Ancient Empires: Turkey, Istanbul & Athens - Cruise & Land Journey: 17 days Istanbul to Athens (Piraeus)

Welcome to Istanbul, one of the world’s most layered and compelling cities – the only metropolis on earth that straddles two continents. Divided by the Bosphorus Strait, a 31-kilometre waterway connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, Istanbul’s European and Asian shores face each other across a channel that has defined the city’s identity for millennia. Originally founded as Byzantium by the ancient Greeks around 660 BCE, and later known as Constantinople, Istanbul served as the imperial capital of three of history’s greatest empires: the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman.

This evening, settle into your Scenic-selected hotel and meet your Tour Director over a welcome dinner, the first of many shared discoveries that lie ahead.

A short flight south-east brings you to one of the world’s most otherworldly landscapes. Cappadocia’s iconic fairy chimneys – towering spires of volcanic tuff – were sculpted over millions of years as differential erosion stripped away softer stone from below, while harder capstone above resisted the elements, leaving nature’s own extraordinary sculptures rising from the valley floors.

Your Scenic Special Stay for the next two nights is a cave hotel, its suites carved directly into soft volcanic rock and appointed with a warm, contemporary design that honours the ancient surroundings.

Scenic Enrich
This evening brings one of the journey’s most profoundly moving encounters – a Whirling Dervish Ceremony at Saruhan Caravanserai. Built in 1249 by the Seljuk Sultan Izzeddin Keykavus II, the Saruhan Caravanserai is a beautifully preserved 13th-century stone structure that once served as a vital waypoint for traders and camel caravans crossing Anatolia. Today it hosts the only Whirling Dervish ceremony in the Cappadocia region – a living expression of Sufi spirituality rooted in the teachings of the 13th-century poet and mystic, Rumi.

The Sema ceremony begins with a recitation from the Quran by a hafiz – a scholar who has committed the sacred text to memory, followed by the ethereal sound of the ney reed flute and the resonant beat of a kettledrum. One by one, the dervishes begin to turn, arms extending – one hand reaching toward Heaven, the other pointing to the earth – embodying the soul’s progressive journey from recognition of the divine to complete surrender and inner peace.

Optional hot air balloon flight (additional cost, bookable during the journey) 

On the ground, your Expert Journey Director leads you into the remarkable depth of Cappadocia’s Christian heritage. The Göreme Open Air Museum is one of Turkey’s most significant World Heritage sites, housing over 30 rock-cut churches, chapels, and monasteries carved into the volcanic landscape by early Christian communities from the 4th century onwards. The frescoes within – rich blues, deep reds, and golden yellows – are considered among the finest surviving examples of Byzantine art, created by artists trained in the Byzantine tradition to educate and inspire the largely illiterate communities who worshipped here.

From Göreme, you explore the Zelve Open Air Museum and the Monks Valley, where the concentration of fairy chimneys reveals the remarkable scale of monastic settlement that once animated this landscape.

The day concludes with a descent underground at Kaymakli Underground City, one of approximately 40 subterranean cities found across Cappadocia. Initially carved by the Phrygian civilisation as early as the 8th century BC, the city was continuously expanded across centuries by early Christian communities seeking refuge from Roman persecution, Arab raids during the Arab-Byzantine Wars, and later Mongolian incursions. At its height, the network of tunnels – connecting stables, churches, kitchens, wineries, and ventilation shafts across eight levels – sheltered entire communities for months at a time. Walking its narrow passages, one cannot help but be moved by the quiet resilience of those who carved their lives into the earth.

Your journey today follows the contours of one of the ancient world’s great trading corridors. En route, you pause in the Ihlara Valley – a dramatic canyon carved by the Melendiz River into the volcanic plateau – where Byzantine monks cut their churches directly into the canyon walls, beginning in the 10th century. Originally home to as many as 60 churches, the valley remains one of Turkey’s most evocative hidden discoveries, its frescoed interiors painted in styles reflecting the evolving traditions of Byzantine art across three centuries. 

