Explore the Classic Greek Isles and Ephesus on an 8-day cruise with Seabourn Encore. Your journey starts in Pireaus, Athens, then you have your first stop in Patmos, Greece, a place of scholarship and religious enlightenment ever since. After that, head to the attractive Venetian harbor surrounded by restaurants, outdoor cafes, and clusters of shops selling everything from necessities to souvenirs. Don't forget to visit the quintessential Greek island of Mykonos before concluding your journey in Istanbul, Turkey.
Highlights
Explore Bozcaada, the third-largest island in Turkey
Cruise along the coastline of Skiathos, passing the famous Blue Caves
Discover the magnificent Ephesus, a stunning standout among the ancient ruins
Tour Mykonos' whitewashed houses, domed churches, and windmills
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Piraeus has been the port for Athens since 482 BC. The busy harbor is filled with ferries and cruise ships making their way to the Greek Islands and other Mediterranean cities. The busy metropolis of Athens and its treasure trove of antiquities lie just a few miles from the port. Even as the reality of the modern city took hold, with its high-rise apartments, crowded sidewalks, and bustling traffic, the beauty of the Acropolis, the outstanding museums, charming cafés, sidewalk markets, and startling views come together in a cultural mosaic for all to enjoy.
Deserted for centuries because of constant raids by pirates and the Turks, this tiny arid island was first settled in 1088 when the Emperor of Constantinople made it a gift to the monk Christodoulos Latinos so that he could establish a monastery in honor of St. John the Divine on the site. Patmos has been a place of scholarship and religious enlightenment ever since. Today this modern pilgrimage site is a quiet respite from the tourist havens many other Greek isles have become.
This charming village of white houses climbing up the slopes is beautifully situated on the sparkling Gulf of Mirabello. The attractive Venetian harbor is surrounded by restaurants, outdoor cafes, and clusters of shops selling everything from necessities to souvenirs. The ship docks in the center of town, and you are able to wander at will and enjoy the atmosphere of Crete's foremost resort.
Kusadasi, which means "bird island," is set in a superb gulf known for its sparkling water, broad sandy beaches, and large marina. The city has managed to retain a certain earthiness while doing a brisk trade in Turkish carpets and leather goods to visitors. The town's old quarter is a picturesque maze of winding streets and houses adorned with flowers and birdcages. In the center stands a 17th-century caravanserai, now converted into a hotel. The resort is also the gateway to important sites of archaeological and religious interest.
The quintessential Greek island of Mykonos is marked by whitewashed houses, domed churches, imposing windmills, and a labyrinth of winding streets designed to disorient pirates. Everywhere there is a dash of bright, bold blue - doors, shutters and window frames, sea and sky. The harbor bustles with colorful fishing boats, vendors selling fish, and locals gathered with visitors in the casual seaside cafes. The port even comes with two beloved mascots, the pelicans Petros and Irini.
This small island is the westernmost of the Northern Sporades group in the Aegean Sea. It is best known for its beaches, of which the island boasts 60 beaches along its 44 km coastline. These include the nearly legendary Kokounaries beach, Banana beach, and Lalaria beach with its picturesque rock arch, which is accessible only by small boats. Skiathos town curves around a pretty harbor and has lively nightlife during the tourist season. The campanile of the Panaghia Limnia church, built in 1837, rises above pine trees on a hill atop the town. A few miles away through the island’s handsome pine forests is the Evangelistria Monastery, only entered through an imposing stone gateway.
Day 7: Bozcaada, Bozcaada, Turkey
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This tiny island 12 miles off the Turkish coast embodies the ideal of the “hidden gem.” Its harbor is dominated by a sprawling crenelated fortress with Byzantine, Venetian, Genoese and Ottoman provenance. Its compact town invites visitors to explore winding cobblestone streets with no other objective than to immerse themselves in the antique atmosphere. There is no compelling attraction here other than the picturesque, but the unpretentious charm of a quiet, unspoiled haven. Its small museum is the creation of a loving amateur, Hakan Gurney, who often personally leads visitors through his collection of objects and memorabilia recollecting his island’s, and in many ways his nation’s history. Much of the island’s fifteen square miles is dedicated to vineyards producing both red and white varietals. Ayazma beach offers clear water, although freshwater springs keep the water chilly even in the summer heat. At the peninsular Polenta Feneri, a white lighthouse is guarded by a picket of modern, three-bladed windmills. Local flavors worth tasting are red poppy syrup and a luscious tomato jam you won’t find anywhere else.
