Istanbul, Turkey

Days One–Two | Wednesday, June 21–Thursday, June 22

Embark onboard the Regent Seven Seas Mariner and join fellow cruisers for a Hillsdale College welcome reception.

Bridging Europe and Asia Minor, Istanbul was founded as Constantinople by Constantine the Great in 330 A.D. It served as the capital of Byzantium until it was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in 1453. Must-see attractions include the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, underground cisterns, and the Grand Bazaar.

Ephesus (Izmir), Turkey

Day Three | Friday, June 23

Ephesus is one of the world’s largest and most important archaeological and religious sites and was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. Walk in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul, sit in the great theater carved from a hillside, and see the impressive Temple of Hadrian and the magnificent Library of Celsus.

Patmos, Greece

Day Four | Saturday, June 24

Visit the site of St. John’s Grotto where he wrote the Book of Revelation. Explore Chora and the winding alleyways leading up to the imposing Monastery of St. John the Divine. Beautiful frescoes cover the chapel walls and depict the voyages and miracles of St. John.

Rhodes, Greece

Day Five | Sunday, June 25

Renowned as the site of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Rhodes was home to the Knights of St. John. Explore the Old City and pass through the Gate d’Amboise to the Grand Master’s Palace. Or journey to the picturesque village of Lindos to take in the stunning architecture of its Acropolis.

Paphos, Cyprus

Day Six | Monday, June 26

The ancient Greek and Roman city of Paphos is home to a number of elaborate ruins, including the Houses of Dionysos, Orpheus, Aion, and Theseus; the 5th century Basilica of Panagia Limeniotissa; and the Tombs of the Kings. Nearby is the Sanctuary of Apollo in Kourion and the Old Town of Limassol.

Jerusalem (Haifa), Israel

Days Seven–Eight | Tuesday, June 27–Wednesday, June 28

Visit the land of miracles, including Galilee, the Jordan River, the Mount of Beatitudes, Tabgha, and Nazareth. See the largest hanging gardens in the world at the Bahai Gardens of Haifa. For antiques and crafts, head to the boutiques on Masada Street. South of Haifa, explore the Ein Hod artists’ village.

Jerusalem (Ashdod), Israel

Day Nine | Thursday, June 29

Ashdod, located near the bustling seaside city of Tel Aviv, is the gateway to Jerusalem and its Old City, Bethlehem, Masada, and Jaffa, one of the oldest cities in the world.

Seminars-at-Sea

Day Ten | Friday, June 30

Enjoy Hillsdale College seminars-at-sea, as well as the luxurious amenities of the Regent Seven Seas Mariner.

Heraklion (Crete), Greece

Day Eleven | Saturday, July 1

Heraklion is the capital of the island of Crete, which was the center of ancient Minoan civilization. Visit the Bronze Age archaeological site of Knossos, admire fine examples of Venetian architecture, or explore the Old Town’s charming streets.

Santorini, Greece

Day Twelve | Sunday, July 2

Santorini is famous for its whitewashed buildings and beaches of white, red, and black sand. It is also home to the excavated ruins of Akrotiri, which was covered in volcanic ash in the 17th century B.C. Be sure to sample delicious local wines made from grapes that flourish in the volcanic soil.

Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Day Thirteen | Monday, July 3

Disembark from the Regent Seven Seas Mariner for your return flight home.