Turkish Legends & Coasts - Unveil the Rich Tapestry of Turkey and Cyprus

Description

Unveil the rich tapestry of Turkey and Cyprus on this unforgettable voyage. Savour the sweet indulgence of Turkish delights as you explore the region’s ancient wonders. Step back in time at majestic ruins, testaments to empires past. Marvel at breathtaking landscapes that unfold before you, from dramatic coastlines to serene turquoise waters. Discover hidden coves and natural wonders that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.

Trip Name

Turkish Legends & Coasts - Unveil the Rich Tapestry of Turkey and Cyprus

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 125 meters Passenger Capacity: 192 Built: 2022-2023 Arriving in early 2023, SH Diana will be the largest ship in our fleet, providing elegant and spacious 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies. Operated by an onboard team of 140 she will provide the highest levels of personal service and take Swan Hellenic back to its roots when she launches, exploring the Mediterranean and its famous sites of antiquity. Now sit back, relax and take a moment to get to know this amazing new ship, purpose-designed for our unique cultural expedition cruises. Named after the Ancient Roman goddess of light, the moon, hunting and the wilderness, SH Diana been specially designed for worldwide cruising to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on earth. Building on the outstanding amenities of her sister ships, she adds a dedicated Multifunctional Room next to the Observation Lounge, a Private Dining Room for special occasions, and two tenders which bring guests a comfortable alternative to Zodiacs for expedition landings. A Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hull combines with extra-large stabilisers to make your journey as comfortable as possible. SH Diana has been designed for immersive experiences, with extensive outside deck areas, multiple observation points and bright, open and relaxing public spaces with unobstructed views. The pleasure and safety of our guests is paramount at all times, cared for by our attentive crew and seasoned expedition leaders. Cutting edge hygiene technology protects the health of all on board to the highest standards and includes air conditioning with UV sanitisation systems. SH Diana’s 96 staterooms , including 11 suites, are each a superbly comfortable home from home and all feature panoramic sea views, a flame-effect fireplace, original works of art, plush couches, premium pocket sprung mattresses, en-suite bathrooms with glass-enclosed rain showers, and Egyptian cotton towels, bathrobes and sheets. A pillow menu offers customised head and neck comfort during rest, while a large flat screen TV, espresso machine with Illy premium coffee, tea making facilities with the finest Kusmi teas, and a minibar with refreshments enhance relaxation at any time. In-room dining is of course available at all hours.

Itinerary

Day 1 - DAY 0 Pre Cruise

One-night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard

Day 2 - DAY 1 Istanbul

Istanbul bridges Europe and Asia, shaped by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. This diversity infuses the city's architecture, cuisine, music and arts. Sites include the Hagia Sophia museum, a former church and mosque, the stunning Blue Mosque with six minarets, Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans, and the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.

Day 3 - DAY 2 Cruising Dardanelles & Canakkale

The Dardanelles strait, known as the Hellespont in antiquity, links the Sea of Marmara to the Aegean Sea. This strategic 60 km passage between Europe and Asia has been contested for millennia, controlling access to the Black Sea. Mythology recalls Helle's drowning and Leander's legendary swim, later repeated by a 22-year-old Lord Byron. Today, tourists explore Gallipoli on the northern shore, the WWI campaign site where the Anzac legend was born.The culturally significant seaport of Çanakkale is the gateway to the Dardanelles, connecting the Sea of Marmara to the Aegean Sea. This historic city in northwestern Turkey, on the Asian side of the Dardanelles Strait, is renowned for its role in the poignant Gallipoli Campaign during World War I, commemorated at the Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park. The ancient city of Troy, immortalised in Greek mythology, lies nearby.

