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HighlightsNafplio & Nemea: Enjoy a leisurely morning at sea before arriving in Nafplio. Explore the ancient sanctuary of Nemea, known for its athletic games, Temple of Zeus, bathhouse, and stadium. Sample local wines at a vineyard and explore Nafplio's charming streets.
Mycenae & Epidaurus: Visit the famous citadel of Mycenae with its Lion Gate, Royal Palace, and the Treasury of Atreus. Explore the ancient healing center of Epidaurus, renowned for its acoustically perfect theater.
Delos & Syros: Discover the sacred island of Delos, the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Explore the archaeological site, then visit Syros, the largest cultural and trade center of the Aegean in the 19th century. Explore the charming town of Ermoupolis.
Kusadasi & Ephesus, Turkey: In Kusadasi, explore the ancient city of Ephesus with its Library of Celsus, Temple of Serapis, and the Church of the Virgin Mary. Spend the afternoon at leisure in Kusadasi.

                    Highlights
                    Nafplio & Nemea: Enjoy a leisurely morning at sea before arriving in Nafplio. Explore the ancient sanctuary of Nemea, known for its athletic games, Temple of Zeus, bathhouse, and stadium. Sample local wines at a vineyard and explore Nafplio's charming streets.
Mycenae & Epidaurus: Visit the famous citadel of Mycenae with its Lion Gate, Royal Palace, and the Treasury of Atreus. Explore the ancient healing center of Epidaurus, renowned for its acoustically perfect theater.
Delos & Syros: Discover the sacred island of Delos, the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Explore the archaeological site, then visit Syros, the largest cultural and trade center of the Aegean in the 19th century. Explore the charming town of Ermoupolis.
Kusadasi & Ephesus, Turkey: In Kusadasi, explore the ancient city of Ephesus with its Library of Celsus, Temple of Serapis, and the Church of the Virgin Mary. Spend the afternoon at leisure in Kusadasi.

                  

Ship Hebridean Sky

Capacity: 114, Type: Luxury Small Ship Cruise

Feture image for Aegean Antiquities - Greece & Turkey Cruise

The awe-inspiring sites of the Aegean have attracted, inspired, and fascinated travellers throughout the centuries and during this voyage we will explore some of the most historic and scenically beautiful places in Greece and Turkey. Our itinerary represents small ship cruising at its best and is timed for October when the absence of high summer crowds will contribute towards making this a very memorable journey during which 3,000 years of history can be viewed in relative peace and quiet. By the end of the cruise you will have seen and learnt so much, all from the comfort of the all-suite MS Hebridean Sky which allows us access to ports which the big ships simply can’t reach.

Our time in Greece will focus on unspoiled islands, timeless villages and splendid archaeological sites and we will learn about the great cities that flourished and fell, and the intriguing civilisations that so coveted these ancient lands. When not sailing through some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in the Mediterranean, we will explore some truly wonderful sites such as Epidaurus, famed as a place of miraculous healing and Patmos where we will visit the grotto of St John. Continuing to the Turkish Coast we will visit truly magnificent ancient sites including Ephesus, one of the most famous Graeco-Roman sites in the Mediterranean and Pergamon, one of the cultural capitals of antiquity and a city of endless fascination. Our final day will be spent at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bursa visiting the Great Mosque, mausoleum, and other sites from its incarnation as the first Ottoman capital.

After many years of experience of operating cruises in the Aegean, we believe we have the perfectly balanced itinerary with a mix of guided excursions and time at leisure to explore the charming villages independently. With just over 100 fellow passengers, our trips ashore with local guides will be a pleasure and whether your interest lies in ancient history, culture and the myths of ancient Greece and Turkey or simply the joy of experiencing new places, this journey has something for everyone.

Nafplio & Nemea: Enjoy a leisurely morning at sea before arriving in Nafplio. Explore the ancient sanctuary of Nemea, known for its athletic games, Temple of Zeus, bathhouse, and stadium. Sample local wines at a vineyard and explore Nafplio's charming streets.
Mycenae & Epidaurus: Visit the famous citadel of Mycenae with its Lion Gate, Royal Palace, and the Treasury of Atreus. Explore the ancient healing center of Epidaurus, renowned for its acoustically perfect theater.
Delos & Syros: Discover the sacred island of Delos, the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Explore the archaeological site, then visit Syros, the largest cultural and trade center of the Aegean in the 19th century. Explore the charming town of Ermoupolis.
Kusadasi & Ephesus, Turkey: In Kusadasi, explore the ancient city of Ephesus with its Library of Celsus, Temple of Serapis, and the Church of the Virgin Mary. Spend the afternoon at leisure in Kusadasi.

