Ancient Empires: Istanbul to Athens

The only city in the world that can lay claim to straddling two continents, Istanbul—once known as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empire—has for centuries been a bustling metropolis with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Istanbul embraces this enviable position with both a certain chaos and inventiveness, ever evolving as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan crossroads. It’s often said that Istanbul is the meeting point of East and West, but visitors to this city built over the former capital of two great empires are likely to be just as impressed by the juxtaposition of old and new. Office towers creep up behind historic palaces, women in chic designer outfits pass others wearing long skirts and head coverings, peddlers’ pushcarts vie with battered old Fiats and shiny BMWs for dominance of the noisy, narrow streets, and the Grand Bazaar competes with modern shopping malls. At dawn, when the muezzin’s call to prayer resounds from ancient minarets, there are inevitably a few hearty revelers still making their way home from nightclubs and bars. Most visitors to this sprawling city of more than 14 million will first set foot in the relatively compact Old City, where the legacy of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires can be seen in monumental works of architecture like the brilliant Aya Sofya and the beautifully proportioned mosques built by the great architect Sinan. Though it would be easy to spend days, if not weeks, exploring the wealth of attractions in the historical peninsula, visitors should make sure also to venture elsewhere in order to experience the vibrancy of contemporary Istanbul. With a lively nightlife propelled by its young population and an exciting arts scene that’s increasingly on the international radar—thanks in part to its stint as the European Capital of Culture in 2010—Istanbul is truly a city that never sleeps. It’s also a place where visitors will feel welcome: Istanbul may be on the Bosphorus, but at heart it’s a Mediterranean city, whose friendly inhabitants are effusively social and eager to share what they love most about it.

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Istanbul is a mesmerising city that straddles two continents. Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium in the 7th century BC, it became Constantinople under the Romans in 330 AD before falling to the Turks of the Ottoman Empire in the 1400s. Thanks to this rich and complex history, it boasts a breathtaking blend of architecture including iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Wander the narrow lanes of the famed Grand Bazaar, savour Turkish delicacies along picturesque waterways, sip fragrant mint tea, and embrace the dynamic blend of ancient traditions and modern energy that defines this legendary destination. 

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Begin your day with a graceful sail through the legendary Dardanelles Strait, a narrow passage where history and natural beauty converge between Europe and Asia. This narrow passage links the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara and is best known as the site of the Gallipoli campaign in WWI. Take in the marvellous views from the deck as you cruise past rugged shorelines, ancient ruins and rolling hills. After lunch, you’ll arrive in Kepez, ready to explore this charming seaside town.  Set on the eastern coast of the Dardanelles, this popular destination comes steeped in history, with ancient sites such as the Old Town and Hadrian's Gate, and famed for its culture and culinary traditions. Kepez also offers numerous outdoor pursuits, including hiking and cycling in the surrounding parks and verdant forests, or simply relaxing on the enticing beaches. 

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Today, your yacht will arrive in Dikili, an authentic Turkish coastal town that is the modern port for the ancient city of Pergamon. Once an important cultural, scientific and political centre, the site is well known for its impressive ruins, including the famous Acropolis, ancient theatre, and the remarkable Altar of Zeus, one of the most significant archaeological sites of the Hellenistic period. Afterwards, enjoy the relaxed vibe of Dikili’s waterfront, where you can stroll along the marina or savour local Turkish cuisine at a seaside café. 