Day 4 - DAY 3 Kusadasi

Kusadasi is the gateway to 11th century BC Ephesus, a well-preserved ancient site. This UNESCO-listed treasure was a vital Roman capital and religious hub from 129 BC. It features marble streets, the Temple of Hadrian, mosaic-adorned Terrace Houses, the Library of Celsus and the amphitheatre where St. Paul spoke. Nearby stood the Temple of Artemis/Diana, once among the Seven Wonders. The Seljuk archaeological museum displays Ephesus artefacts.

Day 5 - DAY 4 Bodrum

Türkiye’s coastal crown jewel, the vibrant port town of Bodrum and its surrounding peninsula offer ancient ruins and natural beauty in equal measure. Bodrum is home to the ruins of the Tomb of Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The tomb was destroyed by a series of earthquakes.Its stone was later used to build the UNESCO-listed Bodrum Castle built by the Knights of St. John in the 15th century in the bay.

Day 6 - DAY 5 Datcha

Datcha is a port town in southwestern Turkey on the narrow Datcha Peninsula on the Aegean Sea. Eski Datcha, the town's old quarter, enchants with its stone houses, narrow streets, and bougainvillea-clad walls. At the Datcha Peninsula's western tip, the ancient ruins of Knidos invite visitors to explore a bygone era. Once a thriving Roman and Byzantine trading hub, Knidos boasts an amphitheatre, a temple to Aphrodite and a 4th-century BC sundial.

Day 7 - DAY 6 Dalyan

Dalyan, on Turkey's southwest coast, set along the turquoise Dalyan River, faces the ancient city of Kaunos with its famous amphitheatre and cliffside King Tombs resembling mini temples. Nearby is Iztuzu Beach, or Turtle Beach, a nesting site for loggerhead turtles. The area also features the natural Dalyan Mud Baths and hot springs of Sultaniye village on Lake Köycegiz, said to be a favorite of Cleopatra.

Day 8 - DAY 7 Fethiye

As part of Türkiye's Turquoise Coast, Fethiye is known for its aqua-coloured waters. The modern town is built over the Ancient Greek city of Telmessos, the largest Lycian city. Lycian rock tombs carved into a bluff overlooking the city. include the 350 B.C. Tomb of Amyntas. The 400-km Lycian Way Trail connects sites from here to Antalya. Nearby, Ölüdeniz's Belcekiz Beach features the Blue Lagoon, while Butterfly Valley is a nature reserve.

Day 9 - DAY 8 Alanya

On Türkiye's Mediterranean coast, Alanya is known for its old town, Kaleiçi, a maze of cobblestone streets with Ottoman villas and Turkish bazaars. Perched above is Alanya Castle, a medieval Seljuk-era fortress. Beneath the heart of town lies Damlatas Cave with stalagmites and stalactites. Alanya's beaches and clear waters are perfect for swimming and water sports, particularly Cleopatra Beach, supposedly where the Egyptian queen herself swam.

Day 10 - DAY 9 Paphos

Paphos enchants with its neolithic origins and mythical ties to the goddess Aphrodite. The city and surrounding Paphos Archaeological Park hold UNESCO World Heritage status. Key sites include the Sanctuary of Aphrodite, an 11th-century necropolis, and the impressive Tombs of the Kings carved into rock. However, the crown jewels are the remarkable Roman mosaics within the House of Dionysos, House of Theseus, House of Aeon and House of Orpheus.

Day 11 - DAY 10 Limassol

Limassol is the second-largest city in Cyprus, lies between the ancient sites of Amathous and Kourion. The city has witnessed various occupations. Modern waterfront buildings and a sleek promenade stand in contrast to the ancient core of the Old Town. Notably, Limassol Castle played a historic role, serving as the venue for Richard the Lionheart's marriage to Berengaria of Navarre after his conquest of the island in 1191.

Day 12 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Marvel at Ephesus, one of the most complete ancient Roman city with the much-photographed Library of Celsus.
Delve into the legendary story of Troy, a city that was long believed to be a myth.
Haggle in colourful bazaars selling everything from coffee to spices, carpets to souvenirs.