Cruise To Turkey And Greece

Mediterranean Delights On An Island

Secluded beaches, ancient ruins, local flavours and spectacular sunsets this nine-day Adventure Cruise offers a hearty dose of Greek island life with a splash of Turkish delights. Tick off the idyllic Santorini and Mykonos and stray from the pack to the lesser-visited Cyclades, sail through sparkling waters on a small ship and soak up the salty sea breezes as you explore charming hill villages and hidden coves. Visit ancient archaeological sites and spend time learning about Delos, the ruins of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis. Add a healthy helping of delicious Greek cuisine and the endless opportunities to swim and snorkel off the back of your boat, and youve got yourself and unforgettable overwater odyssey through the Aegean Sea.

Start

Min 1, Max 47

Celebrity Reflection 11 Night Italy Turkey And Greek Islands Cruise

Roundtrip Rome

Do you wish to experience all three countries via cruise but are short on time? Then, the Celebrity 11 night itinerary offers exceptional value. While you will not have much time to immerse yourself in each country fully, this cruise gives a delectable taste of the cultures, customs, and history of the most important ancient civilizations still thriving today. Explore the exciting islands of Santorini and Mykonos, the bustling cities of Istanbul and Athens, the coastal charms of Naples and Sicily, and the history of ancient Ephesus. Truly one of the best luxury cruises in Italy, Greece, and Turkey.

For more inspiration, check out:

The Best Time To Visit Italy – A Seasonal Guide

BTA is a full-service luxury travel agency based in Scottsdale, AZ. To learn about securing exclusive amenities with our cruise partners or for assistance planning your Luxury Cruises In Italy, Greece and Turkey or another desirable destination, please get in touch with BTA.

Greek Isles Cruises Highlights

• Incredible views from the cruise ship of some of the various architecture around the islands and mainland
• Visit various wineries and taste some of the most incredible vintages that you will find anywhere
• Visit Athens, Sparta, Santorini, and Mykonos and enjoy the various beaches that keep tourists coming each year
• Enjoy the tepid crystal waters of the Aegean
• Indulge in some of the most unique and delicious food that you will not find anywhere else
• Learn about the histories and mythological tales from the locals and tour guides
• Partake in some of the excursions that are offered to have a much more immersive experience into the culture of the area
• Enjoy the benefits of having an all-inclusive ship so that you never have to worry about hotel accommodations during your trip
• Enjoy any of our onboard activities so that the fun can start before your arrival at any of our destinations
• The Greece Cruise is one of the most cost-efficient ways of visiting and touring Greece and the islands

You May Like: What Cruises Go Out Of Jacksonville Fl

Greek Isles Cruise Packages

Anyone you ask will tell you that the absolute best time to visit Greece is in the spring and early summer months , or in the autumn . When visiting at these times you often avoid the summer high season, which comes with crowds of people and inflated prices. While lodging won’t be a concern, Easter weekend can be pretty busy, and many museums and other tourist areas are closed for the entire weekend. You will also find that visiting in the spring and in autumn will provide you with some of the best weather. During the months of July and August, the temperatures can be unbearably hot and you might find yourself enjoying shelter indoors rather than exploring the areas around the ports.

See Why You Should Travel Back In Time With Us

THE GREEK ISLES

• Discover the white-washed villages of such renowned places as Mykonos and Santorini .
• Travel back in time to Cretethe birthplace of Zeuswith prehistoric settlements that first appeared in 6,000 BC.
• Feel the medieval presence of the Knights of St. John at The Holy Island of Patmos, where we have exclusive tour access.

TURKEY

• Sail the Bosphorus Strait, with Europe on one side, Asia on the other visit places like Bodrum, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and shop at Istanbuls Grand Bazaar.
• Have an AzAmazing Evening in Ephesus, where youll be treated to a private performance by a 12-piece string orchestra.
• Check out Lee Abbamontes blog, An AzAmazing Adventure in Ephesus if you want to learn more about this 10th century BC city.