Day 8: Istanbul, Turkey | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Spanning Europe and Asia, exotic Istanbul is one of the world's most fascinating cities. Domes and minarets enhance the skyline. In the old Stamboul area, traces remain of every city built since the community was established over 600 years before Christ. Once Rome's eastern capital, Istanbul was also the center of the huge Ottoman Empire. Landmarks include Hagia Sophia, once Christendom's greatest church; the Blue Mosque with its striking Iznik tiles; Topkapi Palace, containing a sultan's ransom of treasures; Chora Church with its Byzantine mosaics; and the Grand Bazaar, the ultimate shopping experience.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$4,499
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Veranda Suite (OB)
Veranda Suite (OB)
Total inside space of between 246 and 302 square feet (23 and 28 square meters) plus one veranda of between 68 and 83 square feet (6 and 7 square meters)
All Veranda Suites feature
A full-length window
Glass door to private veranda
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Select a Date
Veranda Suite(V1)
Veranda Suite (V1)
Located on Decks 7 and 9; total inside space of between 246 and 302 square feet (23 and 28 square meters) plus one veranda of between 68 and 83 square feet (6 and 7 square meters)
All Veranda Suites feature
A full-length window
Glass door to private veranda
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower
Select a Date
Veranda Suite(V2)
Veranda Suite (V3)
Located on Decks 6, 7 and 11; total inside space of between 246 and 302 square feet (23 and 28 square meters) plus one veranda of between 68 and 83 square feet (6 and 7 square meters)
All Veranda Suites feature
A full-length window
Glass door to private veranda
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Select a Date
Veranda Suite (V3)
Veranda Suite (V3)
Located on Decks 6, 7 and 11; total inside space of between 246 and 302 square feet (23 and 28 square meters) plus one veranda of between 68 and 83 square feet (6 and 7 square meters)
All Veranda Suites feature
A full-length window
Glass door to private veranda
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Select a Date
Veranda Suite (V4)
Veranda Suite (V4)
Located on Decks 8 and 9; total inside space of between 246 and 302 square feet (23 and 28 square meters) plus one veranda of between 68 and 83 square feet (6 and 7 square meters)
All Veranda Suites feature
A full-length window
Glass door to private veranda
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower
Select a Date
Veranda Suite(V5)
Veranda Suite (V5)
Located on Decks 6 and 7; total inside space of between 246 and 302 square feet (23 and 28 square meters) plus one veranda of between 68 and 83 square feet (6 and 7 square meters)
All Veranda Suites feature
A full-length window
Glass door to private veranda
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Select a Date
Veranda Suite(V6)
Penthouse Suite
Located on Deck 10 and 11; total inside space of between 449 and 450 square feet (42 square meters) plus one veranda of between 93 and 103 square feet (9 and 10 square meters)
All Penthouse Suites feature:
Dining table for two to four
Separate bedroom
Glass door to veranda
Two flat-screen TVs
Fully stocked bar
Spacious bathroom with tub, shower and large vanity
Select a Date
Penthouse Suite
Penthouse Suite
Located on Deck 10 and 11; total inside space of between 449 and 450 square feet (42 square meters) plus one veranda of between 93 and 103 square feet (9 and 10 square meters)
All Penthouse Suites feature:
Dining table for two to four
Separate bedroom
Glass door to veranda
Two flat-screen TVs
Fully stocked bar
Spacious bathroom with tub, shower and large vanity
Select a Date
Penthouse Spa Suite
Signature Suite
Located on Deck 8; forward suites 800 and 801 inside space of approximately 977 square feet of inside space (90 square meters), plus one veranda of 960 square feet (89 square meters).
Signature Suites feature
Expansive ocean views
Forward-facing windows
Dining for four to six
Bathroom with whirlpool bathtub
Guest bath
Pantry with wet bar
Two flat-screen TVs
Complimentary Internet/Wi-Fi service
Select a Date
Owner's Suite
Signature Suite
Located on Deck 8; forward suites 800 and 801 inside space of approximately 977 square feet of inside space (90 square meters), plus one veranda of 960 square feet (89 square meters).
Signature Suites feature
Expansive ocean views
Forward-facing windows
Dining for four to six
Bathroom with whirlpool bathtub
Guest bath
Pantry with wet bar
Two flat-screen TVs
Complimentary Internet/Wi-Fi service
Select a Date
Signature Suite
Signature Suite
Located on Deck 8; forward suites 800 and 801 inside space of approximately 977 square feet of inside space (90 square meters), plus one veranda of 960 square feet (89 square meters).
Signature Suites feature
Expansive ocean views
Forward-facing windows
Dining for four to six
Bathroom with whirlpool bathtub
Guest bath
Pantry with wet bar
Two flat-screen TVs
Complimentary Internet/Wi-Fi service
Select a Date
Wintergarden Suite
Located on Deck 8; Combine mid-ship suites 849 and 851 for suite 8491 or suites 846 and 848 for suite 8468 for a total inside space of 1,292 square feet (120 square meters) plus two verandas totaling 244 square feet (23 square meters)
Grand Wintergarden Suites feature
Large windows
Dining for six
Glass-enclosed solarium with tub and day bed
Two bedrooms
Two bathrooms (one whirlpool)
Convertible sofa bed for one
Pantry with wet bar
Two flat-screen TVs
Complimentary Internet/Wi-Fi service
Select a Date
Grand Wintergarden Suite
Located on Deck 8; Combine mid-ship suites 849 and 851 for suite 8491 or suites 846 and 848 for suite 8468 for a total inside space of 1,292 square feet (120 square meters) plus two verandas totaling 244 square feet (23 square meters)
Grand Wintergarden Suites feature
Large windows
Dining for six
Glass-enclosed solarium with tub and day bed
Two bedrooms
Two bathrooms (one whirlpool)
Convertible sofa bed for one
Pantry with wet bar
Two flat-screen TVs
Complimentary Internet/Wi-Fi service
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 141 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 141 reviews on
1 day ago
Erin made things easier than I thought possible. So good at answering questions in a timely manner and explaining all. I feel she looks out for me.
Fran Folkman
1 day ago
Very personable and knowledgeable! Able to answer questions and provide advice based on personal experiences.
Robert Thompson
1 day ago
Erin is a seasoned travel planner and is very personable. She is a good listener and uses our questions and concerns to make the trip just as we want it. She is very good at moving the booking process along and meticulous with the details.
This is why we came back to have her plan this trip for us.
Lynn Oveson
1 day ago
Erin C. was incredibly helpful and thorough. I had answers immediately or within the same day.
Marilyn Snook
2 days ago
Great follow through and help in what needed to be done to have a safe successful trip !