Istanbul Icons & Aegean Artifacts via the Corinth Canal Cruise Tour
 
Istanbul to Athens, Greece
Wed Oct 9, 2024 - Fri Oct 18, 2024,
 9 days
 on Star Legend
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ITINERARY AND SHORE EXCURSIONS

The best on land brought to you by the best at sea. Get to the heart of local cultures with Windstar shore excursions. You don't want to just dip a toe in local culture, you want to dive into the deep end, and that's exactly what Windstar shore excursions are designed to do. All of our excursion are created to provide authentic local experience - the kind travelers like you are looking for. And with more than 2,500 excursions to choose from, you can experience your destination in whatever way is most meaningful to you. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, a history buff, or someone who loves to get to know the faces behind the many places we travel.

Date
Port
Arrive
Depart
Watersports
Platform
Shore
Excursions
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Wed Oct 9
Arrive in Istanbul
Arrive:
Depart:
Watersports Platform: 
Arrive in Istanbul, a city that has enchanted visitors for thousands of years. As your guide whisks you from the airport to your hotel, get a sense of this City of Seven Hills that spans two continents. Spend the rest of the day on your own exploring the neighborhoods surrounding your hotel, or, just explore your hotel. Built in 1892 to host guests on the Orient Express, it’s loaded with history, from the room where Agatha Christie supposedly penned Murder on the Orient Express to the Ataturk Museum in room 101 – a favorite spot for the founder of Turkey’s republic. Even Mata Hari stayed here.
 
(Includes overnight at Pera Palace Hotel.)
 
Thu Oct 10
Istanbul Full Day of Sightseeing
Arrive:
Depart:
Watersports Platform: 
Begin your discovery of Istanbul with the historic district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site crowded with centuries-old gems. See the remains of the Hippodrome, the site of chariot races and the social center of the city back when it was known as Byzantium. Decide for yourself which is more spectacular, Ayasofya, built as a Christian basilica nearly 1500 years ago, or the Blue Mosque, commissioned by Sultan Ahmet I to outshine Ayasofya. Visit the newly restored Serefiye Cistern, one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. After a traditional Turkish lunch, wrap up the day at Topkapi Palace, home to Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries.
 
(Includes overnight at Pera Palace Hotel.)
 
Fri Oct 11
Istanbul Full Day of Sightseeing
Arrive:
Depart:
Watersports Platform: 
You’ll be surprised to discover just how advanced architecture was in the 16th century when you visit Suleymaniye Mosque, one of the best (and largest) examples of Ottoman Islamic architecture in Istanbul. Perfectly placed windows provide natural lighting, superb acoustics were achieved by positioning empty pots under the domes, and there’s even a soot room designed to prevent damage to the mosque from candles and oil lamps. The soot was later collected and recycled into ink. From here, it’s off to the Grand Bazaar to try your hand at haggling, or at least window shopping. (Without the windows.) Later, take in Istanbul’s unparalleled skyline during a motor yacht cruise along the Bosphorus.
 
Overnight at Pera Palace Hotel.
 
