Ancient Empires: Athens to Istanbul

11 nights May 16, 2028

The Ancient Empires: Athens to Istanbul is a 11-night Mediterranean cruise aboard Scenic Ikon, operated by Scenic Ocean Cruises. Departing Athens (Piraeus), Greece on May 16, 2028, the voyage visits 10 ports. Fares start from $15,093 per person.

Itinerary

Day 1 May 16, 2028 Athens (Piraeus), Greece A city of legend, civilisation and enduring culture, Athens is a majestic and magical urban sprawl. Extraordinary elegance and grace combine with grit and graft in Greece's capital, where highways encase ruins from antiquity, and gleaming museums and galleries stand beside concrete sprayed with edgy street art. These contrasts enhance and elevate the wonders of this 2,500-year-old city, however, which can count notable contributions to philosophy, drama and democracy, among its global legacy. Piraeus' giant port and naval base welcome you to the edge of the Athens' urban area. From there it's a simple jaunt to the centre. The majestic ancient citadel of the Acropolis dominates an elevated platform and is a constant presence as you explore the city. The wonderful remains of the columned temple of the Parthenon - which date back to the 5th century BC - stand here, representing the pinnacle of classical architecture. The nearby Acropolis Museum adds context to your visit and frames the broad views from its giant glass windows. Or rise up Mount Lycabettus, to be rewarded with perhaps Athens' best panorama of the Acropolis sitting high over the city on its grand stage. See the marble horseshoe of the Old Olympic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896, for more of the city's enduring legacy. Elsewhere, golden beaches and temples stretch out along the coastline, should you wish to explore a little further afield. Coffee is an art form to the Greeks, and it's an unwritten rule that coffee time must never be rushed. So prepare to settle down for a couple of hours and lose yourself in a good chat. Feeling hungry - try traditional souvlaki made with sauces handed from generation to generation. Go to Athens (Piraeus), Greece Cruises visiting Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Day 2 May 17, 2028 Hydra When you disembark at the picture-perfect, crescent-shaped harbor on your Hydra cruise, the first thing you’ll notice is the serenity and intense quiet. Cars, motorcycles, and even bicycles are not permitted on the island, making it an ideal setting for quiet relaxation and peaceful respite during a European cruise. Make no mistake—quiet is by no means boring. The island’s romantic and rustic beauty regularly attracts celebrities, artists, and writers. Twice each year, the Hydra Nautical Club hosts regattas that bring sailboats and yachts to the harbor and add an extra touch of glamour to the island. Each summer, the DESTE Foundation hosts a series of contemporary art exhibitions, including a special exhibition by an artist or team. On a cruise to Hydra, you can’t help but be captivated by its natural beauty, like its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters quietly lapping at the shores, and the Peloponnese Mountains as a constant backdrop. As you walk Hydra Town, you’ll be charmed by streets lined with bougainvillea, the neoclassical architecture of old manor houses and mansions, and churches both humble and ornate. Go to Hydra Cruises visiting Hydra

Day 3 May 18, 2028 Milos, Greece Milos is a volcanic island in the Aegean Sea. The island is famous for the statue of Venus de Milo (in the Louvre), and also for statues of Asclepius, now in the British Museum, and the Poseidon and an archaic Apollo in Athens. It is unique for its astonishing lunar landscape which creates unbelievable and imposing rocky formations colored in deep red, brown or glimmering white. Those fantastic hills and rocks are often emerging from a turquoise sea, boarded by fine golden, white or grey sand. Villages and small towns are charming and very attractive. The main town is Adamas. Go to Milos, Greece Cruises visiting Milos, Greece

Milos, Greece photo — Day 3 May 18, 2028 Milos, Greece Milos is a volcanic island in the Aegean Sea. The island is famous for the statue of Venus de Milo (in the Louvre), and also for statues of Asclepius, now in the British Museum, and the Poseidon and an archaic Apollo in Athens. It is unique for its astonishing lunar landscape which creates unbelievable and imposing rocky formations colored in deep red, brown or glimmering white. Those fantastic hills and rocks are often emerging from a turquoise sea, boarded by fine golden, white or grey sand. Villages and small towns are charming and very attractive. The main town is Adamas. Go to Milos, Greece Cruises visiting Milos, Greece

