Aegean Voyage: Istanbul to Athens - Southbound

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, InterContinental Hotel Istanbul. A transfer is included upon arrival from Istanbul International Airport to the InterContinental Hotel Istanbul, ideally located in Taksim with stunning views of the Bosphorus and Istanbul's world-famous skyline. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner tonight at the hotel.

Begin your day with a visit to the Blue Mosque, built in the early 1600s, for a guided visit. Distinguished by its six iconic minarets, the mosque is a showcase of classic Ottoman architecture. Inside, 20,000 blue Iznik tiles, featuring intricate floral patterns, line the high ceiling. The interior is lit by 260 windows, once adorned with 17th-century stained glass and now replaced with replicas. One of the most popular tourist sites in the city, it is still a working mosque that is closed to visitors during prayer time. Next, visit the Hippodrome, also known as Sultanahmet Square, once the chariot, horse racing and social center of Constantinople, and the site of several historic monuments including the Obelisk of Theodosius. Learn about the history of the city with insights from expert local guides as you view thesights. Continue on to the Basilica Cistern, an astonishing underground  reservoir built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I. Known locally as Yerebatan Sarnıcı, this vast subterranean chamber is supported by 336 marble columns, many repurposed from ancient Roman temples. Descend 43 steps into the dimly lit expanse, where soft lighting reflects off the shallow waters, creating an eerie yet mesmerizing atmosphere. Among the most famous features are the two Medusa head carvings, mysteriously placed at the bases of two columns. Once an essential water source for the city, the cistern remains one of Istanbul's most intriguing historic sites. Following lunch at a local restaurant, journey to the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. A bustling hub of trade since the 15th century, this vast marketplace is a maze of vaulted passageways lined with thousands of stalls. Stroll through its lively corridors, where merchants display vibrant textiles, intricate ceramics, gleaming lanterns, and handcrafted jewelry. Take in the rich scents of spices and leather, the hum of negotiations, and the artistry of traditional Turkish craftsmanship. Return to the hotel for afternoon and evening at leisure.

Guided sightseeing today includes a visit to 15th-century Topkapi Palace, home of the Ottoman Sultans for almost four centuries. One of the world's largest surviving palaces, it was built under the orders of Sultan Mehmed II a few years after he conquered Constantinople. Enjoy a glimpse of the imperial life of the sultans as you walk through the grand courtyards, pavilions and ceremonial rooms that display an impressive collection of artifacts and treasures. And venture into the Harem where over 400 exquisitely decorated rooms were shared by the sultan, his wives, concubines and children. After lunch in the old city, visit Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, one of the world's greatest architectural achievements. Built in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian I, Hagia Sophia stood as the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years. Its soaring dome, immense marble pillars, and intricate mosaics tell the story of its layered history as a Byzantine church, an Ottoman mosque, a museum, and now, once again, a mosque. Gaze up at the vast dome, suspended seemingly weightless above the cavernous space, and take in the interplay of Christian and Islamic elements—glowing calligraphic medallions juxtaposed with ancient depictions of Christ and the Virgin Mary. This evening, join us for a special dining experience in the old city of Istanbul, exclusive to Tauck guests.

This morning, embark on a private sightseeing boat for a cruise along the legendary Bosphorus Strait, the waterway that has shaped the history of Istanbul for centuries. Separating Europe and Asia, the strait is lined with striking landmarks—ornate Ottoman palaces, elegant mosques, and grand waterfront mansions known as yali, once the summer retreats of Istanbul's elite. As you glide past intercontinental bridges linking two continents, take in views of the 15th-century Rumeli Fortress, the domes and minarets of the city's skyline, and the ever-changing rhythm of life along the water's edge. With local guides and your Tour Director on hand, gain insight into the strategic importance of this vital corridor, from its role in ancient trade routes to modern-day maritime navigation. After disembarking on the shores of the "old European side" of the City, learn about the Five Pillars of Islam from a local guide during a visit to one of Istanbul's most revered mosques, Rustem Pasha or Yeni Cami Mosque. Continue on to Misir Çarsisi, the center for the spice trade in Istanbul, for a guided walk through the many stalls of this large bazaar, followed by free time to explore – and shop – as you wish. Embark your Explorer yacht after lunch today, departing for Lemnos, Greece before dinner.

This morning, arrive at Lemnos for a choice of shore excursions. Blessed with abundant agricultural riches and a millennia-long historically strategic position in the northern Aegean, Lemnos is one of Greece's best kept secrets. Discover it your way on a sightseeing drive that visits a national archaeological site and a British Commonwealth cemetery honoring the soldiers who fought in the nearby Gallipoli campaign in World War I and learn about the crops which provide Lemnos with its economic base. Alternately, join an island guide for a visit to a local winery, tempting with tastings and locally produced cheese, followed by free time in the capital city of Myrina. Your third choice is a walking tour of Myrina that samples its culinary specialties for an authentic taste of daily life here. Return to the ship for an afternoon sail bound for Istanbul (Constantinople). Have dinner onboard as you please.