Sat Oct 12
Istanbul Sightseeing and Embarkation
Arrive:
Depart:
Watersports Platform: 
Approaching the lovely Dolmabahce Palace on the Bosphorus with its rococo/Baroque exterior you might think you’ve been transported to early Europe. Sumptuous details include a 4.5-ton crystal chandelier, a gift from Queen Victoria, and handmade silk Hareke carpets. Contrast that with the classic Ottoman architecture of the intimate Rustem Pasa Mosque. The Spice Bazaar is next, an explosion of colors and aromas. Pick up some Turkish delight, dried figs, fresh-ground coffee or nuts for later. After these visits, make your way to the port and your waiting yacht.
Sat Oct 12
Istanbul
Arrive:
Depart:5:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
6 Available
+_
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). 
6 Shore Excursions Available
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Istanbul, Concierge Collection: Private Half Day Car & Guide *Concierge Collection | Sightseeing
Duration4 Hours
Activity LevelEasy-Moderate
$549
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Istanbul,Concierge Collection: Private Full Day Car & Guide *Concierge Collection | Sightseeing
Duration8 Hours
Activity LevelEasy-Moderate
$699
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Istanbul, Concierge Collection: Private Full Day Van & Guide *Concierge Collection | Sightseeing
Duration8 Hours
Activity LevelEasy-Moderate
$899
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Istanbul: Byzantine Treasures & Hotel Transfer *Culture | Essentials Collection | Sightseeing | UNESCO | Walking
Duration5 Hours
Activity LevelModerate
$129
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Istanbul: Byzantine Hippodrome, St. Sophia, Grand Bazaar & Airport Transfer *Culture | Essentials Collection | Sightseeing | UNESCO | Walking
Duration4.5 Hours
Activity LevelModerate
$149
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Istanbul: Highlights of Istanbul & Hotel TransferCulture | Dining | Essentials Collection | Sightseeing | UNESCO | Walking
Duration7 Hours
Activity LevelModerate-Strenuous
$199
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Sun Oct 13
Myrina
Arrive:11:30 AM
Depart:6:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
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.
Mon Oct 14
Mykonos
Arrive:9:00 AM
Depart:
Watersports Platform: 
4 Available
+_
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.
4 Shore Excursions Available
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Mykonos: Mykonos Cooking Class *Culture | Dining | Essentials Collection
Duration4 Hours
Activity LevelEasy-Moderate
$269
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Mykonos, Delos Discovery *Culture | Essentials Collection | UNESCO | Walking
Duration4 Hours
Activity LevelStrenuous
$119
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Mykonos, Concierge Collection: Five Senses of MykonosConcierge Collection | Sightseeing | Wine
Duration5.5 Hours
Activity LevelModerate
$189
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Mykonos, Delos and Rhenia Island with Private Rib Boat *Beach | Beyond Ordinary Collection | Boating | Sightseeing
Duration6 Hours
Activity LevelEasy
$3,499
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Tue Oct 15
Mykonos
Arrive:
Depart:9:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
4 Available
+_
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.
4 Shore Excursions Available
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Mykonos: Mykonos Cooking Class *Culture | Dining | Essentials Collection
Duration4 Hours
Activity LevelEasy-Moderate
$269
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Mykonos, Delos Discovery *Culture | Essentials Collection | UNESCO | Walking
Duration4 Hours
Activity LevelStrenuous
$119
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Mykonos, Concierge Collection: Five Senses of MykonosConcierge Collection | Sightseeing | Wine
Duration5.5 Hours
Activity LevelModerate
$189
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Mykonos, Delos and Rhenia Island with Private Rib Boat *Beach | Beyond Ordinary Collection | Boating | Sightseeing
Duration6 Hours
Activity LevelEasy
$3,499
VIEW DETAILS
Wed Oct 16
Kusadasi
Arrive:8:00 AM
Depart:11:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
7 Available
+_
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. 

