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SHDiana - Guests

Sailing The Cusp Of Europe And Asia

Leaving the culturally diverse city of Istanbul in Turkey behind, our five-star boutique ship heads across the Aegean Sea on our 10-night Highlights of the Aegean & Southern Turkey before landing in Cyprus. This absorbing voyage takes us on a journey through Eastern Mediterranean history, discovering once-glorious ancient sites that were home to some of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Discover the remnants of Ancient Greek and Roman trading ports, cities and temples as you roam through World Heritage archaological sites. From picturesque medieval towns to the site of a bloody World War I battle, history surrounds you on this cultural cruise where ancient worlds have shaped the modern cities you visit today.




 

 

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Stand among the ruins of Ancient Troy and listen to stories of Trojan history
  • Learn more about the ancient Greek poet, Homer, on his home island of Chios
  • Wander through ancient streets in the legendary commercial city of Ephesus
  • Discover more about two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
  • Walk though the triumphal arch of Hadrian’s Gate and immerse yourself in Antalya’s old town

DATES / RATES

Rates are listed per person
Start DateEnd DateFrom EURFrom USD
Rates are listed per person
Start DateEnd DateFrom EURFrom USD

ITINERARY


DAY 1-2
ISTANBUL
An enchanting city that divides two continents, we`ll approach Istanbul from the Bosphorus Strait, one of the world`s most important maritime routes. With the shores of Asia to the east, the first Bosphorus Bridge to the north and "old Istanbul" to the south, few other ports offer such an immersive welcome. After disembarking, you`ll soon discover that the city is a vibrant, inclusive and friendly place that blends its tradition and modernity with ease. The history here is diverse and far-reaching. The city`s strategic location attracted many conquering forces over the years including the Greeks, Romans, Venetians and Ottomans. Istanbul was also the final point on the legendary Silk Road, attracting traders from the world over, and paving the way for the culturally diverse Istanbul of today.

Shore Excursion

DAY 3
CANAKKALE
The culturally important seaport of Canakkale is the gateway to the Dardanelles (known in classical antiquity as the Hellespont), which connects the Sea of Marmara to the Aegean Sea. Alongside the Bosphorus, these are the two historically significant and legendary Turkish straits. And there is no better way to explore this historical waterway than by small ship cultural cruising. Cruising into the Dardanelles we`ll pass the site of ancient Troy (Biga Peninsula) and the Gallipoli Peninsula, the place of the epic World War I battle.

Shore Excursion

DAY 4
CHIOS
Located in the beautiful Aegean Sea, Chios is the birthplace of the Greek poet Homer and is known for its incredible beaches and fascinating medieval villages. Pyrgi and Olympi stand out for their elaborate architecture and intricate geometrical patterns. When the Roman Empire fell, Chios joined the Byzantine Empire. Castles, villages and strongholds were built, most of which remain today. Chios remains largely untouched by mass tourism and walking through the narrow streets of the villages and along the harbour is an authentic, sensory experience.

Shore Excursion

DAY 5
KUSADASI
Kusadasi is the gateway to Ephesus, one of the ancient world`s most legendary cities. Remarkably well preserved, Ephesus is a UNESCO listed world heritage site and the best place in the Mediterranean to learn about past civilisations. A short distance from Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis (also known as the Temple of Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, once stood. Although the temple is no longer there, it is still possible to walk amongst its foundations. After the Romans arrived in 129 BC, Ephesus became the capital of western Asian Minor. Wander through its ancient streets and step back in time into one of Rome`s most important commercial hubs.

Shore Excursion

DAY 6
PATMOS, PAMOS
Patmos, an Aegean island in the Dodecanese islands, is an important sacred site for Christian pilgrims. It is here that St. John, or John of Patmos, was believed to have written the Book of Revelations in the Cave of the Apocalypse, above the port of Skala. Visitors also walk to the top of the hill to the 11th-century Monastery of Saint John, which overlooks the picturesque white-washed capital of the island, Chora.

Shore Excursion

DAY 7
RHODES
Rhodes archeologic crown jewel, is dominated by its remarkable Acropolis. The Apostle Paul landed in St Paul`s Bay, located at the foot of the Acropolis. Further below old, whitewashed buildings line a warren of alleyways where the mansions of long-vanished sea captains now house tavernas, bars and cafes.

Shore Excursion

DAY 8
KASTELORIZO
Kastelorizo is the remotest island in Greece, located on the easternmost edge of Dodecanese. It is also known as Megisti. The island is a small complex of fourteen rocky islets and islands. Kastelorizo`s origins trace back to prehistoric times. The Knights of Rhodes ruled the island in the 14th century. The Ottoman Empire followed them until it was ceded to Italy in 1912. The British occupied it during World War II and returned the island to Greece in 1948.

