Balkan Jewels & Ephesus

Selected departure dates from May to October 2025

Pricing based on departure date 1 June 2025

Balkan Jewels & Ephesus

Embark on an unparalleled journey through the cradle of civilization - the Mediterranean. From the moment you step on board your Seabourn luxury cruise ship, you will enter a world of history, culture, opulence, and exploration. Enjoy the sophistication of our fine-dining restaurants, or the casual charm of al fresco eateries. Wake up to breathtaking views of azure waters and historic coastlines, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Mediterranean culture with expertly curated shore excursions to ancient landmarks and charming villages. From the sun-drenched beaches of the Greek Isles to the architectural wonders of ancient Rome, you will experience the best the Mediterranean land and sea have to offer. 

Dubrovnik, Kotor, Gallipoli, Sarande, Zakinthos, Nafplion, Piraeus, Gythion, Chania, Mykonos, Cesme, Kusadasi, Istanbul

Itinerary Highlights;

Gallipoli, Italy

Along the southwestern side of Italy’s boot heel lies one of the prettiest baroque towns in the entire Puglia region. A 13th-century Byzantine fortress dominates Gallipoli’s compact historic center, set on a small island off the mainland surrounded by defensive walls and a superb beach. Admire the whitewashed buildings and elegant palazzi while wandering the town’s labyrinth of narrow alleyways, all of which lead to a wide, seafront promenade where you can watch the colorful fishing boats while sipping a limoncello. Must-sees include the Antica Fontana, an ornate Greek fountain dating from the 3rd century BC; and the imposing Cathedral of Sant’Agata, its elaborate façade decorated with marble statues and a finely carved, 32-panel wooden door depicting scenes from the life of the basilica’s eponymous saint. Below Palazzo Granafei lies the ancient Hypogeum Oil Mill, one of dozens of vast cellar-mills that once produced olive oil underground. A few miles inland lies the ancient town of Alezio, famous for its namesake wine produced from the heritage Negroamaro grape.

Sarande, Albania

This important port on Southern Albania curls around a superb natural harbor, dominated by the hilltop 16th century Lekuresi Castle with distinctive round towers. In the town center are the ruins of a 5th century synagogue, later a Christian basilica, with remnant mosaic floors. Another picturesque ruin is the Forty Saints Monastery from the 6th century, which is thought to have been an important pilgrimage site. But the main attraction in southern Albania is the archaeological site of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with extensive ruins of communities dating from prehistory, though the Greek and Roman eras, as well as the Byzantine period, until the medieval period.

Gythion (Sparta), Greece

Gythion, the small port town for Sparta, edges its way up the hillside, which surrounds the harbor. According to Homer, Paris and Helen spent their first night together here, on a tiny islet in the bay. To commemorate the occasion, Paris erected a shrine to Aphrodite, goddess of love, only to have it torn down by the vengeful Menelaus after he recaptured Helen. In its place Menelaus erected statues honoring Praxidica (Punishment) and Themis (Justice). Not far away, at the tip of the Peloponnese, lies the Mani, a distinctive area unlike anything else in Greece. This desolate region of underground lakes and rivers and windswept landscapes is strangely beautiful. To the north of Gythion lie Sparta and Mystra, well worth a visit.

Cesme, Turkey

A popular holiday and resort destination, Cesme is located on a promontory on the tip of a peninsula that carries the same name. The town itself is dominated by the medieval Cesme Castle, while the back streets invite a casual stroll with their old Ottoman and Greek houses that charm passers-by. South of the castle there is an Ottoman caravanserai built in 1528 that has since been transformed into a lovely boutique hotel, and check the Greek Orthodox church of Ayios Haralambos to see the current art exhibition. Along with the historical attractions, visitors will enjoy local pleasures, such as a dip in the thermal baths followed by the culinary delights of native fruits, artisan cheeses and local wines.

The Seabourn All-Inclusive Difference

Seabourn welcomes you to all-inclusive, luxury cruising refined to its purest form. Where hand-selected itineraries take you to places beyond the reach of larger ships.

Why choose Seabourn?

• Intimate ships with a private club atmosphere
• Intuitive, personalized service provided by staff passionate about exceeding guests’ expectations
• Complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available on board at all times
• Welcome Champagne and complimentary in-suite bar stocked with your preferences
• Guests relax in our ultra-luxury resort at sea “residential” décor, creating a home away from home feeling
• Complimentary Wi-Fi with unlimited minutes
• World-class dining, further enhanced through a culinary partnership with Chef Thomas Keller
• Use the freshest ingredients and seasonal local specialties

SHIP: Seabourn Encore

Seabourn Encore is as strikingly beautiful and as excitingly innovative as any Seabourn has ever debuted. She crowns a fleet of luxury cruise ships that is already the newest, most modern and most acclaimed in the ultra-luxury segment.

Modeled on the award-winning trio of ships introduced with Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Encore represents another welcome stage in the evolution of small ship cruising, which Seabourn pioneered and has consistently expanded and enriched for all of our small ship cruises.Extraordinary for its black sand beaches and sheer limestone cliffs, Santorini also showcases remnants of the Phoenician, Spartan and Minoan cultures, which fell under the island's spell - an unvarying, irresistible lure that continues to this day.

Dubrovnik, Kotor, Gallipoli, Sarande, Zakinthos, Nafplion, Piraeus, Gythion, Chania, Mykonos, Cesme, Kusadasi, Istanbul