Day 1: Arrive Athens, Greece ~ Embark Cruise ~ Mykonos
Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, make your own way to the Lavrion Cruise Terminal (approximately 30 minutes by car). The cruise departs at 1:00 PM, so please ensure you check in with ample time before departure.
After setting sail, enjoy the scenic voyage to the magical island of Mykonos, affectionately known as the Island of the Winds. Explore its sun-kissed coastline, golden sandy beaches, and charming whitewashed houses. Don’t miss the iconic 16th-century windmills that grace the island’s postcard-perfect skyline. Immerse yourself in Mykonos’ lively atmosphere with its stylish cafes, restaurants, and bars.
- DEPART ATHENS: 1PM
- ARRIVE: MYKONOS (TENDER) 6PM
- DEPART MYKONOS: 1PM
MEALS: Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Celestyal Discovery
Day 2: Kusadasi ~ Patmos
Arrive into Kusadasi at 7:00 AM. This lively beach resort offers a warm and friendly atmosphere, ideal for exploring its scenic seafront promenade and vibrant Grand Bazaar. Take in the coastal views or browse local shops before returning to the ship for departure at 12:30 PM.
This afternoon, sail to Patmos, famously known as “The Island of the Apocalypse.” It is the sacred site where St. John the Divine wrote his prophetic revelations while in exile. Visit the cave where he lived and the nearby Monastery of St. John, perched high above the island and housing priceless icons and ancient manuscripts in its Treasury.
- ARRIVE KUSADASI (DOCK): 7AM
- DEPART KUSADASI: 1PM
- ARRIVE PATMOS (TENDER): 4:30PM
- DEPART PATMOS: 9:30PM
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Celestyal Discovery
Day 3: Rhodes
Arrive into Rhodes at 7:00 AM. Known as “The Island of the Knights,” Rhodes beautifully preserves its medieval city structure. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases impressive architecture from various civilizations, including the Ottoman period.
Explore cobblestone streets, ancient walls, and lively squares that bring history to life. Beyond its storied past, Rhodes enchants visitors with its natural beauty—relax on pristine beaches or visit the famous Butterfly Valley, a serene nature reserve filled with vibrant colours.
- ARRIVE RHODES (DOCK): 7AM
- DEPART RHODES:6PM
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Celestyal Discovery
Day 4: Crete ~ Santorini
As your cruise continues through the Aegean, arrive at the port of Heraklion in Crete at 7:00 AM. Behind the impressive Venetian walls of the Koules Fortress, built in the early 16th century by the Republic of Venice, lies a vibrant port city full of charm and history. Spend your morning strolling along the seafront, exploring the colourful streets, or venturing inland to discover the island’s cultural treasures.
Visit the legendary Palace of Knossos, the ceremonial and political centre of Europe’s first civilisation—the Minoans. Here, you’ll step into Greek mythology, where the stories of King Minos and the Minotaur originated. Before reboarding, you might stop by the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which showcases remarkable artefacts from this ancient Bronze Age civilisation.
Depart Heraklion at 1:00 PM and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at sea as your ship makes its way to Santorini, arriving at 4:30 PM.
Prepare to be captivated by Santorini’s world-famous scenery—dramatic cliffs rising over the Aegean, dotted with whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches. Wander through the enchanting villages of Fira and Oia, where boutique shops, charming cafés, and awe-inspiring caldera views await. Every sunset here feels like a dream.
- ARRIVE HERAKLION (DOCK): 7AM
- DEPART HERAKLION:1PM
- ARRIVE SANTORINI (TENDER): 4:30PM
- DEPART SANTORINI: Santorini – 9:30PM
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Celestyal Discovery
Day 5: Athens ~ Istanbul, Türkiye!
Arrive at Athens Cruise Terminal at 6:00 AM. After disembarking, make your own way to the airport for your flight to Istanbul (recommended flights departing from 1:30 PM onwards).
Welcome to Istanbul! Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be greeted by your local tour representative who will assist with your group transfer to the hotel. After checking in, take some time to settle in and enjoy the rest of the day exploring at your own pace. You might like to wander through the nearby streets, relax at a café, or simply unwind after your flight.
- ARRIVE ATHENS (DOCK): 6AM
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Istanbul Tekstilkent, Istanbul
Day 6: Istanbul ~ City Tour
After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel between 8:00 am and 9:30 am to begin your full-day city tour. Start with a visit to the magnificent Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque, built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet. Known as the Blue Mosque, its stunning interior is decorated with thousands of blue Iznik tiles. From here, continue to the Hippodrome, once the heart of Byzantine social life and home to grand chariot races and celebrations. You’ll see the famed Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine that still stand today.
In the afternoon, explore the lively Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, where you can browse hundreds of shops for Turkish crafts, jewellery, and souvenirs. Afterwards, visit the impressive Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman sultans and now a fascinating museum displaying imperial treasures and artefacts.
NOTE: The order and timings of the city tour may vary.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Istanbul Tekstilkent, Istanbul
Day 7: Istanbul ~ Gallipoli ~ Çanakkale
After an early start, you’ll depart Istanbul around 6:30 am for your journey to Gallipoli. Enjoy a short morning tea break along the way before arriving at Gallipoli around midday. Upon arrival, take a relaxing lunch break before beginning your guided tour of the historic battlefields.
