Mediterranean Ancient Wonders
Overview
Mediterranean Ancient Wonders
A cruise on the Bosphorus is a fantastic way to see the varied skyline of Istanbul from a different perspective.
The Mediterranean Sea has played an important role throughout history, enabling the exchange of culture and trade between the continents. This voyage of discovery includes six sightseeing tours, and visits some of the region’s most fascinating archaeological sites and monuments. Greece has one of the richest historical legacies in the world, as well as an enviable climate, laid-back culture, delicious cuisine and beautiful natural scenery. During your visit you can look forward to exploring the impressive relics of Delos, the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace and the mighty Acropolis of Athens with its famous Parthenon.
While in Turkey, a visit to Canakkale gives you the chance to go in search of the legendary city of Troy, brought to life through stories of love, war and heroism in Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. You’ll also visit Istanbul, the country’s melting pot of civilisation, where Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman Empires have left an indelible mark. This remarkable city has a wealth of culture and traditions, as well as a variety of architecture that features a blend of ancient and modern. Perhaps see more of Istanbul’s treasures during a visit to Hagia Sophia or, for a different perspective of the city, take to the water for a cruise on the Bosphorus.
What's Included:
- All Inclusive
- 24 nights in a Balcony Cabin
- Our complimentary return chauffeur service to your customer’s UK departure point – up to 250 miles each way
- Our fares also include optional travel insurance including additional cancellation rights, or a reduction if not required
- Gratuities
- Complimentary Wifi
- Speciality dining at no extra cost – at all of the three speciality restaurant onboard Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery
- Complimentary - 24-hour room service
- Complimentary afternoon tea, served each day
- Unlimited tea, coffee, fruit juices and freshly-baked snacks in selected venues
- Tourist visas free of charge, where applicable
- A free shuttle bus service at most ports
- Day and night entertainment, live shows, talks, classes and activities too, all at no extra charge
- A sailaway party
- Love it first time or your money back
- Porters to unload and carry luggage, free of charge when arriving at either Dover or Southampton
- The value of Sterling - as well as offering competitive prices, our on-board shops and bars use Sterling
- A free of charge service, Explore Ashore, helping customers plan their excursions
Hand Picked By
"As a main agent for Saga we are excited about the launch of the new ship, Spirit of Discovery, in summer 2019. She will feature cuisine and levels of service you can expect in the world’s finest boutique hotels and her luxurious world class design heralds a new era for Saga Cruises. Every cabin has a balcony and Spirit of Discovery boasts an array of restaurants from the grand dining room, to oriental and seafood eateries too and the best news is that there are no cover charges for them and they are all included in the price."
Mandy Shilling
Additional Information
- Departure Date: 28th October 2021
- Duration: 24 nights
- Highlights: This 24-night voyage aboard Spirit of Discovery calls at the classic Greek islands of Crete and Mykonos, stops overnight in ancient Piraeus - the port for Athens - and gives you a taste of Turkey.
Ship Overview
Spirit of Discovery
Spirit of Discovery features the design cues, cuisine and levels of service you expect in the world’s finest boutique hotels. Except here you can wake up in a new idyllic location different to the one you went to sleep in. The luxurious, world-class design on board heralds a new era for Saga Cruising, and will offer the chance to experience so much more. All backed by Saga’s famous personal service and inclusive value.
Spirit of Discovery Profile
- Gross register tonnage: 58,250
- Passengers: 999 Guest capacity (double occupancy)
- Crew: 530
- Length: 774.3ft
- Beam: 102.4ft
- Year built: 2019
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Southampton , England
Embark Spirit of Discovery. Depart 18:00.
Day 2 - 4: At Sea
Day 5: Malaga, Spain
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Set on the Costa del Sol, Málaga is known for its beautiful beaches and choice of restaurants. Look forward to an included scenic tour to introduce this sophisticated, and culturally dynamic city. Within the old town you’ll find the 18th-century Cathedral, the impressive Moorish fortress-palace of the Alcazaba, and the magnificent Castillo de Gibralfaro overlooking the port.
For art lovers, Málaga’s highlight must be the Picasso Museum with its fine collection of works by the artist who was born here in 1881. Alternatively, join an guided tour of the Málaga Automobile Museum, home to an incredible collection of classic cars.
Day 6 - 7: At Sea
Day 8: Valletta, Malta
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
The island of Malta is set in the heart of the Mediterranean between Sicily and North Africa, and has a fascinating history stretching back millennia. The approach to the capital is truly magical, with the morning sun illuminating the limestone fortifications and skyline of domes and steeples. Valletta is a veritable open-air museum showcasing the contributions to the great architecture and art collections of the city made by the Knights of St John nearly five centuries ago – it’s hardly surprising the city has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. After an included introductory tour, set off on foot to explore independently. You won’t want to miss St John’s Co-Cathedral, or the Grand Master’s Palace with its frescoes of the Great Siege by the Ottomans.
