Arrive in Istanbul, Turkey and check into your included hotel.

In your comfortable air-conditioned motorcoach, cross the Galata Bridge, entering the Old Town of Constantinople. It takes little effort to imagine thundering chariots and the cheers of excited spectators as you stroll among the remains of the Byzantine Hippodrome. Rome’s great Circus Maximus inspired the huge square, where you’ll glimpse the pink granite Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpentine Column, Istanbul’s oldest monuments.

Visit Sultan Ahmet Camii, better known as the Blue Mosque, which takes its nickname from the cerulean cast of its intricately tiled interior. Take a moment to view the impressive minarets that soar skyward. Then, remove your shoes at the mosque’s entrance and cross rich layers of carpet that have been donated by the Muslim faithful over the years.

Opposite the famous mosque is the ancient Basilica of Hagia Sophia. Now a museum, this magnificent church was built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed by the Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. As you approach on foot, observe its immense dome, which rises to a height of 150 feet. For 1,000 years, this dome earned the distinction of being the “world’s largest.” Gorgeous frescoes and the world’s most celebrated mosaics adorn its antique interior.

Your Old Town tour continues at an unassuming doorway a few blocks away. A short, but steep flight of stairs leads down to the underground cistern known as the Sunken Palace. This giant reservoir was constructed to bring water to the city for use in the palaces. Some of the pillars here date from the 4th century. You’ll stroll through the cavern accompanied by classical music, a truly magical experience, before embarking your ship.

Take a local ferry to the European side of the Dardanelles where you’ll be driven to the site of one of the most dramatic and deadly campaigns of World War I: the battlefields of Gallipoli. Explore the site of the ill-fated Allied landing, which was supposed to have been made in the pitch dark on the early morning of April 25, 1915. In the ensuing campaign more than 100,000 soldiers lost their lives.

Although the Turks were ultimately victorious, here both sides remember the 8-month conflict with pride. For the Turks it was a turning point in the war, while for the Australians and New Zealanders, it was the beginning of a true spirit of nationalism. Anzac Day on April 25 is still commemorated in both countries as a holiday.

Today the area is a National Park, its natural beauty belying the turmoil of its past. Your guide will walk you through the battles that took place at this very spot. Many of the countries that participated in the campaign have erected monuments here to commemorate the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. After exploring the memorials and battlefields, you'll visit the Kabatepe Military Museum, then return to the ship.

The island of Syros, administrative center of the Cyclades, boasts a rich history as evidenced throughout the island. On your walking exploration of Ermoupolis, a particularly significant town, discover some of its cultural treasures.

Reboard the Spirit of Oceanus and cruise to the beautiful Isle of Sifnos. The Greek isles are renowned for gleaming, whitewashed villages overlooking the sea. Explore several of these quintessentially Greek towns and savor their charms. Depart by motorcoach from the pier of Platy Yialos for the monastery of Panayia Chrysopigi, the protectoress of the island and a enduring symbol of Sifnos. Built in 1650 on a rocky promontory and cut off from the mainland by a narrow strip of sea, the monastery is famous for its architecture as well as its strategic position.

After visiting the monastery, pass through the mountainous terraced landscape of Sifnos en route to Apollonia. There are more than 370 idyllic little churches scattered throughout this small island, their blue domes dotting the landscape. It was from this small island that the world-famous Sifnian Treasure, now housed in the Delphi Museum, was presented to the temple of Apollo in Delphi, as a gift to the god Apollo; the treasure came from the island’s own gold and silver mines. Arriving in Apollonia, the present capital of the island, you’ll walk downhill through this magnificently preserved town. Visit Byzantine churches and explore the labyrinth of lanes on foot. See strange chimney pots decorated with birds, chapels here and there, traditional shops and flowered courtyards.

Afterwards head to Kastro village. Inhabited since prehistoric times, this hilltop town has retained all the characteristics of a fortified village. It was rebuilt in 1630 during the period of Venetian colonization. The roads are narrow, lined by old houses with wooden balconies and coats of arms carved above the doors, small lanterns, tiny chapels, and relics from times gone by — all these elements contribute to the special atmosphere of this small village. Tour Kastro on foot then enjoy a small snack and refreshing beverage. Drive to the village of Artemonas. Built 200 years ago the village’s delightful whitewashed houses are enchanting. Continue on foot, walking mostly downhill through the stone paved pedestrian alleys of Pano Petali, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding islands.

