Seabourn : 14 nights from Athens with Seabourn Ovation
Aug 14, 2027

Monemvasia

Monemvasia (Μονεμβάσια) is located in the Peloponnese in the southeast in the prefecture of Laconia, 400 meters from land. Its name derives from two Greek words, mone and emvassi, which means "single entry". It was called Malmsey by old English writers, Malvasia by the Venetians, and Malvoisie by the French.
It was founded by the Byzantines in the 6th century and soon became an important port. It remained in Byzantine possession for almost 700 years until it was captured by the Franks in 1249 after a three-year siege. However, it returned to Byzantine hands ten years later and became the main port of the Despotato of Mystra.

Monemvasia was entirely excavated in the back of a rock in the sea in the Middle Ages. This huge rock was not visible from the mainland, so as to avoid enemy attacks. The only way to reach Monemvasia was by boat, while later a paved path was built to connect the entrance to the castle to the mainland. The Castle of Monemvasia is among the most striking places in Greece. A new city has been built on the mainland, in front of the rock. The walk around the Castle is a journey into the past and the view of the sea from the top of the castle is spectacular.
Inside the village, there is the "Limani" sandy beach, a quiet corner highly recommended for families with small children. On the outskirts of the village, the small bay of "Kavos" with the warmest waters. 20 meters from the town square and behind the beach of Limani, there is the one of "Viandini" with a wild charm and the depth of the water truly very particular. The sea of "Tigania" perfectly wonderful, "blue flag" granted thanks to its proven reputation.

Aghios Nikolaos

Aghios Nikolaos, with over forty years of experience in the tourism sector, is an international and cosmopolitan resort that welcomes thousands of visitors every year.

The lake is its most fascinating feature; connected to the sea by a straight canal, while the natural environment of red rock and trees magnetically attracts the visitor. At a small open-air theater on the lake, residents and tourists can enjoy interesting artistic and cultural presentations. A walk through the shops of Aghios Nikolaos is a pleasant experience. In many shops the visitor can find a wide selection of traditional Cretan works of art, copies of pieces from various archaeological museums, jewelry and embroidery.

Mykonos

Mykonos is an extremely fun and fascinating place, where the frenetic mix of vacationers, fashionistas and celebrities is magically subdued to the cubist charm of the old town.

Mykonos is famous for being a cosmopolitan destination among the Greek islands and widely recognized as one of the meccas of great tourism. It is one of the most touristy islands in the Aegean Sea. Mykonos tends to be extremely crowded with visitors in July and August. The best time to visit Mykonos is mid-May through June (early in the season, accommodation is much cheaper and it's not that hot), or from September to mid-October.

Cesme

Cesme is a renowned resort and spa located 80 kilometers west of the city of Izmir on the western tip of the peninsula.

The most precious city of Izmir. Cesme is located at the very western end of the Urla peninsula and surrounded by the Aegean Sea on three sides.
The country is located opposite Chios at the western end of Turkey. The literal meaning of Cesme in Persian is "fountain", it owes its name to the various Ottoman fountains that dot the city.
It boasts a fabulous natural landscape with unique locations for scuba diving lovers.   The most popular diving spots are Fener Island, Yatak Island, Esek Island, and Ildiri Bay. The golden beaches, shallow and fine sand ideal for children. The warm sea, the elegant and welcoming atmosphere. 
With a lively nightlife, which starts until the early hours of the morning with beach parties, discos, entertainment shows, and concerts by famous singers, are just some of the entertainment activities offered in this holiday paradise.

Kusadasi

Kusadasi is one of the main tourist centers of Turkey and offers an excellent environment for an unforgettable holiday.

Located on the west coast of Turkey, 90km south of Izmir, Kusadasi, is reputed to be one of the most beautiful cities in the Aegean Sea, as it is close to important historical sites including Ephesus, Didima, Priene, Miletus and is ideal for tourists. Numerous beaches of fine sand with warm and clear waters, offer a peaceful atmosphere, allow a great variety of services in the water and on the beach. Windsurfing, water skiing, sailing, and beach volleyball are just some of the choices for lovers of dynamism. After the sun during the day, the city awaits superb sunsets. As the sun sets, the attractive cafes and restaurants across the palm-lined avenues fill with sounds and voices. It is a great pleasure to watch the comings and goings of boats and ships accompanied by the panoramic view of the sunset.

