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The famous windmills of Mykonos

Delightful Dervishes

Piraeus - Istanbul - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Star Clipper
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Sail from Piraeus, the port of Athens, to Istanbul on an 8-day cruise across the Aegean aboard the Star Clipper. Begin in cosmopolitan Mykonos, where fishing boats and luxury yachts share the harbor of Hora. On Patmos, visit the Monastery of the Apocalypse at the cave where St. John is said to have lived, then continue to Chios, an island known for hand-cultivated mastic and believed to be the birthplace of Homer. Cross to Turkiye at Dikili, the starting point for exploring Pergamon and its acropolis set 919 feet high, then explore the cobbled lanes and uncrowded sandy beaches of Bozcaada, home to six wineries. After a day at sea, arrive in Istanbul, the city where continents and cultures meet.
Sunset over Athens' port Explore ancient monasteries in Greece Colorful local boats in Greece Explore the ancient ruins of Pergamon, a remarkable archaeological site known for its dramatic hillside setting, monumental temples, and rich Greek and Roman heritage. Piraeus (Athens), Greece The Blue Mosque of Turkey, Istanbul The famous windmills of Mykonos

Highlights

  • Stroll the colorful harbor of Hora on the island of Mykonos
  • See priceless icons and manuscripts in the monastery treasury on Patmos
  • Wander the cobbled streets and rustic homes of Bozcaada
  • Shop for mastic jams and sweets at the central market of Chios

Activities

Places Visited

Activity Level: Variable

Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.

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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Piraeus (Port of Athens), Greece | Embarkation

Your sailing begins in Piraeus, the port of Athens. In the ancient Agora, beneath the Acropolis, it is easy to imagine Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle debating which of them was the greatest thinker. Athens, the cradle of democracy and the heart of Western civilization, has a timeless appeal. Piraeus lies 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Athens and 45 kilometers (28 miles) from the airport.

Day 2: Mykonos, Greece

Arrive on Mykonos, one of the most cosmopolitan islands in Greece, where rocky hills give way to beautiful beaches. In Hora, the island’s capital, tavernas overlook a colorful harbor that serves as a favorite gathering spot, and fishing boats float alongside luxury yachts.

Day 3: Patmos, Greece

This serene island is known as the site of the apocalyptic revelations of St. John the Divine. The cave where he is said to have lived is now the site of the Monastery of the Apocalypse. It houses priceless icons and manuscripts in its treasury.

Day 4: Chios, Greece

A mastic-scented island with fascinating history. This natural product is cultivated entirely by hand and is used in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry and cosmetics. At the central market of the town of Chios, you can buy mastic-based jams and sweets, brandies and ouzo! Chios is most likely the birthplace of Homer and also the ancient mathematicians Hippocrates and Oenopides. A lot of Chiots work in the Merchant Navy and some of the most important Greek shipping companies have been founded by families that come from the island.

Day 5: Dikili, Turkey

Dikili is a quiet little town, with a harbor lined with restaurants and shops. It is an ideal starting point for exploring the site of Pergamon, with its acropolis perched 280 meters high and its Asclepion.

Day 6: Bozcaada, Turkey

Bozcaada has resisted the temptation to become overwhelmed with the usual tourist trappings. If you venture away from its glorious uncrowded sandy beaches, you find yourself wandering around its ancient cobbled streets, lined with quaint rustic homes adorned with gorgeous flora and fauna. Stop off for refreshments in one of its many traditional tavernas under the grapevines or visit one of the six wineries on the island. After the tour you can shop next door and enjoy tasting wine samples.

Day 7: At Sea

Each Star Clippers ship offers a traditional and elegant way to see the world. Feel the wind fill the sails and gently carry you from one gorgeous destination to the next. During your time on board, you can choose to relax on a sun lounger or cool off in one of the pools on the top deck, while more adventurous passengers may enjoy the opportunity to climb the rigging or even have a go at steering the ship. Alternatively, you can wander the interior areas of the ship and discover relaxing lounges, and a peaceful library.
 

Day 8: Istanbul, Turkey | Disembarkation

  • 1 Breakfast
Throughout thousands of years Istanbul's geographical position has maintained its importance. Today it is a huge metropolis connecting continents, cultures and religions and is home to millions of people and one of the greatest business and cultural centers of the region.

