Journey to the Golden Horn – Barcelona to Istanbul

One of Europe’s most visually stunning cities, Barcelona balances the medieval intimacy of its Gothic Quarter with the grace and distinction of the wide boulevards in the Moderniste Eixample. It was the home of architect Antoni Gaudí, whose Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Park Güell and Casa Milà are the most profound statements of Modernisme. View the splendid works at the Picasso Museum and the Miro Foundation, or discover Barcelona’s passionate ambiance at a flamenco show.

Messina, the third largest city in Sicily, was the most important port of departure for European knights on their way to the Crusades in the Middle Ages. Today, this extensively rebuilt port city still boasts many historically and architecturally significant landmarks, particularly the renowned cathedral with its unusual astronomical clock, the 12th century Catania Church and the ornate Teatro Vittorio Emanuele. Messina is also the starting point for a day trip to the peak of breath-taking Mt. Etna-Crateri Silvestri.

Egypt’s second largest city and chief harbor was built in 332BC by Alexander the Great. As new technology augments exploration capabilities, columns and statuary from its glorious past are still being recovered from Alexandria’s bay. Discover the city’s intriguing past at the Roman Catacombs of Kom El Shuquafa, Pompey’s Pillar, the Roman Theater, and the Citadel of Quait Bay, built on the foundation of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Walk among the fragrent splendor of the Montaza Gardens, with 115 acres of lush, botanical beauty.

Egypt’s second largest city and chief harbor was built in 332BC by Alexander the Great. As new technology augments exploration capabilities, columns and statuary from its glorious past are still being recovered from Alexandria’s bay. Discover the city’s intriguing past at the Roman Catacombs of Kom El Shuquafa, Pompey’s Pillar, the Roman Theater, and the Citadel of Quait Bay, built on the foundation of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Walk among the fragrent splendor of the Montaza Gardens, with 115 acres of lush, botanical beauty.

Egypt’s second largest city and chief harbor was built in 332BC by Alexander the Great. As new technology augments exploration capabilities, columns and statuary from its glorious past are still being recovered from Alexandria’s bay. Discover the city’s intriguing past at the Roman Catacombs of Kom El Shuquafa, Pompey’s Pillar, the Roman Theater, and the Citadel of Quait Bay, built on the foundation of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Walk among the fragrent splendor of the Montaza Gardens, with 115 acres of lush, botanical beauty.

Visit the great Minoan ruins of the Palace of Knossos, famous as the home of the labyrinth where the Minotaur roamed, and the Archaeological Museum housing many superb artifacts from the complex. Explore the stunning mountain-fringed Lassithi plateau with its orchards, 7000 windmills and ancient villages. Take home fine reproduction Minoan pottery, a traditional Cretan knife, local embroidery, hand-woven rugs, gold and silver jewelry. Relax over a dish of hearty moussaka or delicious souvlaki in a taverna, washed down with local wine or beer.

With dramatic views of classic whitewashed houses clinging perilously to the side of the caldera and stunning beaches of white and red sand or black pebbles, it’s no wonder this may be the most photographed scenery in the world. Visit Ancient Akrotiri, the archeological site of a town frozen in time by ash from an eruption 3,600 years ago. Also worth a day trip is the Volcano of Santorini Palea (old) Kameni and Nea (new) Kameni , two small islands of black lava positioned in the centre of the basin of Santorini.

Piraeus is the gateway to the ancient city of Athens, known as the “Cradle of Western Civilization” because of its immense impact on cultural and political achievements throughout the world. Due mainly to tourism and the 2004 Olympics, Greece has redeveloped many sites in Athens. A historian’s delight, Athens is home to such magnificent wonders as: the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the atmospheric winding streets of the Plaka, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Temple of Athena Nike, and the Archaeological Museum with the world’s finest collection of ancient artifacts.

Steeped in Greek mythological history, Mykonos was named after Apollo’s grandson, Mykons, and was the location of the grand battle between Zeus and the Gigantes. Today, this island is one of Greece’s most adored destinations due to its picture- postcard setting and growing nightlife. Mykonos is a superb example of Cycladic architecture, and by law even new buildings have to be built in the same style of whitewashed, organic, cube-like buildings. Be sure to plan a day trip to take in picturesque Little Venice, the unique Paraportiani church, and the archeological dig at Delos.

Bridging both Europe and Asia Minor, Istanbul is literally where “East meets West.” The city was founded by Constantine the Great and the history of this capital dates back sixteen centuries to the powerful Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Many of our voyages include overnight stays in this legendary city, allowing more time to explore Istanbul’s highlights. Shop among the winding byways of the Grand Bazaar and the exotic stalls of the Spice Bazaar. Tour the magnificent courtyards of Topkapi Palace, stroll among the treasures of the Blue Mosque with its unique six minarets, then view Dolmabahce Palace, the one-time residence of the sultans. Or you may cruise along the Bosphorus for a unique perspective of the city’s numerous seaside mansions, mosques and palaces.

Bridging both Europe and Asia Minor, Istanbul is literally where “East meets West.” The city was founded by Constantine the Great and the history of this capital dates back sixteen centuries to the powerful Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Many of our voyages include overnight stays in this legendary city, allowing more time to explore Istanbul’s highlights. Shop among the winding byways of the Grand Bazaar and the exotic stalls of the Spice Bazaar. Tour the magnificent courtyards of Topkapi Palace, stroll among the treasures of the Blue Mosque with its unique six minarets, then view Dolmabahce Palace, the one-time residence of the sultans. Or you may cruise along the Bosphorus for a unique perspective of the city’s numerous seaside mansions, mosques and palaces.