Istanbul

An incredible city, huge, vibrant like few others in the world. Where two continents meet, culture and diversity thrive in a unique architectural setting. Istanbul is hot,and we aren’t talking about the weather. These days there are more restaurants,bars,galleries and clubs around the city than Ottoman mosques(which is not a small feat).

The international fashion and design press has talked about Istanbul to the point of exhaustion; the sense of age that fell over the city once the Ottoman empire disappeared, has been replaced by a sense of energy and innovation not seen since the times of Suleiman the Magnificent.

Canakkale

Volos

Volos is a town located in the center of mainland Greece, about 326 km north of Athens and 215 km south of Thessaloniki, the second most important city. Built at the deepest point of the Pagasean Gulf and at the foot of Mount Pelion, Volos is a large port city that enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with rather humid summers and mild winters.

Built at the deepest point of the Gulf of Pagaseo and at the foot of Mount Pelion, Volos is located on the Pelion peninsula in central Greece.
The etymology of the name " Volos ", according to a historical version, is the result of the distortion of the name of the Mycenaean city of Iolkos, where Jason set off with his Argonauts and his ship Argo in search of the Golden Fleece.
Volos is one of the oldest port cities in Greece. Capital of the province of Magnesia, the city belongs to the central region of Thessaly, its only outlet to the sea. It is located on the inner part of the mouth of the Gulf of Pagaseo, at the foot of the mythical Mount Pelion, the legendary country of the centaurs, as mythology tells.
Volos represents the ideal base to discover not only the picturesque mountain villages but also the Sporades islands of Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonissos, connected by ferries. The city owes its current economic boom and its development to maritime trade, to the industries established in the area, and to the increase in tourism.
Volos is a relatively new city, it began to develop in the mid-19th century in the place where a small Turkish village previously resided. After its annexation to Greece from the Ottoman Empire, in 1881, it grew very rapidly in the following 40 years. In the 1920s there was a large influx of refugees. Merchants, entrepreneurs, artisans, and sailors went to live in Volos and the surrounding areas.
The development of the city has been closely linked to the creation of industrial areas, the restructuring of the port and the increase in tourism thanks to its geographical position, near Mount Pelion, and the fabulous beaches of Magnesia, especially those located in the Sporades.
The city is also known for its variety of " mezedes ", mixed appetizer dishes based on fish or seafood, served with a traditional alcoholic beverage called "Tsipouro".

Patmos

Rhodes

Embark on a captivating cruise from Rhodes, Greece, the largest of the Dodecanese islands, steeped in ancient history and medieval charm. From its impressive Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to its beautiful beaches, Rhodes offers a magical departure point for exploring the Aegean Sea. Immerse yourself in its legendary past before setting sail on a journey filled with sun-drenched islands, historical treasures, and serene sea days.

Rhodes is the 3rd largest island in Greece. Its geographical location and beauty have long been a target for many empires. Considered one of the most important centers of ancient Greece, this locality was frequented by wealthy Romans. In the Middle Ages, the city came under the dominion of the Knights of Malta and was later occupied by the Ottomans. Thus, Rhodes is known both for the variety of landscapes and the richness of its historical architecture. The old city, thanks to its imposing fortifications, makes it one of the largest inhabited medieval cities in Europe. The metropolis is divided into three areas. The modern and cosmopolitan city, with its hotels and buildings. The ancient one, built in 408 BC, later restored and where the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, Athena, and Apollo, the stadium, the gymnasium, and the theater are located. Finally, the one characterized by medieval Gothic architecture, built during the Ottoman period. Not to mention the Grand Masters Palace, home to ancient mosaics and a collection of Western-style furniture. Rhodes is the sunniest in Europe, with 300 days of sunshine a year. You will find both modern comfort and vintage style. You can also appreciate the warm hospitality of its people and the traditions that are still alive. After visiting the city, you will notice its beautiful beaches, some of which are equipped for water sports.

