Itinerary

Athens, Souda, Mykonos, Cruising the Dardanelles, Istanbul, Katakolon, Kerkira, Trieste

Description

Pricing based on departure date: 20 August 2025

Cruise conveniently from Athens to dynamic cities across the Aegean and Adriatic, such as Mykonos, Soúda, and Corfu. Explore longer on a late night stay in Istanbul.

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS:

Souda (Chania), Greece

The port of Souda on the Aegean Sea is home to a Greek and NATO naval base and is located six kilometers (three miles) from Chania—the second-largest city on Crete, which itself is the largest of the Greek Islands. Once you’re in Chania, set your compass for the historic waterfront with its famous Venetian Harbor dating to the 14th century. Walk along the breakwater to the restored 500-year-old lighthouse for views that are particularly photogenic from late afternoon until sunset. The atmospheric tangle of streets that is Old Town is easily explored on foot, and you can stop at one of the many outdoor cafés for a bouyatsa (custard pastry) or a glass of Cretan red wine.Soúda can also be a jumping-off point for a visit to Rethymnon, located about 54 kilometers (33 miles) to the east. Shaped by centuries of invasion, namely by the Venetians and Turks, its Fortezza was built by the Venetians in the late 16th century and captured by the Ottomans in 1646. The Old Town has the same kind of architectural character as Chania, but on a smaller scale.

Cruising The Dardanelles

On the far northwest coast of Turkey, the 60-kilometer-long (37-mile-long) Dardanelles divides the continents of Europe and Asia, and is the sole waterway between the Aegean and Marmara seas and beyond to the Black Sea. For this reason, the Dardanelles has, for millennia, been a strategic gateway for both the shipping trade and military campaigns to Istanbul and the Black Sea region. Cutting off trade and supplies through the Dardanelles has been a winning strategy for many civilizations—the Greeks, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, British, Russians and the Turks—all of whom have fought to gain power and control over this narrow strait.

Istanbul, Turkey

Arriving in Istanbul, Turkey on board a ship is an unforgettable experience. The Bosphorus, dividing Europe and Asia, welcomes passengers with ocean breezes, soaring seagulls and—if you’re lucky—playful dolphins that frolic en route to the port. On deck is where the views of Istanbul’s best attractions await. The shores of Asia to the east, the first Bosphorus Bridge to the north, and the “old Istanbul” peninsula in the south—home to Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia—give a glimpse of what’s to come on your visit. But once you step ashore in Istanbul, you’ll find the most interesting parts of the city—neighborhoods with personalities of their own. Explore the sights of bohemian Beyoğlu: a contemporary district brimming with galleries and street art, back street bars, cafés and fashion outlets that line the busy shopping avenue—Istiklal Caddesi. Meanwhile, across the Golden Horn, Zeyrek’s ancient timber houses made it a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site where people live a traditional way of life. Sultanahmet is where travelers of the world sightsee and explore palaces, temples and mosques that once defined the power of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. But, as these empire builders learned, it’s difficult to conquer Istanbul in one trip. You’ll want come back for more.

Kerkira, Nisos Kerkira (Corfu), Greece

Corfu is the pearl of the Ionian Sea, attracting royalty from across Europe in the 19th century, and modern celebrities from all over the world ever since. The island reflects a triple heritage. As well as being undeniably Greek, the culture and food also show a clear nod towards nearby Italy, particularly Venice, whose fortresses dot the island. The British influence may be unexpected, but as they ruled the island for many years, they have left such surprises in the Mediterranean as cricket and ginger beer.The bustling atmosphere of Corfu Town remains elegant, infused with culture and history. Parts of the rest of the island have been overdeveloped, but there are still great swaths that epitomize why the Greek islands are still regarded as the most beautiful in the world, with white-sand beaches backed by verdant mountains hiding traditional old villages. It is easy to see how Corfu has inspired generations of writers: from Shakespeare, through Edward Lear, to Gerald Durrell. A true gem.

Your Ship: Oosterdam 

Oosterdam, a Vista-class ship, recently emerged from dry dock with exciting updates—including completely refreshed suites and new lounge, dining and entertainment venues, such as Music Walk™, with Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club and Billboard Onboard. Guests can choose from among delectable specialty restaurants, hone culinary skills with EXC Port to Table and thrill to BBC Earth Experiences.