Mediterranean Wonders

Visit Europe

Explore Mediterranean wonders on a 14-night ultra-luxury cruise from Istanbul to Barcelona aboard the Seabourn Venture. Highlights include visiting the Gallipoli Peninsula, the ancient city of Ephesus, the Acropolis of Athens, Sicily, Malta, Corsica and Menorca. Discover breathtaking islands, iconic landmarks, rich history and local cuisine.

Day 01: Arrive Istanbul, Embark Ship

We'll meet you on arrival and transfer you to the ultra-luxurious Seabourn Venture. Unpack, relax and get acquainted with your ship.

Stay: 14 Nights, Seabourn Venture

Meals: Dinner

Day 02: Çanakkale, Gallipoli Peninsula, Troy

This morning, arrive in Çanakkale and immerse yourself in Anzac history with a captivating excursion to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Explore the numerous trenches and memorials that stand as a tribute to those who lost their lives in World War I. Pay your respects at Anzac Cove, the Australian Memorial at Lone Pine, and the New Zealand Memorial at Chunuk Bair. After lunch back on board, travel to the ancient city of Troy, the setting for the legendary Trojan War in Homer's two epic poems, ‘The Iliad' and ‘The Odyssey'. Visit the town's enthralling museum, which houses an interesting collection of Trojan artefacts, as well as a fascinating range of ancient fossils from the Bronze Age through to modern times.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 03: Izmir, Ephesus, Kuşadası

This morning, dock in Izmir on Türkiye's Anatolian coast and drive to the nearby ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Eastern Mediterranean. Step back in time as you immerse yourself in ancient Roman life and imagine the city's former splendour. Broad streets are lined with impressive buildings, including the Library of Celsus, which was built in memory of Celsus Polemeanus, a Roman senator and reportedly a great book lover. After your exploration, a Signature Experience awaits in Kuşadası. Later, return to your ship in Izmir.

Signature Experience - Folklore Show and Traditional Lunch

Visit a local handicraft museum. Here, enjoy an authentic home-cooked lunch and a folklore show.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 04: Mykonos, Syros

Land on the dazzling Greek island of Mykonos and embark on a guided tour. Visit Ano Mera, the second largest village on the island, and enjoy free time to stroll through the main square. Then, travel to Kalafatis beach, where you will have time to relax and soak up the beautiful surrounds. Later, take a walking tour through the main town of Chora. Stroll through the tangle of tiny lanes, take in the whitewashed buildings with iconic blue shutters, and admire the blue-domed churches. See the old port and the famous windmills often featured on postcards. Afterwards, reboard your ship and continue to Syros, one of the smallest islands of the Cyclades. Embark on a walking tour and visit the Holy Cathedral of the Dormition of the Virgin, the Vaporia district and Miaouli Square.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 05: Nafplion

Dock in Nafplion, one of Greece's most enchanting towns. Nestled on a small port in the Peloponnese and overlooked by the spectacular Palamidi Fortress, Nafplion is steeped in history and charm. With its captivating blend of Venetian, Ottoman and neoclassical architecture, along with its proximity to ancient sites and stunning natural scenery, Nafplion is the perfect destination for history enthusiasts and relaxation seekers alike. Here, you'll enjoy a range of sightseeing activities on offer.

Freedom of Choice - Nafplion Old Town Tour

Embark on a guided walk through the romantic Old Town of Nafplion with its narrow streets, charming Venetian houses and neoclassical mansions. Your local guide will show you the most iconic landmarks in this beautiful port town.

Freedom of Choice - Epidaurus and Mycenae

Immerse yourself in the history of ancient Greece as you explore two spectacular World Heritage-listed sites. Visit the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus, a lasting tribute to the healing gods. The site dates back to the 4th century BC, comprising striking monuments set over two terraces. Take time to walk through the grounds leading to the Theatre of Epidaurus, which is still used today for plays and performances. The tour continues to Mycenae, a great Bronze Age citadel set on the hill of Agios Andreas. Walk through the famous Lion Gate, then marvel at the acropolis and palace.

