Athens to Istanbul

Arrive in Athens and transfer to the SeaDream II. Settle in to your cabin and explore the ship, then attend a welcome dinner as you set sail for Hydra.

There is one main town on Hydra, known simply as "Hydra Port". Explore the steep stone streets which lead up and outwards from the harbor area. The charm of Hydra town lies in her rich history, beautiful port, and pristine waterfront, which is unspoiled by motorized vehicles. The island offers a rugged charm and some spectacular scenes, and makes the perfect place for some self-exploration.

Santorini, also known as Thera, is a volcanic island located in the southern Aegean Sea. Santorini was formed by a large volcanic explosion that destroyed the earliest settlements on what was formerly a single island, and led to the creation of the current geological caldera.

With the popularity and sometimes overcrowding at Santorini and Mykonos, Paros offers a quieter, unspoiled option in the Aegean. Historically, Paros was once known for its fine white marble, which gave rise to the term "Parian" to describe marble or china of similar qualities. Most visitors make an effort to see the famous Church of Ekatontapyliani (Our lady of a Hundred Doors), which is the holy place of Paros and linked to the history and myths of Byzantium. Tradition and history state that the church began life in the reign of Constantine the Great (280 - 337 A.D.) or Justinian (527 - 565). After its restoration in 1959, this church, the brightest jewel in the crown of Aegean Orthodoxy, became the third most important Christian building in Greece.

Patmos is recognized worldwide as The Jerusalem of the Aegean. Believed to be the place where Saint John wrote the Book of Revelations, the island is sacred. Designated the Holy Island by the Greek Parliament in 1981, Patmos is also an ideal destination for nature lovers thanks to its lace-like coastline, sheer cliffs, beautiful beaches, and volcanic soil.

Arrive in Kusadasi, a resort town on Turkey's Aegean coast. Spend some time in the grand bazaar and practice your negotiating skills with the locals. Or, join a land excursion to Ephesus. This comprehensive Land Adventure includes a guided tour of the stunning archaeological site of Ephesus, including the recently excavated Terrace Houses, and adds a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary.

Explore the ancient city of Troy on a Land Adventure from Kepez. Explore the expansive ruins and marvel in the dramatic story of the Trojans and the Greeks. Or, visit perhaps the most moving site in all of Turkey: Anzac Cove and the World War I battlefields of Gallipoli.

Arrive in Istanbul in the early morning and disembark after breakfast. Transfer into the city or the airport for your independent continued journeys.