Ancient Empires: Istanbul to Athens


Cruise overview
Itinerary
Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul, a city where East meets West in a vibrant blend of history, culture and stunning architecture.
This afternoon, step on board Scenic's new, next-generation Discovery Yacht, Scenic Ikon. Your journey into wonder begins with a warm greeting from the Captain and crew. Meet your butler and settle into your spacious suite with a glass of champagne. Then join your fellow guests on deck to toast the start of an unforgettable Mediterranean cruise.
Please book your flight to arrive into Istanbul prior to 02:00 PM.
The only city in the world that can lay claim to straddling two continents, Istanbul—once known as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empire—has for centuries been a bustling metropolis with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Istanbul embraces this enviable position with both a certain chaos and inventiveness, ever evolving as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan crossroads. It’s often said that Istanbul is the meeting point of East and West, but visitors to this city built over the former capital of two great empires are likely to be just as impressed by the juxtaposition of old and new. Office towers creep up behind historic palaces, women in chic designer outfits pass others wearing long skirts and head coverings, peddlers’ pushcarts vie with battered old Fiats and shiny BMWs for dominance of the noisy, narrow streets, and the Grand Bazaar competes with modern shopping malls. At dawn, when the muezzin’s call to prayer resounds from ancient minarets, there are inevitably a few hearty revelers still making their way home from nightclubs and bars. Most visitors to this sprawling city of more than 14 million will first set foot in the relatively compact Old City, where the legacy of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires can be seen in monumental works of architecture like the brilliant Aya Sofya and the beautifully proportioned mosques built by the great architect Sinan. Though it would be easy to spend days, if not weeks, exploring the wealth of attractions in the historical peninsula, visitors should make sure also to venture elsewhere in order to experience the vibrancy of contemporary Istanbul. With a lively nightlife propelled by its young population and an exciting arts scene that’s increasingly on the international radar—thanks in part to its stint as the European Capital of Culture in 2010—Istanbul is truly a city that never sleeps. It’s also a place where visitors will feel welcome: Istanbul may be on the Bosphorus, but at heart it’s a Mediterranean city, whose friendly inhabitants are effusively social and eager to share what they love most about it.
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Istanbul
Dardanelles
At sea
Dikili
Kusadasi
Naxos
Santorini
Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete
Milos
Hydra
Piraeus
Ikon Penthouse
Your own private residence at sea.
The lounge is thoughtfully appointed areas for relaxation, dining, and entertaining, with a fully appointed bar island: delight in anything your heart desires — from crafted cocktails to wellness-inspired refreshments and light dining — all served discreetly by your private butler. The suite features a master bedroom plus a wellness studio with in-suite ESPA spa services and private fitness amenities. Which can transform into a second bedroom for family or guests. The bathroom is enhanced with steam and infrared experiences for ultimate wellbeing and indulgence with full-size baths and double vanities, ensuring the utmost in comfort and indulgence. A spacious walk-in wardrobe and private Glam Bar, fully appointed with Dyson’s advanced hair care tools and elevated ESPA amenities, complete the suite, offering effortless luxury and the ultimate in oceanfront living. An expansive terrace with Jacuzzi, private cabana, and outdoor lounge and dining areas provides the perfect space to relax or entertain under open skies.
Amenities
- Bath
- King or Twin Configuration
- Second Bedroom
- Lounge Area
- Dining Area
- Vanity Area
- Shower
- Whirlpool Bath
- Toiletries Provided
- Full Bar
- Butler Service
- TV
- Coffee Machine
- Hair Dryer
- Pillow Menu Available
- Air Conditioning
- Free Wi-Fi
Ship features
On a Scenic Ikon cruise, you’ll enjoy all-inclusive ultra-luxury paired with advanced expedition equipment, creating a seamless balance between comfort and discovery.
- All-suite accommodation with private verandas
- True all-inclusive ultra-luxury with no hidden extras
- Purpose-built small ship for an intimate onboard experience
- Advanced expedition equipment for deeper exploration
- Multiple world-class dining venues
- Generous observation lounges and wellness-focused spaces
- Carefully curated itineraries focused on discovery, not crowds
- Highly personalised service with an exceptional staff-to-guest ratio

























