Europe’s oldest city is the starting point for your Black Sea journey. Begin in Athens, where towering columns, striking architecture, and Greek hospitality provide the perfect sendoff for your adventure. Step back in time during a late-night stay in Ephesus, a stunning Turkish city dating back thousands of years. Next, your voyage takes you through the Bosphorus Strait, a narrow waterway that provides the only sea link between eastern Europe and the rest of the world. Stroll leafy streets in Varna, then sample the region’s noteworthy wines during a late-night stay–if you’ve read Homer’s The Illiad or The Odyssey, you’ll be familiar with their fine points already. 

In Constanta, shop for unique Romanian arts and crafts or people-watch on soft, sandy beaches. An overnight docking in Odessa gives you plenty of time to take in the vibrant nightlife and cultural scene. Check out a casual street performance, or head to the world-renowned Odessa Opera and Ballet Theater. A night at sea is a great opportunity to sample gourmet dining and Broadway-caliber entertainment onboard before an overnight stay in Istanbul. Here, you can explore intricate churches and bustling bazaars while sampling plenty of tasty Turkish delights. In Kepez, take in a shore excursion to the ancient city of Troy before wrapping your adventure with an overnight stay back in Athens.