Istanbul Icons & Aegean Artifacts via the Corinth Canal Cruise Tour
 
Athens, Greece to Istanbul
Thu Apr 3, 2025 - Fri Apr 11, 2025,
 8 days
 on Star Legend
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PLEASE NOTE: The Corinth Canal is currently scheduled to undergo maintenance and repairs from November 2024 through March 2025, any delays or extensions could affect itineraries.
Starting from $6,299 USD
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Athens, Greece to Istanbul
With four days to explore glorious Istanbul and another eight to discover what lies beyond the Golden Horn, you don’t need an oracle to tell you this is one auspicious voyage. Everywhere you look in Istanbul you’ll find some fascinating remnant of days gone by – places where chariots raced, sultans ruled, and architects’ greatest aspirations were realized. After you’ve oohed and aahed over the world-renowned mosques, palaces, and bazaars, board your yacht to see more jewels of the Aegean. Islands glowing with whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches; origin stories of gods, oracles, and Atlantis; a canal so narrow you’ll only share it with small mail boats, private yachts, and paddleboarders. Plus, enjoy a complimentary Destination Discovery Event – dinner and a concert in the moonlight in ancient Ephesus.

What’s Included

•Three nights’ accommodation at Pera Palace Hotel in a Deluxe Golden Horn Room
Breakfast at the hotel, lunch at Hamdi Restaurant
•All transfers to and from the included sites
•Two full days and one half day sightseeing in a luxury air conditioned vehicle with a professional driver and English speaking tour guide.
•2-hour Bosphorus cruise on a private motor boat
•Entrance fees to Byzantine Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, the Harem Section, Underground Cistern, Suleymaniye Mosque, Dolmabahce Palace, Ayasofya, and Rustem Pasa Mosque
•8-day cruise between Athens and Istanbul
 
Please note:  Bring your hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes. This tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not suitable for people with mobility issues. Order of sites visited may vary based on availability and dates.
 
voyage map
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Day 1: Athens, Greece
With 3,000 years of history, you can’t turn around in Athens without encountering the past. The Acropolis, a UNESCO site, the Plaka, and the Acropolis Museum are must-sees. But leave time if you can to climb Pnyx Hill for photos of the Parthenon at sunset, to buy your own set of Greek komboloi (worry beads), and to explore the metro stations that serve as mini-museums for the relics that are constantly being unearthed. 
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Day 2: Corinth Canal
You’ll want to be on deck today as we transit the narrow Corinth Canal with other private yachts and Greek mail steamers. It’s a shortcut reserved for petite ships like ours, and as we cruise between the narrow limestone walls we are the envy of all the ancient Romans who once portaged their ships along this very route before there was a canal.
 
Canal transit time and duration is subject to change based on traffic and canal authorities.
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Day 2: Delphi
Before there were fortune cookies there was the oracle of Delphi, dating back to 1400 B.C. The oracle gave cryptic guidance to the leaders of the day and was so highly respected that Delphi, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, became known as the center of the world. An optional tour lets you go exploring, from the Temple of Apollo to the Delphi Archaeological Museum, which contains some of the finest works of art in Greece. 
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Day 4: Santorini
As our yacht approaches the spectacular cliffs rising from the deep azure sea, you’ll understand the magic of this area, where some say the ruins of Atlantis remain hidden. Visit the village of Oia and see the iconic Santorini blue domes or take a guided tour of Bronze Age excavations at the UNESCO site of Akrotiri. Toast the day with a crisp, cold glass of local Assyrtiko wine and appreciate the magic accessible to small ships like ours.
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Day 5: Bodrum
The 15th century Castle of St. Peter, built by the Crusaders, presides over the city’s dual harbors. Colorful peacocks strut their stuff trying to claim your attention, but they have nothing on the white sugar cube houses, palm-lined boulevards, and shockingly blue Aegean below. For a picture-perfect seaside playground, Bodrum offers a surprisingly rich history, or maybe it’s the other way around. Visit the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Surrender to the captivating magic of bathtub-warm waters and the Marina. Shop the bazaar for Milas cloth scarves and silver jewelry. Stroll the marina to see the other private yachts in port. (None as grand as yours, of course.)
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Day 6: Kusadasi
Few places offer such a rich combination of history and scenic beauty. In Ephesus, one of the greatest outdoor museums in the world, you’ll explore legendary sites steeped in history. Also visit the houses of Bulbul Mountain, where the roof of one forms the terrace of the next. This evening we present our Destination Discovery Event -- dinner in the moonlight and a concert near the  Celsus Library or on Harbour Street in ancient Ephesus. 

