2027 Best of Greece & Turkey

Athens is a city of drama, history, and philosophy, once home to powerful ancient empires. The iconic Parthenon still stands atop the Acropolis, overlooking the city and honoring the goddess Athena. Don’t miss the Acropolis Museum, opened in 2009, showcasing artifacts from ancient Greece along with a view of excavated ruins through a glass floor. Modern Athens also offers beautiful beaches, vibrant markets, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine.

Your ship departs at 5:00 pm, so please arrive 2–3 hours early for check-in and boarding. Once onboard, enjoy the ship’s amenities and start your vacation with a drink or snack.

The second largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki has so much going for it—beauty, history, culture, and absolutely amazing views of the sea. One of its most famous sites is the iconic White Tower which dates from the 1500s and was built as part of the city’s fortification. Head to the top of it for sweeping views of the city, shimmering gulf, and surrounding hills. Practically an open-air museum of Byzantine art, Thessaloniki offers many opportunities to stroll among 5th century churches, archeological sites, a 13th century bathhouse, archaeological museums, and contemporary art museums.

While at sea, indulge in some well-deserved relaxation before your next adventure. Unwind by the pool, pamper yourself at the spa, savor exquisite cuisine, or discover the unique venues on board. Your next incredible destination awaits.

In exotic Istanbul, you could spend an entire day strolling through the Grand Bazaar, exploring the famous Blue Mosque, or wandering through the majestic Topkapi Palace, with its gardens, libraries and 400-roomharem.

While at sea, indulge in some well-deserved relaxation before your next adventure. Unwind by the pool, pamper yourself at the spa, savor exquisite cuisine, or discover the unique venues on board. Your next incredible destination awaits.

Today you reach Regensburg, a city steeped in history and festive charm. Discover its medieval streets on a morning walking tour, then in the afternoon, visit the Christmas market at the princely Thurn & Taxis Palace. Take in the enchanting aromas of roasted almonds and gingerbread before returning to your AMADEUS ship for the evening.

Rhodes, the friendliest city in the Mediterranean, is situated at the island’s northernmost point. This sunny retreat is also home to many historic sites, such as the ruins of the Temple of Venus and the medieval Street of Knights. Rhodes, pronounced ro-dos, is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands. The varied landscape with beaches, wooded areas, and ancient ruins also make this one of the most alluring of the Greek archipelago. A cruise to Rhodes wouldn’t be complete without exploring the picturesque Old Town with its winding streets and Byzantine legacy. Enter the gateways of Rhodes and step back to a time when the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem built a Christendom stronghold. Or, tour the restored Palace of the Grand Masters and the Hospital of the Knights. You can spend the day amid the chronicles of Greek history. Immerse yourself in the whitewashed romance of the archaeological site, Lindos and climb to the ruins of its ancient Acropolis for sweeping views of the village and the blue seas beyond. The island’s vibrant shops, great restaurants, and glittering clubs buzz with a happy, modern energy in contrast to the grace of its ancient history.

Once the capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor, this coastal town is now an archeologist’s dream. The UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Ephesus impress even those familiar with the world's other ancient cities. Though excavations have been underway for 150 years, only 20 percent of the city has been uncovered. This former Greek banking and trading center is rich with historic sites, including the Great Theater, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. On your Europe cruise, check out the the Celsus Library — built in 117 A.D.— made up of towering columns highlighted by the statue of the goddess of wisdom.

Mykonos is known for its whitewashed villages sprinkled with blue and jade green. It's also famous for its sophisticated nightlife. The most popular island in the Cyclades is bustling with activity, awash in beautiful alleyways, and home to alluring sandy beaches.

Athens brought the world drama, history, poetry, and philosophy. Once home to the world's most powerful and civilized empires, Athens is now the world's foremost archaeological playground. The towering columns of the Parthenon still stand in homage to the virgin goddess Athena. The Parthenon sits atop the Athenian Acropolis and watches over the city where it can be seen from just about anywhere in Athens. Make it a point to visit the incredible Acropolis Museum on your cruise to Athens. The joint effort between two architects, one American and the other Greek, this outstanding building was completed and opened to the public in 2009. It focuses primarily on the Greek period dating to 5 B.C., considered to be the apex of art, culture, and philosophy in ancient Greece, but it also has artifacts from the Bronze, Roman, and Byzantine Ages. There’s even a Plexiglas walkway from which an excavated section of an old Athenian neighborhood can be viewed. In addition to an abundance of historical riches, modern Athens has plenty on offer—from scenic beaches to restaurants with superb Mediterranean cuisine and bustling central markets.