Wind Surf, Star Collector: Best of the Eastern Mediterranean ex Athens to Venice – 03 Sep 2021

18 Night Cruise sailing from Athens to Venice onboard Wind Surf.

Embark on your personal Homeric odyssey as you sail from Athens, cradle of Western Civilization, and explore the islands and shorelines throughout Greece, Asia Minor, Croatia and Italy. Board a small Mykonos boat and explore the remote temples and amphitheater on uninhabited Delos, a sacred place where ancient Greeks honored the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Discover authentic preparation techniques for fried Greek meatballs and tart, creamy tzatziki under the guidance of a Rhodes taverna chef. Walk in the steps of ancient kings as you inspect the living quarters, storerooms and archaeological exhibits throughout the Palace of Knossos near Agios Nikolaos. Catch a Zadar sailboat bound for a 5th century fishing port on the island of OÅ¡ljak and pristine archipelago stops in the Adriatic Sea. This delicious and delightful journey concludes among the canals and piazzas of Venice, where you can experience the classic and timeless romance of being serenaded by your gondolier along the Noale or Grand Canals that connect over 100 tiny islets throughout the Venetian city.

Highlights of this cruise:

Athens, Greece
With 3,000 years of history, you can’t turn around in Athens without encountering the past. The Acropolis, a UNESCO site, the Plaka, and the Acropolis Museum are must-sees. But leave time if you can to climb Pnyx Hill for photos of the Parthenon at sunset, to buy your own set of Greek komboloi (worry beads), and to explore the metro stations that serve as mini-museums for the relics that are constantly being unearthed.

Mykonos, Greece
Wake this morning to the postcard-like scene of Mykonos, the classic Greek isle dotted with hundreds of whitewashed churches and thatch-roofed windmills, in a harbor bobbing with fishing boats and luxurious private yachts. An optional tour including a scenic ferry ride takes you back to the 6th century B.C. to the tiny island of Delos, a UNESCO site and the mythical birthplace of Apollo.

Kusadasi, Turkey
Few places offer such a rich combination of history and scenic beauty. In Ephesus, one of the greatest outdoor museums in the world, you’ll explore legendary sites steeped in history. Also visit the houses of Bulbul Mountain, where the roof of one forms the terrace of the next. This evening we present our Destination Discovery Event — dinner in the moonlight and a concert at Celsus Library in Ephesus.

Rhodes, Greece
This gracious oasis, known as the “Island of Roses,” was home to the legendary Colossus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today it is a yachting paradise, whose shores are lined with sparkling beaches and lush green mountainsides. A scenic drive leads you through quaint villages and lemon groves to the ancient Acropolis of Lindos, standing guard over the picturesque town or to the Old City of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Santorini, Greece
As our ship approaches the spectacular cliffs rising from the deep azure sea, you’ll understand the magic of this area, where some say the ruins of Atlantis remain hidden. Visit the village of Oia and see the iconic Santorini blue domes or take a guided tour of Bronze Age excavations at the UNESCO site of Akrotiri. Toast the day with a crisp, cold glass of local Assyrtiko wine.

Monemvasia, Greece
This Gibraltar-like town tied to the mainland by a single thread of causeway holds treasures that are old even by Mediterranean standards, with town walls and several churches dating to the 12th century. Climb to the upper town for an up-close look at the castle and Agia Sophia, a Byzantine church. Wander the lanes of the lower town lined with Venetian mansions, many of which have been lovingly restored. Savor the sun on a smooth pebble beach.

Corfu, Greece
One of the most beautiful and popular islands, located on the Ionian Sea, Corfu has wonderful beaches and small villages throughout the island. Take in the Venetian influence at the two fortresses located in Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Monopoli, Puglia, Italy
Quaint and charming, Monopoli has many sites within easy walking distance. Start at the colorful street market and head toward the cathedral, built in 1693 with a tower that is 197 feet high. Past the cathedral is part of the seafront and a promenade and the beautiful Church of Santa Maria della Zaffira and the impressive Charles V Castle, built in 1552. The little harbors that make up the port are full of brightly colored boats and fishermen busily mending their nets.

Dubrovnik, Croatia
While larger ships pass by, we anchor right beyond the famous walled city so you can admire its beauty with every glance. Tender ashore and step right into Old Town, a UNESCO site where no cars are allowed, just eons of history. Capture the exhilarating views on your camera — and in your memory. End your day at the Buza Café (if you can find it) watching bold divers leap off the cliffs into the crystalline sea.

Komiza, Croatia
Komiza and the island of Vis have a reputation for gastronomic delights, partially because of the high quality of their local produce and the abundance of delicious seafood, accompanied by the well-respected playa wines produced there. To work up an appetite take a hike up 1,926-foot-high Mount Hum with its glorious views over Komiza or a boat ride out to the Blue Cave, or wander the streets of this beautiful old stone fishing village.

Zadar, Croatia
Something here will capture your heart. A Roman amphitheater, 9th century churches, and museums packed with Byzantine-era artworks crowd the peninsula that tidily contains the Old Town. It’s a tempting way to spend the day for sure. While away the day listening to Zadar’s giant Sea Organ, a haunting musical improv performed by the surging Adriatic or share a bench with a sun-drunk cat as you bite into a truffle.

Venice, Italy
No other sea approach in the Adriatic raises goose bumps like Venice, where the entire city and its lagoon are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On your luxurious home-away-from home, you arrive already equipped with a sense of what it’s like to live in the city that’s neither land nor water. Add your own sigh to the Bridge of Sighs, sip a spritz al bitter as you plot your agenda, and let the water taxis do your navigating unless you don’t mind getting lost. Not such a bad prospect, with serendipitous discoveries around every corner.