 
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Day 7: Mykonos
Wake this morning to the postcard-like scene of Mykonos, the classic Greek isle dotted with hundreds of whitewashed churches and thatch-roofed windmills, in a harbor bobbing with fishing boats and luxurious private yachts. An optional  tour including a scenic ferry ride takes you back to the 6th   century B.C. to the tiny island of Delos, a UNESCO site and the mythical birthplace of Apollo.
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Day 8: Myrina
Limnos is a delightful, off the beaten path island with wild mountainous geology and large, uncrowded, sandy beaches all along the coastline. Windsurfing is becoming increasingly popular here. Sites to see here include the Medieval Castle of Myrina, Ancient Poliochni, Ancient Kavirio and the legendary cave of Philocetes.
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Day 9: Istanbul
Ah, Constantinople, Queen of Cities and the Door to Happiness. Istanbul is the only city in the world built on two continents—Europe and Asia—and its appeal is truly universal. The Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans all ruled their empires from here, leaving behind some of their finest monuments and a fascinating blend of cultures. Visit the harem at Topkapi Palace, where the clatter of silver soles once warned concubines of the approaching sultan. Admire the Iznik tiles and stained glass windows of the Blue Mosque, and the mystical light bathing the nave of Hagia Sofia. Shop the Grand Bazaar for a coffee cezve, magic lamp, embroidered slippers, or hand-woven kilim. Temper a tiny cup of potent Turkish coffee with bites of sweet lokum (Turkish delight). 
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Day 9: Disembark and Istanbul Sightseeing
Following disembarkation, meet your guide at the port and depart to the old city for a full day of sightseeing starting with a scenic drive across the Galata Bridge into the heart of Istanbul, where the historic area of Istanbul is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the newly restored Serefiye Cistern, one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. Visit the Byzantine Hippodrome, one of the largest chariot race grounds of the Byzantine Empire. See the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, and Constantine Column. View the Blue Mosque, with its six elegant minarets and exceptional Iznik tile work inside. Visit one of the greatest buildings in the world: St. Sophia Mosque, built in AD 537, the greatest church in Christendom until 1453. Lunch is on your own possibly at recommended Konyali Restaurant. Following lunch enter the magnificent Topkapi Palace Museum, located on the promontory between the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. Steps away, visit the Harem Section offering a revealing look into how the sultans of the Ottoman Empire lived in private. At the end of the day, you will be transferred to the hotel. Dinner is suggested at Mikla Restaurant (in walking distance).
 
( Includes overnight at Pera Palace Hotel )
 