There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.

show reverse itinerary

Day 1 London to Athens, Greece.

Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky moored in Piraeus and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.

Day 2 Nafplio & Nemea.

Spend a relaxing morning at sea before arriving into Nafplio at lunchtime. From the port we take a scenic drive through the Argos Plain to Nemea, the site of a religious sanctuary which hosted the pan-Hellenic athletic games every two years from 573 BC until 271 BC. The mythical origin of the Games is sometimes ascribed to Hercules who, after his first labour in which he had to kill the Nemean lion living in the caves of Mount Tritos above the site, established the athletic games in honour of his father, Zeus. Nemea was not a town or settlement but a venue where festivities were held during the games and our tour will include the Temple of Zeus, the bathhouse and the stadium before spending time in the small but excellent on-site museum. Nemea is also famous for its red wines and we will enjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyard before returning to the ship. This evening you may wish to take time to wander the twisting labyrinthine streets of Nafplio and view the Venetian and Turkish architecture as we moor overnight.

Day 3 Mycenae & Epidaurus.

This morning we drive to the famous citadel of Mycenae which is located high above the confluence of two boulder-strewn ravines and accessed by way of the Lion Gate. Once inside the gate, we will explore the Royal Palace, the shaft graves and the remains of the city walls. An archaeological briefing within the Treasury of Atreus (also known as the Tomb of Agamemnon) will add to our understanding and appreciation of the sights. After lunch ashore we visit one of the most renowned of Greece’s ancient sites. Situated on the slopes of a beautiful, wooded valley, Epidaurus was known throughout the Hellenic world for its unique medical facilities and healing treatments. Dedicated to Asclepius, the god of healing, the city was filled with curative spas and baths and only priests had access to certain secret sites. Most of the ruins of Epidaurus have been reduced to their foundations, except for the astonishing theatre which is in an admirable state of preservation. Built into the ground, rather than above it, it is known for its fantastic acoustics, which we will observe during our visit.

Day 4 Delos & Syros.

Sail overnight to Delos, which though the smallest of the Cyclades was once the political and religious centre for the whole of the Aegean. Birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, it boasted an oracle second only to that of Delphi. Explore the magnificent archaeological site including the marble sanctuary of Apollo. Over lunch we sail to Syros which was the largest cultural and trade centre of the Aegean in the 19th century, and the capital Ermoupolis was Greece’s principal port. Arriving in the late afternoon, we take a walk in the town of Ermoupolis, the capital of the Cyclades. The prosperity of the island in the 19th and early 20th century created through commerce and shipping is reflected in the architecture with a beautiful square, town hall and theatre. Please note that we will be at anchor in Delos and will use the vessel’s Zodiacs to transfer ashore.

Day 5 Patmos.

Of all the Greek islands, Patmos is the most sacred to Christians both Orthodox and Western and it was here that St John received his revelation. This morning we will make our way to the grotto of St John. This small cave, now converted into a beautiful chapel, is where the Saint lived, had his revelation and wrote ‘Book of the Apocalypse’. From here we continue to the village of Chora, with its simple houses and Byzantine churches and climb to the Monastery of St John the Theologian. Upon entering into the courtyard, admire the intricate pebbled laid floor, decorated arches and frescoes adorning the entrance to the chapel of Christodoulos. This afternoon and evening are at leisure to explore the picturesque town of Skala or maybe enjoy a swim at a nearby beach.

Day 6 Kusadasi & Ephesus, Turkey.

Our first call in Turkey will be at Kusadasi, our base to explore the nearby ancient city of Ephesus, a stunning and partially excavated site where digging has been taking place for over a century. Broad streets are lined by impressive buildings including the Library of Celsus and the temples of Serapis and Hadrian. Once the capital of Ionia, St Paul preached here on his second missionary journey and we will see the Church of the Virgin Mary, the most important Christian monument in Ephesus. Also see the spectacular Grand Theatre, originally built in the 3rd century BC by the Greeks, and later expanded by the Romans to its present capacity of 24,000. We will enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Kusadasi.

