Explore Istanbul with your private vehicle and guide before you embark on a sailing voyage of Turkey's beautiful Turquoise Coast, and the Greek islands of the Eastern Aegean. This voyage of discovery aboard a 25-cabin sailing yacht will bring you from the beautiful coastal resort city of Marmaris to the Greek islands of Rhodes and Patmos, before returning back to the Turkish Riviera where you will visit Kusadasi, Didim, Bodrum and Fethiye. Encounter incredible natural and archaeological hotspots as you cruise the waters of the historic Mediterranean. Discover Ephesus & Rhodes with your private expert guide.

Available Cruise Departure Dates (2012): Apr 27, May 4, May 11, May 18, May 25, Jun 1, Sep 7, Sep 21

Istanbul (Byzantium, and later Constantinople) is the world's 3rd largest city and Turkey's cultural and financial center. It is located on the Bosphorus Strait and encompasses the natural harbor known as the Golden Horn. It extends both on the European (Thrace) and on the Asian (Anatolia) side of the Bosphorus, and is therefore the only metropolis in the world which is situated on two continents. In its long history, Istanbul served as the capital city of the Roman Empire (330–395), the East Roman (Byzantine) Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). The city was chosen as joint European Capital of Culture for 2010. The historic areas of Istanbul were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.

Enjoy a private airport transfer today with a car/driver and airport assistant.

The Ottoman Imperial (4*) hotel will provide you with traditional Turkish hospitality, comfort, elegant premium service, an unbeatable view of Hagia Sophia Museum and Sultanahmet Square, as well as a blend of Ottoman and Istanbul cuisine. With its exquisitely furnished guest rooms reflecting Ottoman art, trend-setting restaurants and bars, extensive guest services and in-house amenities, the Ottoman Imperial responds to the needs of the most demanding leisure and business travellers.

Overnight at Ottoman Imperial (4*).

Enjoy a privately guided full day tour of Istanbul and see the most important sights. Visit the St. Sophia Church, the pride and glory of the Byzantine architecture (excluding the Gallery floor); the Blue Mosque, famous for its blue tiles; Byzantine Hippodrome, where once chariot races were held; and the Grand Bazaar, world’s largest covered bazaar with 4000 shops. Visit Topkapi Palace, the famous residence of the Sultans (The Harem section is not included in the tour).

Also, visit the Underground cistern, the largest of the underground water reservoirs from the Byzantine era. The pillars were brought from antique cities of Asia minor. The Basilica Cistern is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that still lie  near the south-west of Hagia Sophia, which was founded by Justinianus I, a Byzantine Empire (527-565) This cathedral-sized cistern is an underground chamber of 143 by 65 metres, capable of holding 80,000 cubic metres of water.

Overnight at Ottoman Imperial (4*).

Take to the sea as you embark on a cruise journey of the beautiful Turquoise Coast. Voyage along the warm waters of the Turkish Riviera, visiting resort areas and archaeological havens, reminding of times long past. The historic Mediterranean awaits you.

Airport transfer with your private car and driver.

Enjoy a direct flight from Istanbul to Dalaman, which takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Welcome aboard!
Take some time to get settled into your cabin, as well as explore your sailing vessel's facilities. Your welcome dinner this evening will be a great opportunity to meet some of your fellow cruisemates.

Port charges are included in your itinerary.

Meet your driver for a private transfer to Marmaris Port.

This evening you'll reach Rhodes, the city famous for its amazing fortified Old City, one of the best preserved Medieval settlements in Europe. Overnight in Rhodes port.

The Panorama II sailing yacht was launched in 2004. This 2-masted state of the art sail cruiser can accommodate up to 49 passengers in 25 cabins, and has sailed all around the Mediterranean offering the highest standard of accommodation, comfort and safety. The public areas include a main lounge with deep pile carpet and comfortable sofas. The aft area at the Upper deck provides generous semi covered or sun exposed areas and some magnificent views. The restaurant area at the Lower deck is the perfect setting for any of your meals, with generous buffet space and seating, while the swimming platform enables you to swim when weather and anchorage conditions permit.

Overnight at S/Y Panorama II (7N).

Rhodes is a Greek island approximately 18 kilometres (11 mi) southwest of Turkey in eastern Aegean Sea. It is the largest of the Dodecanese islands in terms of both land area and population. Historically, Rhodes was famous worldwide for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The medieval Old Town of the City of Rhodes has been declared a World Heritage Site and continues to draw flocks of tourists. The Palace of the Grand Master is impressive, and the shopping is diverse. There are a wide variety of good restaurants.