THE CULINARY JOURNEY

• From chicken souvlaki and lamb kebaps to stuffed vine leaves, baklava, and ouzo: This is only an “amuse bouche” of what’s waiting on the menu for you.

Read Also: Does Oceania Cruises Include Alcohol

Why You’ll Love This Trip

• Explore the historical city of Athens on a walking tour, get the insider lowdown from your local leader and discover hidden gems and highlights that you wont find in a guidebook.

• Whether you want to revel in the atmosphere of Mykonos or relax on own your private paradise at Manganari Beach, there are plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun.

• Enjoy an amazing view as you taste the local wines in Santorini.

• Join a local guide and brush up on your history as you explore Delos one of the most important mythological, historical and archaeological sites in Greece.

• Tour the Turkish ruins of Ephesus and discover the incredible relics that remain, including the Temple of Artemis one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Greek Isles Cruises Travel Tips

• Enjoy the mainland. While the islands of Greece offer some spectacular adventures, the mainland is also loaded with things to do and is often overlooked
• Enjoy eating like a local by noticing which restaurants the locals are inhabiting. You will find the best food in these locations. Keep in mind, Greeks eat late, often around 10 pm
• Punctuality in Greece is not something that is strived for as in other areas of the world. Enjoy the laid-back life and don’t expect super snappy service in restaurants. Enjoy the delays and take it all in!
• Much of the older generation in Greece is Orthodox and as such will frown upon nudity. We suggest also avoiding churches and monasteries in skimpy clothing.
• As with all travel, make sure you keep your valuables close to you, especially on crowded transport
• Levels of English is good throughout the country, but the Greeks love it when you are able to throw in a word or two of Greek

You May Like: Cruise To Puerto Rico From Miami Fl

Is This Trip Right For You

• This is small ship Adventure Cruising, which means youll be sailing on a yacht with up to 46 other people. The boat is spacious and comfortable, but the itinerary focuses more on the destination than on-board activities. Instead of a pool, we have the sea itself. Instead of a casino, weve got board games and a good book. Theres also no formal dress code to worry about and wi-fi is available for a small charge.

• Our ship moves under engine power, rather than sailing, so all cabins will experience light engine noise when the ship is moving . Its probably worth packing earplugs if youre a light sleeper.

• Onshore activities and excursions will involve a bit of walking. Youll be visiting ancient sites and historical places, and at times you may have to cross cobbled streets and uneven ground, sometimes in hot conditions. If you have any concerns, please speak to your group leader before taking part.

• Most of our departures run in peak season, when the seas are calmer. The ship will experience some roll and pitch in choppy conditions, however all of our ships come equipped with stabilisers to minimise movement. There will be seasickness tablets on board and your crew will do all they can to minimise any discomfort.

• There are no lifts on board our ships, so youll have to navigate a few steep flights of stairs to access all the decks.

Eastern Mediterranean Cruise Lines

When sailing the Eastern Mediterranean, cruisers are spoiled for choice. Big ships tend to visit big ports — the “greatest hits” of the Eastern Mediterranean destinations, such as Venice, Athens and Istanbul. Almost all major lines offer such sailings, including Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean and Disney.

For a more European feel, consider cruising the region with a company based on the continent. Costa and MSC Cruises, both headquartered in Italy, offer shorter and often cheaper itineraries . British lines P& O, Thomson and Cunard have numerous sailings, while the German line Hapag-Lloyd provides the ultimate in luxury. Based in Athens, Celestyal Cruises offers both short and long cruises around the Med and Variety has yacht-style sailings to small Greek islands that aren’t served by larger ships, and Noble Caledonia bases its expedition-style Island Sky in the region.

Luxury vessels also ply this region of the Med, including Regent Seven Seas, Azamara, Crystal, Silversea, Oceania and Seabourn. Often, these voyages not only visit smaller ports like Hvar, Split, Mykonos, Santorini and Cyprus, but they’re longer in duration, also traveling to the Western Mediterranean.

