Seabourn Encore
September 29, 2024

Piraeus (Athens), Greece, offers docking at Piraeus Port with excursions to Athens. Travelers explore Acropolis and Parthenon. Excursions visit Cape Sounion. Local markets sell souvlaki. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for city tours. Photography captures ancient ruins and Aegean vistas. Dining onboard includes moussaka, a Greek favorite. Souvenirs, like olive oil, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Hellenic history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Piraeus’ cultural gateway offers a vibrant Greek stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of iconic landmarks and scenic coasts, making Piraeus an engaging destination for exploration.

Ashdod, Israel, docks at the modern port, 3 kilometers from downtown, with shuttles or taxis for 10-minute rides. The city, population 220,000, serves as a gateway to Jerusalem, 90 minutes east, for Western Wall and Old City tours. Local sites include the Ashdod-Yam Citadel, a Crusader fortress. Ad Halom Beach offers swimming. Markets sell za’atar. Peak season April to October; taxis 20-50 ILS. Dining includes hummus at port cafes. Souvenirs feature olive wood carvings.

Antalya, Turkey, docks at Antalya Free Zone Port, 12 kilometers from Kaleici, with shuttles or taxis for 20-minute rides. The city, population 1.3 million, features Hadrian’s Gate, a 130 AD Roman arch. Travelers explore the Antalya Museum for Lycian artifacts. Duden Waterfalls, 15 minutes north, offer boat tours under cascades. Excursions to Perge, 30 minutes east, visit 3rd-century BC theaters. Peak season April to October; taxis 20-50 TRY. Dining includes kebabs at old town cafes. Souvenirs feature Turkish rugs.

Marmaris, Turkey, provides docking at Marmaris Port. Travelers explore the medieval Marmaris Castle and vibrant bazaars. Excursions visit Dalyan’s rock tombs and turtle beaches. Local markets sell Turkish delight. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Aegean vistas and Ottoman architecture. Dining onboard includes köfte, a Turkish favorite. Souvenirs, like evil eye charms, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Lycian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance castle and market walks. Marmaris’ scenic harbor and historic charm offer a vibrant Turkish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a blend of ancient sites, bustling markets, and coastal beauty, making Marmaris a compelling destination for exploring Turkey’s Aegean coast and its rich cultural heritage.

Aghios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece, anchors or docks at its central harbor on Mirabello Bay, with tenders for larger ships placing passengers amid tavernas and boutiques. The Venetian port, 65 kilometers east of Heraklion, features promenades and free Wi-Fi spots. Lake Voulismeni, 5-minute walk, circles a sunken crater lined with cafes for people-watching. Archaeological Museum, 10 minutes stroll, displays Minoan artifacts like the Saffron Gatherer fresco. Almiros Beach, 2 kilometers south, offers sandy shores and tavernas serving dakos salad. Excursions visit Knossos Palace, 50 minutes drive, for labyrinth tours and restored murals. Spinalonga Island, 20 minutes by boat, explores Venetian fortress once a leper colony. Kitroplatias Beach, 400 meters east, provides quick dips. Folklore Museum, in town, showcases weaving looms and pottery kilns. Dining options include meze platters at harbor tables. Souvenirs feature olive oil soaps and raki. Peak season May to October; buses 1-2 EUR. Taxis 5-10 EUR short trips.

Mylos (Milos), Greece, offers docking at Adamas Port. Travelers explore Sarakiniko’s lunar-like beaches and ancient catacombs. Excursions visit Kleftiko’s sea caves by boat. Local markets sell thyme honey. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures volcanic landscapes and Aegean vistas. Dining onboard includes moussaka, a Greek favorite. Souvenirs, like obsidian crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Cycladic history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while water shoes enhance beach exploration. Milos’ unique geological beauty offers a serene Greek stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of stunning beaches, historic sites, and coastal caves, making Milos an engaging destination for exploring Greece’s natural wonders and cultural heritage in the Aegean Sea.

Returning to Piraeus (Athens) — see Day 1 above for port info.