Embark on a 10-day Aegean Sea cruise aboard SH Diana. Explore vibrant Istanbul, with its rich history and stunning architecture, including the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Sail to Kavala, Greece, a blend of history and culture with its Ottoman old town and Byzantine citadel. Thessaloniki offers wandering through ancient ruins and to enjoy panoramic city views. In Volos, breathe in the mix of sea and mountain air, and visit the remarkable monasteries of Meteora. Discover the medieval villages and mastic groves of Chios, followed by the ancient wonders of Ephesus in Kusadasi. Explore the Palace of Knossos in Heraklion, and marvel at the medieval architecture of Rhodes. In Limassol, Cyprus, modern and ancient worlds meet. Each destination offers unique experiences, making this cruise a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation.
Highlights
Explore the Argo replica in Volos, where Jason's Argonauts sailed
Explore Philippi UNESCO-listed site with important archaeological monuments
Wander Rhodes' medieval Old Town and Grand Masters' Palace
Visit the Palace of Knossos in Heraklion, offering a glimpse into Minoan civilization
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.
After breakfast, you'll join the group transfer to the port and set sail on the SH Diana for your adventure.
Istanbul bridges Europe and Asia, shaped by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. This diversity infuses the city's architecture, cuisine, music, and arts. Sites include the Hagia Sophia museum, a former church and mosque, the stunning Blue Mosque with six minarets, Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans, and the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.
Kavala in eastern Macedonia, Greece, is a rarely explored port that offers unexpected delights - a blend of history, culture and architecture. Known as Neopolis in ancient times, Kavála was historically a significant seaport, used by Middle Eastern traders to access European markets. The Ottoman old town's alleys lead to a Byzantine citadel while the Imaret is a former Islamic soup kitchen and mosque, now a cultural center with a museum.
Included Excursion
PHILIPPI
Visit Philippi, a UNESCO World Heritage site
See the most important monuments of the archaeological site as the Romano Forum
Visit the St. Lydia site, the stream where Lydia was baptized
In the heart of the Thermaic Gulf, Greece's second city is a vibrant mix of diverse neighborhoods, each with its unique character. The Byzantine walls offer the best views of the city. The narrow lanes of Ano Poli take you through one of the city’s oldest districts, past ancient castles and monuments. Remnants from the reign of 4th-century emperor Galerius Maximiliano include the Palace, Triumphal Arch, and Rotunda.
The homeland of the mythical centaur, the port city of Volos offers a mix of salty sea breeze, fresh mountain air, and fascinating mythology. With a replica of the infamous Argo, recreated from historical texts, this is where Jason and his Argonauts sailed on a quest for the Golden Fleece. The extensive seafront is lined with traditional cafes and tavernas, known for freshly caught seafood and traditional tsipouro (a local spirit).
Included Excursion
REMARKABLE MONASTERIES OF METEORA
View fascinating Meteora Monasteries
Explore the Agios Stephanos Monastery, still stunning despite damage sustained during multiple military conflicts
Enjoy the incredible views while wending up the slopes of Mount Pelion
The birthplace of the Greek poet Homer, Chios island In the Aegean Sea, is known for mastic production and medieval villages. Fortress-like mastic villages were built under Genoese rule in the 12th century. Highlights include Olympi and medieval Pirgi with its intricately patterned geometric house decorations, Mesta with its fortified alleyways and central Taxiarches Church, and the mastic tree groves used to produce the unique resin.
Included Excursion
CHIOS HIGHLIGHTS
Visit Pyrgi Village one of the most beautiful villages on the island of Chios, known as the "painted village" thanks to the unique facade of the stone houses
Continue the island discovery to the Mesta, the best-preserved medieval village of Chios
Kusadasi is the gateway to the 11th-century BC Ephesus, a well-preserved ancient site. This UNESCO-listed treasure was a vital Roman capital and religious hub from 129 BC. It features marble streets, the Temple of Hadrian, mosaic-adorned Terrace Houses, the Library of Celsus, and the amphitheater where St. Paul spoke. Nearby stood the Temple of Artemis/Diana, once among the Seven Wonders. The Seljuk Archaeological Museum displays Ephesus artifacts.
Included Excursion
EPHESUS - TERRACE HOUSES & MUSEUM
Visit Ephesus, considered Europe’s most complete ancient city. Ephesus was an important religious center second only to Athens and later Jerusalem
Admire the Terrace Houses "The Houses of the Rich", luxury Roman Villas
Spend some time in the Ephesus Museum, here are not only findings from the ongoing excavations
Heraklion, Crete's largest city and capital, holds a rich history dating to the Minoans and Venetians. The Palace of Knossos, around 2000 BC, is a key Greek archaeological site, central to Minoan civilization. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum showcases Minoan artifacts, including Knossos' famous frescoes. The city's Venetian legacy is seen in the 16th-century fortress and the Lions (Morosini Fountain), supplying 1,000 barrels of water daily.
Included Excursion
THE PALACE OF KNOSSOS & HERAKLION ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
The ruins of Knossos palace are incredibly well-preserved and offer a glimpse into the lives of the Minoans
Marvel at the intricate carvings on the walls, or wander through the courtyards and imagine what life was like in this ancient city
Admire The House of the Frescoes, which has wall paintings, and the Villa of Dionysos, a private home with magnificent mosaic decorations
Rhodes Town, one of Europe's best medieval walled towns, is known for the 14th-century UNESCO-listed Old Town constructed by the Knights of St. John and the 100-foot Colossus statue that once stood in the harbor. Highlights include the bustling Turkish district, the Grand Masters' Palace adorned with marble mosaics, and the Gothic Street of the Knights. Nearby Lindos offers whitewashed streets and an Acropolis with views over St. Paul's Bay.
Included Excursion
ACROPOLIS OF LINDOS
Enjoy the scenic drive along the east coast passing by quaint villages, orange and lemon groves, vineyards, and gnarled old olive trees
Admire the 4th-century B.C. Doric Temple of Athena Lindia and a double-winged portico
Look at the breathtaking panoramas from atop the Acropolis, including St. Paul's Bay
Day 10: Limassol | Disembark
1 Breakfast
On this day, bid farewell to your fellow travelers and crew. Take the group transfer to the airport and catch your flight home.
Limassol is the second-largest city in Cyprus and lies between the ancient sites of Amathous and Kourion. The city has witnessed various occupations. Modern waterfront buildings and a sleek promenade stand in contrast to the ancient core of the Old Town. Notably, Limassol Castle played a historic role, serving as the venue for Richard the Lionheart's marriage to Berengaria of Navarre after his conquest of the island in 1191.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Oceanview D4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Oceanview M4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Balcony D5
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Balcony M5
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Balcony D6
Located on decks 6, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Junior Suite
SH Diana’s Junior Suites features a Super King Size bed, separate living room area with homely flame-effect fireplace, private kitchen, luxurious en-suite bathroom and a 7 sq. m private balcony.
Suite
Our Suites features a superking bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
Premium Suite
SH Diana’s Premium Suites feature a Super King Size bed, separate living room with homely flame-effect fireplace, luxurious en-suite bathroom, spacious walk-in wardrobe and a 12 sq. m private balcony.
Initial deposit is 20% (30% for Suite bookings), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 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
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
9 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
9 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Room Service
Wifi
Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
Onboard gratuities & port taxes
Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.
Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
We recommend every traveler to take out a travel cancellation insurance, travel interruption insurance and a travel health insurance policy with an assumption of the return transport costs of repatriation
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
