Windstar Cruises
Aegean Sea Odyssey via the Corinth Canal
Greek temples and Turkish mosques punctuate the golden coastlines of these ancient rival nations throughout this 8-day coastal exploration of the Aegean Sea, scenic Dardanelles and the Sea of Maramara. Transit the narrow, time-saving Corinth Canal to Itea and the sacred ruins in the Sanctuary of Apollo, the former home of the ancient world’s most respected oracle. Sip tart and flavorful white wines made from local Assyrtiko, Athiri and Aidani grapes grown atop the windy ridges of Santorini. Hike between black lava rocks and white pumice stones to the smoldering crater on Nea Kameni. Shop for fresh fruit and vegetables in an open Turkish market with a local chef, then return to his Bodrum restaurant and cook up Turkish meals paired with regional wines and beer. Stroll in the shade of former terrace houses and columned buildings in ancient Ephesus prior to a late-night stay in the markets and cafes of Kusadasi, Turkey.
Booking Dates
04/10/2025 through 10/05/2026
Travel Dates
04/10/2025 through 10/19/2026
| Day 1 |
Ancient history comes alive in Athens, the capital of Greece. Gaze in wonder at the Acropolis and its iconic crown, the Parthenon. Take a deeper dive into the past and visit both the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum, which house fascinating artifacts from this ancient city.
With influences Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman, Athens contains multitudes. The city's architecture and cuisine reflect these influences in a most elegant way. It's not all antiquity, though – Athens still exhibits a modern cool, with eye-catching street art, nightlife and music festivals beckoning new generations. A lively energy is afoot at the Agora-Athens Central Market, where locals shop, and visitors find amazing, reasonably priced meals. A stroll through the Plaka, Athens' oldest neighborhood, is also a must for shopping and eating at outdoor restaurants. Visit Athens between March and May, and from September to November, as the weather is comfortable and there are thinner crowds. You will also find that hotels and flights are a bit easier to reserve. |
| Day 2 |
Delphi is an iconic historical site and was once the sacred precinct of classical Greece, due to its role in Greek myth as the seat of a prophetic oracle. Originally considered the center of the world by ancient Greeks, today's Delphi is a UNESCO World Heritage site and archaeological wonder, filled with the ruins of theaters, temples, treasuries, and other remains of centuries-old architecture. Arrive Time: 3:00 PM – Depart Time: 9:00 PM
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| Day 3 |
Arrive Time: 8:00 AM – Depart Time: 10:00 AM
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| Day 4 |
Enjoy this day at sea as you travel to your next port of call. This is an opportunity to swim, catch some sun on deck or take advantage of the many activities that are onboard your ship. Eat heartily, take a nap and get ready for the next port of call ! This is what makes cruising so great. |
| Day 5 |
Reshaped by volcanic activity, the rugged yet enchanting Santorini beckons all seafaring souls in the Aegean Sea.
Visitors to this breathtaking and romantic Cyclades archipelago will gaze at the whitewashed cubiform houses sitting cliffside and hovering over the water. Santorini is technically an active volcano, and perhaps the only volcano on the planet with its crater situated in the sea. But don't worry too much; the last eruption was 3600 years ago. Instead, couples and tourists should explore, taste the local wine, and lounge in the sun on black sand beaches. As the sun sets dramatically, visitors will find a taverna or bar and toast their impeccable taste in travel destinations. Arrive Time: 8:00 AM – Depart Time: 9:00 PM
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| Day 6 |
Bodrum is a resort town on the dazzling blue bay, in which the Aegean and the Mediterranean Seas meet. The town's charm is well-known, attracting a diverse population of vacationers who stroll along its long palm-lined waterfront, while elegant yachts crowd the marina. Not far from town , you can swim in absolutely clear, tideless, warm seas. Arrive Time: 8:00 AM – Depart Time: 10:00 PM
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| Day 7 |
This bustling holiday resort is a major cruise ship destination and a jumping-off point for visiting the ruins at nearby Ephesus. The beaches of Kusadasi a beautiful, welcoming and perfect for all ages! |
| Day 8 |
This gorgeous, breezy island is a lively paradise without equal. A celebratory atmosphere will be found here, from dance clubs and DJs to summer tourists simply reveling in the good life. It is said that Mykonos is Greece's answer to Ibiza.
Mykonos, part of the Cyclades archipelago, has azure waters and a cosmopolitan flair. Visitors and locals alike lounge on the beach, find quiet on its country roads and enjoy a thriving culinary scene. Tourists should see the famous Mykonos windmills and the island's Archaeological Museum to further appreciate this idyllic destination. Arrive Time: 8:00 AM – Depart Time: 5:00 PM
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| Day 9 |
Also known as Limnos, Lemnos is the 8th-largest island of Greece, located in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Turkey. Its capital and main port is Myrina, a village stretched along two picturesque bays and overlooked by the ruins of an imposing Byzantine castle. |
| Day 10 |
Istanbul, previously known as Byzantium and Constantinople, is where East meets West. Situated on both sides of the narrow strait Bosporus, Istanbul is a connector between Europe and Asia.
Turkey's most populated and culturally rich city has been profoundly shaped by history. Imperialistic armies, a revolving door of rulers (including Greeks, Romans and Venetians) and its strategic positioning on the Silk Road led Istanbul, though centuries, to become the diverse and incomparable city it is today. Visitors will discover striking domed monuments, Byzantine architecture and a natural beauty. The Hagia Sophia is called the 8th wonder of the world, and the Blue Mosque also demands attention. Shop at the sprawling Grand Bazaar, walk the Topkapi Palace Museum, take a boat tour on the Bosporus, and take in a wondrous view of the city on Çamlica Hill. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
04/24/26 - 05/02/26 |
Starting At $4,199 |
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|
10/11/26 - 10/19/26 |
Starting At $4,399 |
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There are no additional terms and conditions for this offer.