SELECTUMBLU CRUISES with GREEK ISLANDS and TÜRKIYE

After meeting our local representative at Istanbul Airport, we will head to our hotel with the private vehicle waiting for us. After checking into the hotel, we will settle into our rooms and have some free time. Guests who wish to join the "Jewels of Istanbul Tour (195 EUR)" can do so on an optional basis, organized by our guide. After meeting our guide at the hotel, we will begin our visit to the historic Istanbul Peninsula. Our first stop will be the Topkapi Palace, where we will explore the Imperial Gate (Bab-ı Hümayun), the Church of Saint Irene, the Middle Gate (Babüsselam), the imperial carriages, the kitchens and porcelain collection, the Imperial Council (Divan-ı Hümayun), and the Tower of Justice. We will also explore the Treasury section (weapons), the Gate of Felicity (Babüssade), the Audience Hall, the Library of Ahmed III, the Chamber of the Sacred Relics, the Hammam, the Topkapi Treasures, the Mecidiye, Baghdad, and Revan Pavilions, as well as the Kiosk and the Private Gardens. Next, we will visit the Hagia Sophia Mosque, considered a unique masterpiece for its architecture, grandeur, size, and functionality. After this tour, we will take a break for lunch and continue with our visit. The next stop will be the Basilica Cistern (Submerged Palace), built during the reign of Justinian I, which is the largest underground cistern in Istanbul and once supplied water to the palaces. Afterward, we will head to the Hippodrome, where horse and chariot races were held. In the Hippodrome Square, we will explore the German Fountain, the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. Finally, we will visit the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque), one of the most famous monuments in the Islamic and Turkish world, which gives its name to the square. We will end the day with a visit to the Archaeological Museum, where the most important archaeological findings of the country are displayed. Transfer back to the hotel, and the rest of the evening will be free for rest. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, there will be free time for personal activities and shopping. Guests who wish to join the "Historical and Modern Peninsula of Istanbul Tour (180 EUR)" can do so on an optional basis, organized by the guide. This tour includes visits to the Dolmabahçe Palace, a boat ride on the Bosphorus, the Egyptian Bazaar in Eminönü, the Eyüp Sultan Mausoleum, Pierre Loti Hill, and Miniatürk. After breakfast at the hotel, we begin the day with a visit to the Dolmabahçe Palace, a fascinating place both for the era's artifacts it showcases and for having been the residence of Atatürk during his last years. We then head to Eminönü to visit the New Mosque and the Egyptian Bazaar. Afterward, we enjoy a pleasant boat ride on the Bosphorus, passing iconic landmarks such as Beşiktaş, Ortaköy, Arnavutköy, Bebek, the Rumeli Fortress, Emirgan, and Yeniköy, surrounded by historic yachts and mansions. We will conclude the cruise by visiting the Rumeli Fortress, followed by a visit to Ortaköy to see the Ortaköy Mosque. Along the way, we will enjoy a panoramic view of the Çırağan Palace. Later, we follow the coast of the Golden Horn to reach Eyüp, where we will visit the Eyüp Sultan Mausoleum, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Istanbul. From there, we take the cable car to Pierre Loti Hill, where we will enjoy tea while admiring the stunning view of the Golden Horn. Finally, we head by vehicle to Miniatürk, an open-air museum showcasing miniature replicas of Turkey's most prominent architectural monuments. It’s like a small tour of the entire country. After the visit, we return to the hotel for free time and relaxation.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will depart by private vehicle to Kadıköy, where we will begin the intercity transfer to the Çeşme port, where our ship will depart. After completing the luggage and ticket procedures, we will embark on a journey of approximately 6 hours until we reach the Ulusoy Port in Çeşme. Once there, we will proceed with the ship's check-in and passport procedures, then settle into our cabins and enjoy some free time. The ship will depart the port at 4:00 PM. Dinner and overnight stay on board.

