Sailing Through History: A Voyage to the Greek Islands and Southern Turkey

Fly from the U.S. to Athens, Greece.

Arrive in Athens and transfer to the King George II Hotel.

The birthplace of Western culture and one of the world’s most venerable cities, Athens boasts an array of compelling historical sites. Tour the Acropolis and the Parthenon, one of the most architecturally perfect structures in the world. Alternatively, visit the 11th-century Kessariani Monastery, built over the ruins of a 5th-century Christian church, and continue to the Agora, the commercial center of ancient Athens. After lunch at a taverna, continue to the National Archaeological Museum before transferring to the port to embark on Callisto.

This morning, Callisto sails into the flooded volcanic crater of Santorini. Enjoy a beautiful view of the village of Phira, set atop a 1,000-foot-high palisade. In the second millennium B.C., Santorini was shrouded in a blanket of volcanic ash and pumice, preserving many buildings in the Bronze Age-town of Akrotiri. Visit the Nomikos Foundation where artifacts from Akrotiri are on display and spend the afternoon at leisure enjoying the town of Phira.

In the morning, explore Tilos, a delightful and characteristic Greek island that has retained its traditional atmosphere. The island is known for its vistas of high cliffs, rocky inlets, and valleys of cypress, walnut and almond trees. It was here that one of the greatest of ancient Greece’s female poets, Irini, lived in the 4th century B.C.

Tour Rhodes city, the town of the Crusader Knights of St. John in the 14th century. In the fortified medieval town visit the Street of the Knights, overflowing with mosaics, finely carved portals, balconies, and coats of arms. See the Palace of the Grand Master and the Archaeological Museum, in what was once the Knights’ Great Hospital. Later, travel to picturesque Lindos. Set high above the village, with spectacular views of the Aegean, are the remains of the Acropolis.

Callisto glides through stunningly turquoise waters to Fethiye, nestled in an idyllic cove. Travel to Xanthos, ancient Lycia’s prominent capital, built on a great cliff overlooking the Xanthos River and the sea beyond. One of Turkey’s most astonishing sites, Xanthos boasts significant ruins, including the Nereid Monument, an exquisite Ionic building whose figured friezes are in the British Museum. Visit the acropolis, the theater, and the unusual pillar tombs.

The narrow island of Kekova—only five miles long—forms a series of beautiful bays and fjord-like waterways. Cruising through these stunning crystal waters, view the half-submerged ruins of the ancient city of Simena below. From Kekova, travel to the Lycian city of Myra. What remains is impressive, including its 2nd-century A.D. Roman theater and rock-hewn tombs.

From Antalya, visit three of Turkey’s most famous ancient sites. Perge’s Hellenistic ruins include its great stadium; colonnaded, marble main street; and theater. At Aspendos, a 7th-century B.C. Greek colony, tour the grand 20,000-seat theater commissioned by Marcus Aurelius. Side was a leading port until the 7th century. The ruins that remain are 3rd-and 4th-century Roman and include an agora, temples, baths, and a theater. Reboard Callisto in Alanya.

From Bozyazi Limani an excursion leads to Anamurium. Founded by Phoenicians, Anamurium thrived in the 3rd century A.D., and most of the ruins date from this era. Of special interest are the necropolis tombs, many with murals of mythological scenes. Continue to Mamure Castle, a coastal castle with crenellated walls and watchtowers. Tour the castle complex, which the Ottomans occupied through the late-19th century.

Call at the port of Tasucu and travel through the beautiful countryside of Cilica to the 4th-century B.C. ruins of Olba- Diocaesarea. Founded by Seleucus I, a general under Alexander the Great and one of his successors, the site is located in a striking spot in the Taurus Mountains’ foothills and is renowned for its imposing Temple of Zeus Olbios.

Disembark in Mersin and drive to nearby Adana for the flight to Istanbul. In Istanbul, transfer to the Hilton Hotel for the night.

Named by Emperor Constantine in 330 A.D., Istanbul has been the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. Here, the traditions of East and West commingle, especially in the diverse architecture. Visit the Blue and Suleymaniye Mosques and the 6th-century Church of Hagia Sophia, known for its intricate mosaics. Also tour the lively Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar.

Transfer to the airport for return flights to the U.S.