Riviera Travel An Aegean Odyssey

– Sail aboard beautiful four masted barquentine
– Discover the great ancient city of Pergamon
– Guided tour of the Acropolis and the acclaimed museum

– 7nts on-board the Star Clipper
– 3nts in 5-star hotels
– Return flights & transfers
– Daily tours and visits
– Dining: Full board cruise, Bed & Breakfast hotels
– Services of an Expert Tour Manager
– Checked luggage

Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul
Take your flight to Istanbul from where you’ll transfer to your hotel

Day 2 – Istanbul
Start your exploration of this magnificent city with a visit to the Blue Mosque, before continuing to Topaki Palace, once an imperial residence and now a spectacular museum. You’ll also get the chance to visit the Grand Bazaar.

Day 3 – Istanbul and Embarking
In the morning, enjoy more time exploring Istanbul, including a visit to the Hippodrome and the breathtaking Hagia Sophia. End the morning with a trip to the Spice Market, full of fragrant stalls of spices, nut and dried fruit. In the afternoon, leave for the port, where you’ll board the ship and settle in before dinner. This evening, this ship begins sailing towards its first port of call, Dikili

Day 4 – Day at Sea
After a leisurely breakfast, head up on deck and take in the bracing sea air. Relax in the pool or lie back on a sun lounger. Or perhaps visit the bridge to meet the ship’s captain or climb up to the crow’s nest. After lunch, you may wish to enjoy some quiet time on deck or in the library.

Day 5 – Pergamon
Today, the ship glides into picturesque Dikili. From here, you’ll take a guided tour exploring the ancient Greek city of Pergamon, perched on a high rocky outcrop with stunning views. See the remains of the Temple of Trajan, the altar of Zeus and the steepest ancient amphitheatre in the world. Return to the ship in the afternoon to continue your voyage.

Day 6 – Chios
Visit the island of Chios, known since ancient times for its cultivation of the mastic plant. While on the island, visit Pyrgi, where all the house are intricately decorated in a geometric style. Later on, visit the Mastic trees, where you’ll learn more about how this traditional product is produced. Finally, visit the well-preserved medieval village of Mesta. In the evening, sail on to the next port during dinner.

Day 7 – Patmos
The ship anchor in Patmos, one of the smaller islands in the Dodecanese. Today’s tour departs the pretty port of Skara for the Grotto of the Apocalypse. You’ll also visit the monastery of St John which towers above the town of Chora. After, visit the 300-year-old mansion of the Simandiris family, which house a fine collection of antiques. The rest of the day is free for wandering, before retuning to the ship in the late afternoon.

Day 8 – Santorini
Marvel at the views as the ship sails into the caldera of Santorini. Once on the island, visit its highest point, and its small villages. There is some free time in the cliff-top village of Oia before returning to Fira.

Day 9 – Monemvasia
Today, you’ll be able to explore the medieval Greek town of Monemvasia, which juts out of the coastline of the Peloponnese. Wander through its narrow streets and relax in one of the tavernas. Or try the steep path up to the ruins of the Upper Town.

Day 10 – Athens
This morning, disembark from the ship and transfer to Athens. Here, you’ll enjoy a walking tour of Athens, visiting the magnificent Acropolis and its museum. There’s some free time to have lunch and explore the old district of Plaka. Later on, check into the hotel.

Day 11 – Return flight
Transfer to Athen airport for your flight home

Star Clipper

Barcelo, Istanbul
This excellent modern and fully refurbished hotel enjoys a superb location in the heart of Istanbul, surrounded by shops, restaurants and cafés and close to Taksim Square.

Wyndham Grand Athens
This superb central hotel located next to the Metaxourgeio metro station is the ideal base to explore this magnificent city.

Fact File

• Countries: Turkey and Greece
• Currencies: Turkey – Turkish Lira (Euros are widely used but at a poor exchange rate); Greece – Euro
• Flight time: UK to Istanbul – Approx 3 hrs 50 mins; Athens to UK: Approx. 3 hrs 40 mins
• Languages: Turkey – Turkish, Greece – Greek
• Time zone: Turkey and Greece – GMT+2

Visa Information

British Citizens travelling to Turkey and Greece for tourist purposes are currently able to travel without a visa, however, must have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.

Weather

In the event of unsatisfactory weather or wind conditions, the Star Clipper reserves the right to proceed under motor power or reschedule the itinerary.

Availability of water sports is subject to weather conditions and local authority regulations.

*All transfers listed here are approximate.