Please note: Modest attire is required; when visiting St. Sophia Mosque, knees, shoulders and midriffs must be covered and women must cover their head with a scarf, provided at the Mosque. Shoes must be removed and shoe bags will be provided for the visit. There is ongoing restoration of the Topkapi Palace, which may result in some exhibits being closed. There are approximately 25 steps to negotiate at the entrance to the Serefiye Cistern and a further 25 steps to exit. Professional photography and flash are not allowed. All tours in the old town require considerable walking, as it is closed to traffic. 
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Day 10: Istanbul Full Day of Sightseeing
After breakfast, meet your professional guide at the lobby for your private sightseeing. Visit the beautiful Dolmabahce Palace. Stretching over 1,960 feet on the shore of the Bosphorus Strait, the palace stands as a symbol of glamour and decadence. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the Palace, considered the grandest of all the Ottoman imperial palaces boasting 43 large salons, a 4.5-ton Bohemian crystal chandelier and a glass façade that measures over 3,000 feet long.  Drive to visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, situated atop one of the city’s seven hills.  Among its innovative construction features were the use of Juniper trees to absorb the shock of earthquakes and 255 pots suspended from the central dome to provide better acoustics and thermal insulation. Return to the hotel for lunch and some time on your own. In the late afternoon, meet your guide in the lobby for a short drive to the Kabatas Pier to embark your motor yacht. This relaxing tour features a 2-hour motor yacht cruise along the Bosphorus waterway, with excellent views of the Asiatic and European shores. Enjoy views of the Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, and the few remaining towers of the Anadolu fortress. Passing underneath the Sultan Mehmet Bridge find Rumeli Fortress. Istanbul has one of the loveliest skylines in the world and is without doubt a city built to be appreciated from the water. A refreshment of coffee, tea or local soft drink and local wine will be served during your cruise.   At the end of the cruise, transfer to Sunset Restaurant where dinner is suggested and return to your hotel.
 
(Includes breakfast and overnight at Pera Palace Hotel)
 
Please note: Modest attire is required; when visiting the Suleymaniye Mosque, knees, shoulders and midriffs must be covered and women must cover their head with a scarf, provided at the mosque. Professional photography and flash are not allowed. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a shawl or light jacket. Not suitable for guests using a wheelchair.
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Day 11: Istanbul Full Day of Sightseeing
After breakfast, meet your professional guide in the lobby for your private full day sightseeing. Visit the famous Grand Bazaar, where you will explore some of its 64 streets. A variety of Turkish handicrafts, oriental carpets, rare jewels and inexpensive souvenirs are all sold in its small shops. You may also enjoy an optional private carpet weaving session in a collectioner’s gallery. Lunch will be served at Hamdi Restaurant. After lunch, visit the Rustem Pasa Mosque, a beautiful newly restored mosque where most of the interior is covered with Iznik tiles. Visit the Spice Bazaar, an exotic trading house for dried herbs, spices and exotic condiments. You can also find colorful local produce, fresh cheeses, pickles and other Turkish specialties such as sucuk (chorizo-like sausages) and pastirma (cured beef). Stock up on saffron, Turkish apricots and freshly made Turkish delight. Dinner is suggested at Agatha Restaurant or Orient Terrace in your hotel.
 
(Includes breakfast, lunch and Overnight at Pera Palace Hotel)
 
Please note: Modest attire is required; when visiting the Rustem Pasha Mosque, knees, shoulders and midriffs must be covered and women must cover their head with a scarf, provided at the mosque. Professional photography and flash are not allowed.
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Day 12: Flight Home
Breakfast at the hotel and then (according to your flight time), you will be transferred to the Istanbul Grand Airport for your homebound flight.
 
Please note: VIP departure service can be arranged upon request.
Popular Highlights
Blue Mosque
Visit the historic area of Istanbul, a UNESCO site and count the 6 elegant minarets of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul
Bodrum and Kusadasi
Late night stays in Bodrum and Kusadasi allow for plenty of time to get a flavor of local life there
Bosphorus
Cruising the Bosphorus will reveal the beautiful Dolmabahce Palace, encompassing 1,960 feet of the shore
Corinth Canal
Step out on deck as you transit the narrow Corinth Canal, so close you can almost touch the rock walls.
Ephesus
Visit memorable Ephesus and the House of Mary from Kusadasi
 
