And then there is Crete. With an array of historic cities and a vast and dazzling coastline, it’s no wonder the Greeks call Crete the megalonisos: the big island. In the Bronze Age, from about 3000 BC to 1200 BC, the Minoan culture flourished on the island and left behind the palace ruins of Knossos, where the mythical lair of the Minotaur is among our complimentary excursions.
With its stunning scenery, fabulously well-preserved archaeological sites, and dazzling cities that redefine exotic, it’s no wonder Turkey’s popularity as a destination keeps growing. Located at the crossroads of two continents and inspired by multiple cultures, the country is a living tapestry to savor and explore.
This vast land is home to more classical ruins than in Greece and Islamic monuments than in Arabia. From the exquisite tilework found in the imperial Ottoman mosques of Istanbul to the bustling bazaars and legendary temples facing the shimmering Aegean coastline, an indefinable essence called enchantment comes with the territory. This cruise gives you the opportunity to discover renowned Biblical sites visited by the Apostle Paul. From the House of the Virgin Mary at Pergamon to the remarkable ruins of Ephesus and more.
