This enlightening voyage aboard the exclusively chartered, deluxe M.S. L'AUSTRAL, a state-of-the-art vessel launching in 2011, cruises from the bustling bazaars and sparkling mosques of Istanbul, across the glistening waters of the Aegean, to the mythical relics of Troy, Delos and Athens. Along Turkey's enchanting coast, visit the site of fabled Troy and stroll the marble-paved boulevards of Ephesus, the most spectacularly preserved Greco-Roman city in the world. Visit Greece's history-rich islands—Pátmos, where monks carry on spiritual traditions traced directly to St. John; medieval Rhodes, to walk in the footsteps of crusading knights; Delos, mythical birthplace of Olympian deities; and Santorini, renowned for its dramatic black cliffs. Choose to extend your journey with a Pre-Cruise Option in Istanbul or Cappadocia and a Post-Cruise Option in Athens.

CAPPADOCIA AND ISTANBUL PRE-CRUISE OPTION
Complement your Aegean Sea experience with this four-night extension in Turkey highlighting the mesmerizing fairy chimney landscapes of Cappadocia, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of nature's most captivating treasures. Travel to the heart of Anatolia, the enchanting world of volcanic rock formations where early Christian converts sought shelter from Roman legions. Here, local vintners continue to produce wine just as their ancestors have for more than 3,000 years. Visit 2,000-year-old rock-hewn villages and learn about the region's distinctive culture, which traces its roots to Biblical times. Accommodations for two nights will be in the deluxe CAPPADOCIA CAVE RESORT, an intimate property nestled amid the rock formations of Ushisar in the heart of the National Park of Göreme. This Pre-Program Option also includes flights to and from Cappadocia, two nights in Istanbul's deluxe CEYLAN INTERCONTINENTAL and inclusive guided tours of the city's magnificent landmarks from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to Topkapi Palace.

ISTANBUL PRE-CRUISE OPTION
This special two-night option in Istanbul, Turkey, features accommodations in the deluxe CEYLAN INTERCONTINENTAL and included guided tours of the city's magnificent landmarks from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to Topkapi Palace.

ATHENS POST-CRUISE OPTION
Extend your journey with this two-night stay in Athens, Greece, Western civilization's first great center of democracy and philosophy. Enjoy deluxe, centrally located accommodations in the INTERCONTINENTAL ATHENAEUM, a guided tour of the Parthenon and an excursion to Delphi.