old fortress wall. Bodrum Theatre dates back to Roman times and has been beautifully restored; it now hosts local theatre performances and events during the summer months. Take a wander around the marina and maybe take a boat trip out to offshore islands. No trip to Bodrum would be complete without indulging in a spot of retail therapy in the bustling shops at the Bazaar.

• Day 9: Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey

  The beach resort of Kuşadasi nestles on Turkey's western Aegean coastline. Stroll along the seafront promenade and around the marina and harbour; perhaps stop for lunch at a waterside eatery or sip a glass of ice-cold beer as you take in the view. Pay a visit the impressive 16th-century Kaleici Mosque or spend a few hours relaxing on the popular Ladies Beach. Take a walk along the causeway across to the off-shore Pigeon Island (Guvercin Adasi) to explore its walled Byzantine castle. Fun times for all the family are on the menu on the lazy river, zip lines, waterslides, and water-coasters at Adaland Aquapark on the outskirts of the town. Kusadasi is also gateway to the classical ruins at nearby Ephesus; highlights include: Cukurici Mound, Ayasuluk Hill and its Selçuk Fortress, Saint John Basilica, Isa Bey Mosque, Isa Bey Bath, Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), House of the Virgin Mary, and Ephesus Ancient City itself.

• Day 10: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 11: Istanbul (Constantinople), Turkey

  Straddling Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is a major Turkish city. Discover that its Old City reflects cultural influences from the many empires that used to rule. Visit one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, Hagia Sophia, and shop 'til you drop in the 5,000 shops covering 60 streets at the Grand Bazaar. The unforgettable views from Galata Tower cannot go a miss, as well as its 9-stories high restaurant and nightclub. Wander the Blue Mosque in the old city and spend time in the beating heart of Istanbul - Istiklal Avenue. The Archaeology Museum is well worth a visit to spot the magnificent sarcophagus of Alexander, blue tiled Karaman Mihrab, and the Treaty of Kadesh - the world's earliest surviving peace treaty.

• Day 12: Canakkale (Troy), Turkey

  Çanakkale blends vibrant coastal life with the legendary spirit of ancient Troy. Explore the charming waterfront, visit the famed archaeological site where myth and history intertwine, and see the iconic replica Trojan Horse. With its mix of seaside scenery, storied ruins, and welcoming atmosphere, this port offers a memorable doorway into Turkey’s epic past.

• Day 13: Volos (Meteora), Greece

  The Greek port city of Volos is situated at the foot of Mount Pelion alongside the picturesque Pagasetic Gulf. Famous as the mythical home of Jason and the Argonauts; this vibrant city combines a rich cultural heritage with modern attractions and architecture. Walk along the Marina and admire the yachts before heading into the city centre for shopping in the luxury boutiques on Ermou Street. Stop for a glass or two of the local tsipouro and plates of mezes on the bustling Ikonomiki Street. Indulge in a spot of culture at the Athanasakeion Archaeology Museum of Volos, Tsalapatas Brickworks Museum, and Thessaly Railway Museum. Escape to the tranquil surrounds of Agios Konstantinos Park or spend a few hours sunbathing on one of the local beaches. A trip outside the city to explore the Dimini and Sesklo pre-historic settlements is a must-do too.

• Day 14: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 15: Pátmos, Nisos Pátmos, Greece

  The Greek island of Patmos sits in the eastern Aegean Sea, separated from Turkey by the Mycale Strait. This sacred island is rumoured to be the place where Saint John wrote the Book of Revelation and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the cave-based Holy Monastery of the Apocalypse, between the port of Skala and Patmos Town, where Saint John is believed to have heard the voice of God. Patmos Town is home to the Monastery of Saint John the Divine, which boasts 14th-century frescoes and also a treasury/library packed with over 2,000 ancient books including parts of the manuscript of St Mark's Gospel. Lively Skala is the perfect spot to unwind and sample local produce, fish, and drinks in the traditional bakeries and seaside tavernas and cafes.

• Day 16: Symi, Nisos Symi, Greece

  The Greek island of Symi is approximately 13km-long and 8km-wide and forms part of the Dodecanese island group. This small and friendly place is famed for its beaches, an annual music festival, and the harbour at Symi Town; which is surrounded by colourful neoclassical houses. Follow Kali Strata broad stair path that leads from Yialos harbour up to the hilltop village of Chorio; home to the ruins of Knights of St John Kastro and the Archaeological Museum of Symi. Culture fans can explore maritime history at the Nautical Museum in Gialos or step back to the 18th century at Holy Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis; a major Greek Orthodox pilgrimage site with a Byzantine museum. Water taxis operate out of Yialos to Nimborio, Agia Marina, Agios Nikolaos, Agios Giorgios, Nanou, and Marathounda beaches; while nearby Pedi serves the beaches at Agia Marinia, Agios Nikolaos, and Agios Giorgios.

• Day 17: Thíra, Nisos Thíra (Santorini), Greece

  The village of Thira (also known as Fira) is the capital of the Greek island of Santorini and perches on a cliff top overlooking the caldera. Take the tender boat to the port side and choose your route up to Thira - either take a donkey ride up the 587 steps or hop on the modern cable car. Get cultural at the Museum of Prehistoric Thira, home to wall paintings and ceramics excavated from the ancient Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri. View the frescoes by local artist Christoforos Asimis at the white-washed Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral. Enjoy the beautiful views of Nea Kameni from the cliff top or travel to the island village of Oia, famous for its blue-roofed buildings and colourful sunsets. No visit to Thira would be complete without tasting the local gyros - freshly carved pork of chicken meat, salad, and tzatziki in a flatbread.

• Day 18: Piraeus (Athens), Greece to UK

  Today your cruise comes to an end and you will be transferred from the port to the Airport for your return flight to the UK.