Inspiration Among the Ancients with PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys

When you journey to lands as complex and fascinating as Turkey and Greece, you want the historical and cultural insights that only PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the prestigious Smithsonian Institution, provide. And to make sure you get the very most of our Cruising the Aegean: Turkey and the Greek Isles itinerary, you’ll travel with Smithsonian Journeys Experts, so you can combine the awe of discovery with the deep knowledge of those who’ve studied these civilizations for a lifetime.

The ancient civilizations of Greece and Turkey shaped much of Western thought, art, politics, and culture. PONANT has invited Smithsonian Journeys Experts aboard your luxury small ship to help bring the most significant sites to life, providing unfettered access to ruins and temples, stories and people, myths and legends. You’ll gain deep historical context during this extraordinary journey, from the legendary walls of Troy to the grand gates of Mycenae.

Exploring among the atmospheric ruins, you’ll feel the energy of once-bustling cities. And within each site, you’re sure to find remarkable treasures that will truly inspire you and your inner explorer. Here’s what we mean:

Troy: Legendary City of the Trojan War

Known primarily for the ten-year battle between the Greeks and the Trojans depicted in Homer’s Iliad, Troy has long captivated the imagination of scholars and historians. Excavations at this UNESCO World Heritage site have revealed the remains of multiple layers of the city, dating from the Bronze Age to the Roman period.

What Will Inspire You: The remains of Troy’s defensive walls, the ruins of ancient houses, and the monumental city gate will transport you into the myths of Achilles, Hector, and the Trojan Horse. Throughout your visit, you’ll feel as if you are walking in the footsteps of history’s great statesmen and warriors.

Ephesus: Ancient Metropolis

Also a UNESCO World Heritage site, Ephesus was the most important city in the Byzantine Empire after Constantinople (today’s Istanbul). This bustling hub of trade, culture, and religious worship was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the sprawling Temple of Artemis.

What Will Inspire You: The grandeur of the Temple of Artemis is gone, but the impressive ruins of the Library of Celsus and the stunningly preserved Great Theater will leave you in awe. The theater, with a capacity for 25,000 spectators, is still used for performances today.

Patmos: Byzantine Monastery and the Cave of St. John

The island of Patmos is revered – some might say sacred – for its association with St. John the Evangelist. According to Christian tradition, the prophet saw a vision of the apocalypse while in exile here and was thus inspired to write the Book of Revelation.

What Will Inspire You: The resplendent 11th-century Monastery of St. John, constructed on a hilltop by a Byzantine monk, guards the cave where St. John received his visions. The intricate frescoes inside and the panoramic Aegean views outside will take your breath away, as will the spiritual atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Delos: Sacred Island

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Delos is one of the smallest islands in the Cyclades archipelago. But it carries huge archaeological importance. One of the largest excavation projects in the Mediterranean is ongoing here. Considered the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis in Greek mythology, it was one of the most important religious centers in the ancient world.

What Will Inspire You: The ancient site comprises half the area of this 1.3-square-mile island. Temples, agoras, Doric columns, and stunning mosaics abound throughout the city’s expansive remains. Sweeping sea views from the theater stir the soul while its Terrace of the Lions – seven remain out of the original 9-12 – captivates.

Mycenae: Legendary Kingdom of Agamemnon

Perched on a 900-foot hill on the Peloponnese Peninsula, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mycenae was a dominant force in the Greek Bronze Age. This was home to the legendary King Agamemnon, who led the Greeks in battle during the Trojan War. Its rugged setting and solid stone structures offer a glimpse into the military and political power of the Mycenaean civilization.

What Will Inspire You: The iconic Lion Gate, named for the carved relief of two lionesses flanking a central column, was a symbol of Mycenaean power. You truly get a feeling of walking into history as you pass through this portal. The site’s tholos, or vast beehive-shaped tombs, will leave you speechless with their intricate construction.

Epidaurus: Ancient Sanctuary of Asclepius

Near Mycenae, the UNESCO site of Epidaurus was renowned as a center for science-based medicine in an ancient world that typically looked toward divine healing. The city is aptly associated with Asclepius, the god of medicine. Pilgrims traveled here from all over the Greek world to seek cures.

What Will Inspire You: The Theater of Epidaurus was built in the fourth century BC and still boasts near-perfect acoustics and seating for 12,000. It is beloved as one of the best-preserved theaters in Greece. Today, the serene setting amidst lush green hills attracts locals and visitors for unforgettable performances of Classical Greek tragedies and comedies

Ancient Cities, Timeless Allure 

The historical sites you’ll visit during our Cruising the Aegean: Turkey and the Greek Isles voyage are steeped in legend and myth and overflowing with sites that truly inspire. We invite you to join PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys as we immerse ourselves in them all. You’ll find that it’s more than the luxury small ship adventure you’ve come to expect from PONANT; it’s a journey through time.

PONANT collaborations with Smithsonian Journeys add immeasurable historic and cultural enrichment to your voyage. Learn more about how, together, our world-class experts bring you deeper into your destination’s history and natural world.