Freedom of Choice - Nemea Winery Visit

Steeped in history, Nemea was once a vibrant hub of festivities during the Nemean Games, one of the four Panhellenic Games of ancient Greece. Overseen by the nearby town of Kleonai, these grand events drew visitors from far and wide. Today, Nemea is celebrated as one of Greece's premier wine regions, thanks to its fertile plains, which have produced wine for many centuries. Experience the region's rich winemaking heritage with a visit to a family-owned winery, where you'll savour four exquisite regional wines, perfectly paired with local delicacies.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 06: Athens

Set out on a tour of Athens and immerse yourself in the city's most iconic landmarks, including the World Heritage-listed Acropolis. Discover the crown jewel of this sprawling ancient citadel, the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. Stroll through the historic neighbourhood of Plaka, known for its charming labyrinthine streets and neoclassical architecture. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. Your ship will remain docked overnight in Athens. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 07: Monemvasia

Arrive in Monemvasia, a striking medieval fortress town perched on a massive rock rising from the Myrtoan Sea. The name is derived from two Greek words, mone and emvasia, meaning 'single entrance', referring to the narrow causeway that connects the island to the Greek mainland. Commonly referred to as the ‘Gibraltar of Greece', the town exudes a timeless charm, having resisted modernisation to preserve its unique character. Here, enjoy a choice of tours.

Freedom of Choice - Monemvasia Castle

Tour the narrow streets within the Monemvasia Castle grounds and see the church of Elkomenos Christos, which was built in the sixth or seventh century with the settlement of the first residents in the city.

Freedom of Choice - Monemvasia Culinary Walk

Learn about the history of Monemvasia as you sample local products from the Peloponnese, including honey liqueur, extra virgin olive oil, and local wine.

Freedom of Choice - Mystras Guided Tour

Nestled on the lower slopes of Mount Taygetos lies the silent, ruined city of Mystras. Stroll along its grass-covered pathways, weaving between centuries-old churches and the houses of noblemen, as you ascend towards the majestic citadel that crowns the summit. During Mystra's two centuries of existence as the Byzantine capital of the Peloponnese, many churches and monasteries were erected. See the church of Agia Sofia, the impressive Pantanassa Monastery and the Cathedral of Agios Dimitrios. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your ship.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 08: Day at Sea

Relish a day at sea where you can relax and enjoy the incredible amenities on board. Perhaps unwind with a spa treatment (own expense) or savour a delicious meal at one of the ship's many restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 09: Syracuse

Enjoy a relaxing morning cruising towards the Italian island of Sicily. This afternoon, set out on a walking tour of Syracuse, a city on the Ionian coast of Sicily that was founded by the Corinthians in 734 BC. Your tour will start at the Neapolis Archaeological Park, where you will visit the Latomia del Paradiso, an ancient limestone quarry. Discover the Altar of Hiero II, Cave of Cordari, Greek Theatre and Roman Amphitheatre. Afterwards, head to the small island of Ortigia, the historic centre of Syracuse, and explore the remains of the earliest Greek constructions.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Valletta

Dock in Malta's capital, Valletta, a fortified city located on a hilly peninsula between two natural harbours. An island steeped in history, Malta has been occupied by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, French and British. This rich cultural tapestry is reflected in Valletta's diverse architecture. Decide how to explore today with an included Freedom of Choice activity.

Freedom of Choice - Mdina and Valletta Guided Tour

Visit Mdina, Malta's former capital and one of Europe's most remarkable examples of an ancient walled city, known for its captivating blend of medieval and baroque buildings. After a guided tour, you'll then explore Valletta, which was declared a World Heritage Site in 1980 due to its extraordinary architecture and history.

Freedom of Choice - Vittoriosa Tour and Market Tasting

Travel to Vittoriosa, where the Hospitallers resided and conducted their government when they first arrived in Malta in 1530. Proceed to Marsaxlokk, Malta's largest fishing village, known for its quaint village square, cafes, and colourful, traditional boats. Wander the marketplace and sample some local produce.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Cagliari

This morning, you will arrive in Cagliari, located on the Italian island of Sardinia. Here, a choice of sightseeing tours will be on offer.

Freedom of Choice - Guided City Tour

Enjoy a guided walking tour of the ancient city of Cagliari. See the striking Piazza Palazzo and the Cathedral of Saint Cecilia, built in the 13th century in the Pisan Romanesque style.

Freedom of Choice - Local Winery Visit

Savour a wine tasting at a family-owned winery founded in 1918, now in its third generation of winemaking, and learn about the fascinating story of the property.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 Ajaccio

Dock in Ajaccio, located on the French island of Corsica. Embark on your chosen sightseeing activity.

