Colors Of Eastern Mediterranean

ITINERARY

DAY 1
PIRAEUS
Greece’s buzzing cosmopolitan capital is served by Piraeus port and is an exciting mix of ancient and modern. Walk the Grand Promenade that winds beneath the city’s most famous landmark, the Acropolis. This walkway, built during the 2004 Olympic Games, links the city’s main archaeological sites. No visit to Athens is complete without seeing the Acropolis itself of course. Start with the Acropolis Museum for some informative context and then walk the marble path up Filopappou Hill for majestic views of the ‘high city’ with the iconic Parthenon perched on top (a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, patron of the city).

DAY 2
MONEMVASIA
On a small islet attached to the mainland, the preserved 6th-century medieval castle town of Monemvasia sits under a cliff at the edge of the sea. Ramble around the cobblestone alleys of this storied castle, before stopping for a rooftop lunch at one of the houses.

Shore Excursion (See Optional Activities)

DAY 3
MILOS, ADAMAS
Adamas is a port town located on the island of Milos in Greece. Adamas showcases many ancient ruins and historical sites to explore. Some popular attractions include the Church of the Holy Trinity, the Catacombs of Milos, and the Ancient Theatre of Milos.

Shore Excursion (See Optional Activities)

DAY 4
RETHYMNON, CRETE
First inhabited by the Minoans, the Venetians and then the Turks, this romantic port has seen many styles of occupation through the ages. The city’s multicultural history is immediately evident as you begin exploring its enchanting lanes. Venetian fortifications intersperse orthodox and catholic churches and mosques. Ancient mansions with floral canopies and ornate monuments adorn the charming Venetian-Ottoman quarter. The harbour area offers an atmospheric setting for an evening meal, and just above the imposing Fortezza castle stands guard over the town. If you are feeling energic, take a walk to the castle up Palekastro Hill for spectacular views of the sparkling Mediterranean below.

Shore Excursion (See Optional Activities)

DAY 5
MANDRAKI, NISYROS

DAY 5-6
SYMI
Symi is a small island of the Dodecanese group between Rhodes and mainland Turkey. Its main village is considered one of the most beautiful and picturesque ports of Greece, with its houses in vivid colors perched on the slopes of a high hill. Popular attractions include the Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis, the Symi Museum, and the Castle of Symi.

DAY 6
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.

DAY 7
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 (See Optional Activities)

DAY 8
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 (See Optional Activities)

DAY 9
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 (See Optional Activities)

DAY 10
MYTILENE, LESBOS
Mytilene is the capital of the Greek island of Lesbos. It is built on seven hills and is dominated by the Gateluzzi castle and the church of St Therapon with its impressive dome. Visitors can enjoy The Commander of Lesvos Monastery, Olive Wood House, Mytilene Castle, Theriade Library and Museum of Modern Art, and Ktima Oinoforos.

Shore Excursion (See Optional Activities)

DAY 11
CANAKKALE
The culturally important seaport of Çanakkale 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 (See Optional Activities)

DAY 11
CRUISING DARDANELLES
The Dardanelles is the strait separating the Aegean Sea from the Sea of Marmara, between the European portion and the Asian portion of Turkey at the northeastern end of the Mediterranean basin. Cruising through Dardanelles is a unique experience that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

DAY 12
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.

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 (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
• Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
• Standard WiFi
• Onboard gratuities & port taxes

DAY 2
MONEMVASIA
Shore Excursion

Mystras - Last Byzantine City
Duration: 07 h 00 m
Optional

DAY 3
MILOS, ADAMAS
Shore Excursion

A Taste of Milos
Duration: 06 h 45 m
Optional

Sea Kayaking & Volcanic Food Tasting
Duration: 05 h 00 m
Optional

Discover Milos' Highlights
Duration: 03 h 45 m
Included

DAY 4
RETHYMNON, CRETE
Shore Excursion

Be a farmer for the day
Duration: 04 h 00 m
Optional

DAY 7
PATMOS, PAMOS
Shore Excursion

Spirit of Patmos
Duration: 04 h 30 m
Included

Daily life of a nun
Duration: 02 h 30 m
Optional

Hiking in Patmos
Duration: 05 h 00 m
Optional

DAY 8
KUSADASI
Shore Excursion

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

Ephesus - Terrace Houses & Museum
Duration: 04 h 30 m
Included

DAY 9
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 10
MYTILENE, LESBOS
Shore Excursion

Highlights of Lesbos
Duration: 04 h 00 m
Included

DAY 11
CANAKKALE
Shore Excursion

Troy & Museum
Duration: 03 h 45 m
Included

Assos Antique Site
Duration: 04 h 00 m
Optional