Embark on the Crystal Esprit at the beautiful port of Rhodes and start your voyage.

Rich with natural beauty and colorful history, Rhodes represents one of the most architecturally varied locations in Europe. Hellenistic, Byzantine, Medieval and Turkish influences intermingle with abundant sunshine and dry air to cast a magnificent light over the island that the ancients dedicated to Apollo, the God of Light. High on a cliff, the ruins of the Temple of Athena sit amidst the beautifully preserved Acropolis at Lindos.

A lovely seaside resort town on the Aegean coast, Kusadaşi is famous for sparkling waters, sandy beaches and enticing shops filled with designer clothing and hand-woven carpets and leather goods. More than these modern trappings, it is the gateway to Ephesus – the UNESCO-listed, 4,000-year-old city – as well as the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), Basilica of St. John, and House of the Virgin Mary.

Today, its Old Town is alive with contemporary shops and traditional bazaars that teem with locals and visitors, surrounded by lively cafés. But this charming “old” quarter is infantile compared to one of Bodrum’s most important sites: the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. Dating back to 350 B.C., the 140-foot white marble structure still captivates even the savviest scientists, ranking as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Today, sail from Bodrum to Knidos and Datca, Turkey.

On the tip of the Datça Peninsula sits what remains of the 400 B.C. city of Knidos, today boasting hillside groves of olive, almond and fruit trees. Once this perfectly perched city on the peninsula was a major hub of maritime transport, once welcoming St. Paul during his journey to Rome for trial. The Temple of Aphrodite Euploia, Hellenistic lower theatre, and the sundial that dates back to Knidos’ origin offer visible displays of the city’s proud legacy of innovation.

Reach Datca Peninsula today. Deserted beaches, olive groves, and vine-shaded cafés dot this little-discovered, rough-hewn town where the Mediterranean and the Aegean meet. Ancient Greeks believed this peninsula was created by Zeus himself, so gorgeous it is with craggy pine-crested hills marching to the aquamarine sea.

From day to night, Marmaris is alive with activity. Shops, restaurants and a bustling waterfront dock sparkle under sun and stars alike. Beyond the buzz lie, historical sites and natural landscapes characteristic of this pivotally positioned locale, including Caunos archaeological site, the meandering Dylan River and lovely Isztuzu Beach, where sea turtles can be spotted sunning themselves.

On the Turkish Mediterranean, this high-end resort town with a Greek fishing heritage has retained its Ottoman-era character, beauty, and charm despite its modernity. Ladders lead to the sea, where a small beach is hemmed by mountains. Visit the Blue Cave, named for its dazzling sapphire-sheen and sun-drenched waters.

Founded by the Phoenicians and a major trading hub under Persian rule, Finike’s history reflects empires ranging from Alexander’s to the Ottomans. Beyond the wide sandy beach, journey through orange groves to explore ancient ruins in Lymira, where the necropolis of Pericles overlooks his former kingdom, as well as Arykanda, built upon five large terraces with magnificent views.

Today, sail to the Kepez.

This is the place to dive in, hike up, paddle on and soar over. A charming harbor town with welcoming, walkable promenades and traditional architecture, Kaş is an excellent starting point for all manner of outdoor pursuits, surrounded by bays perfect for ship-wreck diving, the stunning Taurus Mountains and ancient ruins to add some intrigue to the adventure, including vestiges of Antiphellos, the original Lycian town that settled here.

Adjectives defy description of this ancient harbor town, surrounded by cliffs, beautiful beaches, and waters in every hue of turquoise and blue. See Hadrian’s Gate, the triumphal arch honoring the Roman emperor, and the historic Kizil Kule “red” tower, a symbol of a city rich in beautiful landscapes of both mountain and sea.

After breakfast aboard the ship, disembark at the port of Antalya.