This 8 Days/7 Nights Greek Isles & Turkey Cruise offers plenty of that idle relaxation, broken up with exciting activities.

If you are looking for world-famous ruins, gorgeous beaches, epic history and a healthy dose of mouth-watering cuisine, this Greek cruise holiday is probably high on your list, but did you know all of these treasures can be found in Turkey too?

You would be missing out if you visited one and not the other, so we crafted the perfect one-week cruising adventure for you.

Glimpse Greece and Turkey’s glorious past on visits to Ephesus and the island of Santorini. Compare Turkey’s version of beach life with that found on the Greek Islands.

And debate which country serves up the tastiest cuisine.

Balancing traditional towns with tourist hotspots, unique cultural experiences with bucket-list items, and free time with planned excursion, this cruising trip to Turkey and Greece has all the makings of an unforgettable adventure.

Itinerary Summary

Day 1 – Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Day 2 – Mykonos, Greece

Day 3 – 4 – Istanbul, Turkey

Day 5 – Cruising

Day 6 – Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey

Day 7 – Santorini, Greece

Day 8 – Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Details

Day 1 – Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Welcome to Greece! Your journey begins in Athens, Greece’s storied capital.
Athens offers a looking glass back in time into Greece’s powerful ancient civilization.
Art lovers and history buffs will be thrilled by the ancient ruins, museums and tavernas of this picturesque town.
Just 10 minutes from the port, you will find the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, full of sculptures from the Bronze Age to the Romans.
Walk to the Zea Harbour to get to know how the Hellenic Maritime Museum will bring to life the grandeur of ancient Greece’s naval capacities.
Jump onboard an Athens cruise and relax at the small harbor of Mikrolimano, enjoying a meal of grilled octopus and chilled white wine at a small restaurant overlooking the sea.

Day 2 – Mykonos, Greece

Today, you will sail to mykonos Island which is nestled in the heart of Greece’s Cyclades archipelago and rhythms with irrepressible energy.
With its sparkling blue waters, powder white houses, and red-hot nightlife, The Island of the Winds is as colorful as the people who call the island home.
Navigate the town’s narrow marble pathways laced with purple bougainvillea blooms, or go on a cycling tour past off-the-path Ano Mera village.
Tour the maritime history of Greece at Armenistis Lighthouse, and check out the Folklore Museum’s Mykonian ship models.
Join in the raucous beach party on Super Paradise’s shimmering sands, or watch the sun burn out beyond an Aegean horizon from an open-air seaside taverna.You’ll spend tonight aboard the ship.

Day 3 – 4 – Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul was once the seat of two massive empires.
This city has been shaped by its colorful history.
From massive Byzantine churches that still captivate visitors’ attention to towering Ottoman mosques, history can be found in each building no matter what part of the city you explore.
Architecture lovers will get a thrill from the ancient buildings while foodies will spend their day indulging in traditional Turkish cuisine such as lamb kefta and doner kebabs.
If you are looking to take a memory home from the city, head to the Grand Bazaar and try your hand at haggling with the locals.

Day 5 – Cruising

Today is yours to play any way you like.
The ship has spaces where those who want the freedom can choose how they spend their time onboard.

Day 6 – Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ephesus is one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Eastern Mediterranean and arguably the greatest Greco-Roman site in the world.
As you walk in the footsteps of Cleopatra and Mark Antony, you’ll get a glimpse into how the ancient Romans lived.
Stroll the marble streets surrounding the ancient theatre and explore the gymnasium and baths.
Check out the Celsus Library – built in 117 A.D. the site is made up of towering columns highlighted by the statue of the goddess of wisdom.
A cruise to Ephesus will give you a taste of Turkish life by strolling the seafront promenade and the bustling city center.
Walk Marble Street, paved with actual marble slabs, which takes you from downtown to the Temple of Artemis – you can still see one lone remaining column from this wonder of the ancient world.

Day 7 – Santorini, Greece

7 Night Greek Isles & Turkey Cruise holiday

Santorini is one of the most popular islands in the world.
The island is known for its dramatic scenery, blue and white buildings and fiery volcanic activity.
After making the entrance by sailing through the remarkable caldera, all the beauty of this island is there for the taking.
Here adventure bubbles above the Aegean Sea in the most bold and breathtaking ways.
A cable car takes you to the exuberant capital of Fira, perched on the edge of the caldera, and has an exciting range of restaurants, shops, bars, old cathedrals, and enthralling museums.
Head to the coast for a swim in the deep blue waters that lap red and black pebbled beaches.
Check out the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, Catholic Cathedral and Dominican Convent.
Also worth a visit are the Megaron Gyzi Museum, Museum of Prehistoric Thera, and Archaeological Museum.

Day 8 – Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Your journey comes to an end in Athens.
We are happy to book additional accommodation for those wishing to see more of the city, subject to availability.
Please enquire at the time of booking.