Scenic Enrich
Few encounters bring the deep past to life quite as vividly as watching a master potter at the wheel. As part of the Hittite Pottery Masterclass, you meet a local artisan whose techniques connect directly to the pottery traditions established during the Hittite period — a civilisation that dominated central Anatolia from around 2000 BC and left an enduring legacy in the region’s material culture. 

The afternoon brings the Sultanhani Caravanserai, the largest caravanserai in Turkey, covering some 4,800 square metres of hewn volcanic stone. Built in 1229 by Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat I to support Silk Road trade, it offered merchants not just lodging, but also free food, healthcare, and a place of worship. Your Expert Journey Director brings the complex to life, painting a picture of the merchants, envoys, and scholars who once passed through these same carved-stone portals on journeys between East and West. 

The day opens in Konya with a visit to the Mevlana Museum, the former dervish lodge and mausoleum of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, one of history’s most beloved poets, Islamic scholars, and Sufi mystics. Rumi settled in Konya in 1228 at the invitation of Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I, and after his death in 1273, a modest mausoleum was raised over his grave. Today it stands as a grand complex built over centuries, its turquoise-ribbed Green Dome visible across the city. The museum houses Rumi’s original manuscripts, personal belongings, and the tombs of the Mevlevi Order’s greatest masters, an extraordinary repository of Sufi heritage and art.

From Konya, you travel west to Pamukkale, literally “cotton castle” in Turkish, one of the world’s rare natural phenomena. Geothermal waters, emerging above 35°C from a fault scarp, have been cascading down this hillside since the middle Pleistocene, depositing brilliant white travertine terraces and filling shallow thermal pools that glow in the afternoon sun. The result is a landscape of otherworldly beauty, with gleaming white formations that have drawn pilgrims, emperors, and travellers for more than two thousand years.

Your final morning in Anatolia begins at the ancient city of Hierapolis, which rises above the travertine terraces of Pamukkale. Founded in 190 BC, Hierapolis became part of the Roman Empire in 133 BC, growing into a significant spa city whose thermal waters attracted the infirm and the privileged from across the ancient world. Its remains – including a theatre, agora, and one of the best-preserved necropolises of the ancient world – speak to a city of remarkable size and ambition. Nearby, the ancient city of Colossae carries its own significant legacy, most notably as the recipient of St Paul’s Letter to the Colossians, placing it firmly at the heart of early Christian history.  A flight back to Istanbul connects you with your ultra-luxury sanctuary at sea, Scenic Ikon, for your Mediterranean cruise, carrying with you the memory of fairy chimneys at dawn, Sufi music echoing through ancient stone, and the sheer, quiet wonder of Anatolia’s landscapes, now complemented by the effortless elegance, personalised service and indulgent spaces of your Discovery Yacht. 

Istanbul is a mesmerising city that straddles two continents. Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium in the 7th century BC, it became Constantinople under the Romans in 330 AD before falling to the Turks of the Ottoman Empire in the 1400s. Thanks to this rich and complex history, it boasts a breathtaking blend of architecture including iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Wander the narrow lanes of the famed Grand Bazaar, savour Turkish delicacies along picturesque waterways, sip fragrant mint tea, and embrace the dynamic blend of ancient traditions and modern energy that defines this legendary destination. 

Begin your day with a graceful sail through the legendary Dardanelles Strait, a narrow passage where history and natural beauty converge between Europe and Asia. This narrow passage links the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara and is best known as the site of the Gallipoli campaign in WWI. Take in the marvellous views from the deck as you cruise past rugged shorelines, ancient ruins and rolling hills. After lunch, you’ll arrive in Kepez, ready to explore this charming seaside town.  

Set on the eastern coast of the Dardanelles, this popular destination comes steeped in history, with ancient sites such as the Old Town and Hadrian's Gate, and famed for its culture and culinary traditions. Kepez also offers numerous outdoor pursuits, including hiking and cycling in the surrounding parks and verdant forests, or simply relaxing on the enticing beaches. 

Enjoy a day at sea on board your next-generation Discovery Yacht, where you can unwind, soak up the sun and take in breathtaking ocean views while indulging in exceptional onboard amenities. Activities are thoughtfully designed to inspire, entertain and elevate your journey. Whether it’s a group challenge or a creative workshop, each day offers something new to enjoy. 

