Welcome to Istanbul, Turkey!

Ah, Constantinople, Queen of Cities and the Door to Happiness. Istanbul is the only city in the world built on two continents—Europe and Asia—and its appeal is truly universal. 

The Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans all ruled their empires from here, leaving behind some of their finest monuments and a fascinating blend of cultures. Visit the harem at Topkapi Palace, where the clatter of silver soles once warned concubines of the approaching sultan. Admire the Iznik tiles and stained glass windows of the Blue Mosque, and the mystical light bathing the nave of Hagia Sofia. Shop the Grand Bazaar for a coffee cezve, magic lamp, embroidered slippers, or hand-woven kilim. Temper a tiny cup of potent Turkish coffee with bites of sweet lokum (Turkish delight).  

Link to Excursion Options for Istanbul (Click here)

Options:

 Istanbul: Byzantine Treasures & Hotel Transfer

 Istanbul, Concierge Collection: Private Full Day Van & Guide

Istanbul, Concierge Collection: Private Half Day Car & Guide

Istanbul, Concierge Collection: Private Half Day Van & Guide

Istanbul, Concierge Collection: Private Full Day Car & Guide

Istanbul: Byzantine Hippodrome, St. Sophia, Grand Bazaar & Airport Transfer

Istanbul: Highlights of Istanbul & Hotel Transfer

Ah, Constantinople, Queen of Cities and the Door to Happiness. Istanbul is the only city in the world built on two continents—Europe and Asia—and its appeal is truly universal. The Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans all ruled their empires from here, leaving behind some of their finest monuments and a fascinating blend of cultures. Visit the harem at Topkapi Palace, where the clatter of silver soles once warned concubines of the approaching sultan. Admire the Iznik tiles and stained glass windows of the Blue Mosque, and the mystical light bathing the nave of Hagia Sofia. Shop the Grand Bazaar for a coffee cezve, magic lamp, embroidered slippers, or hand-woven kilim. Temper a tiny cup of potent Turkish coffee with bites of sweet lokum (Turkish delight).  

Link to Excursion Options for Istanbul (Click here)

Options:

 Istanbul: Byzantine Treasures & Hotel Transfer

 Istanbul, Concierge Collection: Private Full Day Van & Guide

Istanbul, Concierge Collection: Private Half Day Car & Guide

Istanbul, Concierge Collection: Private Half Day Van & Guide

Istanbul, Concierge Collection: Private Full Day Car & Guide

Istanbul: Byzantine Hippodrome, St. Sophia, Grand Bazaar & Airport Transfer

Istanbul: Highlights of Istanbul & Hotel Transfer

Steeped in antiquity and fascinating intrigue, the region and its famous Trojan War were long considered legend because of the fact that no one could find them. After approximately 4,000 years, the treasured antiquities from the legendary city have been uncovered. Enjoy the beauty of this strategically located city on the shores of both the Marmara and Aegean Seas. 

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. 

Link to Excursion Options for Mykonos (Click here)

Options:

Mykonos, Delos Discovery

As our yacht 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. 

Link to Excursion Options for Santorini (Click here)

Options:

Santorini, Concierge Collection: Full Day Private CAR + Guide

Santorini, Concierge Collection: Full Day Private VAN + Guide

Santorini, Concierge Collection: Half Day Private CAR + Guide

Santorini, Concierge Collection: Half Day Private VAN + Guide

Santorini, Concierge Collection: Sailing the Caldera

Santorini, Scenic Drive to Oia & Free Time

Santorini, The Ancient City of Akrotiri & Prehistoric Museum

Santorini, Wineries of Santorini & Oia Village

The 15th century Castle of St. Peter, built by the Crusaders, presides over the city’s dual harbors. Colorful peacocks strut their stuff trying to claim your attention, but they have nothing on the white sugar cube houses, palm-lined boulevards, and shockingly blue Aegean below. For a picture-perfect seaside playground, Bodrum offers a surprisingly rich history, or maybe it’s the other way around. Visit the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Surrender to the captivating magic of bathtub-warm waters and the Marina. Shop the bazaar for Milas cloth scarves and silver jewelry. Stroll the marina to see the other private yachts in port. (None as grand as yours, of course.)

