Ancient Empires of the Eastern Mediterranean

The action began in Venice, Italy, in August of 2013. Sailing southward along the Adriatic, we headed for the Lonian Sea. Our first stop was Olympia, Greece, site of the original Olympic Games. After spending a day there, we left for Athens, city of Gods. We docked at Piraeus, Athens's port, and we visited the Ancient Metropolis. Next, we sailed for Istanbul, Turkey. What a sight behold! After having been transported in antiquity at Olympia and Athens, the skyscrapers, mansions, and chic restaurants of the Turkish City begged our attention. We marveled at its views while riding the ferry along the Bosphorous Sea. There was so much to see and do in Istanbul that we spent two full days there. Afterward, we visited the islands of Santorini and Lesvos before returning to Athens.