From its sparkling white architecture against an Aegean blue backdrop to the iconic windmills of its Little Venice neighborhood, its maze of whitewashed alleyways, captains' homes, churches and wells in its artistic capital of Chora – and a bevy of beautiful beaches necklacing its shores - Mykonos is legendary. Once a humble stop for travelers en route to nearby Delos, it became a popular summer resort for the rich and famous in the 1960s after celebrities like Jackie O, Marlon Brando and other jet-setting stars discovered its many charms. A choice of excursions today includes exploring the island by private transportation with a local guide. Or, board a small boat bound for Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once was the holiest of all Greek sanctuaries and today is a fascinating archaeological wonderland and one of the largest active dig sites in Greece. Both excursions enjoy free time in Mykonos.

Dock in the port city of Kusadasi this morning and head out to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ephesus. Evoking the grandeur of ancient Roman Empire, Ephesus, founded in the Bronze Age and important from ancient Greek times, served as a crossroads between the East and West for centuries.  Its excavated remains reflect centuries of history, from classical Greece to the Roman Empire to the spread of Christianity. Marble paved streets wind past squares, baths and monumental ruins. See the Temple of Hadrian, built before 138 A.D. for Emperor Hadrian's visit; the Library of Çelsus that once housed between 12,000-15,000 scrolls; and an acoustically amazing theatre built to hold and entertain some 24,000 spectators. See the mosaic-filled Terrace Houses where wealthy citizens lived from the first to the seventh centuries. Have a traditional lunch in a local waving center with the opportunity to see a presentation about handmade Turkish carpets. This evening, return to the site of ancient Ephesus to dine under the stars with live music by the Aegean Chamber Orchestra for an evening you are sure to remember.

The gateway to the Bodrum Peninsula in the Republic of Türkiye, the picturesque port of Bodrum, dubbed the "St. Tropez of Turkey," sits on the country's South Aegean coast amidst crystal-clear waters, gorgeous landscapes, and historical sites dating back millennia. Enjoy a private transfer to the main town aboard a classic vessel of this region of Turkey, the gullet. Once in town you may elect to join our guided tour of the medieval Castle of St. Peter, a stunning example of 15th century Crusader architecture, and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, where you will see artifacts from ancient shipwrecks. After the tour of the Museum, you may elect for a more active walking excursion to the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World or elect to spent time exploring the town with it's excellent shopping and café's on the beach. This afternoon, if you wish, join us for a ride on this traditional wooden boat, a gullet, into the waters around Bodrum which will include, conditions permitting, an opportunity to swim. Your ship departs for Kusadasi after dinner tonight.

Your morning arrival into Santorini inspires with visions of towering multicolored cliffs and white-washed houses and blue-domed buildings, along with volcanic beaches pebbled in red, white and black and kissed by a deep blue sea. Created by a volcanic explosion three millennia ago, Santorini reigns over a flooded caldera which today is renowned as one of the most scenic destinations in Greece, popular with honeymooners, movie makers and celebrities. Disembark ship via a tender for a driving tour around the crescent-shaped island, stopping at the Prehistoric Archeological site of Akrotiri before free time to experience the eye-candy sights of the island's clifftop, capital as you wish. Descend down to the ship by gondola for dinner aboard the ship. Savor the island's amazing sunset as the ship provides their famous bbq dining event on the open decks before setting sail for Itea, Greece, the site of Delphi, after a day at sea.

2,500 years in the making, the Corinth Canal links the Ionian Sea with the Aegean. When it was completed in 1893, it effectively turned the Peloponnese peninsula into an island and created an international maritime hub that transformed navigation in southern Europe. Accessible only by small ship, your morning transit through this narrow canal cuts off hundreds of miles of your journey around the Peloponnese, bringing you to the port town of Itea in central Greece this afternoon. Disembark for a guided visit to the nearby archaeological site of Delphi. A UNESCO World Heritage Site dating to the 8th century BC, Delphi was an ancient religious sanctuary dedicated to the Greek god Apollo and was home to the Oracle of Delphi. It was here where the priestess Pythia, who was famed throughout the ancient world for divining the future and consulted before all major undertakings. Join a local guide as you explore the site on a walking tour before returning to your ship for cocktails and dinner as it charts a course towards Santorini.

Disembark ship this morning for a drive to Athens and a panoramic tour of the city, with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum. Considered one of the greatest museums in the world, the museum contains a rich collection of Greek artifacts from prehistoric times to late antiquity discovered on finds throughout the country. A locally guided visit to the museum showcases ancient Greek sculpture from 700 BC to the 5th century AD; stunning gold masks, cups, dishes, and jewelry unearthed from the site of Mycenae; metalwork dating back to the first century BC; Egyptian art; some 2,500 Greek vases and much more. Enjoy lunch, followed by check-in at a landmark hotel in Athens, The Grand Bretagne, just steps from the enchanting cobblestoned Plaka neighborhood where archeological sites are tucked amidst cozy tavernas, flower stands and artisan shops. Settle into your hotel and enjoy a free evening to experience as you wish.

Begin your exploration of ancient Greece at the citadel of the Acropolis today, perched atop a hill overlooking Athens since the fifth century BC and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as "the greatest architectural and artistic complex bequeathed by Greek Antiquity to the world." Imagine being here thousands of years ago as your local guide shares insights about the white marble ruins you will see, including one of the most important buildings in ancient Athens, the Parthenon; the Erechtheion; the Temple of Athena Nike; and the Propylea. Enjoy time at leisure to walk about as you like, taking in spectacular views deserving of the goddess Athena, for whom the magnificent complex was built, before a guided tour of the Acropolis Museum, housing priceless finds from the Acropolis. After time at leisure this afternoon, join us for a farewell reception and dinner at the hotel.