SAIL THROUGH GREECE &
TURKEY
Optional Pre-Tour to Cappadocia:
Departs: October 3rd
Windstar Cruise:
October 6th to 14th, 2025
CRUISE THROUGH
GREECE & TURKEY
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure with Elite Travel & Events Inc! This October 2025, we're setting sail on a luxurious journey through Greece and Turkey aboard Windstar Cruises’ Star Legend.
Kick off on October 3, 2025 with an optional pre-tour in the magical land of Cappadocia, where Istanbul will be your gateway to surreal landscapes and vibrant culture. Then, from October 6th to 14th, 2025, cruise through the stunning Aegean to Mykonos, Santorini, Delphi, and Athens, with stops in Kusadasi and Bodrum, Turkey.
Immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of colors, textures, and flavors—from the hand-painted Iznik tiles in Turkey to the iconic white-and-blue hues of Santorini. Picture exploring ancient ruins, sailing through the breathtaking Corinth Canal, and strolling the lively markets of Istanbul. This journey will awaken your senses as you discover your new favorite places, tastes, and memories. Don't miss out on this small-group experience—book your spot with Elite Travel & Events Inc today, and let’s explore the wonders of Greece and Turkey together!
Onboard Windstar Cruise's All-Suite Ship,
Star Legend!
OPTIONAL PRE-TOUR TO CAPPADOCIA, TURKEY
CRUISE ITINERARY
OPTIONAL PRE-TOUR TO CAPPADOCIA, TURKEY
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2025
ARRIVE IN INSTANBUL, TURKEY
Arrive in the city of man names - Istanbul, Constantinople, Byzantium. Meet your guide at the airport and take in the sights on your way to the Pera Palace Hotel, a 5-star historic hotel originally built to host passengers on the Orient Express. (It's said that Agatha Christie wrote Murder on the Orient Express in Room 411 during one of her visits. Spend the rest of the day as you wish. Browse the shops and cafes on pedestrian-only Istiklal Street near your hotel or choose an optional tour before dinner on your own. We suggest the elegant Mikla Restaurant on the roof of the Marmara Pera hotel just across the street, which has been on The Worlds 50 Best Restaurants list since 2015.
(Includes overnight at Pera Palace Hotel)
Please note: Optional tours are available. VIP Arrival Service can be arranged upon request.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2025
ISTANBUL AND FLIGHT TO CAPPADOCIA
Istanbul's historic center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman wonders keep your head on a swivel. Visit landmarks from chariot grounds to the Blue Mosque, Ayasofya (formerly Hagia Sophia) Mosque and the Grand Bazaar before heading to the airport. A short flight finds you in Kayseri and soon you're relaxing at the Argos in Cappadocia hotel, your home for the next two nights. Enjoy dinner on your own then rest up for a busy tomorrow.
(Includes breakfast, flight and overnight at Argos in Cappadocia Hotel.)
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2025
CAPPADOCIA, TURKEY
Breakfast at the the hotel then meet your guide for a transfer to Kaymakli Underground City. Early Christians carved some amazing living quarters out of this soft limestone as you'll see at Kaymakli Underground City, a complex of living quarters and stables five levels below ground. The Goreme Valley is known as the valley of the churches, with some dating back to the 6th century. And not just any churches - these are rock-cut churches complete with beautiful wall frescoes. You'll see several at the Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meet pottery artisans in the pretty town of Avanos on your way to the Devrent and Pasabag Valleys with their thrilling otherworldly landscapes, then return to the hotel for dinner on your own.
(Includes breakfast, lunch and overnight at Argos in Cappadocia Hotel.)
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2025
FLIGHT TO ISTANBUL
After an early breakfast meet your guide at hte lobby and transfer to Kayseri Airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will have a visit to Spice Bazaar also kown as the Egyptian Bazaar. Built in 1663, it is still the second largest covered bazaar in Turkey and the best place to buy Turkish delight, dried fruit, exotic herbs and all the spices of the East including cardamom, turmeric, saffron, rose water and much more. At the end of the visit, you will be transferred to the port to embark the yacht.
(Includes breakfast, flight to Istanbul and transfer to the yacht.)
CRUISE ONLY ITINERARY BEGINS..
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2025
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 and bites of sweet lokum (Turkish delight).
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2025
MYRINA, GREECE
Limnos is a delightful, off the beaten path island with wild mountainous geology 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.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2025
MYKONOS, GREECE
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.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2025
KUSADASI, TURKEY
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. This evening we present our Destination Discovery Event -- dinner in the moonlight and a concert near the Celsus Library or on Harbour Street in ancient Ephesus.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2025
BODRUM, TURKEY
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.)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2025
SANTORINI, GREECE
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 and appreciate the magic accessible to small ships like ours.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2025
DAY AT SEA
Enjoy a day at sea onboard Windstar's, Star Legend.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2025
CORINTH CANAL & DELPHI, GREECE
You'll want to be on deck today as we transit the narrow Corinth Canal with other private yachts and Greek mail steamers. It's a shortcut reserved for petite ships like ours, and as we cruise between the narrow limestone walls we are the envy of all the ancient Romans who once portaged their ships along this very route before there was a canal.
Canal transit time and duration is subject to change based on traffic and canal authorities.
Before there were fortune cookies there was the oracle of Delphi, dating back to 1400 B.C. The oracle gave cryptic guidance to the leaders of the day and was so highly respected that Delphi, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, became known as the center of the world. An optional tour lets you go exploring, from the Temple of Apollo to the Delphi Archaeological Museum, which contains some of the finest works of art in Greece.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2025
ATHENS, GREECE
With 3,000 years of history, you can’t turn around in Athens without encountering the past. The Acropolis, a UNESCO site, the Plaka, and the Acropolis Museum are must-sees. But leave time if you can to climb Pnyx Hill for photos of the Parthenon at sunset, to buy your own set of Greek komboloi (worry beads), and to explore the metro stations that serve as mini-museums for the relics that are constantly being unearthed.
All Suite Ship
Star Legend is large enough to pamper and entertain you, yet small enough to tuck into delightful tiny harbors and hidden coves that others can’t reach.
This all-suite yacht completed renovation as part of the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative to provide more of what our guests love. New public areas, including two new dining venues, a new spa, elevated pool, and fitness area. The yacht also boasts all new bathrooms in every suite and a new category of Star suites, featuring a new layout. With ocean views and at least 277 square feet of suite comfort, Star Legend is the perfect yacht for cruising the Dardanelles and into scenic fjords from the serenity of your suite.
Carrying only 312 guests, Star Legend still tucks into small ports like Sinop and Honfleur or narrow waterways like the Corinth Canal. We can’t wait to welcome you on board for your next 180 degrees from ordinary adventure!
A day on board your Windstar ship, Star Legend, is a day of choices, all of them good. Perhaps you’ll begin with a relaxing massage in World Spa by Windstar. Or maybe an invigorating workout in the Fitness Center. Even better, why not both? After a sumptuous lunch in Veranda, make a splash from the Watersports Platform off the ship’s stern. Everything you can think of for fun in the water is there — swimming, kayaking, sail-boarding, even water skiing. And it’s all complimentary, of course. Sun yourself on deck, take a dip in the whirlpool, then catch up on email or order a cheese plate for your stateroom or suite. After dinner, dance to live music in the Lounge. This is your yacht, so of course you’re welcome on the Bridge, where the Captain and officers are delighted to share charts, routes, and vistas with you.As you prepare for another amazing Windstar day, enjoy a nightcap anywhere you like — on deck, in the Lounge, or why not let us bring it to your suite or stateroom? Your day ends just as it began, blissfully.