Windstar Cruise

8 Days - Istanbul Icons & Aegean Artifacts Cruise Tour [Athens, Greece to Istanbul]

8 Days - Istanbul Icons & Aegean Artifacts Cruise Tour [Athens, Greece to Istanbul]
Starting from $5,899*

Athens, Greece to Istanbul

Ship: Star Legend

Departure Date : Apr 03 2025 | Apr 08 2025 | Sep 12 2025 | Sep 17 2025 | Sep 28 2025 | Oct 03 2025

Itinerary

Day Istanbul, Turkey

"Arriving in Istanbul, Turkey on board a ship is an unforgettable experience. The Bosphorus, dividing Europe and Asia, welcomes passengers with ocean breezes, soaring seagulls and if you are lucky,playful dolphins that frolic en route to the port. On deck is where the views of Istanbul's best attractions await. The shores of Asia to the east, the first Bosphorus Bridge to the north, and the 'old Istanbul' peninsula in the south home to Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia give a glimpse of what's to come on your visit. But once you step ashore in Istanbul, you'll find the most interesting parts of the city neighborhoods with personalities of their own. Explore the sights of bohemian Beyoglu: a contemporary district brimming with galleries and street art, back street bars, cafes and fashion outlets that line the busy shopping avenue Istiklal Caddesi. Meanwhile, across the Golden Horn, Zeyrek's ancient timber houses made it a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site where people live a traditional way of life. Sultanahmet is where travelers of the world sightsee and explore palaces, temples and mosques that once defined the power of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. But, as these empire builders learned, it's difficult to conquer Istanbul in one trip. You'll want come back for more. "
Istanbul, Turkey
Day Istanbul, Turkey

"Arriving in Istanbul, Turkey on board a ship is an unforgettable experience. The Bosphorus, dividing Europe and Asia, welcomes passengers with ocean breezes, soaring seagulls and if you are lucky,playful dolphins that frolic en route to the port. On deck is where the views of Istanbul's best attractions await. The shores of Asia to the east, the first Bosphorus Bridge to the north, and the 'old Istanbul' peninsula in the south home to Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia give a glimpse of what's to come on your visit. But once you step ashore in Istanbul, you'll find the most interesting parts of the city neighborhoods with personalities of their own. Explore the sights of bohemian Beyoglu: a contemporary district brimming with galleries and street art, back street bars, cafes and fashion outlets that line the busy shopping avenue Istiklal Caddesi. Meanwhile, across the Golden Horn, Zeyrek's ancient timber houses made it a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site where people live a traditional way of life. Sultanahmet is where travelers of the world sightsee and explore palaces, temples and mosques that once defined the power of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. But, as these empire builders learned, it's difficult to conquer Istanbul in one trip. You'll want come back for more. "
Istanbul, Turkey
Day Istanbul, Turkey