Day 7 Pergamon.

From our berth in Dikili we will drive inland, past fertile fields and olive trees, to the present day modern town of Bergama, once known as Pergamon, a great centre of culture. Today Pergamon is one of Turkey’s finest archaeological sites. We will visit the Asclepion, a healing centre from the 4th century BC and one of the most important sites of Pergamon. Discover the Temple of Asclepios, the amphitheatre, and walk through the sacred corridor and down the ancient, arcaded, marble-paved boulevard. Continue into the town of Bergama and visit the Archaeological Museum which houses relics discovered during the excavations of Pergamon. En-route we will see the Basilica which was one of the earliest of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor. Take a cable car up to the Acropolis to explore the remains of the citadel and the city walls, the foundations of the Zeus Altar, and the Royal Palace. Lunch today will be served ashore.

Day 8 Canakkale & Troy.

Spend the morning cruising before we arrive over lunch into the port of Canakkale, our gateway for Troy. Ongoing archaeological excavations have revealed nine different layers of cities superimposed in rings on a massive mound rising above the Plain of Ilium. It was at one of these cities, as legend has it, that the Greeks fought the Trojans as told by Homer in the Iliad. Our tour follows the excavations made by Heinrich Schliemann, the archaeologist who discovered Troy and ‘Priam’s Treasure’, the jewels that, Schliemann claimed, were worn by Helen of Troy. We will walk the walls that held Helen of Troy and look down at the plain where Achilles dragged the dead body of Hector. We can also visit the onsite Troy Museum.

Day 9 Mudanya for Bursa.

We cruise overnight through the Dardanelles and into the Sea of Marmara towards our berth at Mudanya, our gateway to Bursa. Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and is one of the greatest treasure houses of Islamic architecture dating back to the 2nd century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, we visit the city’s main sites including the prominent Great Mosque with its two towering minarets and 20 domes; it is considered one of the most important mosques in Islam after those in Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem, and Damascus. Walk to Koza Han which for centuries was the centre of Bursa’s flourishing silk trade and home of the skilled artisans who produced kaftans, pillows, embroidery, and other silk products for the Ottomans. Our tour will conclude at the Green Mosque and the neighbouring Green Mausoleum, both world-renowned for their superb tile decorations.

Day 10 Istanbul to London.

Be on deck as we sail into Istanbul this morning and disembark after breakfast. Transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.

Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

show main itinerary

Itineraries are subject to change.

Be on deck as we sail into Istanbul this morning and disembark after breakfast. Transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.

Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky moored in Piraeus and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.

* = Indicative

Hebridean Sky

Length	90 metres
Built/refurbished	1992/2016

Hebridean Sky has always been known for its effortless elegance, impeccable service and atmosphere of charm and camaraderie. Now we add increased adventure options and an on-site Passenger Service Representative. Hebridean Sky is the perfect blend of luxury and adventurous exploration. Is it a luxury ship? An adventure ship? It’s both! The vessel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in Spring 2016.

ONBOARD DINING

Great expeditions require great food! We are pleased to offer daily changing breakfast, lunch and dinner menus with an emphasis on providing well balanced and nutritional cuisine. Our team of international chefs has boat loads of creativity and you are sure to experience a variety of interesting dishes throughout your voyage. The restaurant is located on Deck 2 and our service team looks forward to providing a memorable dining experience.

IMPECCABLE SMALL-SHIP AMENITIES

Returning from excursions, passengers enjoy complimentary refreshments, afternoon tea and all-day coffee in The Club, a gracious space for relaxation, surrounded by panoramic windows. Other Sea Explorer features include:

Library with Internet access

Lounge with audiovisual facilities

Dining room

Wraparound sun deck with Jacuzzi

Exercise room

Medical facilities with available doctor

Elevator serving all passenger decks

Swimming/zodiac platform

All Voyages Include:

Up to Two Pre-Voyage Hotel Nights

Complimentary Wine or Beer with Dinner

Certified Emergency MD and Clinic

World Class Cuisine

Live Entertainment

Complimentary Coffee/Tea station

Voyage Photographer

Dedicated Passenger Service Manager

Complimentary Expedition Jacket

Please note deck plan may vary.

Overview

Highlights

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Map

Ship

Aegean Antiquities - Greece & Turkey Cruise

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