Arrival time in Rhodes: 8:30 AM. Considered the center of the island, Rhodes is divided into two parts: the Old Town and the New Town. The Old Town, as the name suggests, is where the historical buildings are located. Surrounded by 12-meter-thick walls, the city reflects the influence of the Knights and the Ottoman period. The Old Town is the most visited area of the island, with its narrow streets once walked by the knights, the mystical atmosphere of the castle, churches, and mosques. The Archaeological Museum, which once served as a hospital for the knights, and the statue of Aphrodite displayed in the museum, are some of the places definitely worth visiting. Lindos is the second most visited place on the island, after the Old Town. Located 47 km from the city of Rhodes, it is a favorite destination for tourists with its whitewashed houses, cubic homes, indigo windows adorned with geraniums, narrow winding streets, and the ancient castle that opens a page of history when you reach the top of the town. The locals have also considered those who prefer to avoid climbing the castle by offering donkey-taxis. The ship will depart from the port at 6:00 PM. Dinner and overnight stay on board.

Arrival in Santorini: 6:00 AM

Santorini is famous for its traditional Greek architecture. The island is known for its whitewashed buildings and blue roofs in the typical style of the Aegean islands. Famous for its white villages clinging to volcanic rocks above the black sand beaches, the island of Santorini is named after Saint Irene in the 13th century. The most important sights on the island include Akrotiri, ancient Thira, Fira, and Oia. Many spots on the island, especially Oia and Fira, offer stunning views of the sea and the caldera. This center, with marvelous views, is located 580 steps from the small port of Skala Fira. You can reach this port by cable car or by mule along the steps. Oia, the third-largest port on the island, became a traditional settlement after the earthquake. Surrounded by neoclassical mansions, Oia is considered mysterious.

The ship will depart from Santorini at 3:00 PM.

MYKONOS

The ship will arrive in Mykonos at 9:00 PM. Mykonos is the most visited and expensive Greek island, known for its white alleys and cube-shaped houses. The main visitors to the island are the global jet-set. Mykonos, one of the most spectacular islands in Greece, was founded in 1615. Famous for its beaches, the best beach on the island is located on the south coast. This beach, located 4 kilometers from Mykonos Town, is called Platis Gialos. Mykonos is a classic Aegean destination, with narrow streets, white houses, and pink and white flowers overflowing along the roads. What is extraordinary about the island is its nudist camp.

One of the main reasons Mykonos is so famous is its vibrant and endless nightlife. The fun begins at 4:00 PM with the rise of music and lasts until the early hours of the morning.

The ship will disembark at the port at 12:00 PM the next day.

The ship will arrive at the island of Samos at 7:30 PM. Samos is an island located in the eastern Aegean Sea of Greece. Throughout history, it has been influenced by many civilizations and has housed significant historical, cultural, and natural wealth. In ancient times, Samos was an important Greek cultural center, especially notable for its relationship with Miletus. The island is known for its ancient buildings, such as the Temple of Artemis and the Heraion. The island, also known as the birthplace and home of the famous mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras, stands out for its natural beauty, historic ruins, and rich cuisine. While the island is known for its mountainous and wooded terrain, it is a popular destination for its beaches, bays, and mountain views. Its capital stands out with narrow streets adorned with traditional Greek architecture, tavernas, and its port. Samos offers a variety of activities, including beach relaxation, water sports, hiking trails, visiting ancient ruins, and exploring picturesque villages. The island, also known as the island of Pythagoras, reveals all its beauty from the moment you step on its soil. The ship will depart from the port of Samos at 1:30 AM.

The ship will arrive at the port of Çeşme at 7:30 AM. After enjoying breakfast on board, we will complete the disembarkation procedures and, with the private vehicle waiting for us at the port, we will head to Izmir. After a brief stop in Izmir, we will continue the journey to Istanbul Airport on an intercity transport bus. After approximately 6 hours of travel, we will arrive at Istanbul Airport. End of our tour.