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
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| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
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Rates are listed per person
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| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
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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.
SH Diana (Luxury Expedition, 192-guests)
The 2023-built SH Diana will be providing elegant and spacious 5-star
accommodation for 192 guests in 96 spacious staterooms and suites, the
vast majority with large balconies.
(Click image to view Ship details)
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
