Greek Isles & Turkey Cruise 7 Nights • Athens (Piraeus), Greece • Brilliance of the Seas
Itinerary
Cruise Overview
Day 1 Mo., 24. Aug. Athens (Piraeus), Greece Departs at 5:00 pm
Day 2 Di., 25. Aug. Mykonos, Greece Tendered from 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Days 3-4 Mi., 26. Aug. - Do., 27. Aug. Istanbul, Turkey Docked from Mi., 26. Aug., 1:00 pm - Do., 27. Aug., 9:00 pm
Day 5 Fr., 28. Aug. Day at Sea Brilliance of the Seas
Day 6 Sa., 29. Aug. Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey Docked from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Day 7 So., 30. Aug. Santorini, Greece Tendered from 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
Day 8 Mo., 31. Aug. Athens (Piraeus), Greece Arrives at 5:00 am
Cruise Overview
Dive headfirst into adventure on a 7-night cruise to Europe. Depart from Athens (Piraeus), Greece on Brilliance of the Seas on your epic journey through unforgettable landscapes and world-renowned cities. Gaze in awe and wonder at wow-worthy architecture and natural beauty as you travel throughout the region.
Day 1 Mo., 24. Aug. 2026 Athens (Piraeus), Greece Departs at 5:00 pm
Explore the harbors of Piraeus, which showcase the Golden Age of Greek history. Visit the Hellenic Maritime Museum and the ship sheds — here, you can see how ancient ships were crafted. In the charming Castella district, you'll find some small, quaint shops and cafes amid the elegant neoclassical buildings. Head to Sotiros Street to find brand name stores, alongside smaller local shops.
Your ship departs promptly at 5:00 pm, so plan to arrive at least 2-3 hours early to account for checking in and boarding protocols. During this time, many of the ship's amenities are open and operating, so feel free to start your vacation early.
Day 2 Di., 25. Aug. 2026 Mykonos, Greece Tendered from 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Powder white houses, sparkling blue waters, and red-hot nightlife— the Island of the Winds carries you away with colorful upscale adventures. Explore Hora’s bougainvillea-laced pathways and see the Folklore Museum’s Mykonian ship models. Join the raucous party on the shimmering sands of Super Paradise beach. Or watch the sunset from an open-air taverna— all nestled in the heart of Greece’s Cyclades islands.
Travel Tips
1
Hop on one of the many seawater-taxi services around the island for transport to the beaches.
2
With frequent openings and closings, listen to locals and other travelers to find the island’s best restaurants.
Days 3-4 Mi., 26. Aug. 2026 - Do., 27. Aug. 2026 Istanbul, Turkey Docked from Mi., 26. Aug., 1:00 pm - Do., 27. Aug., 9:00 pm
Spend your day in Istanbul exploring the old and the new. Look up at impressive churches and mosques, like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, marvel at the architectural feats of early centuries or follow bewitching smells to the spice market. Then wander through colorful market stalls at the Grand Bazaar so you can leave the ancient city with a gift for those at home or yourself.
Travel Tips
1
In the Grand Bazaar, make sure you're ready to haggle.
2
Cover up in the Blue Mosque. It is a functioning mosque and you should be respectful when visiting.
3
Be aware ahead of time that knees, shoulders and heads must be covered.
Day 5 Fr., 28. Aug. 2026 Day at Sea Brilliance of the Seas
A friendly reminder
Make the most of your day at sea by enjoying our Wi-Fi, beverage, and Specialty Dining Packages. These services are available at an additional cost
While at sea, take time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, dine at any of the onboard restaurants or explore the thrills on each deck until we arrive at the next destination.
Day 6 Sa., 29. Aug. 2026 Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey Docked from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Head straight to the ancient city of Ephesus, a 20-minute drive from the port. Plan your visit based on how much you want to walk and how many sites you want to check out. The House of the Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St. John hold historical import as well as the traditional brick and stone architecture of the ancient near east. And of course, you can see the one remaining column of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Travel Tips
1
Ephesus' excavated section is in a 1.5-square-mile area; you'll need good walking shoes.
2
The sun reflects strongly both from above and off the white marble streets. Bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water.
3
When negotiating in the market, make sure you're serious about buying — it's considered rude to bargain for items you're not going to buy.
Day 7 So., 30. Aug. 2026 Santorini, Greece Tendered from 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
Santorini is one of the world’s most popular islands, where adventure bubbles above the Aegean Sea in breathtaking ways. Take a cable car to see Fira’s old cathedrals and enthralling museums. Swim in deep blue waters that lap black pebbled beaches. And peel back layers of history in excavated Akrotiri— all while relishing the dramatic scenery of this Cyclades isle.
Travel Tips
1
Wear hiking boots or comfortable sneakers and plenty of sunscreen when hiking the caldera.
2
Don’t be in a rush— dining in Greece is a laid-back, drawn-out affair.
Day 8 Mo., 31. Aug. 2026 Athens (Piraeus), Greece Arrives at 5:00 am
Explore the harbors of Piraeus, which showcase the Golden Age of Greek history. Visit the Hellenic Maritime Museum and the ship sheds — here, you can see how ancient ships were crafted. In the charming Castella district, you'll find some small, quaint shops and cafes amid the elegant neoclassical buildings. Head to Sotiros Street to find brand name stores, alongside smaller local shops.
The cruise might have ended, but there are still some great activities to enjoy in the area. If you flew into this port, be mindful of your departure flight time and plan accordingly.
Calling all backroads ramblers and culture cruisers— your ship's come in. Whether you're catching a movie poolside or enjoying Tuscan dishes at Giovanni's Table, you're in for the ultimate adventure in between shores.
Your vacation essentials are always included. Quench your thirst with water, coffee, juice and tea options available at no charge. Indulge in many delicious free dining options onboard. You can also enjoy jaw-dropping entertainment like live shows, live music, themed dance parties and more at no additional cost.
