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Seabourn Venice to Istanbul: May 02 – May 11, 2013

Venice – Corfu – Kefalonia – Itea – Santorini – Bodrum – Izmir – Limnos – Istanbul

Cruise Company: Seabourn Cruises
Ship Name: Seabourn Spirit
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Travel Dates: 02 May 2013 - 11 May 2013
Cruise Code: Seabourn


 DatePort Click to ExpandArrivalDeparture
 
May 2 – Thu Venice – Italy 16:00
Individual arrival in Venice ~ embarkation on the Seabourn Spirit.

Described by many as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Venice, or Venezia in Italian, has been an important port city throughout history. Founded in the early 400s A.D., this city has been renowned for its beauty, architecture, musical and artistic culture, and of course its strategic maritime power during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Stretched across 117 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic Sea, Venice was a wealthy city throughout most of its history; while tourism has been a major sector of its industry since the 18th century. Venice continues to impress its visitors as one of the most visited destinations in Italy, if not the entire Mediterranean!
 
May 3 – Fri At Sea
 
May 4 – Sat Corfu – Greece 11:00 23:00
Corfu lies at the entrance of the Adriatic Sea, between Italy and Greece in the Ionian Sea and is the second largest of the Ionian Islands. It is a very mountainous island with incredible landscapes, dense vegetation, golden brown sandy beaches, traditional villages, Byzantine churches, several museums, striking Venetian fortresses and one of Greece’s most beautiful main towns. Corfu town is the largest town in all of the Ionian Islands and is perhaps one of the most interesting cities in Greece. Built during the island’s Venetian rule, Corfu town stands between two fortresses and its architecture has been influenced by all the major civilizations that occupied the island, such as the Sicilians, Venetians, French and British.
 
May 5 – Sun Kefalonia (Fiskardo) –Greece 08:00 17:00
We are working on providing a description of this particular port of call - please check back later.
 
May 6 – Mon

Itea – Greece
Passage of Corinth Canal
07:00
18:00
14:00
19:00
We are working on providing a description of this particular port of call - please check back later.
 
May 7 – Tue Santorini – Greece 09:00 18:00
Santorini, world-renowned for its widely photographed, romantic sunsets and unique, volcanic natural environment, is arguably the most striking of the Greek islands. Its dramatic red and black sand beaches, narrow white-washed alleys, exquisite traditional and international cuisine, as well as its agricultural and wine-making tradition, make Santorini a truly spectacular island.

If you have included a True Greece tour or excursion today in Santorini, meet your guide or transfer agent upon arrival at the harbor and begin your exploration of this incredible island under the care of a True Greece affiliate.
 
May 8 – Wed Bodrum – Turkey 07:00 15:00
Tucked into a peninsula of the same name, Bodrum is a port town in the south-western Aegean Region of Turkey. It is an international center of tourism and yachting, renowned as a vacation paradise with a mix of sandy coasts, secluded bays, evergreen forests and rocky cliffs. As you approach the port, you will be welcomed by the white-washed houses that fan down a gentle slope to its superb enclosed harbor. Birth place of Herodotus (also known as “the father of written history”), Bodrum is the Turkish name for the ancient city of Halicarnassus, and the first town in Turkey to experience a tourist boom.

Until the 6th century BC, Bodrum (also known as Halicarnassus) is said to have either been a Dorian city or at least a member of the Dorian Confederation, including the Greek island of Kos, as well as cities on the island of Rhodes. Eventually, Halicarnassus became a Christian city as part of the Byzantine Empire, but by 1392 the city was annexed to the Ottoman Empire. Around this time, the Knights of St. John were engaged in fights with the Turks and by 1402 the Knights were granted right to settle and govern the city. The city would again be surrendered to the Ottomans by 1522 and renamed Bodrum. During WW1, the city of Bodrum was taken over by Italian forces, but in 1923 it was awarded to the new Turkish Republic.
 
May 9 – Thu Izmir – Turkey 08:00 18:00
Izmir is one of the oldest settlements of the Mediterranean. Today it is a large metropolis located in western Anatolia, and Turkey’s third largest city in population. This ancient city was also known as Smyrna until 1930, when the Turkish Postal Services Law made "Izmir" the internationally recognized name. Considering its location at the head of a gulf, Izmir has been a primary mercantile city of the Mediterranean for much of its history and continues to be one of Turkey’s primary ports for exports.
 