Whilst the busy resort town of Kusadasi offers much in the way of shopping and dining – not to mention a flourishing beach life scene, the real jewel here is Ephesus and the stunning ruined city that really take centre stage. With only 20% of the classical ruins having been excavated, this archaeological wonder has already gained the status as Europe’s most complete classical metropolis. And a metropolis it really is; built in the 10th century BC this UNESCO World Heritage site is nothing short of spectacular. Although regrettably very little remains of the Temple of Artemis (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world), the superb Library of Celsus’ façade is practically intact and it is one of life’s great joys to attend an evening performance in the illuminated ruins once all the tourists have left. The history of the city is fascinating and multi-layered and it is well worth reading up on this beforehand if a visit is planned. Another point of interest for historians would be the house of the Virgin Mary, located on the romantically named Mount Nightingale and just nine kilometres away from Ephesus proper. Legend has it that Mary (along with St. John) spent her final years here, secluded from the rest of the population, spreading Christianity. An edifying experience, even for non-believers. For the less historical minded amongst you, Kusadasi offers plenty in the way of activities. After a stroll through the town, jump in a taxi to Ladies’ Beach (men are allowed), sample a Turkish kebap on one of the many beachfront restaurants and enjoy the clement weather. If you do want to venture further afield, then the crystal clear beaches of Guzelcamli (or the Millipark), the cave of Zeus and the white scalloped natural pools at Pamukkale, known as Cleopatra’s pools, are definitely worth a visit.

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Wander lively bazaars and savour Turkish cuisine in the popular seaside resort town of Kusadasi. The port also serves as the gateway to the World Heritage-listed ancient city of Ephesus, renowned for its breathtaking Greco-Roman ruins dating back as far as the 10th century BC. Marvel at Ephesus’ grand Library of Celsus and the majestic ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the original Seven Wonders of the World, echoes of antiquity’s splendour.     

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This morning, arrive in Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades, known for its breathtaking beaches, deep-rooted history and enchanting villages. The picturesque old town is bigger and busier than other island capitals, a tangle of steep laneways with distinctive Venetian architecture and a vibrant atmosphere. The island’s most famous site is the ancient Temple of Apollo, a vast marble gate dating back to 560 BC.  Naxos perfectly blends cultural heritage with natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring historic sites, tasting local delicacies, or relaxing by the turquoise waters, Naxos offers a quintessential Greek island experience. 

Undoubtedly the most extraordinary island in the Aegean, crescent-shape Santorini remains a mandatory stop on the Cycladic tourist route—even if it’s necessary to enjoy the sensational sunsets from Ia, the fascinating excavations, and the dazzling white towns with a million other travelers. Called Kállisti (the “Loveliest”) when first settled, the island has now reverted to its subsequent name of Thira, after the 9th-century-BC Dorian colonizer Thiras. The place is better known, however, these days as Santorini, a name derived from its patroness, St. Irene of Thessaloniki, the Byzantine empress who restored icons to Orthodoxy and died in 802. You can fly conveniently to Santorini, but to enjoy a true Santorini rite of passage, opt instead for the boat trip here, which provides a spectacular introduction. After the boat sails between Sikinos and Ios, your deck-side perch approaches two close islands with a passage between them. The bigger one on the left is Santorini, and the smaller on the right is Thirassia. Passing between them, you see the village of Ia adorning Santorini’s northernmost cliff like a white geometric beehive. You are in the caldera (volcanic crater), one of the world’s truly breathtaking sights: a demilune of cliffs rising 1,100 feet, with the white clusters of the towns of Fira and Ia perched along the top. The bay, once the high center of the island, is 1,300 feet in some places, so deep that when boats dock in Santorini’s shabby little port of Athinios, they do not drop anchor. The encircling cliffs are the ancient rim of a still-active volcano, and you are sailing east across its flooded caldera. On your right are the Burnt isles, the White isle, and other volcanic remnants, all lined up as if some outsize display in a geology museum. Hephaestus’s subterranean fires smolder still—the volcano erupted in 198 BC, about 735, and there was an earthquake in 1956. Indeed, Santorini and its four neighboring islets are the fragmentary remains of a larger landmass that exploded about 1600 BC: the volcano’s core blew sky high, and the sea rushed into the abyss to create the great bay, which measures 10 km by 7 km (6 mi by 4½ mi) and is 1,292 feet deep. The other pieces of the rim, which broke off in later eruptions, are Thirassia, where a few hundred people live, and deserted little Aspronissi (“White isle”). In the center of the bay, black and uninhabited, two cones, the Burnt Isles of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, appeared between 1573 and 1925. There has been too much speculation about the identification of Santorini with the mythical Atlantis, mentioned in Egyptian papyri and by Plato (who says it’s in the Atlantic), but myths are hard to pin down. This is not true of old arguments about whether tidal waves from Santorini’s cataclysmic explosion destroyed Minoan civilization on Crete, 113 km (70 mi) away. The latest carbon-dating evidence, which points to a few years before 1600 BC for the eruption, clearly indicates that the Minoans outlasted the eruption by a couple of hundred years, but most probably in a weakened state. In fact, the island still endures hardships: since antiquity, Santorini has depended on rain collected in cisterns for drinking and irrigating—the well water is often brackish—and the serious shortage is alleviated by the importation of water. However, the volcanic soil also yields riches: small, intense tomatoes with tough skins used for tomato paste (good restaurants here serve them); the famous Santorini fava beans, which have a light, fresh taste; barley; wheat; and white-skin eggplants.