Grand Bazaar
Shop the 64 streets of the Grand Bazaar
Itinerary at a Glance
! PLEASE NOTE: The Corinth Canal is currently scheduled to undergo maintenance and repairs from November 2024 through March 2025, any delays or extensions could affect itineraries. Click to learn more
Date
Port
Arrive
Depart
Watersports
PlatformWatersports Platform: 
Thu Apr 3
Athens, Greece
Arrive:  
Depart:  5:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Fri Apr 4
Corinth Canal
Arrive:  8:00 AM
Depart:  10:00 AM
Watersports Platform: 
Fri Apr 4
Delphi
Arrive:  3:00 PM
Depart:  9:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Sat Apr 5
AT SEA
Arrive:  
Depart:  
Watersports Platform: 
Sun Apr 6
Santorini
Arrive:  8:00 AM
Depart:  9:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Mon Apr 7
Bodrum
Arrive:  8:00 AM
Depart:  10:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Tue Apr 8
Kusadasi
Arrive:  9:00 AM
Depart:  11:59 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Wed Apr 9
Mykonos
Arrive:  8:00 AM
Depart:  5:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Thu Apr 10
Myrina
Arrive:  7:00 AM
Depart:  12:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Fri Apr 11
Istanbul
Arrive:  7:00 AM
Depart:  
Watersports Platform: 
Fri Apr 11
Disembark and Istanbul Sightseeing
Arrive:  
Depart:  
Watersports Platform: 
Sat Apr 12
Istanbul Full Day of Sightseeing
Arrive:  
Depart:  
Watersports Platform: 
Sun Apr 13
Istanbul Full Day of Sightseeing
Arrive:  
Depart:  
Watersports Platform: 
Mon Apr 14
Flight Home
Arrive:  
Depart:  
Watersports Platform: 
Star Legend
Carrying only 312 guests, Star Legend still tucks into small ports like Sinop and Honfleur or narrow waterways like the Corinth Canal. We can’t wait to welcome you on board for your next 180 degree from ordinary adventure! Learn more about the newly renovated ship and the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative.
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Accommodations & Pricing
This all-suite ship completed renovation as part of the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative to provide more of what our guests love.
Star Porthole Suite
Star Porthole Suite
These rooms represent a nod to the sailing tradition of porthole windows. And while sailors might have had cramped quarters, your 277 square foot stateroom is wonderfully spacious and furnished with all the modern amenities and comforts of home.
? Cruise only from $6,299 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $7,091 per guest
Ocean View Suite 1
Ocean View Suite 1
Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 277 square feet. Your queen bed (which can be separated as twins if you prefer) features luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Enjoy a luxurious soak in your full-size tub or an invigorating shower, then wrap up in your waffle-weave robe and slippers, savor a treat from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and enjoy the fresh flowers.
? Cruise only from $6,749 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $7,541 per guest
Star Ocean View Suite 1
Star Ocean View Suite 1
As soon as you walk through the door, you’re greeted with an open living area for a more welcoming entrance. Drift off to sleep by the window in your queen bed as you watch the same stars that sailors used to navigate the seas hundreds of years ago.
? Cruise only from $6,799 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $7,591 per guest
Ocean View Suite 2
Ocean View Suite 2
Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 277 square feet. Your queen bed (which can be separated as twins if you prefer) features luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Enjoy a luxurious soak in your full-size tub or an invigorating shower, then wrap up in your waffle-weave robe and slippers, savor a treat from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and enjoy the fresh flowers.
? Cruise only from $6,849 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $7,641 per guest
Ocean View Suite 3
Ocean View Suite 3
Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 277 square feet. Your queen bed (which can be separated as twins if you prefer) features luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Enjoy a luxurious soak in your full-size tub or an invigorating shower, then wrap up in your waffle-weave robe and slippers, savor a treat from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and enjoy the fresh flowers.
