Greek Isles & Turkey Cruise 7 Nights • Athens (Piraeus), Greece to Istanbul, Turkey • Rhapsody of the Seas

Explore the harbors of Piraeus, which showcase the Golden Age of Greek history. Visit the Hellenic Maritime Museum and the ship sheds — here, you can see how ancient ships were crafted. In the charming Castella district, you'll find some small, quaint shops and cafes amid the elegant neoclassical buildings. Head to Sotiros Street to find brand name stores, alongside smaller local shops.

Your ship departs promptly at 5:00 pm, so plan to arrive at least 2-3 hours early to account for checking in and boarding protocols. During this time, many of the ship's amenities are open and operating, so feel free to start your vacation early.

Santorini is one of the world’s most popular islands, where adventure bubbles above the Aegean Sea in breathtaking ways. Take a cable car to see Fira’s old cathedrals and enthralling museums. Swim in deep blue waters that lap black pebbled beaches. And peel back layers of history in excavated Akrotiri— all while relishing the dramatic scenery of this Cyclades isle.

Start your exploration of Rhodes at its harbor, where you'll find the site where the city's famous Colossus once stood. Then, traipse through the ancient streets of its Old Town. Discover the diverse history of Rhodes at the Palace of the Grand Master and the Suleiman Mosque, both near the Gate of Saint Anthony. Then, sun yourself on one of the pristine beaches, and enjoy a plate fried baby shrimp and a glass of white wine while overlooking the waters.

Enjoy an intoxicating blend of heritage and hospitality when you cruise to Bodrum, the pearl of Turkey's Aegean coast. Spend the morning swimming and sunning yourself at Bodrum Beach, where gentle blue water laps at pristine golden sand. Take an afternoon history lesson, either amid the medieval ramparts of Bodrum Castle or at the Halicarnassus Citadel, which dates back to the time of ancient Greece. End the day sipping a glass of the local Raki spirit, sinking your teeth into grilled meat or seafood, or strolling through Bodrum Market, where a whole world of Turkish souvenirs and snacks awaits.

Head straight to the ancient city of Ephesus, a 20-minute drive from the port. Plan your visit based on how much you want to walk and how many sites you want to check out. The House of the Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St. John hold historical import as well as the traditional brick and stone architecture of the ancient near east. And of course, you can see the one remaining column of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Powder white houses, sparkling blue waters, and red-hot nightlife— the Island of the Winds carries you away with colorful upscale adventures. Explore Hora’s bougainvillea-laced pathways and see the Folklore Museum’s Mykonian ship models. Join the raucous party on the shimmering sands of Super Paradise beach. Or watch the sunset from an open-air taverna— all nestled in the heart of Greece’s Cyclades islands.

After your cruise, spend time in Istanbul exploring the old and the new. Look up at impressive churches and mosques, like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, marvel at the architectural feats of early centuries or follow bewitching smells to the spice market. Then wander through colorful market stalls at the Grand Bazaar so you can leave the ancient city with a gift for those at home or yourself.

The cruise might have ended, but there are still some great activities to enjoy in the area. If you flew into this port, be mindful of your departure flight time and plan accordingly.