Freedom of Choice - Maison Bonaparte

Take a guided walking tour through Ajaccio's Old Town and learn about the history of the Bonaparte family in Corsica, which goes back to the late 15th century. Visit Maison Bonaparte, the home where Napoleon was born in 1769. The home remained in the family's possession until 1923 when it was donated to the State. Now a small museum, Maison Bonapart  features magnificent 18th-century furniture, artefacts, weapons and documents, all of which belonged to the Bonaparte family.

Freedom of Choice - Ocana and Ajaccio Market

Travel to Ocana, a hillside commune in the countryside known for its cobbled, red tile-roofed homes. Here, you'll visit Maison des Senteurs, a distillery that has produced essential oils for over 20 years. Learn about how the distillery creates different organic essential oils from native trees and plants, which are used for fragrances and natural healing products. Next, visit a local honey farm, where you'll enjoy a tour of the farm before a tasting. Return to Ajaccio and visit the local farmer's market, Fresh Market, before returning to your ship.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Mahón

Journey to the Spanish island of Menorca, known for its sweeping countryside, historic towns and superb beaches. In 1708, British and Dutch forces captured the island from Spain, and the British occupied the island on and off until it was returned to Spain in 1802. Dock in the capital, Mahón, known locally as Maó. The port of Mahón is the largest natural harbour in the Mediterranean and the second largest in the world. Decide how to explore today with a range of sightseeing options to choose from.

Freedom of Choice - Island Tour

Tour an old fishing village perched on a natural harbour, then visit Monte Toro, known as the spiritual centre of the island, before continuing to Binibeca. See the whitewashed houses, cobbled streets and narrow passages before heading back to the pier.

Freedom of Choice - Gin Distillery

Visit a local gin distillery to learn about the gin-making process. The production of gin began on Menorca in the 18th century to satiate the thirst of British sailors, while the island was under British occupation. Mahón gin is recognised as being one of the first gins made in the Mediterranean.

Enrich Your Experience - Snorkelling in Fornells Bay

Set out on a fully escorted snorkelling excursion in Fornells Bay (additional cost). Get fitted out with your equipment, then head out to a sheltered bay. Here, you'll receive further instructions from a qualified snorkel instructor before exploring some of the most crystal-clear waters in the world. Return to Fornells and enjoy time at leisure to wander through this old fishing village.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Port-Vendres

Dock in Port-Vendres, a picturesque coastal town nestled on the Côte Vermeille in the south of France near Spain. Famous for its fishing port, Port-Vendres offers a captivating blend of old-world charm and natural beauty. Surrounding the fortified town, the foothills of the Alb ères mountains gently cascade down into the Mediterranean Sea. Here, you'll have a choice of tours.

Freedom of Choice - Perpignan Guided Tour

Explore Perpignan, a city steeped in history and rich in cultural heritage. From the fascinating fossils of Serrat d'en Vaquer to striking 20th-century architecture, Perpignan's story spans over two millennia. Set out on a walking tour of the city centre, visiting landmarks like the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist and the one-of-a-kind Campo Santo, a rare cemetery cloister.

Freedom of Choice - Caves Byrrh

Travel to the medieval town of Thuir, located at the base of the Pyrenees foothills, and visit the prestigious Caves Byrrh, a historic French aperitif winery. Byrrh is a unique vermouth aperitif crafted in Thuir since 1886, made from Roussillon and Malaga wines blended with cinchona, coffee, cocoa and spices. Learn about how Byrrh is produced and its fascinating evolution during the 20th century from a medicinal remedy to a world-renowned aperitif. See the world's largest oak casks - with a capacity of over one million litres - and conclude your tour with a tasting before returning to your ship in Port-Vendres.

Freedom of Choice - Salses-le-Château Guided Tour

Enjoy a scenic drive to Salses-le-Château, a village named after its remarkably preserved fortress. Built for King Ferdinand of Aragon, Spain's ruler during the Age of Discovery, Salses Castle stands on a vital Mediterranean passage once traversed by Hannibal's army in 218 BC. On a guided tour, explore its storied past and strategic role on the historic France-Spain border.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Disembark Ship, Depart Barcelona

After breakfast, disembark the Seabourn Venture in Barcelona, marking the conclusion of your spectacular journey.

Meals: Breakfast

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