Credit: Seabourn

For ancient wonders and hidden islands, cruise to Greece, Turkey and beyond

Author: Lucy Abbott

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Seabourn offers you the chance to take advantage of summer 2023 & 2024 and discover beautiful locations such as Greece and Turkey while expanding your knowledge of the world.

Seabourn cruises to Greece, Turkey and beyond allow you to explore great cities such as Athens, Istanbul and Venice as well as stroll timeless island villages hugging tiny harbours on Mykonos, Spetses and the shining white town of Thira cresting the cliffs of Santorini.

Call into lesser-visited Turkish ports such as Bozcaada or Cesme, discover fascinating UNESCO world heritage sites such as Delphi and Olympia on the Peloponnese peninsula and walk in the steps of the ancients (and sip wine to classical music) at a special evening among the ruins of Ephesus, once considered the most important Greek city and the most significant trading centre in the Mediterranean region.

Go shopping in a Greek or Turkish market and learn about local produce with Seabourn’s executive chef as your guide or enjoy a complimentary Marina Day with watersports in Spetses or Hydra.

Seven-night voyages on board Seabourn Encore between Athens and Istanbul offer incredible sightseeing opportunities which easily combine to form the ultimate leisurely and immersive two-week holiday.

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The Seabourn difference in Greece and Turkey

Seabourn cruise line ensures you can explore further with hand-selected itineraries featuring hidden harbours and boutique ports - such as Patmos in Greece and Bozcaada in Turkey - where larger ships cannot go.

Shop till you drop with the chef during complimentary excursions which occur in select destinations such as Kusadasi and learn about regional markets while seeing how the freshest ingredients are selected, with an expert Seabourn chef as your guide.

Sample delectable regionally inspired cuisine using local seasonal produce. For true foodies, Seabourn’s signature culinary event, the Galley Market Lunch is a must-do - it’s a tour de force of temptation guaranteed to please any palate.

Enhance your cultural experience with local entertainment performances on deck in select destinations such as Rhodes and Monemvasia and more.

Seabourn Ovation in Greece during a stunning marina day. Credit: Seabourn

A marina Day with complimentary watersports from Seabourn’s retractable marina allows you to kayak, waterski or windsurf all while anchored in select breath-taking ports such as Spetses, Hydra and Monemvasia.

Seabourn’s evening classical concerts at Ephesus, Turkey are a highlight and occur when this UNESCO site is closed to other visitors. As you walk through the Marble Way you will feel like royalty, so sit back and sip on a glass of Champagne as you take in the music among the ancient ruins.

Seabourn Conversations with special guest speakers, including knowledgeable historians and destination experts, ensure you gain a deeper understanding of the destinations you visit.

Don’t miss shore excursions to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the archaeological site of Olympia, the medieval town of Rhodes and more.

Let’s Dance! Deck party, movies under the stars and other special deck events await on board, all helping to make your cruise experience unique.

Explore the likes of Rhodes with Seabourn. Credit: Seabourn

Discover summer 2023 & 2024 itineraries to Greece and Turkey

Your boutique hotel at sea, Seabourn Encore sails to Greece & Turkey from April until late Autumn every year. The 300-suite ship - all with verandas - will sail seven-night Eastern Mediterranean voyages from Athens (Piraeus), Istanbul and Venice, exploring the iconic Greek Isles and richly historic cities of Turkey, stunning Croatian coastlines and the hidden gems of Italy’s heel.

Seven-night Classic Ephesus & Greek Isles

Seabourn Encore will depart Athens and sail through the beautiful Greek Islands, including Pátmos, Crete, Mykonos, and Skíathos, as well as Bozcaada and Kuşadasi, Turkey, before arriving at Istanbul.

The ship’s visit to Kuşadasi will feature Seabourn’s signature complimentary “Evening at Ephesus,” at which you can listen to live music under the stars.

Seven-night Adriatic & Greek Treasures

From Venice, you will sail the Dalmatian coast of the Adriatic, visiting tiny Sibenik and the breathtaking Kotor Fjord.

Seabourn not only offers crafted itineraries, but also delicious food onboard. Credit: Seabourn

Then see Corfu, Cephalonia, Pylos and Nafplion, where you can discover the gateway to the small city of Epidaurus, which features a spectacular ancient theatre as well as the historical city of Mycenae, prominent in Greek mythology which inspired a variety of creatives, en-route to Athens.

Seven-night Greece and Dalmatian Delights

From Athens, Encore will visit tiny Monemvasia and Katakolon (for ancient Olympia, the home of the Olympic games from 776 BC and 393 AD). A call into Brindisi on Italy’s heel offers visits to the Trulli of Alberobello and Lecce, dubbed the ‘Florence of the South’.

Then enter the Adriatic to stroll the marble streets of Dubrovnik to discover the traffic-free Old Town and medieval Zadar on the way to Venice, where you can wander around this beautiful city.

Longer voyages, such as the 10-night Aegean Gems and Ephesus departing 1st October 2023 roundtrip Piraeus (Athens), feature an overnight stay in Istanbul with two full days to explore.

For more information please call 0344 338 8615 or visit www.seabourn.com

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About Lucy Abbott

Lucy is a cruise journalist who has sailed on a variety of ships, from expedition to river – with her favourite being expedition cruising.

Lucy is interested in new sustainable ways to cruise as well as how cruising is becoming accessible for all.

She works together with Kaye Holland to keep the World of Cruising website up to date with all the latest cruise news.