Turkey & the Greek Isles

Ports

• Istanbul
  

  Istanbul historically known as Constantinople is the largest city in Turkey and 5th largest city proper in the world with a population of over 14 million, also making it the second largest metropolitan area in Europe by population. Istanbul was selected as a European Capital of Culture for 2010. Historic areas of the city were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985. Istanbul is a transcontinental city, straddling the Bosporus, one of the world's busiest waterways in northwestern Turkey. It is situated between the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea. Its commercial and historical center lies in Europe, while a third of its population lives in Asia. SeaDream calls to this wonderful destination both as an embarkation point and a destination offering several land adventures. Please check the Land Adventures tab for all of the possibilities as well as embarkation and transfer information.

• Bozcaada Island
  

  Experience an intriguing meld of Greece and Turkey on the island of Bozcaada, an often-overlooked stunner with a fascinating past. You’ll learn that according to mythology Achilles defeated a local king during the Trojan War, a dramatic harbinger of the island’s turbulent history under the rule of Greece, the Republics of Genoa and Venice, the Ottoman Empire and even Russia. As you weave along cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses, pop into charming shops featuring handmade keepsakes and delicious marmalades, including a much-heralded tomato jam. Hugging a rocky headland that extends into the sea, the 15th-century Bozcaada Castle stands as one of Turkey’s largest and best-preserved fortifications. While walking the crenellated parapets, you’ll enjoy wonderful views of the town and the surrounding vineyard-covered hills. Several superb wines are crafted on Bozcaada, including internationally acclaimed varietals from the Amadeus and Corvus vineyards, which you can sample at one of the town’s taverns. In the evening, relax at a welcoming seaside café and snack on tantalizing meze as the sun slowly sets behind the magnificent castle.

• Patmos
  

  Patmos is in the South Aegean Islands, particularly a member of the Dodecanese Islands of Greece. It is north of Leros and is most known for its connection to John the Apostle from the Book of Revelations; therefore Christian pilgrims frequent this destination. In mythology, Patmos was named “Letois”, which is another named for the goddess Diana, Leto’s daughter. Since ancient authors seldom mention Patmos in early text, information on early inhabitants is limited. It is widely believed the original people of Patmos were the Carians from Asia Minor, as discovered by the earliest archaeological findings date back to the Bronze and Mycenaean periods. The mountain in the country of Caria was named Latmos, which is where historians believe the name Patmos is derived from. Dorians also colonized in Patmos, and over time, Ionians followed suit. The primary port in Patmos is Skala, which was one of the most important sea ports in the Mediterranean around the 16th century. Early Christian basilicas were constructed in the name of John of Patmos, however between the 7th and 9th century when Saracen attacks were still problematic, the Grand Royal Basilica was destroyed. A monastery began construction in 1101 when Christodoulos assumed authority over Patmos. The population began expanding as immigrants from the fall of Constantinople and Candia to place in the 15th and 17th centuries, respectively. The island was under the Ottoman rule for years and was interrupted by Venice during the Candian War, Russia during the Orlov Revolt, and Greece during their War of Independence. During the Italo-Turkish War, Italy occupied Patmos until 1943, when Nazi Germany held power over the island until 1945. Since Patmos rejoined in 1948, it has become the tranquil and frequented destination it is now. Tourists visit the Monastery of St. John, Chora, the Cave of Apocalypse, Psili Ammos Beach and other beautiful points of interest in “Europe’s most idyllic place to live,” as named by Forbes in 2009.

• Kusadasi (Ephesus)
  

  Kusadasi is a resort town on Turkey's Aegean coast and the center of the seaside district of the same name in Aydin Province. Some visitors simply want to go shopping at the grand bazaar and see a carpet demonstration. Hopefully you have practiced your negotiating skills for these authentic copies, original reproductions as well as the real deal. Others will make time to see the Wonders of Ephesus. This comprehensive SeaDream Land Adventure includes a guided tour of the stunning archaeological site of Ephesus including the recently excavated Terrace Houses, but also adds a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary. For any traveler arriving to this region, it simply can’t be missed!