Day 4 May 19, 2028 Heraklion It may not be the prettiest place in Crete, but Heraklion's patchwork of history, bustling activity and cultural intrigue makes it the perfect change of pace. This is certainly no sleepy island fishing village, and Greece's fifth-largest city is adorned with a rich collection of quality museums, ancient ruins from antiquity, and a lively culture of its own. View less A refreshing shift-up from the many quaint beach towns and fishing villages you'll encounter in the Greek islands, Heraklion – also known as Iraklio - has great shopping, extraordinary history and is the ideal base for ventures to the archaeological treasures of Crete. Traded by the Arabic, Venetian and Ottoman empires over the years, Heraklion is a multi-layered place with fascinating tales to tell. The city's impressive Venetian fortress, which waits over the gently rolling waves of the gleaming Mediterranean, welcomes you ashore. A stroll out along the seawall, alongside creaking fishing boats, will take you out to the squat fortifications that have stood since 1540. Climb to the top for views out across the water, back towards the city's waterfront. The sun-roasted earth outside the city hides treasures from the realms of history, including the Bronze Age remnants of Europe's oldest city, Knossos. A visit to the fantastic Archaeological Museum of Heraklion ties all of this history together and exhibits relics from the civilisations and eras of Crete's past. Elsewhere, Daidalou's pedestrianised paving is a charming stroll through Heraklion's shops, with streets branching off to café-lined plazas and twinkling fountains. Stop to try local food - like fresh feta and olive sprinkled dakos mezze – all washed down with a sample of local raki brandy. Go to Heraklion Cruises visiting Heraklion

Day 5 May 20, 2028 Santorini The guests look for a place on board the ship in good time to enjoy the entrance to the port of Fira, the capital of Santorini. Santorin refers to a Greek archipelago in the south of the Cyclades and at the same time its main island. Here a cliff rises up to 350 m above sea level. Nowhere else in the Aegean Sea is the volcanic origin of the Cyclades so clearly visible as here. Because the impressively high and many kilometers wide rock massif is nothing more than a crater wall. Santorini consists of the main island of the same name, Santorini, which is optionally also called Santorini and Thira, as well as four other Cyclades. With Thirasia, the second largest island and the small uninhabited rock Aspronisi, Santorini forms the geological remains of an outer crater rim. In the middle of the 400 m deep caldera rise the two volcanic islands Palea Kamini and Nea Kamini. They are also uninhabited, apart from the people who receive boat excursions here during the day. On a cruise you will experience this extraordinary island of Greece with the dreamy white houses, black beaches and volcanic stories. Go to Santorini Cruises visiting Santorini

Santorini photo — Day 5 May 20, 2028 Santorini The guests look for a place on board the ship in good time to enjoy the entrance to the port of Fira, the capital of Santorini. Santorin refers to a Greek archipelago in the south of the Cyclades and at the same time its main island. Here a cliff rises up to 350 m above sea level. Nowhere else in the Aegean Sea is the volcanic origin of the Cyclades so clearly visible as here. Because the impressively high and many kilometers wide rock massif is nothing more than a crater wall. Santorini consists of the main island of the same name, Santorini, which is optionally also called Santorini and Thira, as well as four other Cyclades. With Thirasia, the second largest island and the small uninhabited rock Aspronisi, Santorini forms the geological remains of an outer crater rim. In the middle of the 400 m deep caldera rise the two volcanic islands Palea Kamini and Nea Kamini. They are also uninhabited, apart from the people who receive boat excursions here during the day. On a cruise you will experience this extraordinary island of Greece with the dreamy white houses, black beaches and volcanic stories. Go to Santorini Cruises visiting Santorini

