Cappadocia & Aegean Rhapsody Cruise Tour via the Corinth Canal

Hand painted Iznik tiles in deep lapis lazuli, turquoise, emerald, and coral. Fairy chimneys of taupe and burnt umber. The white, charcoal, and Aegean blue palette of Santorini. On this journey through Turkey and Greece you may expand on your list of favorite new places, and even add new favorite colors, aromas, and flavors. Istanbul is your portal to this sensory world, with its Ottoman mosques, sultans’ palaces, Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar. Cappadocia’s weird landscape of rock pillars and subterranean homes is next, followed by a string of pearls. Sparkling Aegean isles, the marble ruins of Ephesus, an ancient oracle, a Trojan horse. And while larger ships must go around, you cut straight through the narrow Corinth Canal to Athens, one of the world’s oldest cities, and some say one of the finest.
 

With 3,000 years of history, you can’t turn around in Athens without encountering the past. The Acropolis, a UNESCO site, the Plaka, and the Acropolis Museum are must-sees. But leave time if you can to climb Pnyx Hill for photos of the Parthenon at sunset, to buy your own set of Greek komboloi (worry beads), and to explore the metro stations that serve as mini-museums for the relics that are constantly being unearthed. 

You’ll want to be on deck today as we transit the narrow Corinth Canal with other private yachts and Greek mail steamers. It’s a shortcut reserved for petite ships like ours, and as we cruise between the narrow limestone walls we are the envy of all the ancient Romans who once portaged their ships along this very route before there was a canal.
 
Canal transit time and duration is subject to change based on traffic and canal authorities.

As our yacht approaches the spectacular cliffs rising from the deep azure sea, you’ll understand the magic of this area, where some say the ruins of Atlantis remain hidden. Visit the village of Oia and see the iconic Santorini blue domes or take a guided tour of Bronze Age excavations at the UNESCO site of Akrotiri. Toast the day with a crisp, cold glass of local Assyrtiko wine and appreciate the magic accessible to small ships like ours.

The 15th century Castle of St. Peter, built by the Crusaders, presides over the city’s dual harbors. Colorful peacocks strut their stuff trying to claim your attention, but they have nothing on the white sugar cube houses, palm-lined boulevards, and shockingly blue Aegean below. For a picture-perfect seaside playground, Bodrum offers a surprisingly rich history, or maybe it’s the other way around. Visit the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Surrender to the captivating magic of bathtub-warm waters and the Marina. Shop the bazaar for Milas cloth scarves and silver jewelry. Stroll the marina to see the other private yachts in port. (None as grand as yours, of course.)

Few places offer such a rich combination of history and scenic beauty. In Ephesus, one of the greatest outdoor museums in the world, you’ll explore legendary sites steeped in history. Also visit the houses of Bulbul Mountain, where the roof of one forms the terrace of the next. This evening we present our Destination Discovery Event -- dinner in the moonlight and a concert near the  Celsus Library or on Harbour Street in ancient Ephesus. 

 

Wake this morning to the postcard-like scene of Mykonos, the classic Greek isle dotted with hundreds of whitewashed churches and thatch-roofed windmills, in a harbor bobbing with fishing boats and luxurious private yachts. An optional  tour including a scenic ferry ride takes you back to the 6th   century B.C. to the tiny island of Delos, a UNESCO site and the mythical birthplace of Apollo.

Limnos is a delightful, off the beaten path island with wild mountainous geology and large, uncrowded, sandy beaches all along the coastline. Windsurfing is becoming increasingly popular here. Sites to see here include the Medieval Castle of Myrina, Ancient Poliochni, Ancient Kavirio and the legendary cave of Philocetes.

Ah, Constantinople, Queen of Cities and the Door to Happiness. Istanbul is the only city in the world built on two continents—Europe and Asia—and its appeal is truly universal. The Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans all ruled their empires from here, leaving behind some of their finest monuments and a fascinating blend of cultures. Visit the harem at Topkapi Palace, where the clatter of silver soles once warned concubines of the approaching sultan. Admire the Iznik tiles and stained glass windows of the Blue Mosque, and the mystical light bathing the nave of Hagia Sofia. Shop the Grand Bazaar for a coffee cezve, magic lamp, embroidered slippers, or hand-woven kilim. Temper a tiny cup of potent Turkish coffee with bites of sweet lokum (Turkish delight). 

Depart the ship in Istanbul, a magical city of bejeweled buildings, sultans, Silk Road intrigue, and a mouthwatering foodie scene. Begin where Istanbul began, in the historic heart of the city. Back in the day, chariots used to race here at the Hippodrome, cheered on by thousands of fans. You can still see the footprint of the track and the exquisite artworks that used to decorate the infield. The Blue Mosque will dazzle you with its blue Iznik tiles and colorful stained glass, and Ayasofya Mosque with its vast size, soaring dome, and sunlit interior. But it’s Topkapi Palace that brings Istanbul’s romantic history of sultans, harems, and exotic lifestyles to life. Search for mementos at the Grand Bazaar – handicrafts, oriental carpets, and rare jewels are just a few possibilities.

(Includes overnight at Pera Palace Hotel.)

Please note: Modest attire is required; when visiting the Ayasofya Mosque, knees, shoulders and midriffs must be covered and women must cover their head with a scarf, provided at the Mosque. Shoes must be removed and shoe bags will be provided for the visit. There is ongoing restoration of the Topkapi Palace, which may result in some exhibits being closed. Professional photography and flash are not allowed. All tours in the Old Town require considerable walking, as it is closed to traffic.
 

After breakfast, meet your guide at the lobby and depart to the old city to visit the Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar. Built in 1663 it is still the second largest covered bazaar in Turkey and the best place to buy Turkish delight, dried fruit, exotic herbs and all the spices of the East including cardamom, turmeric, saffron, rose water and much more. Transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Kayseri Arrive in Kayseri and drive to the Cappadocia region.  Visit Devrent and Pasabag Valleys on your way to the hotel. Devrent Valley, has an unbelievable landscape with its rock formations and savage feeling. Pasabag Valley is where the formation of “fairy chimneys” can be best observed. Dinner is suggested at Seki Restaurant (located in the hotel)

(Includes breakfast and overnight at Argos in Cappadocia Hotel)
 

Following breakfast meet your guide in the hotel lobby for your full day of sightseeing. Visit Kaymakli Underground City, where five levels extend below ground and include; living quarters, kitchens, stables and ventilation shafts carved out by early Christians to avoid invaders. Next, visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum where icons and other figurative representations were prohibited. Then, visit the Goreme Valley, known as the valley of the churches, the oldest churches date back to the 6th century. Among the 356 of churches, the most important ones are The Karanlık, Yilanli, Elmali, and the Tokali churches. Lunch will be served at Sira Restaurant. Visit the pretty town of Avanos, long a center for pottery artisans and enjoy a visit to a pottery workshop to meet the artisans and see their collections displayed in a vast underground cave complex. Return to your hotel.
 
Dinner is suggested at Lil’a Restaurant. (transportation can be arranged)
 
(Includes breakfast, lunch and overnight at Argos in Cappadocia Hotel)
 
Please note: This tour involves a great deal of walking over uneven terrain. Comfortable walking shoes with non-skid soles are highly recommended. There are approximately 120 steps to negotiate at the entrance to the underground city and a further 120 steps to exit.

After an early breakfast, meet your guide at the lobby and transfer to Kayseri airport for your flight to Istanbul and connect to your homebound flight.
 
Please note: Domestic flights are subject to change and guests will be advised. VIP departure service can be arranged upon request.