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One of the most photogenic islands in the world, and known for its world-famous sunsets, Santorini is simply breathtaking. Whitewashed buildings perch atop soaring cliffs, overlooking the caldera of a partially submerged ancient volcano that shaped the island with a thunderous explosion more than 3,600 years ago. The island is celebrated for the beauty of its Cycladic architecture with cubic buildings, blue-domed churches and narrow alleyways. 

Having been controlled by Arabic, Venetian and Ottoman empires over the years – it’s no surprise that Heraklion is a diverse patchwork of exotic cultures and historical treasures. Celebrated as the birthplace of the Spanish Renaissance artist, El Greco, you can visit to explore the storied ruins of the Minoan empire’s capital, and unearth the rich cultural treasures that Crete’s bustling modern capital has to offer.

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Crete’s dynamic capital is best known for its Minoan legacy. This fascinating Bronze Age civilisation has left behind a wealth of archaeological wonders, including the famed Palace of Knossos, a sprawling Minoan masterpiece. Explore the lively old town’s bustling markets, admire the historic Venetian harbour, and savour authentic Cretan cuisine and fresh seafood in charming waterfront tavernas. 

Milos or Melos is a volcanic Greek island in the Aegean Sea, just north of the Sea of Crete. Milos is the southwesternmost island in the Cyclades group. The Venus de Milo and the Asclepius of Milos were both found on the island, as were a Poseidon and an archaic Apollo now in Athens.

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Welcome to Milos, a Greek island known for its unique terrain and often referred to as the ‘Island of Colours’ thanks to its diverse soil shades. This extraordinary landscape, extending to unique rock formations of yellow, orange, red and dazzling white, appears even more dramatic set against the backdrop of sparkling turquoise waters. Milos is also famous as the original home of the iconic marble statue, Venus of Milo, an ancient sculpture believed to represent the Goddess Aphrodite and now displayed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. 

Rising from the turquoise expanse of the sunny Mediterranean, Hydra is the counterpoint of choice for Athenians – who can swap the city chaos for blissful relaxation with an hour’s boat journey. Known for its inspiring celebrity appeal – Leonard Cohen bought a house here in the 60s – Hydra is a pretty island of rising streets, whitewash mansions, and carefree clamour. Located a stone’s throw from the Greek mainland, the authorities have resisted the temptation to cash in, meaning Hydra remains an endearing time-warp, which revels in life in the slow lane. With cars and new building developments banned – discover an island of donkeys plodding cobbled streets, and fishing boats undulating gently on the harbour’s waves. 

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Renowned for its stunning natural beauty and historic charm, this picturesque island dazzles with its rugged terrain, clear turquoise waters, and lush greenery. The main centre, also named Hydra, is a charming and bustling port town of narrow cobblestone streets and traditional, whitewashed buildings adorned with bougainvillea-covered balconies. There are no cars or motor vehicles allowed on the island, making it a peaceful and low-key getaway from the usual hustle and bustle of city life.    

