Istanbul to Athens
Eight-night cruise on the Ponant Le Dumont D’Urville, October 19–29, 2027
From the Byzantine mosaics of Hagia Sophia to the medieval streets of the Rhodes Old Town, experience over 2,500 years of history—spanning Ottoman, Byzantine, Roman, and ancient Greek civilizations. Cruise for eight nights from Istanbul, Turkey, to Athens, Greece, aboard the 92-cabin luxurious Ponant Le Dumont D’Urville, an exclusively chartered, deluxe small ship. Explore Turkey’s most significant—and less-often visited—archaeological sites, including ancient Troy; the world’s steepest ancient theater, dramatically positioned in Pergamon’s acropolis; and the fascinating Museum of Underwater Archaeology, housed in Bodrum’s medieval castle. Continue on to Greece, where you’ll stop at Rhodes, Naxos, Mykonos, and Athens, featuring ancient wonders such as the Temple of Zeus and the Acropolis.
Trip Highlights
- Experience historic Istanbul: See the iconic Hagia Sophia with its Byzantine mosaics and the sublime Blue Mosque.
- Stand atop ancient Pergamon: Climb the steepest theater of the ancient world at the Acropolis.
- Discover Bodrum’s treasures: Tour the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, housed in magnificent St. Peter’s Castle.
- Take in Rhodes’ coastal beauty: Visit Lindos to admire its mosaics and ascend to the Acropolis overlooking the town and sparkling sea.
- Enjoy time in Mykonos: Spend a free afternoon exploring the island at your own pace, where, according to Greek mythology, Hercules lured giants into battle.
- Explore legendary Athens: Visit the Temple of Zeus and the Acropolis.
- Walk through myth on Delos: Discover the island known as the birthplace of Apollo.
- Travel with an expert: Featured guest speaker, translator, and writer Ekin Oklap joins the journey.
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites: Experience five remarkable sites across Turkey and Greece, from Istanbul and Troy to Rhodes and Delos.
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