Variety Cruises7-day Antiquity To Byzantium: A Cultural Journey Through Greece And Turkey

Explore the rich history and culture of two of the oldest civilizations in the world on Variety Cruises' 7-day Antiquity to Byzantium: A Cultural Journey Through Greece and Turkey.

Departing from Athens, the cruise takes passengers to some of the most iconic sites of antiquity and of early Christian and Muslim empires. Highlights include visiting the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, the ancient city of Ephesus, the Temple of Apollo at Didyma, the Palace of Knossos and the Acropolis of Lindos.

The highlights of the trip also include spending time in the modern cities of Istanbul and Izmir. On the first day, visitors will be able to experience the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Later, they will explore the Hagia Sophia Museum, a former Byzantine church and mosque. In Izmir, the cruise will take passengers to the ancient city of Pergamon and the ruins of the Temple of Athena.

The cruise also includes daily lectures from local experts and on-board activities as well as the opportunity to explore the islands of Chios, Samos and Patmos. On Chios, passengers can visit the Byzantine castle of Chios, the 12th-century Monastery of Nea Moni and the traditional villages of Mesta and Pyrgi. On Samos, they will visit the Temple of Hera, the Heraion of Samos and the Eupalinian aqueduct. Finally, a visit to Patmos will take passengers to the Cave of the Apocalypse, where John the Apostle wrote the Book of Revelation.

At the end of the cruise, passengers will return to Athens with a wealth of knowledge and lasting memories. With this 7-day cruise, passengers will have the chance to experience the ancient cultures and sites of Greece and Turkey.

Exploring the Ancient Wonders of Greece and Turkey

Discovering the Intriguing History of the Byzantine Empire

Examining the Unique Cultural Influences of Greece and Turkey