Your first stop is the Gabatepe Museum, which offers insightful exhibits about the Gallipoli Campaign. Continue to the Ariburnu Cemetery and Anzac Cove, where the ANZAC troops first landed in 1915. These are among the most significant sites of the campaign. The tour then visits other notable locations including the Beach Cemetery, Shrapnel Valley, and Plugges Plateau, each with their own poignant stories from the war.
After exploring the battlefields, you’ll travel to your hotel in Çanakkale for an overnight stay.
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: 270km
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: 4hr 00min
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Iris Hotel, Çanakkale
Day 8: Çanakkale ~ Troy ~ Pergamon ~ Kusadasi
After breakfast, depart at 8:30 am for the short drive to the ancient city of Troy, one of Türkiye’s most legendary archaeological sites. Discover the layers of civilisation that once stood here, including ancient fortifications, temples, and the replica of the famous Trojan Horse that symbolises the epic tale of Helen of Troy and the Trojan War. Learn about the city’s rich history as revealed through centuries of excavations uncovering walls, gates, and artefacts dating back to the Bronze Age.
After exploring Troy, continue your journey with a three-hour drive to Pergamon, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its grand acropolis overlooking the modern town of Bergama. After a lunch break around 1:00 pm, visit the impressive archaeological remains including ancient temples, theatres, and the steeply terraced city layout that once made Pergamon a major cultural and political hub. Here you’ll also can visit a local jewellery centre, famous for its exquisite silver and precious stones.
In the evening, arrive in the coastal town of Kusadasi, known for its beautiful beaches, lively markets, and seaside charm. Check in to your hotel and unwind after a full day of exploration.
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: 430km
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: 6hr 30min
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Ladies Beach Suite Hotel, Kusadasi
Day 9: Kusadasi ~ Ephesus Full Day Tour
After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel at around 9:00 am for a fully guided tour of one of the world’s most iconic ancient cities. Begin your day at Ephesus, an exceptionally well-preserved classical city, famed for its grand avenues, temples, and amphitheatres. As you explore, picture the ancient Greeks and Romans who once walked these streets.
Next, visit the remarkable Temple of Artemis, once counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although only fragments remain, you’ll learn about its impressive size and the role it played as a centre for worship, festivals, and trade. Continue to see the beautiful Isa Bey Mosque, a striking example of Seljuk architecture, and visit the Virgin Mary Church, considered one of Christianity’s most significant sites.
After returning to your hotel, your evening is free to discover the many local dining options and vibrant atmosphere in Kusadasi at your leisure.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Ladies Beach Suite Hotel, Kusadasi
Day 10: Kusadasi ~ Pamukkale
After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel at about 9:00 am for the drive to Pamukkale. Upon arrival around midday, check in at your hotel and enjoy lunch before heading out to explore one of Türkiye’s most unique natural wonders.
In the afternoon, visit the famous calcium terraces of Pamukkale, also known as the “cotton castle”, where bright white mineral-rich waters have formed dramatic travertine pools on the hillside. Wander through this spectacular landscape and discover the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, an ancient spa city that has attracted visitors for centuries. You’ll also have the option to relax in the warm natural spring waters – a truly memorable experience.
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: 200km
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: 2hr 30min
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Pam Thermal Hotel, Pamukkale
Day 11: Pamukkale ~ Cappadocia
After breakfast, set off for Cappadocia with a private transfer through the scenic Turkish countryside. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to settle in. The rest of the evening is yours to relax and unwind or start exploring the unique landscapes and charming local streets of Cappadocia at your own pace.
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: 630km
APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: 8hr 00min
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel, Cappadocia
Day 12: Cappadocia ~ Full Day Tour
After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be collected for a full-day guided tour exploring the fascinating landscapes and heritage of northern Cappadocia. Begin with a visit to Devrent Valley, also known as “Imagination Valley”, where wind and water erosion have sculpted the soft volcanic rock into extraordinary shapes that resemble animals and mythical figures. This surreal valley offers endless photo opportunities and captures the true essence of Cappadocia’s dreamlike scenery.
Continue to the charming village of Avanos, famous for its traditional pottery workshops. Here, you’ll watch a demonstration by local artisans and have the chance to try your hand at shaping clay using techniques passed down since Hittite times—a creative and memorable cultural experience.
Afterwards, visit the breathtaking Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient rock-carved churches, chapels, and monasteries decorated with vivid Byzantine frescoes. Learn about the early Christian communities who sought refuge in these volcanic caves and left behind art that still endures today.
At the end of the day, return to your hotel and enjoy your evening at leisure to relax or explore the magical night views of Cappadocia.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel, Cappadocia
Day 13: Cappadocia ~ Istanbul
Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel and take some time to reflect on your Cappadocia adventure prior to check-out. Afterward, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel where you can relax and make the most of your last evening in Türkiye.
NOTE: : Depending on the timing of your domestic flight, you may stay at an airport hotel tonight in preparation for your international flight on Day 10.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Istanbul Tekstilkent, Istanbul
Day 14: End of Tour ~ Depart Istanbul
This morning you will check out and make your own way back to the airport in time for your return flight back to Australia. Transfers are not included on the return as many people choose to stay on in Turkey or move onto other countries in the area.
MEALS: Breakfast