This morning, weather permitting, you will cruise ANZAC Cove, where poignant Gallipoli history unfolds giving you an opportunity to reflect on its legacy. 

Today, your yacht will arrive in Dikili, an authentic Turkish coastal town that is the modern port for the ancient city of Pergamon. Once an important cultural, scientific and political centre, the site is well known for its impressive ruins, including the famous Acropolis, ancient theatre, and the remarkable Altar of Zeus, one of the most significant archaeological sites of the Hellenistic period. Afterwards, enjoy the relaxed vibe of Dikili’s waterfront, where you can stroll along the marina or savour local Turkish cuisine at a seaside café. 

Wander lively bazaars and savour Turkish cuisine in the popular seaside resort town of Kusadasi. The port also serves as the gateway to the World Heritage-listed ancient city of Ephesus, renowned for its breathtaking Greco-Roman ruins dating back as far as the 10th century BC. Marvel at Ephesus’ grand Library of Celsus and the majestic ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the original Seven Wonders of the World, echoes of antiquity’s splendour.     

This morning, arrive in Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades, known for its breathtaking beaches, deep-rooted history and enchanting villages. The picturesque old town is bigger and busier than other island capitals, a tangle of steep laneways with distinctive Venetian architecture and a vibrant atmosphere. The island’s most famous site is the ancient Temple of Apollo, a vast marble gate dating back to 560 BC.  Naxos perfectly blends cultural heritage with natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring historic sites, tasting local delicacies, or relaxing by the turquoise waters, Naxos offers a quintessential Greek island experience. 

One of the most photogenic islands in the world, and known for its world-famous sunsets, Santorini is simply breathtaking. Whitewashed buildings perch atop soaring cliffs, overlooking the caldera of a partially submerged ancient volcano that shaped the island with a thunderous explosion more than 3,600 years ago. The island is celebrated for the beauty of its Cycladic architecture with cubic buildings, blue-domed churches and narrow alleyways. 

Crete’s dynamic capital is best known for its Minoan legacy. This fascinating Bronze Age civilisation has left behind a wealth of archaeological wonders, including the famed Palace of Knossos, a sprawling Minoan masterpiece. Explore the lively old town’s bustling markets, admire the historic Venetian harbour, and savour authentic Cretan cuisine and fresh seafood in charming waterfront tavernas. 

Welcome to Milos, a Greek island known for its unique terrain and often referred to as the ‘Island of Colours’ thanks to its diverse soil shades. This extraordinary landscape, extending to unique rock formations of yellow, orange, red and dazzling white, appears even more dramatic set against the backdrop of sparkling turquoise waters. Milos is also famous as the original home of the iconic marble statue, Venus of Milo, an ancient sculpture believed to represent the Goddess Aphrodite and now displayed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. 

Renowned for its stunning natural beauty and historic charm, this picturesque island dazzles with its rugged terrain, clear turquoise waters, and lush greenery. The main centre, also named Hydra, is a charming and bustling port town of narrow cobblestone streets and traditional, whitewashed buildings adorned with bougainvillea-covered balconies. There are no cars or motor vehicles allowed on the island, making it a peaceful and low-key getaway from the usual hustle and bustle of city life.    

Your Signature Yacht Cruise concludes this morning in Piraeus, where you’ll disembark and be transferred to Athens airport. Considered the birthplace of Western civilisation, Athens is a vibrant tapestry of history and modernity. Standing sentinel above the city is the famous Acropolis, a fortified hill dominated by the Parthenon, atmospheric ruins of a white marble temple built during the height of the ancient Greek Empire. 

After one final indulgent breakfast on board your ultra-luxury next-generation Discovery Yacht, bid farewell to the crew and fellow guests, with memories of a truly extraordinary Mediterranean voyage.  

Please book your flight to depart out of Athens after 01:00 PM.

#Spa treatments and services at additional cost. Daily activities may be subject to change; please consult your Daily Wonder for updates. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.
^Experiences on board our helicopters and submersible are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather conditions.

Submersible not operational in Europe.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.