Step into Greek mythology on this Aegean voyage starting in Athens. Discover islands like Naxos where Theseus abandoned Ariadne, and explore Crete’s Venetian harbour at Chania and King Minos’ palace at Knossos. In Rhodes, stroll the medieval Old Town and discover Samos, home of mathematician Pythagoras. Cruise to Lesbos, the inspiration for Sappho’s poems, and Chios, Homer’s birthplace before arriving in Istanbul, where east meets west.
- Athens (Piraeus): Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Athens, where ancient wonders like the Acropolis and the Parthenon stand as testaments to its glorious past, while modern delights await along the Grand Promenade and in the bustling streets of this cosmopolitan city.
- Rhodes: Explore the medieval charm of Rhodes Town, with its impressive walled Old Town, picturesque streets, and iconic landmarks like the Grand Masters' Palace and the Street of the Knights, offering a journey back in time to the days of the Knights of St. John.
- Istanbul: Experience the mesmerizing blend of East and West in Istanbul, where ancient wonders like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque coexist with vibrant markets, bustling streets, and a rich tapestry of cultural influences spanning centuries of history.
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.
Greece's cosmopolitan capital, Athens, connected by Piraeus port, is an exciting blend of ancient and modern. The Grand Promenade seamlessly links the city's main archaeological sites, and a visit isn't complete without exploring the Acropolis—a hill housing ancient ruins, including the iconic Parthenon. For deeper insights, the Acropolis Museum awaits, and a marble path ascends Filopappou Hill, offering majestic views of the 'high city.'
The largest Cyclades island, Naxos's capital Chora is one of the most beautiful Cycladic villages, blending Venetian and Cycladic elements of whitewashed houses and cobblestone alleys. Endless beaches ring the coast, while the island's granite mountains host lush meadows, olive groves and citrus orchards. Whitewashed villages and Byzantine chapels speckle the landscape. In Greek mythology, Naxos is said to be where Ariadne settled and Zeus lived.
Once the crossroads for ancient Minoans, Chania's medieval harbour on Crete's northwest shore dates back to the 14th-century. A 16th-century lighthouse guards the harbour. The picturesque old town combines Venetian and Ottoman architecture, mosques, churches and fortifications. Food lovers enjoy the seafood eateries that grace the waterfront, while inland, fertile valleys support vines, olive and citrus groves.
Agios Nikolaos, on Crete's east coast, is a charming town with a picturesque harbour, cafes and a sandy beach. The town sits upon the ancient city ruins of Lato pros Kamara. The Archaeological Museum displays artefacts from local excavations. Close to the harbour, the freshwater Voulismeni Lake, a nearly circular pool, is reputed to have been the bathing place of the goddesses Artemis and Athena, and connects to the sea via a narrow canal.
Rhodes Town, one of Europe's best medieval walled towns, is known for the 14th century UNESCO-listed Old Town constructed by the Knights of St. John and the 100-foot Colossus statue that once stood in the harbour. Highlights include the bustling Turkish district, Grand Masters' Palace adorned with marble mosaics and Gothic Street of the Knights. Nearby Lindos offers whitewashed streets and an Acropolis with views over St. Paul's Bay.
Pythagorion, the picturesque port village on Samos Island, is named after famous ancient philosopher Pythagoras. Traditional red-roofed houses and winding alleys envelop the charming fishing harbour's inviting tavernas. Constructed on top of the ancient ruins of Samos, a UNESCO World Heritage site, key landmarks include the 6th-century BC Temple of Hera (Heraion) and the awe-inspiring Eupalinos Tunnel, a 1036-m aqueduct tunnel.
The birthplace of Greek poet Homer, Chios island In the Aegean Sea, is known for mastic production and medieval villages. Fortress-like mastic villages were built under Genoese rule in the 12th century. Highlights include Olympi and medieval Pirgi with its intricately patterned geometric house decorations, Mesta with its fortified alleyways and central Taxiarches Church, and the mastic tree groves used to produce the unique resin.
Mitilini with its medieval alleys, is capital of Lesbos, Greece's third-largest island and an Ancient Greek cultural centre. Sappho, a female ancient Greek poet who worshipped Aphrodite, is celebrated at her birthplace in Skala Eressos. Messa features a 4th-century BC temple dedicated to Zeus, Dionysus,and Hera. The Lesvos Island UNESCO Global Geopark showcases an ancient preserved forest. Lesbos is also famous for ouzo distilleries.
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.
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.