Day 7 May 22, 2028 Kusadasi Kusadasi in Turkey is the gateway to one of the most legendary cities of the ancient world: Ephesus. St. Paul preached in its Great Theater, while the facade of the Celsus Library survives as a testament to the city’s role as a center of learning and culture. Not far from Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis (also known as the Temple of Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, once stood, drawing pilgrims from around the Mediterranean. While it no longer stands, it is possible to walk amongst its foundations and the remains of its towering columns. Other historic sites can also be found nearby: The House of Mary is believed to be the home of Jesus’s mother at the end of her life, and the Basilica of St. John, constructed in the 6th century, marks the location of his tomb. (Like Mary, he spent his final years in Ephesus.) Nearby, the Selcuk fortress reflects the period of Byzantine and Ottoman control of the region. From ancient wonders to holy sites, there are few ports in the Mediterranean as magical as Kusadasi, and a day here is a day spent in the company of some of antiquity's greatest figures. Go to Kusadasi Cruises visiting Kusadasi

Kusadasi photo — Day 7 May 22, 2028 Kusadasi Kusadasi in Turkey is the gateway to one of the most legendary cities of the ancient world: Ephesus. St. Paul preached in its Great Theater, while the facade of the Celsus Library survives as a testament to the city’s role as a center of learning and culture. Not far from Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis (also known as the Temple of Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, once stood, drawing pilgrims from around the Mediterranean. While it no longer stands, it is possible to walk amongst its foundations and the remains of its towering columns. Other historic sites can also be found nearby: The House of Mary is believed to be the home of Jesus’s mother at the end of her life, and the Basilica of St. John, constructed in the 6th century, marks the location of his tomb. (Like Mary, he spent his final years in Ephesus.) Nearby, the Selcuk fortress reflects the period of Byzantine and Ottoman control of the region. From ancient wonders to holy sites, there are few ports in the Mediterranean as magical as Kusadasi, and a day here is a day spent in the company of some of antiquity's greatest figures. Go to Kusadasi Cruises visiting Kusadasi

Day 8 May 23, 2028 Dikili On a terrace cut into a nearby hill, the Greeks built the city of Pergamum in the 3rd century B.C., shortly after the death of Alexander the Great. One of the great cities of antiquity, it once held a library of over 200,000 volumes, which Mark Anthony later gave to Cleopatra as a wedding gift to enrich the library of Alexandria. Nearby Asclepius was a major center of medicine in classical times, when the staff was headed by Galen. In the modern town of Bergama, the museum holds artifacts from Archaic, Hellenic, Roman and Byzantine periods. Go to Dikili Cruises visiting Dikili

Dikili photo — Day 8 May 23, 2028 Dikili On a terrace cut into a nearby hill, the Greeks built the city of Pergamum in the 3rd century B.C., shortly after the death of Alexander the Great. One of the great cities of antiquity, it once held a library of over 200,000 volumes, which Mark Anthony later gave to Cleopatra as a wedding gift to enrich the library of Alexandria. Nearby Asclepius was a major center of medicine in classical times, when the staff was headed by Galen. In the modern town of Bergama, the museum holds artifacts from Archaic, Hellenic, Roman and Byzantine periods. Go to Dikili Cruises visiting Dikili

Day 9 May 24, 2028 Canakkale, Turkey While Çanakkale is a lively Turkish metropolis with an interesting mix of European and Asian influences, the city’s main appeal is its proximity to two important sites: the ruins of Troy and the battlefields of Gallipoli. Yes, this is the Troy made famous by Homer’s epic poem The Iliad and the ancient city where the legendary Trojan War took place. Today, the archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and national park, complete with layers of ruins and a reconstructed wooden horse. On the opposite bank of the Dardanelles Strait, on which Çanakkale is located, are the Gallipoli battlefields. Extensive World War I battles were fought here, making the peninsula hallowed ground for the Turks and a commemorative site for the Allied Forces. Numerous monuments pay homage to lives lost, including the Monument of Martyrs erected to honor fallen Turkish soldiers. Go to Canakkale, Turkey Cruises visiting Canakkale, Turkey

