PORTS OF CALL
Explore bold new horizons on Voyager of the Seas®. Set sail from Athens — Explore Mykonos, Istanbul, and the ancient ruins of Ephesus in Kusadasi. Enjoy a relaxing day at sea and marvel at the beauty of Santorini, Greece, on this enriching journey through stunning landscapes and historic sites.
Athens
Port of Departure
Explore the harbors of Piraeus, which showcase the Golden Age of Greek history. Visit the Hellenic Maritime Museum and the ship sheds — here, you can see how ancient ships were crafted. In the charming Castella district, you'll find some small, quaint shops and cafes amid the elegant neoclassical buildings. Head to Sotiros Street to find brand name stores, alongside smaller local shops.
The perfect Mediterranean climate with the legendary greek sunlight, the unique combination of glorious history with modern, urban innovation, the coexistence of great culture with astonishing natural beauty, the high standard hotel accommodation, modern means of transportation such as the cutting edge modern metro, the vibrant rhythm of life, the wide choice of opportunities for shopping, dining and night life and of course the warmth of the Athenians people feature Athens as the ideal all year round city break destination.
The city of Parthenon is an open air museum. A large part of the town’s historic center has been converted into a 3 km pedestrian zone, one of the largest in Europe. It leads to the major archaeological sites (“archaeological park”), reconstructing – to a large degree – the ancient landscape. Either on foot or by bike, the ‘’Grande Promenade’’ around Acropolis is an unforgettable journey through history.
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National Language: Greek
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Currency Accepted: Euro (EUR)
Take Me to Church
The Agia Triada is one of the finest examples of Byzantine-style churches in Greece. The Church of St. Nicholas, which overlooks the port, has a magnificent interior filled with orthodox icons, frescoes and sculptures.
Mediterranean Romance
Part of the Castella district, Mikrolimano is the smallest and most picturesque port of Athens, making it perfect for a romantic afternoon. Take a leisurely stroll along the promenade to take in the amazing views, then settle in a cafe or taverna for some fresh seafood or a refreshing drink with your cruise to Athens.
Shopping
You may want to bring back home some of the typical liquors such as the anise-flavored Ouzo or the strong Tsipouro. Greek olives, spices and capers can be vacuumed-packed, making for convenient souvenirs. Look for locally made leather sandals, pottery and hand-painted ceramics. You'll find most shops in the Psyri district, not far from the Acropolis during your Athens cruise.
Mykonos, Greece
Port of Call
Nestled in the heart of Greece’s Cyclades archipelago, Mykonos pulses with irrepressible energy. With its powder white houses, sparkling blue waters, and red-hot nightlife, The Island of the Winds is as colorful as the people who call the island home. You can walk narrow marble pathways laced with purple bougainvillea blooms, or go cycling on two wheels past off-the-path Ano Mera village. Explore Greece’s maritime history at Armenistis Lighthouse, and check out the Folklore Museum’s Mykonian ship models. Join in the raucous beach party on Super Paradise’s shimmering sands, or watch the sun burn out beyond an Aegean horizon from an open-air seaside taverna.
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National Language: Greek
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Currency Accepted: Euro (EUR)
Coastal Cosmopolitan
Mykonos’ main town of Hora is a mixture of classic Cycladic architecture and buzzing street culture. Admire the stark-white Panagia Paraportiani chapel and meet the town’s famous pelican Pétros. See the island’s trademark 16th-century windmills spinning high above the port. Then explore the strip of medieval houses and waterfront cafés in Little Venice.
Dig Up The Past
Enjoy a short boat trip to the island of Delos, a sacred Greek archeological site and the mythological birthplace of twin gods Apollo and Artemis. Comb the crumbling ruins of its ancient theater, Doric temples, markets, and mosaic-laced houses— plus the Terrace of Lions statues and amphitheater.