Depart from the port with a private vehicle and guide. Start your tour with Mandraki Harbor and admire the Italian buildings in the centre of Rhodes town. Continue your tour with the aquarium and Monte Smith Hill, where you will take in a view of the ancient stadium of Diagoras (Acropolis of Rhodes with the Temple of Apollo). Continue to Filerimos, a hill-top monastery. You can visit the ruins and foundations of the Temple of Zeus, Polieus (4th century BC) , temple of Athena (3rd century BC), and a Doric fountain of the 4th century BC. Return to port.

In the evening you'll arrive at the quaint port of Symi with its typical Greek architecture and lively atmosphere. Your ship will depart at midnight and overnight at sea.

Overnight at S/Y Panorama II (7N).

This morning, a short stop for swimming will be made at an island (weather permitting), as you cruise toward Patmos. After lunch you'll arrive at magnificent Patmos, the island of St. John's exile.

Patmos is a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea, one of the northernmost islands of the Dodecanese complex. Patmos' main communities are Chora (the capital city), and Skala, the only commercial port. Other settlements are Grikou and Kampos. The churches and communities on Patmos are of the Eastern Orthodox tradition. In 1999, the island's historic center Chora, along with the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse, were declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

Overnight at S/Y Panorama II (7N).

Kusadasi is a resort town in Turkey's Aegean coast and the center of the district of the same name in Aydin Province. Its main industry is tourism and is a port of call for cruise ships. The city stands on a bay in the Aegean with the peninsula of Guvercin Ada sticking out into the sea at one end, and the mountain of Kaz Dagi behind. It is 90 km (56 mi) south of Izmir, the region's largest metropolitan center. It is 71 km (44 mi) from the provincial seat of Aydin situated inland.

Depart the Kusadasi port with your private driver and guide, passing through lush countryside en route to the site thought to have been host to the Virgin Mary in her final years of life, the House of Virgin Mary. From there, a short drive will bring you to Ephesus, the most important ancient ruins in Turkey. Upon arrival, enter the Open Air Archaeological Museum where you will see the Odean, Fountain of Trajan, the temple of Hadrian, and the steam baths of Scholastika. The impressive Library of Celsius, adorned with columns and statues is yet another key remnant of the Greek, and later Roman, past that can be seen. One of the largest theatres of the ancient world, the Grand Theatre, remains at the site of Ephesus, with a capacity of 24,000 seats. Explore these ancient marvels, an invaluable link to antiquity. Follow your tour with a brief carpet presentation before returning to the ship.

Overnight at S/Y Panorama II (7N).

Didim, home of the antique city of Didyma with its ruined Temple of Apollo, is a small town, popular seaside holiday resort and district of Aydin Province on the Aegean coast of western Turkey.This coast is genuinely attractive with its long sandy beaches, clear blue sea, ancient ruins to visit, and its own microclimate, benefitting from hundreds of days of sun a year and warm winters, allowing residents to enjoy the famous beaches and watersports even in January. Perhaps the most attractive bays are the smaller quieter ones further from the centre, such as Haydar, along a dirt road around the shore of Akbük (white bay).

Overnight at S/Y Panorama II (7N).

Bodrum is a Turkish port town located southwestern Aegean Region of the country, on the Gulf of Gökova, and facing the Greek island of Kos. It is an international center of tourism and yachting. The city was called Halicarnassus of Caria in ancient times. The Mausoleum of Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was here. Bodrum Castle, built by the Crusaders in the 15th century, overlooks the harbor and the International Marina. The castle grounds includes a Museum of Underwater Archeology and hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year.

Overnight at S/Y Panorama II (7N).

Fethiye is a modern city situated in the Aegean region of Turkey, with a medium-sized population. Formerly the ancient city of Telmessos, Fethiye still possesses some of the well-preserved ruins of a time not forgotten. A Hellenistic theatre is seen nearthe harborfront, while the local museum is home to an abundance of recent and ancient artifacts.

Overnight at S/Y Panorama II (7N).

You've come full circle and have returned back to Marmaris, where your voyage began. Bid farewell to your fellow cruisemates as you disembark from your ship, marking the end of your magnificent cruise journey.

Meet your driver for a private transfer to the Dalaman Airport.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).