Ancient Wonders of Turkey, Greece & Egypt
November 2027

Having long served as gateway to the Ancient city of Athens, Piraeus has an attractive marina area. However, it is generally used to visit Athens, which has been continuously occupied since the fifth century B.C. Important landmarks here include the Acropolis, the hilltop citadel overlooking the city, also home to the Parthenon Temple and the Temple of Zeus. Close by is the Panathenaic Stadium, originally built as a racetrack in 330 B.C but has been completely rebuilt and is open to the public.

Some of the best moments of cruising are the days spent at sea where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful programme of events and activities we have planned for you.

Situated in north-western Turkey, Istanbul is seen as the place where east meets west, with a cultural diversity stretching back over centuries. Historically known as both Byzantine and Constantinople, it has seen many ancient empires. Skyscrapers sit alongside traditional and historical structures, such as the Blue Mosque – an iconic landmark in the city, and a fully functioning religious site. Istanbul is also home to the Grand Bazaar, the renowned maze of souqs, located under beautifully decorated ceilings.

Cruising the Dardanelles is a memorable passage through one of the world’s most historic waterways, where Europe and Asia lie on opposite shores. As your ship makes her way through this narrow strait, you’ll see rolling hills, small towns and quiet villages, with reminders of centuries of history lining the banks, from ancient fortresses to landscapes shaped by more recent events. It’s a scenic, unhurried experience best enjoyed on deck, offering time to take in the views, reflect on the significance of the route, and appreciate the sense of connection between cultures that have passed through these waters for thousands of years.

Known for being a beach resort on Turkey’s Aegean coast, Kusadasi is also the starting point for the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Ephesus, one of the country’s best preserved ancient cities. Close by is the city of Miletus, said to be the birthplace of Cartography. Built in 1495, The Belediye Hamamı Kusadasi is the only traditional Turkish steam bath in the region.

Some of the best moments of cruising are the days spent at sea where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful programme of events and activities we have planned for you.

Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great and is best known for being one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The birthplace of Cleopatra VII is the cultural hub of the region, and gateway to the Nile Delta, where the Rosetta stone – a stela (stone slab) inscribed with hieroglyphic Ancient Egyptian script, was discovered by the French in 1799, later to become the property of the British when Napoleon was defeated.

In front of the town hall and the naval museum, the columns are carved figures of men, known as atlantes or caryatids – it is a style borrowed from Ancient Greece. The naval museum itself is interesting, with models of ships, displays about galley slaves and pirates and equipment ranging from wheels to figureheads. The Toulon Museum has collections of art from the past 500 years.

On Cours Lafayette in the Old Town there is a fabulous open-air market selling fresh fruit, vegetables and charcuterie. It’s open every morning apart from Monday and it’s worth visiting just to savour the smell of fresh herbs and lavender that hangs in the air.

Some of the best moments of cruising are the days spent at sea where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful programme of events and activities we have planned for you.

The history of Iraklion, the capital of Crete, stretches back over 5000 years to the time of the Minoans – Europe’s first civilisation – and is a port city of remarkably well preserved fortifications, a fine, animated street market and atmospheric old alleys and museums. Also known as Heraklion, the city’s most sought-after highlight is the Minoan Palace of Knossos, an archaeological site with frescoes and baths to discover. Guarding the city’s Venetian port is the 16th century Koules fortress, and the vast Heraklion Archaeological Museum exhibits classic Hellenic and Roman sculptures, frescoes, jewellery, wall-paintings, pottery and Minoan art.

Having long served as gateway to the Ancient city of Athens, Piraeus has an attractive marina area. However, it is generally used to visit Athens, which has been continuously occupied since the fifth century B.C. Important landmarks here include the Acropolis, the hilltop citadel overlooking the city, also home to the Parthenon Temple and the Temple of Zeus. Close by is the Panathenaic Stadium, originally built as a racetrack in 330 B.C but has been completely rebuilt and is open to the public.