Istanbul And Greek Islands

Expect a warm welcome to Rhodes, with its magnificent scenery and flawless beaches, that legend has it was once blessed by Apollo with sunshine and beauty. With a rich medieval history there is plenty to explore at Rhodes, from the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, to the Grand Master's Palace is famed for its superb mosaic floors.

A great chance to brush up on your ancient history, explore the incredible 2,000 year old remains of Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis and the Library of Celsius. Tread over the marble pathways to gaze at the goddess Nike or discover the colourful mosaic flooring in the ancient Roman homes. The palm-lined boulevard is the centre of town life with thousands of merchants offering wares to rival the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.

As you sail in this unique part of the world, perhaps find an idyllic spot out on deck, with a glass of something refreshing and maybe even a pair of binoculars. As your Cunard Queen makes her way along the strait, keep a camera to hand to capture those special views to look back at again and again.

Layers of history, tradition merging with modernity, and awe-inspiring architecture – Istanbul is like no other city in the world. Split between two continents, Europe and Asia, Istanbul is truly unique. It boasts lavish Byzantine and imperial mosques with sky-high minarets that make up the city's skyline; your first sight from the Bosphorus Strait on your Istanbul cruise. There's an endless list of must-see sights to tick off, all conveniently packed into the Sultanahmet district.

As you sail in this unique part of the world, perhaps find an idyllic spot out on deck, with a glass of something refreshing and maybe even a pair of binoculars. As your Cunard Queen makes her way along the strait, keep a camera to hand to capture those special views to look back at again and again.

When you arrive by sea, there is no confusing the island of Santorini. Few islands have the power to captivate the way Santorini does. Gorgeous and cosmopolitan, it’s famous for that classic Greek island look with white painted houses clustered along narrow winding lanes, perched atop reddish-black volcanic cliffs that tumble down more than a thousand feet to the wide caldera. It’s easy to see how this island, the pearl of the Cycladic archipelago, can lay claim to being the source of the legend of Atlantis, either. Santorini, or “Thera” in Greek, is most celebrated for the dramatic views of its volcanic caldera, formed during a massive eruption around 1646 B.C. That eruption shook up the island - making its centre actually collapse - but also created some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

Sun-drenched and mythic, Athens is a big and modern metropolis with inspiring world heritage marvels at its very heart. The most important city-state in ancient Greece and the birthplace of democracy is also the sprawling capital of Greece today, but most of the major archaeological and historical sites are to be found within a compact area around the Acropolis itself. Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world and rightly considered to be the cradle of Western Civilization. Even a short visit of the Greek capital’s highlights, starting with the iconic Acropolis, is enough to fall under its legendary spell. And then there’s the Plaka! This enchanting, historic neighbourhood curls around the bottom of the slopes of the Acropolis. Cobblestone streets, pastel-coloured neoclassical townhouses and myriad shops and cafes make this the most beautiful neighbourhood for a stroll.

Step back in time almost 3,000 years ago, where ancient glory awaits at Olympia: the birthplace of the Olympic games. The marble starting blocks are still visible where 20,000 spectators once stood to watch the Olympians. The eternal flame of Attis casts its unwavering gaze over the site, and today sends off the torch on its journey.

Tours are from Civitavecchia. A visit to Rome is an unforgettable experience. Explore the legends of the ages: the Vatican and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Catacombs. Stroll down the Via Veneto or sip cappuccino in the Piazza di Spagna. Italy's Eternal City is eternally fascinating. Throw a few coins in the Trevi Fountain and you may be back again!