Greece and Turkey Aboard the Star Clipper

Modern Mariners - Ancient Seas

August 06 - August 15, 2010

There is something enchanting about the age of sailing ships—about a time when wind and sails were more essential than a humming engine. What a thrill it will be to watch our sails billow in the eastern Mediterranean breezes during our voyage aboard the Star Clipper! As we sail the Aegean Sea from Greece to Turkey we “modern mariners” will enjoy the amenities of 21st century cruising while learning about ancient civilizations.

The Star Clipper is an authentic clipper ship reminiscent of the grand age in sailing, with its expansive teak decks, polished brass accents, and gleaming white and mahogany railings. In this traditional setting 170 passengers will enjoy spacious accommodations and first-class amenities befitting a luxury yacht. On this cruise there will be no need for formal attire; casual elegance is appropriate day or night. Dine when you like and choose your company. Join the Captain on the bridge or become a real sailor as you learn to splice a line, reef a sail, or tie a square knot. The combination of a traditional sailing experience, comfortable bunks, and fascinating ports of call makes this a cruise even the most discerning Nomad will enjoy. Better yet, if the wind doesn’t cooperate the ship has a motor which will assure that we make our port stops.

We begin in Athens, Greece, where the philosophies of Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates were formed. During a day at sea we’ll sail in style before we drop anchor at Kusadasi, Turkey, a popular resort area and main access point for the renowned archaeological site at Ephesus. Then it’s on to Patmos, Greece, which legend says was resurrected when Artemis and Apollo persuaded Zeus to pull it from the sea. A stop in Amorgos, Greece, allows us to admire its monastery before we stop at the Delos archaeological site and Mykonos, the most famous Greek Isle. During a final stop in Tinos we’ll view the miraculous icon at the Church of Panagia.

By the end of the voyage we’ll know the difference between port and starboard and will have walked the Star Clipper from stem to stern. We’ll have discovered the magic of sailing without relinquishing modern comforts. After learning about ancient history and forging new friendships, no one will dispute that this has been a fascinating adventure for “modern mariners” sailing ancient seas.

ITINERARY (subject to change)

Meal Codes: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, FM = Flight Meal

Friday, August 6

Detroit (FM)

If you’ve ever watched a sailboat glide across the water and found the sight enchanting, then you are sure to be aboard the ‘flying clubhouse’ this evening as we head to Athens, Greece.

Saturday, August 7

Athens, Greece (FM, D)

Even if you’ve never been to Athens you probably have imagined its ruined beauty. During today’s city tour you’ll be able to compare your mental pictures with some of the city’s most famous sites. It’s almost impossible to view the Acropolis without imagining the civilization that built it. During quiet moments we may even hear the whispers of great orators like Plato and Socrates. Later today as we embark the Star Clipper we may wonder how our sailing experience will compare to the voyages of famous Greeks or mythical gods and goddesses who sailed these historic waters. This evening we’ll dine aboard the Star Clipper. Overnight: Star Clipper

Sunday, August 8

Day at Sea (B, L, D)

There is nothing like a day at sea to introduce one to the thrill of sailing. The ship’s flexible schedule guarantees time to relax and enjoy the setting as well as ship amenities. Visit the Captain on the bridge, lounge by the pool, or relax with a cool drink at the piano bar. A day aboard the Star Clipper will certainly reconfirm that we’re modern mariners heading out to sea. Overnight: Star Clipper

Monday, August 9

Kusadasi, Turkey (B, L, D)

Today we’ll spend some time in the port of Kusadasi, Turkey. Kusadasi’s Mediterranean climate and beautiful beaches have made it a bustling resort city, but its easy access to historic sites is part of its popularity. Although there are other historic sites in the area, the most magnificent may be Ephesus, one of the greatest outdoor museums in Turkey and perhaps the world. During our stop in Kusadasi you may choose to wander through the remains of an ancient society found at Ephesus. Other interesting sights in the area include the House of the Virgin Mary (where Mary is said to have spent her last days) and the Basilica of St. John (built on the burial site of the Apostle John). Overnight: Star Clipper

Tuesday, August 10

Patmos, Greece (B, L, D)

It may be difficult to believe that this peaceful island was once a place to which criminals were exiled. It was after being sent here that St. John the Divine had an apocalyptic revelation. A cave that was once his dwelling place is now the site of the Monastery of the Apocalypse. Patmos, in Greek mythology, was a gift from Zeus to his daughter, Artemis; it’s said to have sunk beneath the sea and was then resurrected at the request of Artemis. Overnight: Star Clipper

Wednesday, August 11

Amorgos, Greece (B, L, D)

In addition to its famous monastery (Chozoviotissa), this island is known for its beautiful beaches, whitewashed houses, windmills and Venetian castles. Its dramatic landscape draws backpackers, and filmmaker Luc Besson helped make this island a trendy vacation spot by using it in a popular French film. If you decide to visit the monastery, be prepared to climb. If you’d prefer not to make the trek you might enjoy stopping at a fish tavern for a meal or relaxing by the shore. Overnight: Star Clipper

Thursday, August 12

Delos (a.m.) and Mykonos (p.m.), Greece (B, L, D)

Delos (Greek for “brilliant”) is known as the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo, and was a sacred site for ancient Greeks. The island was once covered with sacred temples and sanctuaries dedicated to a variety of gods. Today it is a famous archaeological site located only two miles from Mykonos. The island is now uninhabited, but remnants of the past will help us imagine what life was like for those who lived here long ago. Mykonos is one of the most popular Greek Islands, and may be what you imagine when you think of Greece. Its whitewashed houses and blue domed churches form a picturesque scene familiar to us all. Many Greek jet-setters have houses here or visit every summer. According to Greek mythology, Mykonos was the place where the giants were slain by Hercules; the rocks around the island are their corpses. Nomads may find that the town of Chora is fun to explore—you’ll find windmills, tiny churches and quaint shops. Take a local cab to get an overview of the island and perhaps the driver will share his thoughts about life on Mykonos. Overnight: Star Clipper

Friday, August 13

Tinos, Greece (B, L, D)

Tinos is one of the largest Greek islands and is located between Andros and Mykonos. Its huge Church of Panagia (the Virgin) displays a miraculous icon that attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over the country on the 15th of August, the feast day of the Virgin. Nomads will find that Tinos is easy to explore on your own. Maybe today is the day to try an island specialty (perhaps omelets with sausage and cheese?) or local sweet treats. Overnight: Star Clipper

Saturday, August 14

Athens, Greece (B, FM)

We end our cruise where we began, in Athens. We’ll transfer to our hotel and then you can spend the day as you’d like. Athens is a magnificent city with a rich history and there are many ways to fill your day. You may have noticed a particular place on the orientation tour that you’d like to revisit. You might want to return to the Acropolis (Sacred Rock) to visit the monuments there. Maybe you’d like to visit the historic triangle (Plaka, Thission, and Psyri) to contrast the remains of different eras that co-exist. View the mansions (some well preserved, others eroded over time), visit luxurious department stores or tiny shops, upscale restaurants or local taverns—Athens offers something for everyone. Research your options ahead of time, ask at the hotel for suggestions, or let the day take you where it may. Overnight: Hilton

Sunday, August 15

Athens/ Detroit (B, FM)

This visit to Greece and Turkey will certainly have made the ancient civilizations come alive for us. Our time aboard the Star Clipper will have helped us imagine what it was like for sailors from those times to navigate the seas. We will have experienced the best of both worlds as “modern mariners” sailing ancient seas.

Greece and Turkey Aboard the Star Clipper