Silversea Greek & Turkish Cruise Silversea

Athens, Greece

Stay 3 nights at One&Only Aesthesis in an Aesthesis Room with Breakfast

Departs Athens

Day at Sea

Istanbul, Turkey 

 A chaotic, colossal collision of east and west – start your day in Europe and end it in Asia, all without breaking a sweat. The vast Aya Sofya is the starting point for exploring this huge city's deep wealth of cultural treasures.  Cast your eyes up to take in the full scale of the colossal dome, one of the world's largest, which floats on a magnificent bed of light. See the Blue Mosque, with its glorious blue İznik tiles, or head to the Galata Tower which was once the tallest structure in Istanbul, and is ideal for a panoramic view of the city.

Istanbul, Turkey

Grab handfuls of dates and spices, shop for jewellery and patterned fabrics as you're swallowed whole by the Grand Bazaar - one of the world's biggest and busiest covered indoor markets. To understand Istanbul is to visit its kahvehans. Few rituals are taken as seriously as Turkish coffee - prepared to be incredibly strong. Sweeten the aftertaste with Turkish delight or baklava.

Day at Sea

Thessaloniki, Greece

At the crossroads of East and West, where North blends into South, Thessaloniki has seen the rise and fall of many civilizations. In 1917 a great fire destroyed much of what was left, but the colorful past can still be seen and sensed. Take your time exploring in-town archaeological sites and Byzantine treasures, making sure to stop for café-style people-watching. The two walks suggest routes for exploring highlights. It's best, however, to simply to wander through the streets responding to whatever you encounter. It is hard to get lost, since the entire city slopes downhill to the bay, where you can always align yourself with the White Tower and the city skyline.

Mykonos, Greece

Indulge in idyllic island life, as you take your fill of superb foods and wines, and soak in endless views of sweeping turquoise seascapes and pretty whitewash buildings. Known for its lively nightlife and rejuvenating, care-free outlook, Mykonos is a dazzlingly beautiful island escape. Head out onto the crystalline waters to seek out serene islands, hit perfect beaches, or venture into the labyrinth of Mykonos Town. Explore narrow streets housing studios – where artisans piece together mosaics - and plenty of restaurants and bars offer sanctuary. Head to Little Venice for a waterfront view of one of the island’s famed sunsets, and to enjoy an aperitif of the favourite aniseed liqueur, ouzo.

Kusadasi, Turkey

Explore the towering columns, and storied remains of Ephesus - one of the most spectacular cities left by the Ancient Greeks. The Ephesus UNESCO World Heritage Site is a true archaeological gold mine, and an amazingly well-preserved site - once home to 150,000 people. The grand Temple of Artemis rose up majestically here and was recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World before its untimely destruction. Visit the precious Library of Celsus - a gorgeous, double-layered façade of columns and artistry - and enjoy the city's gently illuminated, atmospheric venues - which still host stirring evening concerts. In Kusadasi itself, you can discover a lively seaside city with a buzzing Aegean beach scene, and a glut of restaurants and cafes to kick back in.

Bodrum, Turkey

Bodrum is Turkey’s coast at its most vibrant. Located at the junction of the Mediterranean and the Aegean, Bodrum is all about the sea. It boasts a world class marina, a favourite of super yachts, fine dining restaurants and bars. Once ashore, dip into the history of Bodrum or Halicarnassus as it was once known. Still visible are remains of one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Mausoleum of Mausolus. Looking for a souvenir or a chance to people watch, head to the large bazaar by the castle. Set out as shops rather than stalls you can find almost anything from spices, fruit and vegetables to textiles and local pottery. 

Santorini, Greece

A true gem of the Cycladic island group, Santorini is startlingly pretty, and its white windmills and dazzling villages are incredibly easy on the eye.  Look out over the endless expanse of blue waves, filling the massive volcanic caldera of Santorini – and absorb one of the most spectacular views in the world. This beautiful island was forged by powerful volcanic activity, and you can learn more about the huge eruption of 1,600 BCE - which wiped out the Minoan city at Akrotiri. Visit the archaeological site that has revealed and preserved the village, which was lost to time below the pumice and ash. Some whisper that this destroyed town may even be the fabled Atlantis.

Souda Bay, Crete

Enter Souda Bay to land on Greece’s largest island, and explore the sun-soaked charms of this fascinating land of legends, landscapes and luxuries. Packed with beautiful beaches and rich maritime history, Souda Bay’s huge natural harbour is a spectacular entrance, opening up the treasures of Crete’s many well-stocked museums, rich archaeological sites, and charming Venetian fishing towns. Explore olive groves producing golden oil, and savour the deep, fruity flavours. The island's renowned wineries, also invite you to sample lovingly-crafted Vilana grape wines. Rethymnon’s old town and star-shaped, seafront fortress are impressive sites to explore, or you can head to Akrotiri to discover the Arkadi Monastery's role in the Cretan resistance. 

Arrives Athens, Greece

Airport transfer and flight home