DAY 1 | Sep. 16. Depart for Turkey
DAY 2 | Sep. 17. Istanbul, Turkey
Depart 5PM
Embark on your luxury cruise aboard Riviera in Istanbul, the magnificent city astride two continents and divided by the Bosphorus.
DAY 3 | Sep. 18. Patmos, Greece
Arrive 12PM–Depart 9PM
Known as the “Jerusalem of the Aegean” since St. John arrived in A.D. 95, Patmos is a tranquil Greek isle echoing with the sounds of over 300 churches’ bells. Home to the 11th-century Monastery of St. John, one of the richest and most influential monasteries in Greece, Patmos also draws visitors with its scenic trails and unspoiled beaches.
DAY 4 | Sep. 19. Cruising the Mediterranean Sea
DAY 5 | Sep. 20. Haifa, Israel
Arrive 8AM
Among the tiered slopes of Mount Carmel and overlooking a Mediterranean-bound bay, lies Israel’s northern capital and third-largest city, Haifa. Tradition and contemporary culture join together here, forming a varied setting of age-old temples, churches and mosques existing harmoniously beside bustling shopping malls and white sand beaches. Overnight on ship in Haifa.
DAY 6 | Sep. 21. Haifa/Jerusalem, Israel
Depart 8PM
Take in more of Haifa’s charms, such as the beautiful Baha’i Gardens, or consider a trip to Jerusalem, the holiest city on earth for Jews, Christians and Muslims. Within the walled Old City, you’ll find some of Jerusalem’s most celebrated religious sites: the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
DAY 7 | Sep 22. Limassol, Cyprus
Arrive 8AM–Depart 5PM
Known locally as Lemesos, Limassol is a historical and cultural gateway for exploring the ancient riches of Cyprus. Nestled between Kourion and Amathous, two early city kingdoms, and as the setting where Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre, the city offers an alluring backdrop of centuries-old ruins, lemon and olive groves, majestic mountains and stunning beaches.
DAY 8 | Sep. 23. Rhodes, Greece
Arrive 12PM–Depart 8PM
Rich in history and steeped in legend, the largest of the Dodecanese (or Twelve Islands) is located on the eastern edge of the Aegean Sea. Home to an ancient acropolis, whitewashed towns and the medieval walled city known as Rhodes Town, the island’s idyllic scenery is of equal splendor— dreamy beaches and an average of more than 300 days of sunshine each year.
DAY 9 | Sep. 24. Iraklion, Crete, Greece
Arrive 8AM–Depart 5PM
From the stately Church of Agios Titos and the ornate Venetian Loggia to the sturdy 16th-century Koule Fortress overlooking the sea, Crete’s capital city abounds with impressive monuments. In its historic core, centuries-old buildings and open-air cafes hem bustling squares where Venetian and Turkish fountains cast their lazy spray. Remnants of ancient civilizations are on display at the renowned Archeological Museum and Palace of Knossos—a true masterpiece of Minoan architecture.
DAY 10 | Sep. 25. Kusadasi/Ephesus, Turkey
Arrive 8AM–Depart 4PM
The port of Kusadasi, until recently a fishing and farming village, is today a resort town offering splendid beaches and plenty of shops. Nearby is the legendary ruined city of Ephesus, a veritable museum of Greek and Roman history with impeccably preserved relics from its ancient past. Here you’ll find the Library of Celsus, the incredible Terraced Houses, and the remains of the Temple of Artemis—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
DAY 11 | Sep. 26. Istanbul, Turkey
Arrive 12PM
Indulge your senses in this magnificent city astride two continents and divided by the Bosphorus. Once known as Constantinople, Istanbul was the capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empire, and is now a fascinating blend of ancient and cosmopolitan—home to the impressive Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. Overnight on ship in Istanbul.
DAY 12 | Sep. 27. Istanbul, Turkey
Disembark 8AM
Bid farewell to Riviera.