Link to Excursion Options for Bodrum (Click here)

Options:

Bodrum, Castle & Gulet Cruise

Bodrum, Castle & Mausoleum

Bodrum, Concierge Collection: A day at the Beach Kempinski Barbaros Bay Hotel

Bodrum, Concierge Collection: Exclusive Bodrum Culinary Experience

Bodrum, Concierge Collection: Private Gulet Cruise

Bodrum, Certified One Tank Dive in Bodrums Wonderful Reefs

Bodrum, Certified Two Tank Dive in Bodrums Wonderful Reefs

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. 

Link to Excursion Options for Rhodes (Click here)

Options:

Rhodes, Concerge Collection: Half Day Private Van & Guide

Rhodes, Concierge Collection: Half Day Private Car & Guide

Rhodes, Concierge Collection: Full Day Private Car & Guide

Rhodes, Concierge Collection: Full Day Private Van & Guide

Rhodes, Scenic Drive to the Acropolis of Lindos

Rhodes, Concierge Collection: Introduction to Rhodian Pottery

Rhodes, Old Rhodes on Foot

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.  Take in the Celsus Library twice today. First with the other tourists and then again this evening as we present our Destination Discovery Event. 

 Kusadasi: Evening in Ephesus
No one who has seen the magnificent Celsus Library of Ephesus will ever forget it. And Windstar guests will get a once-in-a-lifetime experience of the Library – after hours during this exclusive Evening in Ephesus event.
You will walk the Marble Road to the Library that housed more than 12,000 scrolls nearly two millennia ago. Your 5-course, white-glove-service dinner will be in the courtyard in front of the Library. The spectacularly illuminated façade allows you to examine the statues in their niches and the elegant details of the frames. Dinner under the stars will be accompanied by a trio from the Aegean Chamber Orchestra. 
Just as you'd expect. No crowds. No rush. Delight in every detail.

Please note: This Destination Discovery Event has been scheduled in a way that will allow you to book and experience another shore excursion on the same day and you will not miss anything.

Link to Excursion Options for Kusadasi (Click here)

Options:

Kusadasi, Archaeological Ephesus & Museum

Kusadasi, Best of Ephesus

Kusadasi, Concierge Collection: Half Day Private VAN + Guide

Kusadasi, Ephesus and Virgin Mary's House

Kusadasi, Concierge Collection: Ephesus & Private Lunch at Sirince Village

Kusadasi, Concierge Collection: Full Day Private VAN + Guide

Kusadasi, Ephesus & Ancient Houses

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known worldwide as the sacred island where St. John wrote the Book of Revelation, Patmos is the ideal place for nature lovers with its coastline of sheer cliffs and its volcanic soil.  Highlights of Patmos include the Cave of the Apocalypse and the Holy Monastery of the Apocalypse. 

The island is ideal for total relaxation at the beach or in the countryside. Swimming in the wonderfully secluded beaches of Patmos is a delight. Enjoy a day under the hot sun visiting history and in the afternoon have lunch in the seaside taverns.  

Link to Excursion Options for Patmos (Click here)

Options:

Patmos, Concierge Collection: Daily Life at the Monastery of Evaggelismos

Patmos, Concierge Collection: Half Day Private Car & Guide

Patmos, Concierge Collection: Half Day Private Van & Guide

Patmos, Monastery & Cave of St John

Patmos, Spirit of Patmos

Lemnos is a delightful, off the beaten path island with wild mountainous geology , inland lakes (including a salt lake) and large, uncrowded, sandy beaches all along the coastline. Windsurfing is becoming increasingly popular here. Sites to see here include the Medieval Castle of Myrina, Ancient Poliochni, Ancient Kavirio and the legendary cave of Philocetes. 

 At the north part of the island at the Cape of Falakro, or 'Falakro', a beautiful geographical phenomenon reveals beautiful and interesting rock formations from millions of years ago. Hot volcanic lava flooded out of the depths of the earth and froze to crystal as soon as it came in contact with the sea waters. Well worth a visit which attracts many novice photographers, capturing these stunning petrified rocks. 

Link to Excursion Options for Myrina (Click here)

Options:

Myrina, Concierge Collection: Discover Lemnos by 4x4

Myrina, Highlights of Lemnos

Myrina, Lemnos by Traditional Caique

We awake to the sights & sounds of Istanbul. We say good bye to the fabulous crew that took such good are of us, disembark the yacht and head to airport or a post trip. We bring with us all the fabulous memories we have made on this truly unique itinerary!

Until next time Windstar!