Cruise · 12 nights · with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Ancient Wonders of Turkey, Greece & Egypt
A twelve-night voyage on Fred. Olsen's Balmoral from Athens to Alexandria, with stops in Istanbul, Kusadasi and Crete, plus a cruise through the Dardanelles offering views of Turkey’s eastern edges.
- Duration
- 12 nights
- Departs
- 23 Nov 2027
- Sails from
- Piraeus (for Athens)
- Returns to the same port
- Ship
- Balmoral
- From
- £1,599
- per person, sharing
Highlights
What makes this one worth it
Historic landmarks in Athens, Istanbul and Alexandria
Scenic cruising of the Dardanelles strait
Visit to Kusadasi near ancient Ephesus
Call at Heraklion, CreteWith its Venetian sites
Tour option to the Pyramids of Giza
About the trip
Fred. Olsen's Balmoral sets sail from Piraeus, the port for Athens, offering plenty to see beyond the Acropolis. Next is Istanbul, where European and Asian cultures meet over bazaars and Byzantine mosaics. Sailing along the Dardanelles, the ship passes close to the narrow strait that links the Aegean to the Sea of Marmara, a rare chance to see this historic waterway from the deck.
In Kusadasi, the gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus, there may be an urge to imagine Roman ruins tucked beneath the olive groves. Alexandria brings a taste of Egypt’s Mediterranean coast with its long history and views towards the Pyramids, which are accessible by separate tours. The cruise rounds off with a call at Heraklion on Crete, where Venetian fortresses and winding streets provide a different angle on Greek heritage.
There’s something measured about this itinerary — a rhythm that lets you settle into the eastern Mediterranean and nearby Egypt without rushing. Balmoral’s classic ambience provides a steady backdrop to what is, essentially, a twelve-night trip through the ancient world’s crossroads.
- 1 Athens
- 2 Istanbul
- 3 Alexandria
- 4 Heraklion
Itinerary
The route, day by day
Day 1
Piraeus (for Athens), Greece
Day 2
Istanbul, Turkey
Day 3
Dardanelles, Turkey
Scenic cruising
Day 4
Kusadasi, Turkey
Day 5
Alexandria, Egypt
Day 6
Heraklion, Greece
When to go
Departures and prices
Lowest price each month, per person.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines confirms exact dates, availability and prices when you book.
Need to know
Before you book
- Price based on
- Two people sharing a cabinThe operator confirms the exact basis when you book.
- Travelling alone
- Check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- Flights
- Not needed if you join at Piraeus (for Athens)
- What’s included
- Check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- Accessibility
- Check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- Cabin
- Interior Room
For full details of what’s included, check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. See the full details on their site
Questions people ask
- How long is Ancient Wonders of Turkey, Greece & Egypt?
- Ancient Wonders of Turkey, Greece & Egypt is a 12 nights cruise holiday.
- Where does Ancient Wonders of Turkey, Greece & Egypt depart from?
- Ancient Wonders of Turkey, Greece & Egypt departs from Piraeus (for Athens).
- Who operates Ancient Wonders of Turkey, Greece & Egypt?
- Ancient Wonders of Turkey, Greece & Egypt is operated by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines aboard Balmoral.
- How much does Ancient Wonders of Turkey, Greece & Egypt cost?
- Prices for Ancient Wonders of Turkey, Greece & Egypt start from £1,599, subject to availability.
The operator
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Smaller-ship cruises, many from UK ports
A Norwegian family name in shipping since the nineteenth century, known for smaller ships that can reach the narrower fjords and harbours.
You book with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines directly. They confirm your place, take payment, and look after you from the moment you leave home; Atlas & Passage’s part ends when you click through.
New to Greece? Our Greece guide has the practical essentials: money, plugs, visas and when to go.
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