May 10 – Fri Limnos – Greece 07:00 14:00
According to ancient mythology, Hephaestus (Vulcan), the god of fire and volcanoes, was cast off from Mount Olympus, landing on Limnos. The people of the island took care of him and in return the god taught them his art of blacksmith. It was in Limnos that he built his palace and forges under a volcano.

Limnos is a beautiful island located in the northern Aegean Sea that offers a quiet and more off-the-beaten path Greek island experience. Since Limnos did not experience the same tourist boom as other Greek islands in the 70s and 80s, it has remained very much ‘untouched’ by mass tourism – leaving it a refreshing destination to discover. Limnos offers its visitors a surprisingly diverse landscape of bays, gulfs, sandy beaches, and fishing harbors, combined with rocky points, a rustic interior with several lakes, and pink flamingos!
 
May 11 – Sat Istanbul – Turkey 07:00
Arrival Istanbul ~ individual departure.

If True Greece has arranged for your post-cruise experience, meet your private driver upon arrival at the cruise terminal who will transfer you to your luxury hotel in Istanbul.

If asked to name a city in the world that most evokes a sense of the exotic, of immense beauty, and of intrigue and mystery, many people would name Istanbul. Standing over two continents, three empires, several cultures, and thousands of years of history, it is a truly international city – one that seems to have long drawn people to project their own fantasies onto it. Arguably the greatest appeal of Istanbul is the unique combination of its rich history and historical structures with its cosmopolitan feel. While the city’s unique past will fascinate you and the various monuments will evoke a genuine sense of awe, perfectly combined with an oriental feel in many areas of the city. In Istanbul, there is no doubt that you are in a fabulous city like no other on this planet.

If you did not have the opportunity to enjoy our True Greece guided tour of Istanbul, this is the perfect time to have us make these arrangements for you. As a guest of True Greece, we can fulfil exactly the experience that you are looking for during your stay in Istanbul!

 

Cruises are subject to availability. Itineraries and times are subject to change. Click on ports for detailed information.

Ships' Registry: Bahamas



Since each individual’s accommodation preferences differ and cruise fares constantly change based on availability, to learn more about this cruise please contact a True Greece Concierge to begin planning a cruise trip customized to your needs.


The below True Greece Private Guided Tours and Activities are available at an additional cost. For more information, please contact a True Greece Concierge

Itea

  • TrueGreece Delphi Tour

    The sanctuary of Delphi is located within the stunning natural environment of Mt. Parnassos. Surrounded by beautiful forests and brilliant vistas, no wonder this site was regarded by the ancients as the “navel” of the world. According to Greek Mythology, it is here that two eagles sent out by Zeus from the ends of the creation met, thus pinpointing the center of the earth. Regarded as a spiritual, cultural and religious center, Delphi soon gave rise to the renowned Oracle, which according to legend predicted, amongst other things, the heroic fall of King Leonidas of Sparta at Thermopylae. Your TrueGreece guide will walk you through this fascinating archaeological site and expose you to the myths and legends of ancient Greece.

Santorini
    
  • TrueGreece Authentic Santorini Cooking Lesson

    With more than 300 days of sunshine over its rich volcanic soil, Santorini yields a bounty of unusual indigenous herbs and vegetables, such as white eggplant, capers and caper leaves, fava (small yellow peas), and exquisite baby tomatoes, which are all grown virtually without water. You will be welcomed to one of the best restaurants on Santorini with fresh juice, coffee and traditional Greek cookies. While sampling different wines and some local Cycladic side dishes, you will talk about the cuisine of the Cycladic Islands and particularly that of Santorini. Having an introduction to the various grape varieties grown on the island, you will begin your gastronomic experience. You will learn how to prepare an entire Greek menu: an appetizer, a salad, a main course, and a dessert. After a short, but much anticipated wait you will be able to enjoy the fruit of your labor accompanied by a bottle of delicious wine from Santorini. This gastronomic experience will last approximately 5 hours (including lunch), and will surely provide you with plenty of culinary ideas to surprise everyone back home.

