Make memories to last a lifetime starting with an overnight stay in incredible Istanbul before embarking Silver Spirit for an all-inclusive luxury Mediterranean cruise

Spend a night in the only city in the world that can lay claim to straddling two continents, Istanbul. Uncover a rich mosaic of people, religions and cultures in every nook and corner of this vibrant metropolis. From the architectural marvel, Hagia Sophia with an awe-inspiring 30 million gold tiles throughout its interior and the magnificent Blue Mosque, right through to the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. The Spice Bazar further immerses you in the sights, smells, and tastes of Turkish culture.

Your all-inclusive cruise beckons on board the Silver Spirit. Completely refurbished to create extra space and exciting new features, Silversea’s Silver Spirit offers an even more luxurious experience. Now with eight superb dining options, an improved health and fitness centre, a larger pool deck, together with Silversea’s world-famous standards of service, you’re guaranteed the voyage of a lifetime.

Whether you take coffee amongst the art installations in the arts café, work out in the fitness centre or relax in the Zagara Spa, you will be treated to one of the finest cruising experiences available on board Silver Spirit. Enjoy first class dining with exceptional wines and relax in what is possibly the best place between sea and sky.

The palm-lined esplanade of this town on the Anatolian Coast is the centre of life here, with thousands of merchants offering wares to rival the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. The ruins of ancient Ephesus are nearby; travel back in time by entering the city through the Magnesia Gate entrance and walk down a marble road to the ruins of this Roman provincial capital.

Witness the strong spiritual character of Patmos Island, this peaceful island is a natural haven of unspoiled beaches and green hills that overlook the sparkling Aegean. Meander through the charming capital, Chora, with whitewashed houses and flowered courtyards peppered throughout the narrow alleys. You could also pay a visit to the “Cave of the Apocalypse”, where according to legend, Saint John the Divine was inspired to write the Book of the Apocalypse.

With gorgeous hilltop villages, stunning sunsets, iconic blue-domed churches and volcanic beaches decorated with black, red or white sand, crescent-shaped Santorini is one of the most beautiful destinations on earth. Take the winding coastal paths past fascinating rock formations, through tiny villages, and stop at a restaurant to linger over the famous Greek cuisine. 

By far the largest and historically the most important of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes abounds in beaches that will transport you back to the days of the Byzantine Empire and beyond. Once you disembark, take the short walk to the Old Town to view its brilliant historic buildings that date back to the 14th century.

Aghios Nikolaos is a picturesque port town on Mirabello Bay, in eastern Crete. It effortlessly combines the sleepy feel of a seaside resort with all the amenities of a cosmopolitan port, evident in its harbour dotted with mega-yachts and fishing boats. Lake Voulismeni, according to Greek mythology, was where the goddesses Athena and Artemis would bathe, is the town’s jewel and an incredibly photogenic spot at any time of the day or night. 

Relaxation is second nature in Souda Bay located on the northwest coast of Crete and sheltered by the pretty hills of Akrotiri and Cape Drapano. Its capital, Chania is a charming Venetian town with cobbled streets lined with colourful townhouses that zigzag down to the harbour. You can while away the day by browsing an array of museums, churches and crafts en route, then walk along the harbour wall to the oldest lighthouse in the world, built in the late 16th century. Complete your calming visit with a raki in a waterside café.

Romantic Nafplion is your next port of call. You’ll be mesmerised by this charming town's architecture and beauty as you explore the ancient walls, medieval castles, monuments and statues. Take a romantic sunset stroll along the “Arvanitia Promenade”, enjoy a cup of coffee or a delicious meal in Syntagma Square, and sip a drink at the port taking in the stunning view of Bourtzi

Return home with an amazing array of memories.