Spring is the perfect time for a cruise to Greece and Turkey, when temperatures are mild and wildflowers blanket the craggy hillsides, lending splashes of color to enchanting ancient sites. Greece’s flora is the richest in Europe, with more than 6,000 wildflower species, about 1,000 of which are found nowhere else. Our voyage includes such grand places as Turkey’s great Roman city of Ephesus and Greece’s Santorini, perhaps the most picturesque of all the islands, as well as smaller sites such as the Byzantine town of Mystra, volcanic Patmos, and the unspoiled island of Delos, legendary birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Our home for this springtime journey is the elegant 34-guest Callisto.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-3
Athens, Greece / Monemvasia

From Athens, we voyage along the rugged coast of the Peloponnese to the walled town of Monemvasia, set on a rocky promontory, and set out for a stroll among its beautiful bastions, labyrinthine alleyways, and stately old homes.

Days 4-6
Rethymnon, Crete / Chania or Knossos / Santorini / Rhodes

We land in Crete, visiting the lovely city of Chania, with its historic walled town and pretty Venetian harbor. Alternatively, we may explore Knossos, the most imposing Minoan palace on the island. Calling at the dramatic volcanic island of Santorini, we explore the unspoiled town of Oia with its blue-domed churches. On the island of Rhodes, we stroll the streets of its Old Town, one of the largest medieval towns in Europe, admiring the mosaics, finely carved portals, and balconies along the ancient Street of the Knights. Above the charming village of Lindos, we enjoy spectacular views of the Aegean as we visit its acropolis.

Days 7-10
Patmos / Kusadasi, Turkey / Ephesus / Delos, Greece

The rugged island of Patmos is to the Christian world what Delos was to the ancients: the most sacred island in the Aegean. This is where St. John the Evangelist is said to have received his vision of the Apocalypse, which later became the Book of Revelations. After visiting the 11th century Monastery of the Revelation, we sail to Kusadasi in Turkey and head to fantastic Ephesus, once the most important commercial city in Asia Minor. Here we stroll colonnaded marble streets to see Ephesus’ marvelously preserved Library of Celsus and Roman villas with intact mosaics and frescoes. Heading back to Greece, the Callisto calls at the pristine island of Delos, holy island of the ancient Greeks and birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, the twins of Zeus and Leto. A walking tour leads us to the shrines of Apollo and Artemis, as well as to the Terrace of the Lions, guardians of the Sacred Lake. Our last port of call is at Syros, where graceful neoclassical buildings line the waterfront. We disembark in Piraeus on Day 10 and fly home.

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What the Trip is Like

The trip is rated Level 1, Easiest. There are shore excursions featuring walks, and it is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active.

Explanation of Trip Levels