? Cruise only from $6,899 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $7,691 per guest
Balcony Suite
Balcony Suite
Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 277 square feet. Your queen bed (which can be separated as twins if you prefer) features luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Enjoy a luxurious soak in your full-size tub or an invigorating shower, then wrap up in your waffle-weave robe and slippers, savor a treat from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and enjoy the fresh flowers.
? Cruise only from $8,299 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $9,091 per guest
Deluxe Suite
Deluxe Suite
Brand new Deluxe Suites welcome you with 468 square feet of casually elegant living space and an ocean viewing French balcony. All these suites feature 3rd berths, and a sleep-inducing queen bed easily converted to twins.
? Cruise only from $10,799 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $11,591 per guest
Classic Suite
Classic Suite
Relax in 400 to 530 spacious square feet. Your living area offers beautiful views from the forward-facing window and French doors onto your private veranda. Two spacious closets give you plenty of room to unpack.
? Cruise only from $11,299 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $12,091 per guest
Owner's Suite
Owner's Suite
With 575 square feet, your Owner’s Suite offers separate living room and dining areas. A veranda, Interactive TVs, and a full master bath and separate powder room indulge you in spacious comfort. 
? Cruise only from $12,299 per guest
? All-inclusive price from $13,091 per guest
Ocean View Suite
Ocean View Suite
Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 277 square feet. Your queen bed (which can be separated as twins if you prefer) features luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Enjoy a luxurious soak in your full-size tub or an invigorating shower, then wrap up in your waffle-weave robe and slippers, and savor a treat from the fresh fruit bowl.
? Call for Availability
Star Balcony Suite
Star Balcony Suite
As soon as you walk through the door, you’re greeted with an open living area for a more welcoming entrance. Drift off to sleep by the window in your queen bed as you watch the same stars that sailors used to navigate the seas hundreds of years ago.
? Call for Availability
Balcony Suite 1
Balcony Suite 1
Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 277 square feet. Your queen bed (which can be separated as twins if you prefer) features luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Enjoy a luxurious soak in your full-size tub or an invigorating shower, then wrap up in your waffle-weave robe and slippers, savor a treat from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and enjoy the fresh flowers.
? Call for Availability
Star Balcony Suite 1
Star Balcony Suite 1
As soon as you walk through the door, you’re greeted with an open living area for a more welcoming entrance. Drift off to sleep by the window in your queen bed as you watch the same stars that sailors used to navigate the seas hundreds of years ago.
? Call for Availability
The Windstar Life
The Windstar staff-to-guest ratio is 1:1.5, and it shows.The moment you board you’ll feel it: an ever-attentive crew at your service, providing you with what you want and need, when you want and need it.
Friendly and Relaxed Atmosphere
Signature Onboard Barbecue
Cooking Demonstrations
Genuine and Thoughtful Crew
Crew Talent Show
Open Bridge
Local and Live Performances
Relax at the Pool or Hot Tub
Complimentary 24 Hour Room Service
Signature Sail Away
Shopping With The Chef
Take In The Sun
Watersports Platform
Enjoy regionally inspired treatments at World Spa by Windstar
Relax With A Morning Yoga Session
ALL DATES &
FARES
Pick Your Perk
Great cruise-only fares or make it an all-inclusive voyage with Wi-Fi, unlimited beer, wine, and cocktails, and gratuities. From $99 per guest per day.
Date
Ship
All-Inclusive
From
Cruise Only
From
Thu, Apr 3 - Fri, Apr 11, 2025
STAR LEGEND
$7,091
$6,299
THIS
SAILING
Tue, Apr 8 - Wed, Apr 16, 2025
STAR LEGEND
$7,491
$6,699
Fri, Sep 12 - Sat, Sep 20, 2025
STAR LEGEND
$7,291
$6,499
Wed, Sep 17 - Thu, Sep 25, 2025
STAR LEGEND
$7,591
$6,799
Sun, Sep 28 - Mon, Oct 6, 2025
STAR LEGEND
$7,091
$6,299
Fri, Oct 3 - Sat, Oct 11, 2025
STAR LEGEND
$7,091
$6,299