Into the Blue
The multihued waters surrounding Mykonos are perfect for surfing and scuba diving, while prevailing winds invite sailing and windsurfing. Get your fill of aquatic thrills, then hit the beach— Psaroú for family fun, Agrari for seaside serenity, Paradise for epic beach parties, or Elia for a blend of all three.
Local Cuisine
Some of the Mediterranean’s most delectable restaurants are found on Mykonos. Its trademark kopanisti (peppered cheese) is a must-try, while you can’t go wrong with classic kremmydopita (onion pie). Enjoy fresh seafood by the sea— or a glass of sweet Heliophilos wine in a beach bar. Then for dessert go for amygdalota (almond cookies) or melopita (honey cake).
Shopping
Hora is a hub for top designer fashions, including the world-famous Soho-Soho clothing boutique. Family-owned and operated Greek Light sells handmade jewelry with Greece’s traditional maiandros symbol. And don’t leave Mykonos without buying a pair of house-designed sandals or hand-loomed weavings— scarves, rugs or tablecloths.
Istanbul, Turkey
Port of Call
Once the seat of two massive empires, Istanbul has been shaped by its colorful history. From massive Byzantine churches that still captivate visitors' attention to towering Ottoman mosques, history can be found in each building no matter what part of the city you wander through. Architecture buffs will get a thrill from the ancient buildings while foodies will spend their day indulging in traditional Turkish cuisine like doner kebabs and lamb kefta. If you're looking to take a memory home from the city, head to the Grand Bazaar and try your hand at haggling with the locals.
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National Language: Turkish
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Currency Accepted: Turkish lira (TRY)
Take a Ride to the Past
Hop onboard the Tunel, the second-oldest underground urban train in the world. Running between Karakoy and Tunel Square, the funicular has been running since 1875. Its purpose was to allow traders and merchants to get up and down the steep hill faster. Now it shuttles locals and tourists.
Local Cuisine
Get a delicious doner kebab made with succulent slow-roasted meat served in a wrap or pita with yogurt, tomato sauce and butter or try a collection of meze, or appetizers, like fava or muhammara. Another great food possibility is a balik ekmek, a popular sandwich that's made with grilled fish, onions, and lettuce. No doubt, you'll have a plethora of food options in Istanbul.
Marvel at the Blue Mosque
Tilt your head back and prepare to be captivated by the dazzling building known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque or the Blue Mosque. The walls are covered with more than 20,000 hand-painted blue tiles that catch the natural light at the perfect moment from more than 200 windows.
Shopping
With one of the world's largest covered bazaars, Istanbul is the perfect place to shop for a fun souvenir or traditional Turkish goods. Head to the Grand Bazaar and try your hand at haggling with the locals over spices, textiles and more.
A Byzantine Beauty
Completed in the 6th century, the Hagia Sophia is one of the crown jewels when it comes to Byzantine architecture. The massive dome alone is worth the trip to Istanbul. Admire what was once the world's largest cathedral until 1520.
Ephesus, Turkey
Port of Call
The UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Ephesus impress even those familiar with the world's other ancient cities. Though excavations have been underway for 150 years, only 20 percent of the city has been uncovered. Check out the the Celsus Library — built in 117 A.D., the site is made up of towering columns highlighted by the statue of the goddess of wisdom. Cruises to Ephesus will give you a taste of Turkish life by strolling the seafront promenade and the bustling city center. Walk Marble Street, paved with actual marble slabs, which takes you from downtown to the Temple of Artemis — you can still see one lone remaining column from this wonder of the ancient world.
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National Language: Turkish
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Currency Accepted: Turkish lira (TRY)
Window Into Ancient Life
Don't miss the Library of Celsus or the Scholastica Baths — their dozen ancient marble toilets are a unique sight from antiquity. Consider buying the extra ticket to see Ephesus' Terraced Houses. Not only are they shaded, but you get a sense of what ancient life was like and can see the restoration work in progress.
