Seabourn
Seabourn Encore is strikingly beautiful and excitingly innovative. Modelled on the award-winning trio of ships introduced with Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Encore represents another welcome stage in the evolution of small ship cruising, which Seabourn pioneered and has consistently expanded and enriched for all small ship cruises.
Discover the best of the Greek Isles and Turquoise Coast onboard Seabourn Encore on this fantastic cruise. Enjoy 2 nights in Athens before boarding your 14 night cruise around the Greek islands and Turkey.
Day 1 - 2
Arrive in Athens and transfer to Athenswas Design Hotel, where you will stay for 2 nights in a Classic Room. This 5 Star property boasts an incredible location in the heart of the city, just steps away from the Acropolis Museum, the sacred Acropolis Hill and the old town of Athens, Plaka.
Day 3
Depart your hotel and make your way to the port, where you will board Seabourn Encore and begin your 14 night cruise.
Day 4
The first stop is Gythion, Greece. Gythion, the small port town for Sparta, edges its way up the hillside that surrounds the harbour. Not far away, at the tip of the Peloponnese, lies the Mani, a distinctive area unlike anything else in Greece. This desolate region of underground lakes and rivers and windswept landscapes is strangely beautiful.
Day 5
Dock at Chania, Greece. Lying along the north coast of Crete is Chania, bordered by endless stretches of seashore, with inlets and islands of exotic beauty and sandy beaches tucked away at the foot of the island's forbidding mountains.
Day 6
The next stop is Mykonos, Greece. The allure of the Cycladic island of Mykonos is well established, with its glamorous nightlife, tantalising gastronomy, spectacular beaches and picturesque villages. There can be few views more iconic or more memorable than that of the Mykonos windmills – the whitewashed, spherical thatched buildings looming over the town below are endlessly photogenic.
Day 7
Dock at Kusadasi, Turkey. Kusadasi, which means "bird island," is set in a superb gulf known for its sparkling water, broad sandy beaches and large marina. The town's old quarter is a picturesque maze of winding streets and houses adorned with flowers and birdcages.
Day 8
The next destination is Cesme, Turkey. A popular holiday and resort destination, Cesme is located on a promontory on the tip of a peninsula that carries the same name. Along with the historical attractions, visitors will enjoy local pleasures, such as a dip in the thermal baths, followed by the culinary delights of native fruits, artisan cheeses and local wines.
Day 9
The next day is a day at sea onboard the Seabourn Encore. While at sea, take some time to recharge before your next port of call. Lounge by the pool, visit the spa, treat your tastebuds at one of the many onboard restaurants or enjoy some entertainment.
Day 10
The next stop is Istanbul, Turkey. Spanning Europe and Asia, exotic Istanbul is one of the world's most fascinating cities. Domes and minarets enhance the skyline. Landmarks include Hagia Sophia, once Christendom's greatest church; the Blue Mosque with its striking Iznik tiles; Topkapi Palace, containing a sultan's ransom of treasures; Chora Church with its Byzantine mosaics; and the Grand Bazaar, the ultimate shopping experience.
Day 11
Dock at Canakkale, Turkey. The Turkish city of Canakkale lies along both sides of the Dardanelles Strait, which links the landlocked Sea of Marmara to the Aegean. Explore the expansive ruins, tour the impressive museum, and climb inside a 40-foot-high replica of the infamous wooden horse used by the Greeks to enter the city.
Day 12
Next the cruise will dock in Izmir, Turkey. The magnificent Aegean coast features no shortage of appealing ports of call, and Izmir is a fine example thereof. The birthplace of Homer has grown into a thriving metropolis, filled with fine hotels along its sweeping bay. A fine archaeology museum and an ethnography museum house a multitude of treasures and exhibits.
Day 13
The next stop is Patmos, Greece. With its turquoise beach waters and spiritual atmosphere, Patmos is one of the most beautiful islands in the Dodecanese group to visit! It is full of traditional houses and its main landmark, the Monastery of St. John in Chora, along with the Cave of the Apocalypse, attract numerous pilgrims every year.
Day 14
Dock at Rhodes, Greece. Also known as the "Knights’ Island,", Rhodes combines a rich history, impressive mediaeval architecture, amazing beaches and lovely natural scenery! The Old Town of Rhodes, with its stone-paved alleys and elegant mansions, is listed as a World Heritage Site.
Day 15
The next day is a day at sea onboard the Seabourne Encore. While at sea, take some time to recharge before your next port of call. Lounge by the pool, visit the spa, treat your tastebuds at one of the many onboard restaurants or enjoy some entertainment.
Day 16
The next stop is Spetsai, Greece. Nicknamed "The Isle of the Aromas", Spetsai is a delight to all of the senses. The island’s historic old town is a yachtsman’s paradise, boasting a stunning harbour, quaint shops and some of the finest restaurants in the Saronic Gulf. The rest of the island is relatively unpopulated and is ringed by a single road.
Day 17
Arrive back in Athens, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for your flight home. All accommodation is subject to availability and change.