Along the Ancient Coast of Turkey

Named Constantinople by Emperor Constantine the Great in A.D. 330, Istanbul has been the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Here the traditions of East and West commingle, which is especially evident in the diverse architecture of the city. Tour the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque. Board Callisto and sail.

Arrive in Canakkale, set at the narrowest point of the Dardanelles Strait. Take an excursion to the ruins of fabled Troy, which consists of nine cities superimposed in rings on a massive mound rising above the “wind-swept” plain of Ilium. Explore the excavations that Heinrich Schliemann began in 1872 and archaeologists have continued over the last century. In this crucible that inspired the Iliad and the Odyssey, you may be able to discern the spot where Helen, “the face that launched a thousand ships,” named the Greek heroes as they appeared upon the Troad plain.

From Dikili, travel to the great ancient city of Pergamum. Settled by Aeolic Greeks in the 8th century B.C., Pergamum rose to power during the Hellenistic period, becoming a center of learning and the arts. Built on the ridge of a mountain, its ancient ruins include several temples and shrines, a theater, an agora, and the famous Library, which rivaled Alexandria’s and is said to have once housed 200,000 books. Tour the acropolis, crowned by the temple of the Roman emperor Trajan, the 10,000-seat Greek theater and the Temple of Demeter. Return to Dikili and sail for Kusadasi.

Upon arrival in Kusadasi, set off on a scenic drive to Ephesus, one of the grandest and best-preserved ancient sites in the Mediterranean, with extensive ruins from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Ephesus was founded in the 10th century B.C. and flourished between 600 B.C. and A.D. 500. Ancient Ephesus was a great trading city and the center of worship of the great mother-goddess Cybele (Artemis). Walk along the very stone streets that did St. Paul and visit the large theater in which the Ephesians rioted against him. Also admire the Library of Celsus, with its imposing facade, and the Temple of Serapis.

up the Dalyan River to view the spectacular ancient temple tombs carved into the rock cliffs in the 4th century B.C. Following lunch in the town of Dalyan, we return by local boats back down the Dalyan River to explore the remains of Caunos, in antiquity a thriving port city, now landlocked and isolated by the receding sea. Overnight at anchor in Ekincik Bay.

Arrive at the small island of Kastellorizo, one of the hidden gems of the Greek archipelago. Formerly a prosperous trading and shipping center, it now supports a tiny population, most of whom live in the island’s quaint—and only—town. Old and imposing mansions line the spacious harbor, lending a sense of architectural harmony to this peaceful island. Conditions permitting, we will board local boats to explore the famous Blue Grotto, a vast cavern renowned for the iridescent blue light that fills the cave when the sun reflects on the water. Also enjoy the beauty of the main town with its small museum, winding pathways and inviting outdoor cafes. Callisto then returns to Turkey to cruise through the turquoise waters of Kekova Bay, where the narrow island of Kekova—only five miles long—forms a series of beautiful bays and fjord-like waterways. The waters here contain half-submerged ruins from the ancient city of Simena. Enjoy time exploring the island and swimming in the inviting waters of Kekova Bay.

Callisto glides through stunningly turquoise waters to Fethiye, nestled in an idyllic cove. Travel to Xanthos, ancient Lycia’s prominent capital, built on a great cliff overlooking the Xanthos River and the sea beyond. One of Turkey’s most astonishing sites, Xanthos boasts significant ruins, including the Nereid Monument, an exquisite Ionic building whose figured friezes are in the British Museum. Visit the acropolis, the theater, and the unusual pillar tombs.

Arrive in Bodrum, ancient Halicarnassus, the birthplace of the “father of history,” Herodotus, and Queen Artemisia, a military advisor to Xerxes and the only female commander of a naval vessel during the famous Battle of Salamis. The city was also the site of the famous Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. In the 15th century, the Knights of St. John built the massive castle of St. Peter here. Visit the citadel, which houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology and the Carian Princess Hall, displaying finds from the sarcophagus of Ada, sister of Artemisia.

Disembark in Piraeus and transfer to the airport in Athens for return flights home.