Santorini

Santorini is a small circular archipelago of volcanic islands located in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200 km southeast of mainland Greece.

Santorini is located in the southern part of the Cyclades.Its special geological configuration gives a spectacular, wild and unique beauty, becoming one of the main tourist destinations in Europe.
The current crescent shape of Santorini is a consequence of the enormous volcanic explosion that destroyed much of the island causing the formation of the caldera present on the territory, inside which form a series of wonderful small islands.
The island is a sanctuary of peace and calm, an idyllic corner where tourists from all over the world enjoy a few moments of pleasant relaxation. However, the quiet Santorini is, at the same time, one of the most suggestive and festive places in Greece. The square in the center of Fira and the beaches of Kamari, Perivolos and Perissa are the most lively and fashionable places.
The volcanic beaches of Santorini are not the best known in Greece, but they stand out for their diversity, their unique charm and the unique colors of the sand and stones. Santorini offers a spectacular view of the city, eclectic cuisine, enchanting art galleries, a very fun nightlife and excellent wines.

Athens

For many, Athens is a city lived two thousand five hundred years ago. Symbol is the mighty Acropolis which dominates almost every view and itinerary of every visitor, crowned by the iconic Parthenon, stands above the city, watching the sprawling modern metropolis in evolution.

Athens, the capital of Greece, is a city where antiquity and modernity, history and contemporary culture blend in a unique way. Everyone knows that the name of the city derives from the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom and justice. However, few people actually know the legend behind this event. According to myth, Athena and Poseidon, the God of the seas, vied for the right to name the city. Poseidon, to impress the inhabitants, gave them water, while Athena gave them an olive branch.

At first the choice fell on Poseidon, since the citizens considered water the most precious gift. When, once they tasted the water, they discovered that it was salty and not drinkable, they changed their minds and recognized Athena as their patron. One of the most famous historical sites in the city is the Acropolis, a majestic hill topped by ancient Doric temples, including the Parthenon, built in 477 BC. and the Erechtheion, built between 421 and 406 BC. Climbing the Acropolis, tourists can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the Aegean Sea. However, Athens is not only history, but also a lively cultural capital. In the Plaka district, located at the foot of the Acropolis, it is possible to stroll through the welcoming streets, visit the traditional Greek taverns and enjoy the authentic atmosphere.

Then there are the numerous cultural activities offered by the numerous museums, galleries and theaters present in the city. Athens is an important port for cruise ships that offer trips to the Mediterranean and beyond. Cruises from Athens allow guests to explore the rich cultural heritage of Greece, including the islands of Crete, Santorini and Mykonos, where you can admire the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea and a coast of white houses.

In addition to the Greek islands, cruises from Athens also offer the opportunity to visit other exciting Mediterranean destinations, including historic cities in Italy, Croatia and Turkey. Athens is therefore not only the historical and cultural center of Greece, but also an important starting point for cruises in the Mediterranean, which offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the great history and splendid landscapes of this unique region.

Many still think of Athens as an ancient city that thrived two and a half thousand years ago. Its symbol is the mighty Acropolis, which dominates almost every view and the itinerary of every visitor, and it is crowned by the iconic Parthenon, which rises above the city, overlooking the sprawling and evolving modern metropolis.

Perhaps the most significant change is in the historical centre, which is almost unrecognisable since cars have been banned. This has liberated the area with the most significant archaeological sites, creating the longest, and undoubtedly one of the most splendid, pedestrianised zones in Europe. This huge archaeological park has brought past and present together, returning the cultural and social life of the city to the area around the ancient monuments and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Athens remains a city of contradictions; it is both frustrating and seductive. It is the oldest city in Europe, yet still in a state of transition. It is one of the safest and most vibrant European cities - an intoxicating mix of grunge and grace with an undeniably urban soul.