 
7 Shore Excursions Available
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Kusadasi, Ephesus & Ancient Houses *Culture | Essentials Collection | Sightseeing | UNESCO | Walking
Duration4 Hours
Activity LevelModerate-Strenuous
$79
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Kusadasi, Archaeological Ephesus & Museum *Culture | Essentials Collection | Sightseeing | Refreshments | UNESCO | Walking
Duration5 Hours
Activity LevelModerate
$79
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Kusadasi, Concierge Collection: Ephesus & Private Lunch at Sirince Village *Concierge Collection | Culture | Dining | UNESCO | Walking | Wine
Duration7 Hours
Activity LevelModerate-Strenuous
$135
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Kusadasi, Ephesus and Virgin Marys HouseCulture | Essentials Collection | Outdoors | UNESCO | Walking
Duration5 Hours
Activity LevelModerate
$79
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Kusadasi, Concierge Collection: Half Day Private VAN + Guide *Concierge Collection | Sightseeing
Duration4 Hours
Activity LevelEasy
$599
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Kusadasi, Concierge Collection: Full Day Private VAN + Guide *Concierge Collection | Sightseeing
Duration8 Hours
Activity LevelEasy
$899
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Kusadasi, Best of Ephesus *Culture | Dining | Essentials Collection | Sightseeing | UNESCO | Walking
Duration7.5 Hours
Activity LevelModerate-Strenuous
$119
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Thu Oct 17
Bodrum
Arrive:9:00 AM
Depart:7:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
7 Available
+_
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.)
7 Shore Excursions Available
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Bodrum, Concierge Collection: A day at the Beach Kempinski Barbaros Bay Hotel *Beach | Concierge Collection | Dining | Sightseeing
Duration6.5 Hours
Activity LevelEasy
$215
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Bodrum, Castle & Gulet Cruise *Boating | Dining | Essentials Collection | Sightseeing
Duration7.5 Hours
Activity LevelModerate-Strenuous
$299
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Bodrum, Concierge Collection: Exclusive Bodrum Culinary Experience *Concierge Collection | Culture | Dining | Sightseeing | Walking
Duration6.5 Hours
Activity LevelEasy-Moderate
$249
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Bodrum, Castle & Mausoleum *Essentials Collection | Sightseeing
Duration3 Hours
Activity LevelModerate-Strenuous
$129
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Bodrum, Certified One Tank Dive in Bodrums Wonderful Reefs *Boating | Essentials Collection | Sightseeing | Snorkeling
Duration3 Hours
Activity LevelModerate
$299
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Bodrum, Concierge Collection: Private Gulet Cruise *Boating | Concierge Collection | Dining | Sightseeing | Wine
Duration7.5 Hours
Activity Level(not specified)
$1,699
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Bodrum, Certified Two Tank Dive in Bodrums Wonderful Reefs *Boating | Essentials Collection | Sightseeing | Snorkeling
Duration3 Hours
Activity LevelModerate
$399
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Fri Oct 18
Santorini
Arrive:8:00 AM
Depart:8:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
7 Available
+_
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.
7 Shore Excursions Available
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Santorini, The Ancient City of Akrotiri & OiaCulture | Essentials Collection | Sightseeing | UNESCO
Duration4 Hours
Activity LevelModerate
$139
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Santorini, Scenic Drive to Oia & Free Time *Culture | Essentials Collection | Sightseeing
Duration4 Hours
Activity LevelModerate-Strenuous
$119
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Santorini, Wineries of Santorini & Oia Village *Culture | Essentials Collection | Sightseeing | Wine
Duration6 Hours
Activity LevelModerate-Strenuous
$179
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Santorini, Concierge Collection: Half Day Private CAR + Guide *Concierge Collection | Sightseeing
Duration4 Hours
Activity LevelEasy
$1,049
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Santorini, Concierge Collection: Half Day Private VAN + Guide *Concierge Collection | Sightseeing
Duration4 Hours
Activity LevelEasy
$1,155
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Santorini, Concierge Collection: Full Day Private CAR + Guide *Concierge Collection | Sightseeing
Duration6 Hours
Activity LevelEasy
$1,625
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Santorini, Concierge Collection: Full Day Private VAN + Guide *Concierge Collection | Sightseeing
Duration6 Hours
Activity LevelEasy
$1,729
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Sat Oct 19
AT SEA
Arrive:
Depart:
Watersports Platform: 
Sun Oct 20
Delphi
Arrive:8:00 AM
Depart:1:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
4 Available
+_
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. 
4 Shore Excursions Available
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Itea, Concierge Collection: Half Day Private Car & Guide *Concierge Collection | Sightseeing
Duration4 Hours
Activity LevelEasy
$1,299
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Itea, Concierge Collection: Half Day Private Van & Guide *Concierge Collection | Sightseeing
Duration4 Hours
Activity LevelEasy
$1,399
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Itea, Mythology of Delphi *Culture | Essentials Collection | UNESCO | Walking
Duration4 Hours
Activity LevelModerate
$149
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Itea, Monastery of Ossios Loukas *Culture | Essentials Collection | Sightseeing | Walking
Duration4 Hours
Activity Level(not specified)
$129
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Sun Oct 20
Corinth Canal
Arrive:5:00 PM
Depart:7:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
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.
Mon Oct 21
Athens, Greece
Arrive:12:01 AM
Depart:
Watersports Platform: 
6 Available
+_
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. 
6 Shore Excursions Available
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Athens, Acropolis & New Museum Tour & Transfer to Airport *Culture | Essentials Collection | Sightseeing | UNESCO
Duration4 Hours
Activity LevelModerate-Strenuous
$149
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Athens, Acropolis & New Museum Tour & Transfer to Windstar Hotel *Essentials Collection | Sightseeing | UNESCO
Duration3 Hours
Activity LevelModerate-Strenuous
$149
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Athens, Concierge Collection: Half Day Private CAR *Concierge Collection | Sightseeing
Duration4 Hours
Activity LevelEasy
$1,199
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Athens, Concierge Collection: Half Day Private VAN *Concierge Collection | Sightseeing
Duration4 Hours
Activity LevelEasy
$1,299
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Athens, Concierge Collection: Full Day Private CAR *Concierge Collection | Sightseeing
Duration8 Hours
Activity LevelEasy
$1,399
VIEW DETAILS
Athens, Concierge Collection: Full Day Private VAN *Concierge Collection | Sightseeing
Duration8 Hours
Activity LevelEasy
$1,499
VIEW DETAILS