Duration
12 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
10 Ports
19-21 August
Setting sail from Athens (Piraeus)
Athens is a city awash with historical and cultural significance. Towering over the city are the gleaming columns of the Parthenon, surely one of the most iconic sights in the whole of Europe. And yet Athens is much more than an open air museum; this is a dynamic, bustling metropolis, and a place where history is still very much unfolding. For all its faults, the Greek capital possesses an energy and an optimism that are manifest in everything from the burgeoning art scene to the restaurants and bars that continue to pop up on a regular basis.
Our tip
Once you have seen the essentials, explore further afield and you will immediately escape the tourist crowds. Visit Kerameikos cemetery, for example, or Mount Lycabettus.
22 August
Greece: Khios
23 August
Greece: Limnos
Limnos is off the beaten track, with a refreshingly low key approach to tourism compared to other Greek islands. Ascend the ruins of the Venetian castle for the best views of the island’s beautiful volcanic landscapes, or spend some time wandering around the charming harbourside capital, Myrina.
24-25 August
Turkey: Istanbul
Istanbul is the place where East meets West, where Asia Minor reaches out across the Bosphorus and almost touches Europe, and the city remains a bristling, bustling cultural melting pot, the skyline dotted with magnificent minarets and domes.
26 August
Turkey: Çanakkale
Çanakkale occupies a key strategic location guarding the Dardanelles, at the meeting point of the Aegean and the Sea of Marmara. This region of Turkey is full of historical interest, including the battlefields of the disastrous Gallipoli campaign and the ruins of ancient Troy.
27 August
Turkey: Kusadasi
The Turkish port of Kusadasi is the gateway to Ephesus, one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in the Eastern Mediterranean. This was the Roman capital of Asia Minor, and the remains constitute the most complete classical city in Europe.
28 August
Turkey: Bodrum
Bodrum is one of the trendiest destinations on Turkey’s Aegean coast, with plenty of private yachts bobbing alongside the traditional gulet boats in the harbour. Whitewashed buildings draped in bougainvillea give the town a Greek feel, overlooked by the imposing 15th century crusader castle.
29 August
Turkey: Marmaris
Marmaris is one of Turkey’s biggest beach resorts, with the crowds to match. It’s easy to see why so many are drawn here, with a great location on a mountainous bay, but we’d recommend heading further along the coast in search of quieter beaches and picturesque fishing villages.
30 August
Greece: Patmos
Saint John is said to have written the Book of Revelations in a cave on Patmos, and today the spot is marked by the hillside Monastery of the Apocalypse. As well as spirituality, the island is known for its beaches and upmarket vibe, with a scattering of stylish restaurants and bars.
31 August
Arriving in Athens (Piraeus)
Don't miss
Obviously don’t miss the Acropolis, nor the new adjacent museum, where space has pointedly been left for the frieze we call the Elgin Marbles – it is really excellent. Then take time to stroll on the hills and slopes around the outcrop.
Your home from home
What we love
The third ship to join AE Expeditions' fleet of revolutionary purpose-built expedition ships, Douglas Mawson features the newest X-BOW design and a whole host of enhancements, building on the success of Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle. Named after a legendary Australian explorer, the new ship's inaugural season immerses guests in the pristine landscapes of East Antarctica, marking AE Expeditions' return to this region for the first time in 15 years.
On board you can expect the largest choice of cabins in the fleet, including single berth cabins, plus beautiful open deck space for taking in the views, featuring a heated outdoor swimming pool, whirlpools and comfortable loungers, perfect for unwinding after a day's exploring.
capacity | 154 guests (maximum of 130 guests in the polar regions) |
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crew | 81 - 103 dependent on guest numbers |
style | Immersive exploration in comfort with elegantly designed interiors and the latest in sustainable technology. |
inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Extend your stay in Athens
At Mundy, we have long been hunting for the perfect Athenian hotel - our favourite so far is the Electra Palace in Plaka.
Excursions from Athens
Delphi is an absolute must – you’ll need a full day though, it’s quite a drive.