Goods, Goda & Adriatic Luxury - Athens to Istanbul Cruise

Day 1 - Athens

Arrive: Tue 15 October 2024 / Depart: Tue 15 October 2024 at 19:00

Piraeus is the gateway to the ancient city of Athens, known as the “Cradle of Western Civilization” because of its immense impact on cultural and political achievements throughout the world. Due mainly to tourism and the 2004 Olympics, Greece has redeveloped many sites in Athens. A historian’s delight, Athens is home to such magnificent wonders as: the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the atmospheric winding streets of the Plaka, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Temple of Athena Nike, and the Archaeological Museum with the world’s finest collection of ancient artifacts.

Day 2 - Santorini

Arrive: Wed 16 October 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 16 October 2024 at 17:00

With dramatic views of classic whitewashed houses clinging perilously to the side of the caldera and stunning beaches of white and red sand or black pebbles, it’s no wonder this may be the most photographed scenery in the world. Visit Ancient Akrotiri, the archeological site of a town frozen in time by ash from an eruption 3,600 years ago. Also worth a day trip is the Volcano of Santorini Palea (old) Kameni and Nea (new) Kameni , two small islands of black lava positioned in the centre of the basin of Santorini.

Day 3 - Katakolon

Arrive: Thu 17 October 2024 at 09:00 / Depart: Thu 17 October 2024 at 19:00

Katakolon is gateway to ancient Olympia, the chief sanctuary of Zeus. After many centuries of competition which began as early as the eighth century BC, the panhellenic festival was created in 776 AD. Ancient competitions included boxing, wrestling, running, jumping, and the discus throw. It is still honored with the Olympics Games every four years. The ancient site of Olympia is also home to the Temple of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Day 4 - Corfu

Arrive: Fri 18 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 18 October 2024 at 17:00

Legendary Corfu is a lush and romantic island, written about by Homer in his famous Odyssey. The island’s history is full of battles, indicative of Corfu’s turbulent position that lasted until modern times with unification with modern Greece in 1864. Corfu offers a combination of cosmopolitan and time-honored Greece. As well as a flower-strewn countryside and Adriatic-style villages, Corfu has splendid coastal scenery and some excellent secluded beaches.

Day 5 - Kotor

Arrive: Sat 19 October 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 19 October 2024 at 16:00

Kotor is a coastal town in Montenegro, located in a most secluded part of the Gulf of Kotor. The old port, surrounded by an impressive city wall built by the House of Nemanjicc, is very well preserved and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Numerous other attractions include the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon in the old town (built in 1166), and ancient walls which stretch directly above the city. Nightlife also attracts tourists to Kotor with pubs, taverns, cafes, and nightclubs.

Day 6 - Umbria (Ancona)

Arrive: Sun 20 October 2024 at 09:00 / Depart: Sun 20 October 2024 at 21:00

Travel through the scenic countryside to beautiful Urbino, birthplace of Raphael, and visit the magnificent Palazzo Ducale, designed by Renaissance masters, and see the treasures in the palace's art museum, including significant works by Raphael. Or visit the tiny, independent country of San Marino, nestled in the mountains, and explore it on your own.

Day 7 - Venice (Ravenna)

Arrive: Mon 21 October 2024 at 06:00 / Depart: Mon 21 October 2024 at 19:00

Discover richly rewarding Ravenna with its brilliantly preserved Byzantine basilicas and baptisteries, marvelous mausoleums and museums filled with mosaics dating from the 5th century right alongside beautiful beaches. Explore the Church of San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and the 6th century ivory throne of Archbishop-Maximian at the Museo Arcivesoville. Settle into a café to enjoy the locally created piadina bread stuffed with cheese, ham and radicchio. Visit the Baptisteries Neonian and Appolionaire each featuring mosaic masterpiece domes. View Dante’s tomb and the small garden next door.

Day 8 - Split

Arrive: Tue 22 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 22 October 2024 at 16:00

Split is the largest Croatian city on the Adriatic coast. Split achieved fame when the Roman emperor Diocletian, noted for his persecution of early Christians, had his retirement palace built here. The spectacular stone edifice and its grounds and cellars are a major highlight of any city tour. Other points of interest include the Cathedral of St. Duje, built on the remains of an ancient shrine purported to be the oldest in the world; and the Mestrovic Gallery, where the impressive works of Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic are available for viewing in this home and atelier.

Day 9 - Cruising the Mediterranean Sea

Day 10 - Heraklion

Arrive: Thu 24 October 2024 at 09:00 / Depart: Thu 24 October 2024 at 17:00

Visit the great Minoan ruins of the Palace of Knossos, famous as the home of the labyrinth where the Minotaur roamed, and the Archaeological Museum housing many superb artifacts from the complex. Explore the stunning mountain-fringed Lassithi plateau with its orchards, 7000 windmills and ancient villages. Take home fine reproduction Minoan pottery, a traditional Cretan knife, local embroidery, hand-woven rugs, gold and silver jewelry. Relax over a dish of hearty moussaka or delicious souvlaki in a taverna, washed down with local wine or beer.

Day 11 - Ephesus

Arrive: Fri 25 October 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Fri 25 October 2024 at 15:00

Originally a minor port, Kusadasi now serves as the gateway to Ephesus, one of the ancient world’s largest and most important archaeological and religious sites. As you walk the white marbled pathway, note the grooves made by centuries of chariot wheels. Stand in awe before the great Library of Celsus, and sit for a moment as the past seems to come alive at the Great Amphitheater, carved from the side of a mountain. Sacred places nearby include the Basilica of St. John and the House of the Virgin Mary.

Day 12 - Istanbul

Arrive: Sat 26 October 2024 at 13:00

Bridging both Europe and Asia Minor, Istanbul is literally where “East meets West.” The city was founded by Constantine the Great and the history of this capital dates back sixteen centuries to the powerful Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Many of our voyages include overnight stays in this legendary city, allowing more time to explore Istanbul’s highlights. Shop among the winding byways of the Grand Bazaar and the exotic stalls of the Spice Bazaar. Tour the magnificent courtyards of Topkapi Palace, stroll among the treasures of the Blue Mosque with its unique six minarets, then view Dolmabahce Palace, the one-time residence of the sultans. Or you may cruise along the Bosphorus for a unique perspective of the city’s numerous seaside mansions, mosques and palaces.

Day 13 - Istanbul

Depart: Sun 27 October 2024

Bridging both Europe and Asia Minor, Istanbul is literally where “East meets West.” The city was founded by Constantine the Great and the history of this capital dates back sixteen centuries to the powerful Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Many of our voyages include overnight stays in this legendary city, allowing more time to explore Istanbul’s highlights. Shop among the winding byways of the Grand Bazaar and the exotic stalls of the Spice Bazaar. Tour the magnificent courtyards of Topkapi Palace, stroll among the treasures of the Blue Mosque with its unique six minarets, then view Dolmabahce Palace, the one-time residence of the sultans. Or you may cruise along the Bosphorus for a unique perspective of the city’s numerous seaside mansions, mosques and palaces.