• Santorini
  

  Santorini, officially named Thira, is the southernmost Greek island that is within the Cyclades archipelago, in the southern Aegean Sea. Part of the regional unit Thira, the municipality of Santorini is comprised of the island Santorini, Therasia, and other uninhabited islands of Christiana, Palaia Kameni, Aspronisi, and Nea Kameni. The geological history of Santorini is quite complex due to the area’s volcanism and is currently a water-filled caldera: a rectangular lagoon that is surrounded by three steep cliffs. The name Santorini is a contraction of the name Santa Irini, which is based on an ancient cathedral found in the island’s village of Perissa. This name was given by the Latin Empire in the 13th Century. During the Ottoman Empire, Santorini was called “Santurin” or “Santoron”, and in early times, it was named Kalliste, Strongyle, and Thera. Santorini is the site of the Minoan Eruption (also known as the Thera Eruption), one of the largest eruptions ever in recorded history. The origins of Plato’s story of Atlantis is believed to have a connection to this eruption that destroyed the early settlements on what was formerly a single island. The descriptions found of Plato’s Atlantis strongly resembles Thera, and with seismological, archaeological, and volcanological evidence, these claims are further supported. There is also speculation that the eruption is related to the Exodus of the Israelites, as well as causing the plagues described in the Bible in ancient Egypt. The economy is sustained by two principal industries: tourism and agriculture, and has recently been voted as one of the world’s most beautiful islands in various outlets such as the Traveler’s Choice Awards in 2015. The wine industry in Santorini is becoming more relevant as well, made up of Assyrtiko, Athiri and Aidani grape varieties, which is best exemplified in Vinsanto (“holy wine”) which contains all three Aegean varietals. Although Santorini is highly arid, it’s unique ecology and climate allows it to grow unique and prized produce, such as cherry tomatoes, Lathyrus clymenum (a legume), and capers. Thus, tourists indulge in local specialties such as Brantada, Fava, and the traditional dish Santorinio Sfougato.

• Agios Nikolaos, Crete
  

  Tucked away in eastern Crete’s Gulf of Mirabello, the laid-back town of Agios Nikolaos grew up around a picturesque saltwater lake connected to the sea by a narrow channel. Steeped in myth, the lake is said to be bottomless as well as the legendary bathing spot of the goddesses Athena and Artemis. These days, you’ll find terrific tavernas serving freshly caught seafood lining the stone path that encircles the lake. Snug beaches such as Kitroplatiea and Amnos break up the town’s waterfront, providing marvelous views across the glittering gulf. A few minutes up the road, the chic resort village of Elounda boasts a marina where colorful fishing boats bob in the waves. From here, cross a narrow spit of land to reach the Spinalonga Peninsula, a nearly uninhabited wilderness rimmed by numerous hidden, unspoiled beaches. Just off the peninsula’s northern shore, Spinalonga Island is protected by a commanding 16th-century Venetian fortress, an unexpected reminder that even this quiet corner of the world was not immune to the imperial ambitions of centuries past.

• Mykonos
  

  Mykonos is one of the most visited Greek Islands. It is part of the Cyclades group and lies between Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos. The island spans an area of 85.5 square kilometers (33.0 sq mi) and rises to an elevation of 341 meters (1,119 feet) at its highest point. Mykonos is so incredibly beautiful; it is not surprising that it has become one of the most desired destinations in the world. When you also add the cosmopolitan lifestyle, the sophisticated nightlife and the historical treasures of the nearby UNESCO Awarded Delos you’ll have the recipe for an unforgettable holiday. SeaDream usually anchors just of the famous windmills and tenders directly to the old town. Guests have a few organized options including the Sacred Island of Delos. Others may simply want to explore the island’s incredible beaches, boutiques, clubs and churches independently.

• Athens (Piraeus)
  

  Piraeus, roughly translating to “the place over the passage”, is an important Greek port located within the Athens agglomeration, in the Attica Basin. It is 12 kilometers from the municipality of Athens, considered the fourth largest and is the third most populous amongst all the municipalities of Greece. Now a peninsula, Piraeus, originally a rocky island, was developed in early 5th Century B.C. when it was initially designated as Athens’ import and transit trade port. It is the largest marine-based shipping center of Greece, one of the largest ports in Europe, and considered the second largest passenger port in the world. Inhabited since the 26th Century, it wasn’t until the 6th Century B.C. that Piraeus began catching attention. The land of Piraeus was essentially impassable, flooded by the sea most of the year until centuries passed and the flooding ceased. By the 5th Century B.C. it became a navy base for the Athenian fleet for the natural harbors and the strategic potential they carried. Athenian general and politician Themistocles fortified Piraeus’ three harbors Kantharos, Zea and Munichia, created ship houses and completed his walls in 471 B.C., which led to the port becoming a great military and commercial harbor. There are many archaeological sites, points of interest and entertainment available in Piraeus. Most famous for its tavernas and cuisine, several popular events take place in Piraeus, such as the Ecocinema International Film Festival, the Maritime Festival, the Piraeus Rock Wave Festival and the Three Kings’ Way Festival. There are also many theaters, including the Municipal Theater, the open air Veakeio Theater, and the Menandreio Theater. Museums in Piraeus include the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, the Merchant Shipping History Institute Exhibition, the Panos Aravantinos Decor Museum, the Georgios Averof Museum Ship and the Museum of Electric Railways. Be sure to catch the panoramic views available from the hill of Kastella, overlooking Athens and the Saronic Gulf!