Canakkale, Turkey photo — Day 9 May 24, 2028 Canakkale, Turkey While Çanakkale is a lively Turkish metropolis with an interesting mix of European and Asian influences, the city’s main appeal is its proximity to two important sites: the ruins of Troy and the battlefields of Gallipoli. Yes, this is the Troy made famous by Homer’s epic poem The Iliad and the ancient city where the legendary Trojan War took place. Today, the archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and national park, complete with layers of ruins and a reconstructed wooden horse. On the opposite bank of the Dardanelles Strait, on which Çanakkale is located, are the Gallipoli battlefields. Extensive World War I battles were fought here, making the peninsula hallowed ground for the Turks and a commemorative site for the Allied Forces. Numerous monuments pay homage to lives lost, including the Monument of Martyrs erected to honor fallen Turkish soldiers. Go to Canakkale, Turkey Cruises visiting Canakkale, Turkey

Day 10 May 25, 2028 Istanbul A shore excursion on your MSC Mediterranean cruise can be the opportunity to discover İstanbul which stands astride two continents, Europe and Asia. As if its spectacular geographical location were not enough, it can also boast of being the only city to have played capital to consecutive Christian and Islamic empires, a role that has shaped the region’s history for more than 2500 years and bequeathed to İstanbul a staggering wealth of attractions. Most cruise visitors spend all their holiday time in Sultanahmet, home to İstanbul’s main sightseeing attractions: the church of Aya Sofya, the greatest legacy of the Byzantine Empire; the Topkapı Palace, heart of the Ottoman Empire; and the massive Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque). Here also are the ancient Hippodrome, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art (housed in the former Palace of İbrahim Paşa), the eerily lit Yerebatan Sarnıcı, a fascinating Byzantine underground cistern, and the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı), the largest covered bazaar in the world. The monumental architecture, attractive parks and gardens, street-side cafés, and the benefits of a relatively traffic-free main road combine to make this area pleasant for both sightseeing and staying on an MSC Mediterranean cruise excursion. İstanbul’s Ottoman-era Grand Bazaar gets more than its fair share of souvenir-hungry visitors. The area around it, however, is relatively little explored, which is a shame as it holds some very worthwhile attractions, from the historic Cembirlitaş Hamamı, one of the best Turkish baths in the country, to the city’s very best mosque, the hilltop Süleymaniye Camii. The best single reason to head across to the Asian shore of the city is to experience a Bosphorus cruise. The views from the Bosphorus are superb, with domes and minarets dominating the skyline of the Old City, and skyscrapers the business districts beyond Beyoğlu. Go to Istanbul Cruises visiting Istanbul

Istanbul photo — Day 10 May 25, 2028 Istanbul A shore excursion on your MSC Mediterranean cruise can be the opportunity to discover İstanbul which stands astride two continents, Europe and Asia. As if its spectacular geographical location were not enough, it can also boast of being the only city to have played capital to consecutive Christian and Islamic empires, a role that has shaped the region’s history for more than 2500 years and bequeathed to İstanbul a staggering wealth of attractions. Most cruise visitors spend all their holiday time in Sultanahmet, home to İstanbul’s main sightseeing attractions: the church of Aya Sofya, the greatest legacy of the Byzantine Empire; the Topkapı Palace, heart of the Ottoman Empire; and the massive Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque). Here also are the ancient Hippodrome, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art (housed in the former Palace of İbrahim Paşa), the eerily lit Yerebatan Sarnıcı, a fascinating Byzantine underground cistern, and the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı), the largest covered bazaar in the world. The monumental architecture, attractive parks and gardens, street-side cafés, and the benefits of a relatively traffic-free main road combine to make this area pleasant for both sightseeing and staying on an MSC Mediterranean cruise excursion. İstanbul’s Ottoman-era Grand Bazaar gets more than its fair share of souvenir-hungry visitors. The area around it, however, is relatively little explored, which is a shame as it holds some very worthwhile attractions, from the historic Cembirlitaş Hamamı, one of the best Turkish baths in the country, to the city’s very best mosque, the hilltop Süleymaniye Camii. The best single reason to head across to the Asian shore of the city is to experience a Bosphorus cruise. The views from the Bosphorus are superb, with domes and minarets dominating the skyline of the Old City, and skyscrapers the business districts beyond Beyoğlu. Go to Istanbul Cruises visiting Istanbul