Read Also: Is Oceania Cruises All Inclusive

The Best Luxury Cruises In Italy Greece And Turkey

Oh, lovely, charming, romantic Europe. While each country on this continent is worthy of exploration, few places in the world have made as many contributions to literature, poetry, art, philosophy, fashion, and architecture as Italy, Greece, and Turkey. Moreover, the history of these three cultures has immeasurably shaped modern society.

Italy and Greece beckon travelers to explore their winding streets, ancient castles and fortresses, towering cliffs, award-winning wineries, and world-class museums. Turkey invites visitors to visit the incredible bazaars, Hammam baths, archaeological sites and taste delectable cuisine.

While the sites and experiences are endless, most travelers have limited time to explore the region. Therefore, a luxury cruise is one of the most efficient and practical ways to travel. However, deciding on the best luxury cruises in Italy, Greece, and Turkey is no simple feat. To help you out, we compiled a list of some of our favorite itineraries.

Italy is a treasure trove of discovery. From the enchanting canals of Venice to the Medici treasure of Florence, to the mesmerizing Colosseum of Rome, to the jaw-dropping beauty of the Amalfi Coast.

Istanbul is a magical seal that unites Europe and Asia since ancient times. Without a doubt, Istanbul is certainly the most beautiful place of the world.

Gerard De Nerval

Mediterranean Cruises Travel Tips

• It is recommended to book hotel and other hot spot visits at home online, so you’re ready with your tickets when you arrive.
• Eat like the locals eat and try some of the delicious local foods while you are there.
• The beaches are going to be backed with tourists and residents alike during the summer months, so plan on this.
• Visit during the wine touring months to enjoy some of the local wines made right from the area.
• Do not over schedule yourself because this can be exhausting, and you want to enjoy your time at each port.
• Considering checking to see which currencies each place is using and exchanging yours for some of theirs. This way, you’re prepared to purchase items at markets.
• Choose the cruise line that stops in the places you want to visit.
• Familiarize yourself with what there is to do off the ship prior to going. You can plan ahead and know what to do and where to go.

Don’t Miss: Which Cruise Ship Is The Newest

The Thrill Of The Climb

Another great thing to do while in Greece are the daily tours of the volcano Nea Kameni, which is located on an uninhabited island close to Santorini, begin with a short boat ride, followed by a climb up to the volcanic craters that takes just over an hour. The tour then takes in hot springs and mud baths, where you can recharge your batteries.

Azamara Quest 10 Night Greece Intensive Voyage

Athens to Venice:

The Azamara Athens to Venice voyage is a lovely cruise on a mid-luxury ship. The Azamara ships are larger than the last three ships mentioned and hold around 700 passengers. However, unlike Seabourn, Silversea, and SeaDream, which boast spacious cabins, windows, and even balconies in their entry category rooms, Azamara cabins vary dramatically. We recommend securing one of the higher-category cabins for a more luxurious experience. The entry category rooms are quite small and windowless.

This particular itinerary is unique because it starts in Athens and ends in Venice. Travelers looking to explore both countries would therefore avoid having to fly from Athens to Italy. This is truly one of the best luxury cruises in Italy, Greece, and Turkey.

Roundtrip Rome

Image Courtesy of SeaDream Yacht Club

SeaDream is not so much a cruise line as a luxury yacht that accommodates around 100 passengers. As a result, the experience is a combination of casual sophistication. Perfect for travelers who are interested in an authentic and personalized experience. This 11- night itinerary circumvents Italy, stopping at some of the most beautiful ports in the world.

Recommended Reading: How To Find Cruise Ship Jobs

Trace The Shores Of History

Witness the origin of civilization as you cruise the fabled Aegean Sea. Spend two days in majestic Istanbul, with its Byzantine treasures and intriguing blend of Eastern and Western influences. Travel to the ruins of Troy, long steeped in myth and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See historic sites in Ephesus and marvel at the gorgeous islands of Rhodes and Crete. Discover the architectural gems of ancient Athens during an overnight stay.

