On this voyage aboard Sea Cloud II, travel along the turquoise waters of the Aegean to unspoiled islands, timeless villages, and ancient sites in Turkey and Greece. Begin in spellbinding Istanbul, home to exquisite sites of antiquity. Sail along the Dardanelles Strait, and arrive in the port of Kepez to view the ancient ruins of Troy. Stop in Kuşadasi to venture to Ephesus, whose impressive ancient buildings include the Library of Celsus.
Be on deck as the ship approaches the lush and mountainous island of Samos, which was a center for art and science. Discover the remains of the celebrated Heraion of Samos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then view artifacts from its excavation at the Archeological Museum, including the largest surviving kouros in Greece. Arrive in Patmos, and explore where St. John the Evangelist lived in exile in the Cave of the Apocalypse. Sail to the Cycladic island of Amorgos, and see the impressive Byzantine Monastery of Hozoviotissa set on a precipitous cliff facing the sea. Sail to the port of Kamares on the island of Sifnos, home to picturesque traditional villages and more than 360 beautiful churches. Conclude in Athens, the cradle of Western Civilization. An optional Istanbul prelude and an optional Athens postlude will be offered.