Haggle for a Turkish Carpet
Stroll the seaside promenade in Kusadasi to catch a cooling breeze. Shop for souvenirs like carpets and spices in the bazaar near the port. Vendors will encourage you to sample their wares and will offer tea to serious carpet buyers. You can also visit Pigeon Island for views from the Byzantine castle once used by pirates during your Turkey cruise.
Set Your Sights on Selcuk
Walk from Ephesus' Lower Gate to the village of Selcuk, where you can visit what's said to be the burial site of John the Apostle at the Basilica of St. John. You'll also find the remains of the Temple of Artemis. About five miles from here lies the House of the Virgin Mary, which traditions holds as the last place she lived.
Local Cuisine
Most visitors will have tried sis kebab (grilled meat on a skewer) and doner kebab (meat shaved from a vertical skewer) before arriving in Turkey. Lamb is popular for both. Be sure to try kofte, spiced lamb or beef meatballs served with yogurt dipping sauce. Have a few meze (appetizers) to get your vegetable fix — great options include grilled eggplant salad and cicek dolmasi, fried squash flowers stuffed with raisins and rice.
Shopping
The Kusadasi bazaar is naturally the place to go for shopping. A Turkish blue eye, meant to ward off the evil eye, makes a great souvenir. Also consider a traditional Turkish kilim (a woven carpet) or a more luxurious knotted carpet. Cruise to Ephesus and look for handmade tiles and pottery in the Iznik design, with floral-inspired geometric patterns. Prices are negotiable, and the first offer by the vendor will be at least double what you should pay.
Santorini, Greece
Port of Call
Santorini is one of the world’s most popular islands, known best for its dramatic scenery, whitewashed villages and fiery volcanic activity. Here adventure bubbles above the Aegean Sea in the most bold and breathtaking ways. A cable car takes you to the capital of Fira, a bustling cliff-top town awash with old cathedrals, enthralling museum collections and cozy tavernas. Venture to the coast for a swim in the deep blue waters that lap red and black pebbled beaches. And peel back layers of lava and history among excavated Akrotiri. Whether it’s by bicycle, ATV or on your own two feet, exploring this Cyclades isle never fails to impress.
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National Language: Greek
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Currency Accepted: Euro (EUR)
Volcanic Wonders
Explore the volcanic history and geology of Santorini, site of an immense eruption 3,500 years ago. Trek the rocky landscape of Nea Kameni, an island in the center of the Santorini caldera, to see its smoking craters. Then soak in the soothing hot springs of Palea Kameni.
The Glass Half Full
Indulge your taste buds in a delectable tasting journey among the island’s traditional wine cellars. Vineyards dapple Santorini’s countryside, and many are among some of Europe’s oldest. White Assyrtiko and red Mantilaria are both popular varietals— and be sure to sample Santorini’s beloved dessert wine, Vinsanto.
It Takes a Village
Considered the island’s most picturesque village, Oia radiates authentic Cyclades charm. Meander along tiny paths squeezed between stark-white villas. Snap selfies with the blue-domed St. Gerasimos Church, and view Byzantine castle ruins. Or dine on Greek seafood in a waterfront taverna— also the perfect perch for watching Oia’s fabulous sunsets.
Local Cuisine
Thanks to Santorini’s rich volcanic soil, the island has a solid reputation for producing fantastic wines and vegetables— fresh cherry tomatoes, fava beans and white eggplant included. Try egg-based sfougato and fried tomatokeftedes fritters, two Santorini specialties. Pick up melitinia cookies from a local bakery. And for an after-dinner drink, sip unsweetened, anise-flavored raki.
Shopping
Ypapantis Street in Fira is known for its dozens of jewelry stores selling pieces inspired by ancient Greek and Byzantine designs. You’ll find local artwork in the galleries of Oia and books about the Cyclades in Atlantis Books. A bottle of Santorini wine or Canava ouzo makes for a tasty souvenir.