Witness the origin of civilization as you cruise the fabled Aegean Sea. Spend two days in majestic Istanbul, with its Byzantine treasures and intriguing blend of Eastern and Western influences. Travel to the ruins of Troy, long steeped in myth and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See historic sites in Ephesus and marvel at the gorgeous islands of Rhodes and Crete. Discover the architectural gems of ancient Athens during an overnight stay.

Where Time Traveling Really Does Exist

When it comes to describing this “pinch me, I must be dreaming” corner of the world, we’re not going to inundate you with long-winded, flowery, and superlative-filled sentences. Because simply put: If you’ve never been to the Greek Isles or Turkey with Azamara®, you’re missing the boat. Literally.

However, we should probably warn you that once you do go on a voyage with us to the Greek Isles and Turkey, you might experience symptoms of withdrawal. And it’s no wonder, since this northeastern region of the Mediterranean has played an extraordinary role throughout the ages.

Read Also: How To Get From Rome Airport To Cruise Port

Champagne & Wine By The Glass

Champagne & sparkling wines: Val dOca Prosecco, Veneto, Italy Montaudon Brut, Reims, France House Selection Sparkling Wine.White wines:Corte Giara Allegrini Pinot Grigio delle Venezie IGT, Veneto, ItalyRyder Estate Chardonnay, Monterey, CaliforniaFrancois Lurton Domaine Les Salices Chardonnay IGP, Pays dOc, FranceVilla Maria Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New ZealandGreystone Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, CaliforniaLa Terre Chardonnay, CaliforniaCline Cellars Viognier, North Coast, CaliforniaBodega Piedra Negra Pinot Gris, Uco Valley, ArgentinaPazo de Villarei Abadia do Seixo Albariño, Rias Baixas, SpainBolla Soave Classico DOC, Veneto, ItalyLeonard Kreusch Piesporter Michelsberg Riesling, Kabinett, Mosel, GermanyBlush & rosé:Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi White Zinfandel, CaliforniaLes Calandières Rosé Méditerranée IGP, Pays dOc, FranceRed wines:Château St. Jean Cabernet Sauvignon, CaliforniaRyder Estate Pinot Noir, Monterey, CaliforniaSolar Viejo Tempranillo, Rioja, SpainDeakin Estate Shiraz, Victoria, AustraliaPlacido Chianti DOCG, Tuscany, ItalyNoble Vines Merlot, Central Valley, CaliforniaFinca Flichman Malbec Roble, Mendoza, ArgentinaLa Terre Cabernet Sauvignon, CaliforniaDAquino Sangiovese Di Toscana, IGT, Tuscany, ItalyAvalon Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CaliforniaMorandé Reserva Carmenère, Maipo Valley, ChileLate harvest & fortified wines:

Cruises From Athens To Istanbul

Europe Cruises

Cruise Lines in Europe

Eastern Med Tours & Cruises

Recommended Reading: Cruises To Curacao And Aruba

Unforgettable Luxury Cruises To Turkey

Discover the unique contrasts of Turkey, a fascinating country where history and modernity collide. On luxury Turkey cruises, visit the alluring capital of Istanbul, a cosmopolitan city divided between Europe and Asia by the scenic Bosphorus Strait. Explore the Ancient Greek city of Ephesus, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Depending on the itinerary, our cruises to Turkey stop in ports in Spain, Italy, and the Greek Islands along the way, as well as include an overnight stay in Istanbul. You can also embark on an unforgettable journey that sails around the Mediterranean and Israel, which visits the charming port of Haifa and includes an overnight stay in the historic city of Jerusalem.

Silversea Silver Spirit 7 Night Greek Islands Cruise

Roundtrip Athens

This one-week cruise explores the Greek islands and the ancient city of Ephesus. Interestingly enough, while currently located in Turkey, Ephesus was once considered the most important city of ancient Greece. Both Silversea and Seabourn are exquisite cruise lines with impeccable food, service, and cabins. Combine the cruise with an extension of Turkey, mainland Greece, or Italy.

Greece The feeling of being lost in time and geography with months and years hazily sparkling ahead in a prospect of inconjecturable magic

Patrick Leigh Fermor

Recommended Reading: Royal Cruise Ships By Size