Expedition Details
Step aboard the square-rigged yacht Sea Cloud, and sail along the magnificent isles and rocky coastlines of Turkey and Greece. Encounter the glittering marble cities of the ancient world from Ephesus to Delos, and stroll through the timeless whitewashed villages of the Cyclades. Delve deep into the rich history and mythology of the Romans and the Greeks and encounter the legacy of the Ottomans in vibrant Istanbul.
Trip Highlights
- Sail the ancient seas aboard the legendary four-masted Sea Cloud.
- Experience the enchantment of Istanbul by seeing the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
- Venture into some of the most important sites of the Greco-Roman era, including Delos, Didyma, and Ephesus.
- Examine Bronze Age shipwrecks at the Museum of Underwater Archaeology in the harbor town of Bodrum.
Itinerary - 10 Days
Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Istanbul, Turkey
Depart on an overnight flight to Istanbul and
check into our hotel upon arrival. After lunch,
head into the fabled capital of the Ottoman
Empire on a city tour. See the Blue
Mosque and stroll through lovely gardens to the Hagia Sophia,
where graceful minarets soar into the sky. Later
this afternoon, take advantage of free time to
explore on your own or relax at the hotel. We’ll
gather tonight for a festive welcome dinner.
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet (D)
Day 3 — Izmir/Ephesus
Board a morning flight to Izmir and continue
overland to Ephesus, once home to the Temple of
Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient
world. Take in views of this sparkling white city
and then follow the Marble Way past ancient
merchant houses to the Great Theater and the
dazzling facade of the Library of Celsus. This
afternoon, a short drive brings us to the port of
Kusadasi where the beautiful Sea Cloud awaits.
Settle into your cabin and enjoy dinner on deck
this evening.
Sea Cloud (B,L,D)
Day 4 — Didyma/At Sea
At Didyma we explore an Ionian shrine that was the site of the oracle of Apollo. Wander among the ruins of massive columns to the Temple of Apollo and discover the site's significance in the ancient world. Later this afternoon return to the Sea Cloud and watch sailors climb the lines to raise the sails by hand as we set sail for Bodrum.
(B,L,D)
Day 5 — Bodrum
Drop anchor in Bodrum, a lively seaside town
built around two natural harbors. Venture into the
Castle of St. Peter, built by the Crusaders in the
15th century to combat the spread of the Ottoman Empire. Set on a promontory between Bodrum’s
harbors, the castle now houses the impressive
Museum of Underwater Archaeology, where
we’ll examine items excavated from Bronze Age
shipwrecks and artifacts from subsequent eras.
(B,L,D)
Day 6 — At Sea
Enjoy a full day skimming across the sparkling
Aegean in our lovely tall ship as we make our way
to the Cycladic Islands under full sail. Relax with
a book on deck, take in the views and watch the
crew trim the sails, and attend talks by our experts
on the history and culture of the region. Late this
afternoon, we may stop for a swim or dock at one
of the islands along our route.
(B,L,D)
Day 7 — Santoríni
Make sure you’re on deck this morning as we
glide into Santoríni’s volcanic caldera and see
the island's spectacular cliffs and whitewashed
villages ringing the blue sea. Ashore, take a drive
through vineyards to the tiny village of Ía and
stroll past its iconic domed churches and windmills.
Then continue to Thíra and take in splendid views
of the caldera.
(B,L,D)
Day 8 — At Sea/Folégandros
After a morning of sailing, dock at the small island
of Folégandros and head up to the cliff-side town
of Hora. Stroll along the cobbled streets of the
medieval kastro, and climb up to the castle for
magnificent views of the island's rocky shores and
pristine beaches.
(B,L,D)
Day 9 — Delos/At Sea
Tiny Delos is known as the birthplace of the twin
gods Artemis, goddess of animals and the hunt,
and Apollo, god of healing, reason and light. It
was also a flourishing port during the Roman
era. Explore this extraordinary archaeological
site today. Walk down the Terrace of the Lions and
encounter the marble Temple of Apollo, one of
the holiest sites in ancient Greece. On our final
afternoon unwind on deck one last time as we set
our course for Piraeus.
(B,L,D)
Day 10 — Piraeus/Athens/U.S.
After breakfast, disembark in Pireaus and transfer
to Athens for your return flight.
(B)
Optional Extensions
View LargerNational Geographic Expert
Accompanying each expedition is a diverse team of experts — from naturalists to regional specialists — who will share their knowledge and insights on the wildlife, landscapes, and local culture. See one of the members of our extraordinary team below.
Gilbert Grosvenor
Gil Grosvenor has served National Geographic since 1954, first as a writer and photographer, then as the editor of National Geographic magazine, president of the Society, and, until 2010, as chairman of the board. Gil was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2004. He was the fifth generation of his family to serve as National Geographic president. His great-grandfather, Alexander Graham Bell, was the Society's second president.
Gil is an avid sailor and has traveled all over the world for the Geographic, including multiple assignments for National Geographic magazine in the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas.
Gilbert will join the following departure:
Jun 04 - 13, 2012
This trip is offered in association with Lindblad Expeditions.
Expedition Dates 
2013
- May 07 - 16, 2013
- May 13 - 22, 2013
- Jun 04 - 13, 2013
- Jun 10 - 19, 2013
- Sep 18 - 27, 2013
- Sep 24 - Oct 03, 2013
Indicates trip operates in reverse. Click here to see the reverse itinerary
.
Expedition Costs
Airfare is not included in the expedition cost. Round-trip economy airfare from New York to Istanbul and return from Athens is $1,200 (subject to change).