"Arriving in Istanbul, Turkey on board a ship is an unforgettable experience. The Bosphorus, dividing Europe and Asia, welcomes passengers with ocean breezes, soaring seagulls and if you are lucky,playful dolphins that frolic en route to the port. On deck is where the views of Istanbul's best attractions await. The shores of Asia to the east, the first Bosphorus Bridge to the north, and the 'old Istanbul' peninsula in the south home to Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia give a glimpse of what's to come on your visit. But once you step ashore in Istanbul, you'll find the most interesting parts of the city neighborhoods with personalities of their own. Explore the sights of bohemian Beyoglu: a contemporary district brimming with galleries and street art, back street bars, cafes and fashion outlets that line the busy shopping avenue Istiklal Caddesi. Meanwhile, across the Golden Horn, Zeyrek's ancient timber houses made it a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site where people live a traditional way of life. Sultanahmet is where travelers of the world sightsee and explore palaces, temples and mosques that once defined the power of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. But, as these empire builders learned, it's difficult to conquer Istanbul in one trip. You'll want come back for more. "
Istanbul, Turkey
Day Istanbul, Turkey
Depart 5:00 PM
"Arriving in Istanbul, Turkey on board a ship is an unforgettable experience. The Bosphorus, dividing Europe and Asia, welcomes passengers with ocean breezes, soaring seagulls and if you are lucky,playful dolphins that frolic en route to the port. On deck is where the views of Istanbul's best attractions await. The shores of Asia to the east, the first Bosphorus Bridge to the north, and the 'old Istanbul' peninsula in the south home to Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia give a glimpse of what's to come on your visit. But once you step ashore in Istanbul, you'll find the most interesting parts of the city neighborhoods with personalities of their own. Explore the sights of bohemian Beyoglu: a contemporary district brimming with galleries and street art, back street bars, cafes and fashion outlets that line the busy shopping avenue Istiklal Caddesi. Meanwhile, across the Golden Horn, Zeyrek's ancient timber houses made it a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site where people live a traditional way of life. Sultanahmet is where travelers of the world sightsee and explore palaces, temples and mosques that once defined the power of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. But, as these empire builders learned, it's difficult to conquer Istanbul in one trip. You'll want come back for more. "
Istanbul, Turkey
Day Myrina, Nisos Limnos, Greece
Arrive 11:30 AM Depart 06:00 PM
"Limnos is an arid, volcanic island located near the mouth of the Dardenelles. The volcano and sulphurous springs on the island inspired many legends in ancient times. Limnos was the mythological home of Hephaistos (Vulcan), who was cast off Mount Olympus by his father Zeus and landed on Limnos, breaking his leg in the process. Lame ever since, the God of Fire lived on the island and toiled at his forges, the volcanoes of the island, teaching the people of the island the art of metalworking."
Myrina, Nisos Limnos, Greece
Day Mykonos, Greece
Arrive 09:00 AM
One of the most visited of Greece's Cyclades Islands, Mykonos is also known by the lyrical name of "the island of winds." The name comes from its first ruler, Mykons, son of the god Apollo. Today, you'll see what look like the descendants of the gods lounging on Mykonos's beaches—the island is known for being a lure for the rich and beautiful and was once a favorite vacation destination of Jackie Kennedy Onassis and her entourage. Although a mystique of money and hedonism still lingers around the island, there's lots to see, do, taste and buy in Mykonos that's accessible to us mere mortals. There's also the simple beauty of Greek windmills, whitewashed houses clinging to the hills and charming tavernas with terraces open to the sky and the sea air.
Mykonos, Greece
Day Mykonos, Greece
Depart 9:00 PM
One of the most visited of Greece's Cyclades Islands, Mykonos is also known by the lyrical name of "the island of winds." The name comes from its first ruler, Mykons, son of the god Apollo. Today, you'll see what look like the descendants of the gods lounging on Mykonos's beaches—the island is known for being a lure for the rich and beautiful and was once a favorite vacation destination of Jackie Kennedy Onassis and her entourage. Although a mystique of money and hedonism still lingers around the island, there's lots to see, do, taste and buy in Mykonos that's accessible to us mere mortals. There's also the simple beauty of Greek windmills, whitewashed houses clinging to the hills and charming tavernas with terraces open to the sky and the sea air.
Mykonos, Greece
Day Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey
Arrive 08:00 AM Depart 11:00 PM
"Kusadasi in Turkey is the gateway to one of the most legendary cities of the ancient world: Ephesus. St. Paul preached in its Great Theater, while the facade of the Celsus Library survives as a testament to the city’s role as a center of learning and culture. Not far from Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis (also known as the Temple of Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, once stood, drawing pilgrims from around the Mediterranean. While it no longer stands, it is possible to walk amongst its foundations and the remains of its towering columns. Other historic sites can also be found nearby: The House of Mary is believed to be the home of Jesus’s mother at the end of her life, and the Basilica of St. John, constructed in the 6th century, marks the location of his tomb. (Like Mary, he spent his final years in Ephesus.) Nearby, the Selcuk fortress reflects the period of Byzantine and Ottoman control of the region."
Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey
Day Bodrum, Turkey
Arrive 09:00 AM Depart 07:00 PM
Today Bodrum is a picturesque yacht harbor filled with traditional wood-varnished sailboats, charming outdoor cafes and streets bursting with small shops selling carpets, leatherwear, jewelry and local artwork. In antiquity, it was the site of ancient Halicarnassus. Under King Mausolus, the city prospered, and in death, the king left the city its most enduring legacy, his majestic tomb, from which we derive the term "mausoleum." Only its massive foundations remain today but it was the largest tomb ever built by the Greeks and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Models on the site recreate its form for visitors. Alexander the Great attacked the city in 334 BC, leveling all but the Mausoleum, which was later destroyed by an earthquake.
Bodrum, Turkey
Day Santorini, Greece
Arrive 08:00 AM Depart 08:00 PM
As our ship 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.
Santorini, Greece
Day At Sea

Day Delphi, Itea, Greece / Transit Corinth Canal, Greece
Arrive 08:00 AM Depart 07:00 PM
Before there were fortune cookies there was the oracle of Delphi, dating back to 1400 B.C. The oracle gave cryptic guidance to the leaders of the day and was so highly respected that Delphi, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, became known as the center of the world. An optional tour lets you go exploring, from the Temple of Apollo to the Delphi Archaeological Museum, which contains some of the finest works of art in Greece.

Transit Corinth Canal, Greece

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.
Delphi, Itea, Greece / Transit Corinth Canal, Greece
Day Athens, Greece
Arrive 12:01 AM
Athens is the historical capital of Europe, with a long history, dating from the first settlement in the Neolithic age. In the 5th Century BC (the Golden Age of Pericles) the culmination of Athens long, fascinating history the city's values and civilization acquired a universal significance. Over the years, a multitude of conquerors occupied Athens, and erected unique, splendid monuments - a rare historical palimpsest. In 1834, it became the capital of the modern Greek state and in two centuries since it has become an attractive modern metropolis with unrivalled charm.
Athens, Greece
 
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