On arrival in Istanbul and settle into your hotel. Kick things off with a welcome dinner at an authentic Turkish restaurant and indulge in traditional fare.

Visit the Blue Mosque, aptly named due to the colour of the tiles that surround its interior. You will also wander through St Sophia Museum and head to the underground Basilica Cistern. After lunch, explore the Grand Bazaar.

This morning, choose from a range of sightseeing tours. Later, board your luxurious ship.

Freedom of Choice Perhaps explore Topkapı Palace, which once served as the residence of the Ottoman sultans. Afterwards, visit the Spice Market. Or take a relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus.

Arrive in Canakkale in the morning and travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula to experience the Anzac legend first-hand. Witness an array of trenches and memorials that remain as a tribute to those who have lost their lives in the First World War. Take a memorable visit to Anzac Cove, the Australian Memorial at Lone Pine and the New Zealand Memorial at Chunuk Bair.

Travel by coach to one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Eastern Mediterranean, Ephesus. Delve deep into the ancient city’s history and imagine its former splendour in the Roman Empire. Grand buildings border wide streets. See the library of Celsus, built in memory of Celsus Polemeanus, a Roman senator who had a great love for books. Later, savour lunch and a folklore show at a local handicraft museum before returning to your ship.

Today visit Patmos, a tiny island with a vast history, first settled in 1088. The island was deserted for centuries because of constant raids by pirates and the Turks and is now a quiet respite from other more popular Greek Isles. Enjoy time at leisure in town and delight in panoramic views over the Bay of Patmos and the stretch of islands in the archipelago beyond. Perhaps choose to join one of the optional sightseeing tours on offer (own expense).

Arrive in Rhodes, the most well-known of the Dodecanese Islands. Witness the stunning architecture in the old town, a patchwork of styles reflecting the island’s varying inhabitants over time. Embark on a journey to Lindos, where you’ll visit the charming village and the awe-inspiring Acropolis. Then, delve into this location’s rich history with a visit to two Captains’ houses, dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Open exclusively for APT guests, venture through these stately mansions to discover their unique architecture, grand entrances, ornate doorways and impressive courtyards.

Relish a day at leisure as the ship sails along the coast and explore the incredible amenities on board. Enjoy a spa treatment (own expense) or savour a delicious meal at one of the ship’s many restaurants.

Venture ashore to the island of Spetsai and discover why it tantalises all the senses. Perhaps visit the historic old town to discover a spectacular harbour, unique shops and exceptional restaurants, some of the finest in the Saronic Gulf.

Arrive in the ancient capital of Athens and enjoy a tour of the city’s most popular sites including the legendary Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the historic neighbourhood of Plaka. Step back in time as you walk through the narrow, cobblestone streets that the Ancient Greeks once called home.

Today, dock in the charming medieval town of Monemvasia. This small island is one of Greece’s best-kept secrets as it is carved from a sea rock and only accessible by causeway. The remoteness of this spectacular location is reflected in its name, translating to single passage. The day is yours at leisure to explore. Perhaps ascend to the top of the hill and indulge in stunning views of the sea.

Relish an exciting Signature Experience in Olympia, discovering more about this stunning location’s history and culture. 

Signature Experience – Olympia and Olive Oil Press

Embark on a guided tour of UNESCO’s Archaeological Site and Museum of Olympia, delving deep into ancient local life. Witness the locations where the athletes prepared for their events and where the races were held. The temples were all destroyed after the athletic contests ended in AD393 and the Temple of Zeus began to decay. Admire the wondrous remains of the pediments of the Temple of Zeus, located in the heart of the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Olympia. Then, visit a local olive oil press to learn about the production of this essential ingredient, widely used in dishes around the world. Savour a tasting of the local produce and celebrate the notes of its unique flavour composition. 

Sail along the coast today and enjoy a day on board the ship. Perhaps relax with a drink at one of the onboard bars, attend an informative lecture or simply marvel at the breathtaking view from your comfortable suite.

Set out on a walking tour of Dubrovnik’s old town before you enjoy a special experience. 

Signature Experience – Lazareti of Dubrovnik

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lazareti of Dubrovnik are a group of interconnected buildings located near the old town walls that were once used as a quarantine station. The impressive structures were built in the 1600s to protect the city of Dubrovnik from the plague and cholera. Here, merchants, sailors and travellers went through mandatory isolation before being allowed to enter Dubrovnik. Later, enjoy a welcome drink and relish a traditional dance performed by the Linđo Folklore Ensemble.   

Considered the sunniest place in Croatia, Hvar is known for spectacular beaches and lush forests. Known as the ‘Queen of the Dalmation Islands’, Hvar has many highlights including Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in Europe. Enjoy the day at leisure to explore, or perhaps join one of the optional sightseeing tours (own expense).

Perched on a domed headland, Rovinj is located on the Istrian peninsula of Croatia’s northern Adriatic coast. Take a walking tour through Rovinj’s cobbed narrow streets before a special experience. 

Signature Experience - Rovinj

Rovinj is an active fishing port where you can experience the atmosphere of a small fishing village. Visit Batana Boat Museum, which is dedicated to the traditional wooden vessels known as batàna. You’ll then finish your tour with a delicious lunch accompanied by live music in a spàcio, a traditional meeting place for Rovinj’s local workers and fisherman.   

After breakfast, disembark the Seabourn Encore in Venice and bid farewell to your tour.