Istanbul, Kusadasi (Ephesus), Piraeus/Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Split, Koper, Venice

A cruise to Istanbul (nee Constantinople nee Byzantium) takes you to the world's only two-continent metropolis, steeped with nearly 10 millennia of history. We will cross Galata Bridge to the old city, go past the Süleymaniye Mosque, whose 174-foot dome was once the highest in the Ottoman Empire, pass from the ancient city walls, built by Constantine, and beneath the epic Roman aqueduct. Don't miss the visit to the Blue Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque, Agia Sophia, the Ecumenical Patriarchate and enjoy the views to Bosphorus and Galata Tower. The aromas and scents of curry, saffron, and myrrh fill the air. A unique city of unparalleled beauty that will enchant you.

Kusadasi is a popular resort along the coasts of Asia Minor, our base of the exploration of nearby ancient town of Ephesus, which has one of the largest collections of ruins in the eastern Mediterranean. In the first century B.C., it was one of the largest cities in the world, boasting the Great Theater which 24.000 people, the Temple of Artemis, which was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Library of Celsus, which was considered the finest in creation. Today, we can see only parts of the ancient glory but still, you will definitely be enchanted. Don't miss the chance to visit the local bazaar in Kusadasi.

Piraeus port is the gateway to Athens center. Don't miss the Parthenon, the temple to Athena which looms over Athens from its perch atop the Acropolis, an eternal icon of art and civilization. Completed in 438 B.C., the temple still astounds as the flowering of Greek art and architecture. When you come down off the hill, don't miss a visit to the Ancient Agora, Syntagma Square, the Acropolis Museum and the city's historic centre, around Plaka. Ideally, sit and relax at a cafe on the foot of the hill, sample some Greek souvlaki or a frappe, take a glance back up the hill from time to time and give the goddess her due.

Santorini is essentially what remains of an enormous volcanic explosion dated back 3,600 years (between 1627- 1600 BC) and which created the current geological caldera: a giant central lagoon, more or less rectangular, measuring about 12 by 7 km. The effect is still explosive: 300-m-high steep cliffs on three sides rise from sea level, cubic white houses surrounded by pink bougainvilleas glow in the Aegean sun. The wild beauty, the fascinating Caldera, the gold sunset, of the Number 1 destination in Greece will steal your heart away! 

Welcome to Greece's most famous cosmopolitan island, a whitewashed paradise in the heart of the Cyclades. Whether you are an entertainment junkie out for a real good time or a visitor who wishes to explore the island’s history and tradition, Mykonos will certainly meet your expectations, as one of the most quaint destinations of this cruise. Ramble along narrow streets past white-washed houses and blue-domed churches, bougainvillea-covered walls and thread-like, step-laden footpaths leading everywhere. Set out on a journey to discover a fascinating world where glamour meets simplicity. 

Fortresses flank your entrance to magnificent Corfu, one of the most beautiful of the Ionian Islands. Lose yourself in the Venetian old town or head north of the island, for dramatic seascapes. Explore the legacies of Greek, Roman and Venetian Empires or simply marvel at nature’s treasures that are hidden in this beautiful island, swathed in emerald green, lapped by turquoise waters and fringed with golden sand. The once pastel colours on Venetian buildings may have faded, but the welcoming scent of eucalyptus, fig and lemon trees are fragrant as ever. 

Kotor, which was first settled during the days of ancient Rome, is located along one of Montenegro's most beautiful fjord-like bays. It is a precious gem, with a well preserved urban center, which hosts ample medieval architecture and numerous monuments of cultural heritage that have designated the town, a UNESCO “World Natural and Historical Heritage Site". Walking along the streets and alleys, you will enjoy a fairy-tale setting, where medieval spires rise dreamily over orange rooftops beside mountainous scenery. 

Dubrovnik, the so rightfully called "Adriatic jewel", is walled all around with ramparts that drop to the sea and enclose a town of closely clustered buildings, mostly attired in white walls and brilliant red rooftops. A walk along its cobblestone streets, where time seems to stand still, will reveal an idyllic small town, with many highlights, such as Roland's Column, the Bell Tower or the Old Port, the Franciscan Monastery/ Old Pharmacy Museum, Rector’s Palace (the most historic monument in Dubrovnik), Sponza Palace and the Dominican Monastery, between the Sponza Palace and the Ploče Gate. Time allowing, take the cable car and enjoy the best views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding area are, from the top of the Srd Hill.

Split, built under the orders of the Roman emperor Diocletian, who lived out his last days after abdicating in AD 305, is located between Venice and the Ionian Islands, on the Dalmatian coast and is one of the most important ports of Croatia. Today, the remarkable residence of the Roman Emperor, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, awaits your discovery. The white limestone palace, part luxurious villa, part military camp, is enclosed by imposing walls and connected by roads linking the eastern Silver Gate with the Iron Gate to the west. Within its premices, you can see an octagonal domed mausoleum, temples and a monumental court accessing the imperial apartments.

Koper is situated along Slovenia’s coastline, in the Istrian Region. The city is next to the country’s border with Italy and is officially bilingual, speaking both Italian and Slovene. Koper is a small, pleasant city. In the Old Town visitors can admire medieval and early renaissance buildings, such as the Praetorian Palace and Church of the Assumption.

When it comes to Venice, pictures speak louder than words. Approaching the floating city, which is concocted from spires and cupolas, you discover a majestic place, undoubtedly the most romantic city in the world. Stroll along the cobblestone alleys that reveal the wonderful architectural gems, enjoy a hot mix of espresso, step out into the palatial arcades and St. Mark's Square or choose a romantic gondola ride. The lagoon, consisting more or less of 118 islands connected with bridges and canals, will steal your heart away. Time provided, you can visit nearby islands Burano, the coloured island of lace and Murano, famous for its fancy glasswares.