Discover the ancient wonders and sacred sites of the Eastern Mediterranean, starting in Istanbul. Cruise the legendary Dardanelles, visit historic landmarks like ancient Troy, Ephesus and the Acropolis of Lindos on Rhodes. Explore Dalyan's tombs, Alanya's Roman ruins and Israel's crusader castles before reaching the holy shrines of Christianity in Nazareth, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem. This cruise is a captivating voyage through myth and scripture.
- Istanbul: Dive into Istanbul's rich history and cultural diversity, visiting iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar.
- Dardanelles Cruise: Sail through the historic Dardanelles strait, exploring the sites of the Gallipoli Campaign and witnessing the convergence of myth and history.
- Haifa: Experience the scenic beauty and religious significance of Haifa, from the stunning Bahá'í Gardens to the historic German Colony.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Istanbul bridges Europe and Asia, shaped by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. This diversity infuses the city's architecture, cuisine, music and arts. Sites include the Hagia Sophia museum, a former church and mosque, the stunning Blue Mosque with six minarets, Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans, and the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.
The Dardanelles strait, known as the Hellespont in antiquity, links the Sea of Marmara to the Aegean Sea. This strategic 60 km passage between Europe and Asia has been contested for millennia, controlling access to the Black Sea. Mythology recalls Helle's drowning and Leander's legendary swim, later repeated by a 22-year-old Lord Byron. Today, tourists explore Gallipoli on the northern shore, the WWI campaign site where the Anzac legend was born.
The culturally significant seaport of Çanakkale is the gateway to the Dardanelles, connecting the Sea of Marmara to the Aegean Sea. This historic city in northwestern Turkey, on the Asian side of the Dardanelles Strait, is renowned for its role in the poignant Gallipoli Campaign during World War I, commemorated at the Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park. The ancient city of Troy, immortalised in Greek mythology, lies nearby.
Kusadasi is the gateway to 11th century BC Ephesus, a well-preserved ancient site. This UNESCO-listed treasure was a vital Roman capital and religious hub from 129 BC. It features marble streets, the Temple of Hadrian, mosaic-adorned Terrace Houses, the Library of Celsus and the amphitheatre where St. Paul spoke. Nearby stood the Temple of Artemis/Diana, once among the Seven Wonders. The Seljuk archaeological museum displays Ephesus artefacts.
Türkiye’s coastal crown jewel, the vibrant port town of Bodrum and its surrounding peninsula offer ancient ruins and natural beauty in equal measure. Bodrum is home to the ruins of the Tomb of Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The tomb was destroyed by a series of earthquakes.Its stone was later used to build the UNESCO-listed Bodrum Castle built by the Knights of St. John in the 15th century in the bay.
Datcha is a port town in southwestern Turkey on the narrow Datcha Peninsula on the Aegean Sea. Eski Datcha, the town's old quarter, enchants with its stone houses, narrow streets, and bougainvillea-clad walls. At the Datcha Peninsula's western tip, the ancient ruins of Knidos invite visitors to explore a bygone era. Once a thriving Roman and Byzantine trading hub, Knidos boasts an amphitheatre, a temple to Aphrodite and a 4th-century BC sundial.
Dalyan, on Turkey's southwest coast, set along the turquoise Dalyan River, faces the ancient city of Kaunos with its famous amphitheatre and cliffside King Tombs resembling mini temples. Nearby is Iztuzu Beach, or Turtle Beach, a nesting site for loggerhead turtles. The area also features the natural Dalyan Mud Baths and hot springs of Sultaniye village on Lake Köycegiz, said to be a favorite of Cleopatra.
As part of Türkiye's Turquoise Coast, Fethiye is known for its aqua-coloured waters. The modern town is built over the Ancient Greek city of Telmessos, the largest Lycian city. Lycian rock tombs carved into a bluff overlooking the city. include the 350 B.C. Tomb of Amyntas. The 400-km Lycian Way Trail connects sites from here to Antalya. Nearby, Ölüdeniz's Belcekız Beach features the Blue Lagoon, while Butterfly Valley is a nature reserve.
On Türkiye's Mediterranean coast, Alanya is known for its old town, Kaleiçi, a maze of cobblestone streets with Ottoman villas and Turkish bazaars. Perched above is Alanya Castle, a medieval Seljuk-era fortress. Beneath the heart of town lies Damlataş Cave with stalagmites and stalactites. Alanya's beaches and clear waters are perfect for swimming and water sports, particularly Cleopatra Beach, supposedly where the Egyptian queen herself swam.
Mersin is a port city in southern Turkey, once a Roman and Byzantine trading area. Nearby, the Roman city Tarsus, associated with St. Paul's birthplace, features Cleopatra's Gate and witnessed the famous Antony-Cleopatra meeting. Excavations reveal a paved street. South of Mersin, ancient Olba-Diocaesarea, established in the 6th century BC, retains remnants of the Temple to Zeus, a colonnaded street, amphitheatre and aqueduct.
Built along the slopes of Mount Carmel, overlooking the Mediterranean, the scenic port city of Haifa is home to the Bahá'í Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the golden Shrine of the Báb. Nearby, are archaeological sites from Roman, early Christian, and Byzantine eras; some of the most famous are linked to Jesus, such as Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee. The historic German Colony hosts charming cafes, restaurants and boutiques.
Established in 1859 during the opening of the Suez Canal, Port Said features the elegant Waterfront Quarter, with landmarks like the Suez Canal House and the Military Museum of Port Said. Serving as a gateway to Cairo, it provides access to some of the world's most iconic sites like the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Grand Egyptian Museum, and the Egyptian Museum with its collection of over 120,000 artefacts, including Tutankhamun's treasures.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Diana
| Length | 125 metres |
|---|---|
| Launched | 2022/23 |
Launched in 2023, SH Diana provides elegant and spacious 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies. Operated by an onboard team of 140 she provides a high level of personal service, exploring the Mediterranean and its famous sites of antiquity.
Now sit back, relax and take a moment to get to know this amazing new ship, purpose-designed for our unique cultural expedition cruises.
Named after the Ancient Roman goddess of light, the moon, hunting and the wilderness, SH Diana been specially designed for worldwide cruising to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on earth. Building on the outstanding amenities of her sister ships, she adds a dedicated Multifunctional Room next to the Observation Lounge, a Private Dining Room for special occasions, and two tenders which bring guests a comfortable alternative to Zodiacs for expedition landings. A Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hull combines with extra-large stabilisers to make your journey as comfortable as possible.
SH Diana has been designed for immersive experiences, with extensive outside deck areas, multiple observation points and bright, open and relaxing public spaces with unobstructed views.
The pleasure and safety of our guests is paramount at all times, cared for by our attentive crew and seasoned expedition leaders. Cutting edge hygiene technology protects the health of all on board to the highest standards and includes air conditioning with UV sanitisation systems.
SH Diana’s 96 staterooms , including 11 suites, are each a superbly comfortable home from home and all feature panoramic sea views, a flame-effect fireplace, original works of art, plush couches, premium pocket sprung mattresses, en-suite bathrooms with glass-enclosed rain showers, and Egyptian cotton towels, bathrobes and sheets. A pillow menu offers customised head and neck comfort during rest, while a large flat screen TV, espresso machine with Illy premium coffee, tea making facilities with the finest Kusmi teas, and a minibar with refreshments enhance relaxation at any time. In-room dining is of course available at all hours.