Board a local tender to the port of Thira where you will ascend by cable car to the center of town. Walk a few meters along cobblestone streets to the Archaeological Museum. The Museum of “Prehistoric Thira” as it is called, houses artifacts from various excavations all over the island but especially from the excavations at Akrotiri, including such important pieces as its famous wall paintings.

Among the numerous exhibits from Akrotiri’s “Golden Age” are the plaster casts of furniture, household equipment, bronze vessels, tools and weapons. The exhibition traces the development of Thira in prehistoric times with a fascinating display of artifacts.

Your tour will continue in the picturesque village of Oia. It was once a major fishing harbor, but today is the calmest place on the island. Built high up on a ridge of red rocks, the village offers breathtaking views of the blue Aegean. Take a stroll around these narrow streets past beautiful old houses and tiny picturesque shops. When you return to Thira you may take the cable car or ride a donkey down to the old port and from there board your tender back to the ship.

The largest island in Cyclades, Naxos is also one of the most beautiful. It combines superb, fine-sand beaches with fertile valleys and mountainous beauty. The Venetians must take credit for the rich cultural, religious and social life of the island, as you’ll discover on your adventure here.

Travel by motorcoach to the picturesque village of Halki, the capital of the island’s second municipality, which also includes the village of Tragaea, and the Naxian Mountains. In earlier times Halki was the financial and commercial center of the island. Tragaea is the most fertile region of Naxos; verdant and beautiful, it’s dotted with graceful whitewashed churches. In the narrow lanes of the village, among the neo-classical mansions, sits the Vallindras distillery, which has produced Citron liqueur since 1896. Enjoy a unique tour conducted by the distillery’s personnel, followed by a glass of the famously refreshing Citron liqueur!

Heading back to Naxos town, visit the Archaeological Museum of Naxos. The museum is located at the highest point of the Kastro and houses a unique collection of artifacts excavated on Naxos and the surrounding islands, and dating from the Prehistoric Period up to the early Byzantine years (4th millennium B.C. - 6th century A.D.). Following your visit at the museum, walk downhill through the picturesque streets that border the Venetian Castle. Your tour ends at one of the castle gates, near the port of Naxos.

Enjoy an unforgettable 4-mile transit through the Corinth Canal from the Aegean Sea — just one more benefit of small-ship cruising.

Over the centuries there were many attempts to build a canal here, including one in which Emperor Nero himself broke ground! But it wasn’t until 1893 that the present canal was completed. Just 8 meters deep and 21 meters wide, the Corinth Canal provides an alternative sea route for 11,000 small ships and boats each year.

Board your motorcoach at the port of Itea and take a drive to the legendary site of Delphi. Situated on the slopes of Mt. Parnassus, at a height of 700 meters, Delphi was once believed to be the center of earth — and it’s easy to see why.

Starting from the Sanctuary of Apollo, your tour follows the paved sacred way to the Doric Temple of Apollo. In its Adyton the High Priestess "Pythia" sat on a tripod and delivered her oracles.

The Theatre and the Stadium were used for the main events of the Pythian Festival. To the right of the entrance to the Sanctuary is the Kastalian Fountain, where Pythia washed before speaking her prophecies. Across and below the road from the spring is the Marmaria or Sanctuary of Athena, with the conspicuous building of Tholos. After exploring the site we’ll walk to the Museum, which contains a rare and exquisite collection of archaic sculpture including the world famous Charioteer.

Board your coach for a drive to picturesque Galaxidi village, and enjoy Greek seafood and local delicacies accompanied by wine and ouzo in a lovely local restaurant by the sea. Galaxidi was one of the most important ports during the Greek revolution in 1821 with a large fleet of ships owned by the local inhabitants. The village has retained its traditional architectural character. Take in the atmosphere as you stroll around its narrow streets before boarding your coach for your return drive to the pier.

The small fishing village of Katakolon is your gateway to the site of ancient Olympia, today’s destination. In 776 B.C. the first Olympiad was held here in honor of the immortal Olympian Zeus. The setting, in the midst of a fertile valley through which the rivers of Alphios and Kladhios flow, could not be more idyllic.

The site was actually a sanctuary long before the ancient Greeks built their stadium here and the games took place in a sacred area called Altis. The most imposing monument here was the Temple of Zeus, which housed a gold-and-ivory statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Temple of Hera, the Prytaneion, and the Philippeion also stood in this sacred grove. Today only the ruins of the temple remain and the statue has disappeared without trace.