Day 9: At Sea
Day 10: Heraklion, Crete, Greece
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Enjoy time in the city of Heraklion, the capital of the Greek island of Crete, the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean. Lying on Crete’s north coast, Heraklion is surrounded by impressive walls built by the Venetians, one of the best preserved monuments in the Mediterranean basin. Explore easily on foot, perhaps taking in the old town, 17th-century Town Hall and Venetian Morosini Fountain. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum houses many important artefacts recovered from the Palace of Knossos, a nearby ancient archaeological site which you could also choose to experience on a guided tour. Alternatively, you could visit a selection of traditional Cretan villages for a taste of local life.
Day 11: Mykonos, Greece
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Arrive at the famously pretty island of Mykonos, one of the islands of the Cyclades group in the Aegean Sea. Mykonos is characterised by brilliant blue-domed roofs on whitewashed churches, and windmills that slowly spin in the breeze. According to Greek mythology, the island was formed from the petrified bodies of giants defeated by Hercules one of his twelve labours. Having been an important supply island to nearby Delos since ancient times, it wasn’t until the 1960s and 70s that Mykonos gained popularity as a holiday destination, and today the island attracts jet-setters from around the world. Take a ferry over to Delos island to explore the vast archaeological site with its Doric temples, amphitheatre and intricate mosaics.
Day 12: Canakkale (for Troy), Turkey
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
For centuries, the area surrounding the Dardanelles has been the crossing point for invading armies, with Alexander the Great making his crossing here in 334BC on his way to conquer Persia. Situated in this region rich in ancient and modern history is the Turkish seaport of Çanakkale, the gateway to the ancient ruins of Troy. It was in 1865 that Frank Calvert, an explorer and Heinrich Schliemann, a pioneer archaeologist, began digging through a hill outside the city and discovered the remains of Troy. Perhaps take the chance to visit the legendary city. If you decide to spend the day in Çanakkale, take a stroll along the waterfront and look out for a replica of the iconic Trojan horse, used in the 2004 movie starring Brad Pitt.
Day 13: Istanbul, Turkey
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
East and west collide in this transcontinental city which straddles the Bosphorus Strait, and an included tour offers the perfect introduction to this vibrant metropolis. Originally named Constantinople by the Romans, a city has stood here for almost three millennia, ruled by various empires from the Greeks to the Ottomans, and as a result, Istanbul simply oozes history. Contrast two of its greatest mosques, the extraordinary Blue Mosque, so called for its blue mosaic tilework, with the ancient St Sophia – an exquisite example of Byzantine architecture that dates back to the 6th century. Perhaps take a leisurely cruise along the Bosphorus to admire the changing cityscape, or tour the historic Topkapi Palace complex which was the home of the Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries.
Day 14: At Sea
Day 15 - 16: Piraeus (for Ahtens), Greece - Overnight.
Arrive 0800 on November 11. Depart 1700 on November 12.
Ancient treasures hide around every corner in the Greek capital, most famous of all being the Acropolis, perched high above the city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the great architectural complexes of the ancient Greek world, comprises the Parthenon, Propylaia, Erechtheion and the temple of Athena Nike. Join an included scenic tour for an introduction to this ancient city, and with an overnight stay in port, you’ll have plenty of free time to explore the city’s attractions independently. Perhaps head to the ancient Agora or the National Archaeological Museum, and don’t miss the atmospheric medieval quarter and the upmarket Kolonaki district with its fancy restaurants and boutiques.
Day 17 - 18: At Sea
Day 19: Cagliari, Sardinina
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Have your camera ready as you sail towards the Sardinian coast, as Cagliari presents a perfect panorama as you approach by sea. Enjoy an included scenic tour, then set out to explore more – the island's capital has a wealth to see and do. Why not delve into its past in the National Archaeological Museum, seek out the beautiful sandy Poetto beach, or stroll around the maze of narrow streets in the historic Marina district. There'll be the chance to explore nearby Nora, a Roman city partially submerged by the sea, or you can experience traditional Sardinian food, drink and music during lunch at a rural commune in the countryside.
Day 20: At Sea
Day 21: Almeria, Spain
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Boasting more sunshine hours than anywhere else in Spain, Almeria is an intriguing blend of wild beaches, deserts and Moorish whitewashed houses. In fact, it's famous as a film location for the Spaghetti Westerns of the 1960s, including a few Clint Eastwood classics. The wealth of farming communities in the surrounding area mean that local produce is deliciously fresh too.
The city of Almeria is overlooked by the Islamic fortress, Alcazaba, and many of its buildings exhibit African influences which you can admire on your included tour. Discover more of the surrounding countryside on a tour of the Cabo de Gata and Nijar Natural Park, an area noted for its drought-adapted flora and incredible jagged cliffs tumbling into the azure sea below.
Day 22 - 24: At Sea
Day 25 - Southampton, England. Arrive 0800.
Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.
Additional Information
- Departure Date: 28th October 2021
- Duration: 24 nights
- Highlights: This 24-night voyage aboard Spirit of Discovery calls at the classic Greek islands of Crete and Mykonos, stops overnight in ancient Piraeus - the port for Athens - and gives you a taste of Turkey.
Cabin and Fares
| Cabin Type | Guide Price | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|
| Balcony | From £5,652pp | All Inclusive |
View CabinBalcony --All cabins include 24-hour room service, Wi Fi, tea & coffee making facilities, turndown service, private balcony, private bathroom and wc with shower, fresh fruit, bathrobes, slippers and toiletries. | Enquire Now |