Pricing

Lower than 100% of peers This longer-duration sailing's from-price per night is lower than 100% of comparable sailings.

same cruise line, destination, duration, and departure window · from-price per night · as of Jun 22, 2026

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

Not available

Oceanview

Not available

Balcony

Not available

Suite

from $15,093

$1,372 / night

Fare rows

Deluxe Verandah Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $15,093

$1,372 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Deluxe Verandah Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $16,400

$1,490 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $16,452

$1,495 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Deluxe Verandah Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $16,593

$1,508 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $17,549

$1,595 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Master One Bedroom Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $17,654

$1,604 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Deluxe Verandah Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $17,900

$1,627 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $17,952

$1,632 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Master One Bedroom Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $18,908

$1,718 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $19,049

$1,731 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Master One Bedroom Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $19,154

$1,741 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Master One Bedroom Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $20,408

$1,855 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Signature Spa Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $24,133

$2,193 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Signature Spa Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $25,633

$2,330 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Horizon Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $28,626

$2,602 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Horizon Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $30,126

$2,738 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Deluxe Verandah Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $34,790

$3,162 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Deluxe Verandah Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $37,540

$3,412 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $37,650

$3,422 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $39,960

$3,632 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Master One Bedroom Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $40,180

$3,652 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Master One Bedroom Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $42,820

$3,892 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Scenic Yacht Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $44,771

$4,070 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Scenic Yacht Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $46,271

$4,206 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Grand Terrace Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $47,332

$4,302 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Grand Terrace Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $48,832

$4,439 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Signature Spa Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $53,820

$4,892 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ikon Penthouse

Cabin grade

Available

from $56,371

$5,124 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ikon Penthouse

Cabin grade

Available

from $57,871

$5,261 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Horizon Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $63,280

$5,752 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Scenic Yacht Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $97,270

$8,842 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Grand Terrace Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $102,660

$9,332 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ikon Penthouse

Cabin grade

Available

from $121,690

$11,062 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prices verified Jun 18, 2026

Prices come from third-party data feeds via Scenic Ocean Cruises and may differ from the cruise line's current fare. Confirm the final price before booking. How our pricing works

Show all 11 cabin grades

Name	Supplier code	Type
Deluxe Verandah Suite	AA	Suite
Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite	AD	Suite
Master One Bedroom Suite	AM	Suite
Deluxe Verandah Suite	CA	Suite
Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite	CD	Suite
Master One Bedroom Suite	CM	Suite
Grand Terrace Suite	GT	Suite
Horizon Suite	HS	Suite
Ikon Penthouse	OP	Suite
Signature Spa Suite	SA	Suite
Scenic Yacht Suite	YS	Suite

Ship

Your ship Scenic Ikon 6★ **26,500** GT **270** guests Scenic Ikon provides a unique blend of world-class expedition capability, sustainability, culinary excellence and ultra-luxury – the signature elements of all Scenic Discovery Yachts. With an unparalleled selection of exceptional guest amenities and curated excursions, every voyage offers a truly all-inclusive discovery experience. Go to Scenic Ikon Cruises on Scenic Ikon

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Same itinerary, different dates. Prices per person · incl. taxes & fees.

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	from $35,950 $3,268 / night	May 5, 2028Voyage 901G050528.1
	from $16,400 $1,490 / night	Aug 12, 2028Voyage 901G120828.2

Ancient Empires: Athens to Istanbul

Itinerary

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