  • TrueGreece Semi-Private Santorini Sailing Trip

    Step aboard a luxurious catamaran and embark on your unforgettable semi private Santorini sailing trip. Acquaint yourself with your fellow travelers and embark on an experience that won't be "just another boat ride!"  Starting from the south side of Santorini you will sail past the spectacular White & Red beaches, the Venetian lighthouse and visit remote locations around the island where you will be able to swim and snorkel in the clear waters. Anchored in a private bay inside the caldera you will enjoy a freshly prepared traditional seafood and steak barbeque served with many Greek appetizers and salads. This spectacular sailing trip runs for approximately five hours and will definitely be one of the highlights of your TrueGreece experience.

  • TrueGreece Santorini Tour

    Due to its unique morphology and distinctive history, Santorini is regarded by some as the lost island of “Atlantis.” Perched elegantly on the cliffs overseeing the Aegean Sea, the towns of Santorini offer a diverse variety of activities and sights. Coordinate with your TrueGreece guide and shape your tour in order to fully appreciate this stunning island. Whether you choose to visit the Prehistoric Museum in Fira, a traditional winery in Oia or the Byzantine church of Panagia Episkopi, by the end of the day you will leave you with a sense that you have discovered the lost island of “Atlantis.”

  • TrueGreece Santorini Winery Experience

    Since ancient times the rich volcanic soil and distinctive microclimate of Santorini has been ideal for the cultivation of vineyards and the production of wine. Explore a local winery and observe the unique way in which the vineyards are pruned and the wine produced. After this brief introduction to the rich wine making tradition of Santorini take part in a wine tasting where you will have the pleasure of sampling several local varieties complimented by an assortment of traditional Cycladic appetizers and spoon deserts.
        
  • Santorini Wine Roads Tour

    Discover the secrets of wine making, on the unique volcanic island of Santorini. Stroll through vineyards that manage to grow on a rainless and infertile land, to produce some of the most distinctive wine varieties in the world. With the assistance of your sommelier explore wineries where thousand year old traditions meet harmoniously with technological and scientific advancement in the field of wine making. Visit three well known wine estates and sample 15 different types and styles of wine under the guidance of an experienced sommelier. Complement this unique experience with an assortment of Greek cheeses and olives that will bring the flavors of Santorini to life.

  • Santorini Wine and Food Tasting

    Discover the secrets of wine making, on the unique volcanic island of Santorini. Stroll through vineyards that manage to grow on a rainless and infertile land, to produce some of the most distinctive wine varieties in the world. With the assistance of your sommelier explore wineries where thousand year old traditions meet harmoniously with technological and scientific advancement in the field of wine making. Visit two well known wine estates and sample 10 different types and styles of wine under the guidance of an experienced sommelier. Complement this unique experience with an enjoyable greek-meze lunch or dinner in a traditional settlement, bringing the flavors of Santorini to life.


Izmir

  • Ephesus Tour

    Located close to the coast in the Aegean Region, Ephesus boasts a rich and vibrant history and has become famous for its incredible historical landmarks, such as the Library of Celsus, the magnificent ancient theater, and the famous Terrace Houses. Explore this wonderful archaeological site with the assistance of you TrueTurkey guide and marvel at one of the best preserved cities of the Ancient world. Reaching its climax during the Roman period when it was regarded as the second largest city in the world, it is here where St Paul stayed for nearly 3 years preaching his beliefs. Considered as one of the seven Churches of Asia by Saint John in the Book of Revelations, Ephesus was also the site of the Temple of Artemis which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient world.


Istanbul

  • Istanbul Tour

    Standing firmly over two continents, Istanbul is the personification of a true “cosmopolitan” city. Your TrueTurkey guide will show you this multi-cultural and historic city through the eyes of a local. Depending on the day of your Istanbul tour you will have the opportunity to visit the Blue Mosque and its superb inner courtyard, the Hippodrome originally built by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203 AD, the magnificent Byzantine church of St. Sophia, the Underground Cistern built during the reign of Constantine I, the Topkapi Palace where the Ottoman Sultans presided over their vast empire and the Grand Bazaar where almost 5,000 shops are spread out in a giant maze of small streets and passages that are arranged according to their trade. By the end of this fascinating day you will feel like a citizen of this “international” city.


Let our True Greece Concierges do what they do best ~ take care of you!

Our Concierges are experts in creating a travel experience that is exactly what you’re looking for. Take advantage of our expert knowledge and work together with one of our Concierges to plan your pre/post cruise experience or perhaps even extend your travel experience to include a True Greece customized trip or a True Turkey customized trip add-on. Experience our renowned ‘on-the-ground’ service and allow us the opportunity to create an authentic and memorable experience for you.
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