Ship/Hotel

Star Clipper

Star Flyer/Star Clipper Exterior

Star Clipper

Star Clipper is a 170-passenger vessel designed to provide a unique traveling experience unlike any other cruise vacation. Step aboard and discover a new age of sailing, where the traditions of the past are happily married to the comforts and amenities of the present day.
Star Flyer, Star Clipper Exterior
Star Flyer/Star Clipper library

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

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Per person starting at
$2,620 2-3 travelers
Star Flyer, Star Clipper Cabin Category 6
Category 6
Located on the Commodore Deck, this inside cabin features upper/lower berths and a bathroom with shower.
Star Flyer, Star Clipper Cabin Category 5
Category 5
Located on the Clipper & Commodore Decks, this inside/outside cabin features a raised double bed, two lower beds, or triple berths, and a marble-lined bathroom with shower.
Star Flyer, Star Clipper Cabin 4
Category 4
Located on the Commodore Deck, this outside cabin features two lower beds, double bed, or triple berths, and a marble-lined bathroom with shower.
Star Flyer, Star Clipper Cabin Category 3
Category 3
Located on the Clipper & Commodore Decks, this outside cabin features two lower beds, double bed, or triple berths, and a marble-lined bathroom with shower.
Star Flyer, Star Clipper Cabin Category 2
Category 2
Located on the Clipper Deck, this large outside cabin features two lower beds, double bed, or triple berths, and a marble-lined bathroom with shower.
Star Flyer, Star Clipper Cabin Category 1
Category 1
Located on the Main & Sun Decks, this deluxe deck cabin features two lower beds that can convert to a double bed, minibar, marble-lined bathroom with whirlpool bath, and cabin doors that open onto the deck.
Owner's Suite view
Owner's Cabin (Double)
Located on the Clipper Deck, this deluxe outside cabin features a double bed, sitting area, minibar, and marble-lined bathroom with whirlpool.

Notes

Single supplement: A single supplement fare is available at 150% of the published cruise fare for categories 2-6 during the season in which passengers are traveling. It is available at 200% for category 1 cabins, Deluxe Suites, and Owner's Suites. Single space is capacity controlled.

Children's rate: Savings may be available for children under 18 years when traveling with a full-paying adult on select sailings and subject to availability. Contact us for details.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Port Fees
  • All meals and snacks (open seating) including: Coffee and tea are available 24 hours a day. Different juices are included only for breakfast.
  • Ocean transportation to remote ports.
  • Complimentary snorkeling, kayaks, paddle boarding, water-skiing, windsurfing, and sunfish sailing (subject to weather conditions and local authorities).
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Gratuities
  • Visa
  • All transfers to/from the boat from airports.
  • Laundry services 
  • Medical services
  • Shore Excursions
  • Alcoholic drinks and sodas.

Map

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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 4.9 | 1082 reviews
TrustScore 4.9 of 5
total score
Based on 1082 reviews on
review score
1 month ago
The ship was beautiful. I loved being able to swim off the platform! Great food, good drinks, great atmosphere. The staff is wonderful as well.
Vita Barci
review score
5 months ago
This is a fabulous, very upscale sailing experience. Star Clipper is a tall clipper ship with masts and sails. You actually feel the waves and the movement of the ship. You get to see and experience the excitement of the raising and lowering of the sails depending on the winds. The ships hold only about 150 people so the experience is nothing like regular cruise ships that carry thousands of passengers. The small number of passengers allow you to get to know people and make friends.
Christina
review score
5 months ago
I wanted to visit some of the islands in the Mediterranean that most cruise ships don’t go to. A friend recommended that I try a sailing ship so I googled and found the sea clippers and Adventure Life. My experience booking with them was excellent. They were professional and responsive. I’d use them again plus recommend them.
Veena Mahendru
review score
11 months ago
Our Balkans trip was the perfect blend of adventure, history, and cultural discovery. Each country offered something special—from Albania’s lively energy and stunning mountain landscapes to Montenegro’s breathtaking Bay of Kotor and Bosnia’s rich mix of cultures and moving history. The fall colors and scenic drives made every mile memorable. We loved the balance of guided tours, hikes, local food and wine experiences, and time to explore on our own. Our guides, Loren and Ernest, were outstanding—knowledgeable, engaging, and full of local insight and humor. Even after traveling more than 1,000 miles together, the journey never felt long or dull. It was a beautifully curated itinerary that captured the very best of the Balkans.
Nancy K
review score
1 year ago
Knowledgable and responsive staff made the booking go smoothly!
Nancy Barci

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