Enter the famous Olympic Stadium, via a long tunnel. Constructed in Roman times, the stadium was the largest such structure of its day with a capacity of 45,000 spectators. After exploring the site of the earliest Olympic competition, continue your tour with a visit to the nearby archaeological museum. Among the great artifacts displayed here are the Head of Hera, the superb statue of Hermes of Praxiteles, ornaments from the Temple of Zeus, the famous statue of Hermes created by Praxiteles, and the helmet of Miltiades, an Athenian general during Athens' 'Golden Age'. At the end of your tour, return to Katakolon.

Starting from the port of Durres, drive to the center of the city, where we’ll visit the famous Venetian Wall. The city of Durres, originally called Durrah, is one of the oldest cities in Albania, dating back to the Illyrian times. In ancient days it was a strategic port as well as an administrative, religious, economic, political and business center on the shores of the Adriatic sea.

The Venetian Wall of the city was built in the 15th century. It dates back to a time when the national hero of Albania, “Skenderbeu,” returned to his country to protect Christendom from the Ottomans. After leaving Durres, drive to Tirana, Albania’s capital city, to visit the National Museum of Albania, and the Gallery of Arts. After visiting these cultural institutions, you’ll have plenty of time to shop.

“Those who seek paradise on Earth, “George Bernard Shaw once wrote, “should come to Dubrovnik.” Once ashore, head to the Pile Gate and the beginning of Dubrovnik’s most famous street: the Stradun. Visit a number of memorable places, including the Franciscan Monastery whose cloister ranks among the city’s most inspiring sights and which houses the oldest functioning pharmacy in Europe (opened 1317).

You will have the opportunity to stroll the ramparts during your free time. Completed in the 13th century, they are intact and encircle the old city, a circumference of more than a mile and a half. Ascending the stairway at Pile Gate, you’ll soon reach the top of the wall where your guide will lead you on a walking tour all the way around. See the gorgeous Minceta Fortress, St. John’s Fortress, Bokar Fortress. At the end of the walking tour, enjoy some free time before returning to your ship.

Dubrovnik / Mljet National Park / Korcula Island, Croatia

We’ll land the Zodiac boats on Mljet, a long, narrow island, so you can explore the forests, wildlife and snug little coves.

Start your walking tour of this magnificent town at the pier, just 50 meters from one of Korcula’s city gates. The Old Town of Korcula is a masterpiece of architecture and urban planning where everything has been built according to plan. The town’s layout is reminiscent of a fish skeleton, with streets angled toward a central avenue. This design enables the town to take advantage of prevailing winds, ensuring greater airflow and clearer air – a kind of natural air-conditioning system.

Our walk will include a visit to the Cathedral of St. Mark, which is probably the finest example of the artistry of Korcula’s famous stonemasons. Furthermore, it employs the island’s excellent stone, which has been used in buildings all over the world. Next we’ll stop at the Bishop’s Palace, which houses such hidden treasures as sketches and drawings by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Tiepolo and many others. Then on to the City Museum, which contains exhibits from ancient Greek and Roman times as well as artifacts that testify to the island’s extensive shipping history. The town of Korcula is best known as the birthplace of Marco Polo; you’ll be able to see his alleged birthplace from the outside.

A highlight of the day will be a performance of the Moreska sword dance. This thrilling performance will take you back to the 15th century, a period of continuous war in the Mediterranean between Cross and Crescent. Today The Moreska Dance features thirty dancers who compete fiercely to win the princess — called “Bula” — in a dance dangerous even for experts. (Zodiac landing or touring)

The Zadar area was already settled in the Neolithic period, and in the 9th century B.C. the peninsula was occupied by an Illyrian people, the Liburni. The town is first referred to in Greek sources during the 4th century B.C. under the name of Idissa and by the 1st century B.C. it was taken by the Romans who called it Jadera.

Today's walking tour of the town begins on the pier, then heads into the heart of the Zadar’s magnificent Old Town. Visit the opulent Cathedral of St. Anastasia, the finest example of Romanesque architecture in Zadar. Dating back to 1324, it is dedicated to St. Anastasia, whose stone sarchophagus is in the apse to the left of the high altar.

As you go further into this intriguing district, you’ll pass the Church of St. Donatus; it’s believed to have been built by Bishop Donatus on a Roman foundation at the beginning of the 9th century. Circular in plan and with three naves, the Church of St. Donatus is the most monumental church on the east side of the Adriatic. Just east of the Forum we’ll come to the 16th century St Mary Church with a Romanesque bell-tower built at the beginning of the 12th century by the Hungarian-Croatian king Koloman. On the upper floor of the convent, there are public rooms containing a collection of goldsmith’s work, relics and other valuable items. At the end of your tour you can return to the ship or explore further at your leisure.