Shore Excursion

DAY 9
FETHIYE
Fethiye is a port city on Turkey`s aptly named Turquoise Coast, best-known for its blue waters. The town is also the site of numerous rock tombs including the 350 B.C. Tomb of Amyntas, carved into a bluff overlooking the city. Modern Fethiye is built over the Ancient Greek city of Telmessos, the largest city of Lycia. The newly created Lycian Way Trail path runs 400 km between Fethiye and Antalya. In the south, Belcekiz beach at Ölüdeniz is sheltered by the glistening warm waters of the Blue Lagoon, while nearby Butterfly Valley is a designated nature reserve.

Shore Excursion

DAY 10
ANTALYA
Founded in 150 BC by Attalos II, King of Pergamon, Antalya is now a major harbour and the largest Turkish city on the Mediterranean coast. The city`s long and fascinating history is evident just about everywhere. Hadrian`s Gate marks the historical entrance to Antalya and in the Archaeological Museum, you can find impressive collections of pottery, mosaics and artefacts. Immerse yourself in ancient times as you wander the narrow winding streets of Antalya`s Old Town. Or for an authentic Turkish shopping experience, the Antalya Bazaar is a must.

Shore Excursion

DAY 11
LIMASSOL
The second largest city in Cyprus, sunny Limassol is located between the ancient sites of Amathous and Kourion. Just like its island home, Limassol has seen many occupations come and go, and the result is delightfully cosmopolitan. The modern waterfront buildings and sleek promenade stand in contrast to the ancient core of the Old Town. Here you`ll find Limassol Castle, best known as the place where Richard the Lionheart (King Richard I) married Berengaria of Navarre after his conquest of the island in 1191. Kolossi Castle is located around 14 kilometres outside the city and was a command post during the Crusades. Take a break from the city`s long and fascinating history and explore the beautiful beaches, bustling restaurants and cafes, or perhaps enjoy the island’s natural beauty on hike along Cape Greco’s stunning coastal trails.

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WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
  • One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
  • All meals onboard
  • Onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category
  • 24-hour room service
  • Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
  • Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
  • One selected shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call
  • Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
  • Standard WiFi
  • Onboard gratuities & port taxes


DAY 1-2
ISTANBUL
Shore Excursion
Landmarks of Istanbul
Duration: 04 h 00 m
Included

Hidden Treasures Of Istanbul
Duration: 06 h 45 m
Optional

Jewels Of Imperial Constantinople
Duration: 07 h 30 m
Optional

DAY 3
CANAKKALE
Shore Excursion
Troy & Museum
Duration: 03 h 45 m
Included

Assos Antique Site
Duration: 04 h 00 m
Optional

DAY 4
CHIOS
Shore Excursion
Nea Moni Monastery & Anavatos
Duration: 04 h 00 m
Optional

Chios Town history and Food tour
Duration: 03 h 00 m
Optional

Chios Highlights
Duration: 04 h 30 m
Included

DAY 5
KUSADASI
Shore Excursion
Ephesus - Terrace Houses & Museum
Duration: 04 h 30 m
Included

Priene -Miletus & Didyma
Duration: 08 h 00 m
Optional

St. John Basilica - Artemis Tempel & V. House Of Virgin Mary
Duration: 03 h 30 m
Optional

DAY 6
PATMOS, PAMOS
Shore Excursion
Daily life of a nun
Duration: 02 h 30 m
Optional

Hiking in Patmos
Duration: 05 h 00 m
Optional

Spirit of Patmos
Duration: 04 h 30 m
Included

DAY 7
RHODES
Shore Excursion
Walking Tour of Old Rhodes Town
Duration: 03 h 00 m
Included

Acropolis of Lindos
Duration: 04 h 30 m
Optional

Upgraded Lindos and Ancient Rhodes
Duration: 08 h 00 m
Optional

Rhodes Natural Beauty
Duration: 04 h 30 m
Optional

Jeep Safari
Duration: 07 h 00 m
Optional

DAY 8
KASTELORIZO
Shore Excursion
Kastelorizo Walking Tour
Duration: 02 h 30 m
Included

Blue Cave
Duration: 01 h 00 m
Optional

DAY 9
FETHIYE
Shore Excursion
Tour Of Xanthos And Letoon
Duration: 04 h 30 m
Included

The Rock Cut Toms and Fethiye’s Archaeological Museum
Duration: 03 h 30 m
Optional

DAY 10
ANTALYA
Shore Excursion
Perge & Aspendos
Duration: 04 h 45 m
Included

Termessos
Duration: 04 h 15 m
Optional

 
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DISCLAIMER: Rates are per person, subject to availability and can change at any time