It’s no wonder that all roads lead to the fascinating and maddening metropolis of Athens. Lift your eyes 200 feet above the city to the Parthenon, its honey-color marble columns rising from a massive limestone base, and you behold architectural perfection that has not been surpassed in 2,500 years. But, today, this shrine of classical form dominates a 21st-century boomtown. To experience Athens—Athína in Greek—fully is to understand the essence of Greece: ancient monuments surviving in a sea of cement, startling beauty amid the squalor, tradition juxtaposed with modernity. Locals depend on humor and flexibility to deal with the chaos; you should do the same. The rewards are immense. Although Athens covers a huge area, the major landmarks of the ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods are close to the modern city center. You can easily walk from the Acropolis to many other key sites, taking time to browse in shops and relax in cafés and tavernas along the way. From many quarters of the city you can glimpse “the glory that was Greece” in the form of the Acropolis looming above the horizon, but only by actually climbing that rocky precipice can you feel the impact of the ancient settlement. The Acropolis and Filopappou, two craggy hills sitting side by side; the ancient Agora (marketplace); and Kerameikos, the first cemetery, form the core of ancient and Roman Athens. Along the Unification of Archaeological Sites promenade, you can follow stone-paved, tree-lined walkways from site to site, undisturbed by traffic. Cars have also been banned or reduced in other streets in the historical center. In the National Archaeological Museum, vast numbers of artifacts illustrate the many millennia of Greek civilization; smaller museums such as the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art Museum and the Byzantine and Christian Museum illuminate the history of particular regions or periods. Athens may seem like one huge city, but it is really a conglomeration of neighborhoods with distinctive characters. The Eastern influences that prevailed during the 400-year rule of the Ottoman Empire are still evident in Monastiraki, the bazaar area near the foot of the Acropolis. On the northern slope of the Acropolis, stroll through Plaka (if possible by moonlight), an area of tranquil streets lined with renovated mansions, to get the flavor of the 19th-century’s gracious lifestyle. The narrow lanes of Anafiotika, a section of Plaka, thread past tiny churches and small, color-washed houses with wooden upper stories, recalling a Cycladic island village. In this maze of winding streets, vestiges of the older city are everywhere: crumbling stairways lined with festive tavernas; dank cellars filled with wine vats; occasionally a court or diminutive garden, enclosed within high walls and filled with magnolia trees and the flaming trumpet-shaped flowers of hibiscus bushes. Formerly run-down old quarters, such as Thission, Gazi and Psirri, popular nightlife areas filled with bars and mezedopoleia (similar to tapas bars), are now in the process of gentrification, although they still retain much of their original charm, as does the colorful produce and meat market on Athinas. The area around Syntagma Square, the tourist hub, and Omonia Square, the commercial heart of the city about 1 km (½ mi) northwest, is distinctly European, having been designed by the court architects of King Otho, a Bavarian, in the 19th century. The chic shops and bistros of ritzy Kolonaki nestle at the foot of Mt. Lycabettus, Athens’s highest hill (909 feet). Each of Athens’s outlying suburbs has a distinctive character: in the north is wealthy, tree-lined Kifissia, once a summer resort for aristocratic Athenians, and in the south and southeast lie Glyfada, Voula, and Vouliagmeni, with their sandy beaches, seaside bars, and lively summer nightlife. Just beyond the city’s southern fringes is Piraeus, a bustling port city of waterside fish tavernas and Saronic Gulf views.

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Your Signature Yacht Cruise concludes this morning in Piraeus, where you’ll disembark and be transferred to Athens airport. Considered the birthplace of Western civilisation, Athens is a vibrant tapestry of history and modernity. Standing sentinel above the city is the famous Acropolis, a fortified hill dominated by the Parthenon, atmospheric ruins of a white marble temple built during the height of the ancient Greek Empire. After one final indulgent breakfast on board your ultra-luxury next-generation Discovery Yacht, bid farewell to the crew and fellow guests, with memories of a truly extraordinary Mediterranean voyage.  Please book your flight to depart out of Athens after 01:00 PM.#Spa treatments and services at additional cost. Daily activities may be subject to change; please consult your Daily Wonder for updates. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.^Experiences on board our helicopters and submersible are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather conditions.Submersible not operational in Europe.The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.