AIA Tours: cruise

Aegean Sea Odyssey: Cruise the Greek Isles & Historic Türkiye

Tour Dates: April 7-15, 2025 (9 days)

Tour Leader(s): Joanne Murphy ,

Aboard the 92-stateroom and suite Le Dumont-D’Urville

Join Archaeological Institute of America lecturer and host Joanne Murphy, a classical archaeologist and an engaging professor, on a captivating journey cruising the Aegean Sea among the cultural coastal gems of Greece and Türkiye. Set out from Athens’ port of Piraeus for the sacred, uninhabited island of Delos,
a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cruise into the iconic caldera of Santorini and visit the island’s haunting site of Akrotiri, which was buried yet preserved by a volcanic eruption around 1600 B.C. Wander through the medieval town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and perhaps take an optional excursion to the Acropolis at Lindos with its 4th-century B.C. temple; and then hop over to nearby Kuşadasi, Türkiye, for a visit to the vast Greco-Roman city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our last port of call is Çanakkale, for an excursion to legendary Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before we disembark in deeply historical Istanbul. Optional pre- and post- cruise extensions in Athens and Istanbul are available.
Aboard ship a team of experts, including AIA lecturer/host Joanne Murphy, will share their knowledge through a series of enriching lectures and informal discussions. Our luxury vessel, Le Dumont-d’Urville, which has only 92 staterooms and suites, will be a floating sanctuary of sophistication and comfort, where you will indulge in gourmet dining, unwind in spacious staterooms, and savor panoramic views throughout the vessel.
Shared with participants from co-sponsoring associations, space is sure to fill quickly. Please contact AIA Tours at (800) 748-6262 or aia@studytours.org for more details and to reserve your stateroom or suite today.

Pricing Per Person (7 nights)

Double Occupancy starting at $6,595
Single Occupancy starting at $11,195

Download the detail brochure for more information.

To reserve your space using the online form, click here.

For reservations or questions, please email us at aia@studytours.org (and include your full name) or call us toll-free at (800) 748-6262 (toll: 603-756-2884).

Le Dumont-D'Urville
Le Dumont-D’Urville

Mykonos

The Temple of Isis, Delos, Greece

Library of Celsus, Ephesus

Santorini

Itinerary


Day 1: EN ROUTE FROM HOME

Day 2: ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE | PIRAEUS–EMBARKATION

Day 3: DELOS | MYKONOS

Day 4: SANTORINI

Day 5: RHODES

Day 6: KUŞADASI, TÜRKIYE

Day 7: TURKISH COAST CRUISING

Day 8: ÇANAKKALE | TROY

Day 9: ISTANBUL – DISEMBARKATION | DEPART FOR HOME

View Detailed Itinerary

(B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, R = Reception, D = Dinner)

Day 1: EN ROUTE FROM HOME

Day 2: ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE | PIRAEUS–EMBARKATION
Upon arriving a Travel Director will be waiting to assist with your transfer to Piraeus. As embarkation begins, take time to unpack and become familiar with your accommodations. This evening gather with fellow travel companions for a welcome reception to celebrate the exciting journey ahead. Overnight: Le Dumont-d’Urville (R,D)

Day 3: DELOS | MYKONOS
Disembark for a guided archaeological tour of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Observe the Terrace of Lions, the majestic Temple of Apollo and the Theatre District. Later enjoy leisure time to discover Mykonos, a charming island known for its role in Greek mythology and as a key trading port. Overnight: Le Dumont-d’Urville (B,L,D)

Day 4: SANTORINI
On the southern coast of Santorini rests Akrotiri, considered one of the most well-planned and advanced cities of its time. Buried in lava stone after the volcanic eruption around 1627 BC, the site was discovered in 1967 by archaeologist Spyridon Marinatos. Excavations have revealed a wealth of artifacts including tools and other objects that indicate a sophisticated level of craftsmanship. Visit the site of Akrotiri and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera. This afternoon, enjoy free time on the island or choose to join a winery tour and tasting excursion (at additional cost). Overnight: Le Dumont-d’Urville (B,L,D)

Day 5: RHODES
This morning join a guided walking tour through the medieval city of Rhodes. Later choose to join the optional excursion to the Acropolis of Lindos (at additional cost). View the Temple of Athena Lindia which dates back to the 4th century BC. Overnight: Le Dumont-d’Urville (B,L,D)

Day 6: KUŞADASI, TÜRKIYE
This morning arrive at Kuşadasi, the gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus. Explore the ruins of temples and public areas that once buzzed with activity. Visit the Terrace Houses and Ephesus Museum. Later visit a carpet weaving center followed by a traditional Turkish lunch. Overnight: Le Dumont-d’Urville (B,L,D)

Day 7: TURKISH COAST CRUISING
Savor a full day of leisure on board as you cruise north along the coast. Take advantage of the ship’s plentiful amenities. Overnight: Le Dumont-d’Urville (B,L,D)

Day 8: ÇANAKKALE Tour the archaeological site of Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and location of the legendary Trojan War, as described in Homer’s Iliad. Then visit the Archaeological Museum. After lunch join an optional excursion (at additional cost) to see the ancient city of Assos and the Temple of Athena. Tonight gather for a farewell reception followed by a convivial gala dinner to commemorate this epic odyssey cruising the Aegean Sea. Overnight: Le Dumont-d’Urville (B,L,R,D)

Day 9: ISTANBUL – DISEMBARKATION | DEPART FOR HOME
After breakfast take the complimentary transfer to the airport for flights home. (B)


For reservations or questions, please email us at aia@studytours.org (and include your full name) or call us toll-free at (800) 748-6262 (toll: 603-756-2884). To reserve your space using the online form, click here.

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