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.

Cruise the Dardanelles, Turkey

Canakkale, Turkey, marks the entrance to the historic Dardanelles Strait, rich in myth and history from Greek tales to WWI battles. Together with the Bosporus, it forms the Turkish Straits, where Europe meets Asia. The stunning landscape and ancient Ottoman forts tell of centuries of struggle. Lord Byron famously swam across in 1810, and today, his feat is celebrated annually. Nearby, the ancient site of Troy and the Gallipoli peninsula remind visitors of the heavy WWI losses, with history carried on the sea breeze.

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.

Volos, Greece

Volos, Greece, nestled between the Pagasetic Gulf and Mount Pelion, is a seaside town rich in myth and history, being the home of Jason and the Argonauts and the “Land of the Centaurs.” Though an earthquake in 1955 damaged much of its 19th-century architecture, traces of neo-classical buildings remain. The city’s Archaeology Museum showcases ancient Greek artifacts and items from the Neolithic settlements of Dimini and Sesklo. Volos is easy to explore on foot, or by bike like the locals. For a more adventurous option, cycle the 8-mile route up Mount Pelion for stunning views and traditional tavernas. For a relaxing experience, visit Palia, the old town, known for its excellent cuisine and tsipouradika (local spirit with mezze).

Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos is a dazzling Greek island known for its vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches, and breathtaking seascapes. Famous for its lively atmosphere and laid-back charm, the island has maintained its exclusive allure since celebrities like Brigitte Bardot flocked to its shores. Rich in culture and legend, Mykonos is said to be built on the frozen bodies of giants slain by Hercules and was the battleground between Zeus and the Titans. Explore the maze of Mykonos Town, with its whitewashed buildings, red roofs, and cobalt shutters. Discover art studios, restaurants, and bars, and enjoy a sunset in Little Venice with a glass of ouzo. With sandy coves, top-tier restaurants, and iconic windmills, Mykonos remains one of Greece’s most popular island escapes.

Heraklion, Greece

Heraklion, Crete’s fifth-largest city, may not be the prettiest, but its rich history, vibrant culture, and bustling atmosphere make it a fascinating destination. Unlike the quiet beach towns, Heraklion offers great shopping, impressive museums, ancient ruins, and serves as the perfect base for exploring Crete’s archaeological wonders. With a history shaped by the Arabic, Venetian, and Ottoman empires, the city features a Venetian fortress overlooking the Mediterranean. A stroll along the seawall leads to the 1540 fortress, offering stunning views of the city. Outside, the ruins of Europe’s oldest city, Knossos, await exploration, and the Archaeological Museum ties together Crete’s rich past. Daidalou’s pedestrian streets are lined with shops, cafés, and fountains. Don’t miss local dishes like dakos and a glass of raki.

Rhodes, Greece

Rhodes, with its endless sunshine, rich history, and vibrant culture, offers the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. Located between Crete and Turkey, this island has been shaped by many powerful civilizations. Part of the Dodecanese Islands, Rhodes boasts stunning beaches, medieval towns, and whitewashed villages, all with a strategic past. The UNESCO-listed Old Town is one of Europe’s best, where cobbled streets lead through centuries of history, with Ottoman-era minarets and the scents of spices filling the air. Enjoy Greek cuisine with eastern influences in outdoor restaurants. The ancient Acropolis of Lindos offers stunning views, while the Palace of the Grand Masters showcases medieval grandeur. With pine-covered hills and crystal-clear beaches, Rhodes offers both peaceful escapes and thrilling water sports.

Patmos, Greece

Patmos, a seahorse-shaped Greek island, is known for its stunning seascapes and deep cultural significance. Pilgrims visit the hillside cave where St. John is said to have written the Book of Revelations in AD 95. Whether religious or not, the island’s beauty and serenity are undeniable, with whitewashed towns basking in sunlight and cats weaving through its ancient streets. Atop the hill, the Cave of the Apocalypse and the 11th-century Monastery of St. John offer breathtaking views and spiritual history. The monastery, a World Heritage site, boasts stunning frescoes and religious iconography. The charming, narrow streets of Chora, along with the peaceful beaches and clear waters, make Patmos a tranquil and picturesque escape.

Arrives Athens, Greece

Airport transfer and flight home