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Ship:  Callisto

Itinerary:  The Road to Fabled Palmyra: A Voyage to the Ancient Lands of the Eastern Mediterranean

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  Istanbul

 cabins & deck plans  |  additional itineraries |  cancellation policy

“All at once, the greatest quality of ruins we had ever seen, all of white marble, and beyond them towards the Euphrates a flat waste,” two English travelers once wrote. “It is scarce possible to imagine anything more striking than this view: so great a number of Corinthian pillars, mixed with so little wall or solid building….” This is Palmyra—an oasis at the edge of desert mountains—fortified by Solomon, coveted by Mark Antony, celebrated by Hadrian. Palmyra was the focal point for caravans traveling the dusty Silk Road from furthest Asia, and as recently as a century ago, reaching it took four days by camel from Damascus. We achieve it in far more luxurious fashion, by motorcoach from Tartus, during this wonderful eastern Mediterranean voyage aboard the 34-guest Callisto. Our journey also includes Istanbul, the biblical ruins of Antioch, the romantic Krak des Chevaliers—the epitome of the Crusader Castle—and three incredible ancient cities of Cyprus, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paphos, where exquisite ancient frescoes fill 14 rooms in the House of Dionysus.

Day 1 : Istanbul, Turkey

Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to the Hilton Hotel.

Day 2 : Istanbul

Named by Emperor Constantine in 330 A.D., Istanbul has been the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. Here, the traditions of East and West commingle, especially in the diverse architecture. Visit the Blue and Suleymaniye Mosques and the 6th-century Church of Hagia Sophia, known for its intricate mosaics. Also tour the lively Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar.

Day 3 : Istanbul / Adana / Mersin / Embark

Fly from Istanbul to Adana, in Southern Turkey and transfer to the port of Mersin to board Callisto. Sail in the evening.

Day 4 : Iskenderun / Antioch / Iskenderun

From Iskenderun an excursion leads to modern Antakya, or ancient Antioch. Founded in the 4th century B.C. by Seleucus I—a general under Alexander the Great and one of his successors– Antioch was destined to rival Alexandria as a powerful seat of Christianity. St. Paul climbed a 3,000-foot plateau here to preach in the city where art and culture flourished alongside vice and decadence. Our visit to the ancient site that became the center of Paul’s missions includes the magnificent collection of Roman mosaics in the Archaeological Museum, and the Grotto of St. Peter, which is cut out of a hillside.

Day 5 : Tartus / Palmyra, Syria

An overnight excursion leads to fabled Palmyra at the edge of the Anti-Lebanon Mountains. This desert oasis was a vital link on the historic Silk Route from China to Europe and a buffer between the Persian and Roman Empires. The excavations of the 2nd-century A.D. city are vast and fascinating. See the great Temple of Baal, the 300-column colonnade flanking the main street, the beautiful theater-façade, and the museum. Spend the night in the Cham Hotel.

Day 6 : Krak des Chevaliers / Tartus

En route to Tartus stop at Krak des Chevaliers (Castle of the Knights). At 2,300 feet above sea level, it is perhaps the most magnificent Crusader fortress in the Middle East and one of the greatest in the world. Begun in 1150 by the Knights of St. John, the stronghold was built for 4,000 warrior-monks and presides over the valley that separates Homs and Tripoli. The castle was never besieged and is beautifully preserved.

Day 7 : Limassol / Kourion / Limassol, Cyprus

The island of Cyprus has been a center of civilization since at least 6000 B.C. and its position as a stepping-stone between East and West has left an unusually rich legacy of mixed cultures. Dock at the lively harbor of Limassol, set amidst grand Akrotiri Bay for an excursion to Kourion, an ancient city set upon a great cliff, affording spectacular views of the sea. Visit the excellent mosaics of Achilles and gladiators near the Paphos Gate, the ruined 5th-century Basilica and adjoining Baptistery, and the restored Sanctuary of Apollo.

Day 8 : Paphos

The clear waters that surround beautiful Paphos are famed as the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite. The area is said to have been settled as early as the 15th century B.C., and has seen myriad civilizations flourish and wane within its perimeter. Visit its unique sites that span the course of this rich history, including the beautiful mosaics in the Villa of Theseus, the house of the Roman governor; the House of Dionysus, with exquisite mosaics preserved in 14 rooms; and the Byzantine Castle, a labyrinth of vaulted chambers and narrow passageways.

Day 9 : Larnaca

Sail into the oldest city of Cyprus, today, a thriving commercial port and popular tourist destination. Larnaca’s biblical name, Kittim, derives from the legend that Noah’s great-grandson of the same name founded its first settlement. Later, it became known to the Ancient Greeks as Kition. Tour the city and the remains of ancient Kition, whose structures linger—relics of the Phoenecian, Hellenistic and Mycenean settlements. Spend the night aboard docked in port.

Day 10 : Larnaca / Disembark / Return Home

Disembark and transfer to the airport for return flights home.

Ship Description: Callisto

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  Callisto

The finest, most memorable voyages take place aboard a luxurious private yacht. On a private yacht one is part of a small, select, sociable community. Cabins are more like guest rooms in a fine home -- beautifully furnished, comfortably arranged, and complete with the little extras one would expect from a thoughtful host. The yacht's public areas, whether indoors or out on deck, are warm, inviting places where friends meet for conversation, a drink, or to pass a pleasant hour with a good book. The cuisine is superb. And the service is considerate and congenial.

This is the kind of exceptional experience you'll enjoy aboard the Callisto, a beautiful oceangoing yacht that is the fulfillment of a traveler's dream.

Like a fine country house, Callisto is furnished with rich fabrics, handsome woodwork, gleaming brass, rare antiques, and fine works of art. The guest list is limited to no more than 34 individuals -- a group large enough to bring together an interesting mix of travelers, but small enough to foster a genuine spirit of camaraderie.

In addition to all of the other pleasures of the Callisto, the ship's guests enjoy an advantage that eludes travelers aboard big ships: because Callisto is a yacht, it can visit those unspoiled islets, pristine beaches, and intimate coves and harbors that have been familiar to fishermen and other sailors of small craft for thousands of years, but which are inaccessible to large commercial cruise liners.

Callisto was designed with the comfort of her guests in mind. All staterooms are exterior with large windows (portholes on Daphne Deck) that look out on the sea and the yacht's various ports of call; they are air conditioned and feature generous storage space, a telephone, two-channel radio, and a marble bath with shower. The yacht's public areas include a spacious lounge; a dining room in which all guests are accommodated at a single unassigned seating; two broad decks for sunbathing and dining alfresco; and a swimming platform at the yacht's stern. The Callisto flies the Greek flag and is served by a crew of 18.

Cat D Stern outside cabins on Daphne Deck with portholes	Cat C Outside cabins on Daphne Deck with portholes
Cat B Outside cabins on Leto Deck with picture window	Cat A Outside cabins on Leto Deck with two picture windows