Eastern Mediterranean Sailing Cruise: Athens to Istanbul
Eastern Mediterranean Sailing Cruise: Athens to Istanbul
Embark on a unique voyage aboard the Star Flyer, a majestic four-masted sailing ship that sails the crystal clear waters of the Eastern Mediterranean, connecting two of the most fascinating civilisations in history: Classical Greece and Ottoman Turkey. This 7-night sailing cruise, christened "Enchanting Dervishes", departs from the port of Piraeus, at the foot of mythical Athens, and ends in breathtaking Istanbul, the city that unites two continents.
During the crossing you will visit some of the most precious jewels of the Aegean Sea. You'll start on Mykonos, the cosmopolitan island par excellence, with its iconic white houses, windmills and lively nightlife. Continue to Patmos, the sacred island where St. John wrote the Book of Revelation, a place of deep spirituality and serene beauty. Chios will surprise you with its unique putty production, its connection to Homer and its authenticity away from mass tourism.
Crossing to the Turkish coast, you'll discover Dikili, a charming seaside resort with access to the impressive ruins of Pergamon, including its 280-metre-high acropolis and the legendary Asclepion. Bozcaada, a Turkish island that has resisted the temptation of conventional tourism, will captivate you with its cobbled streets, rustic houses adorned with flowers, uncrowded sandy beaches and six wineries where you can taste local wines under the vines of traditional tavernas.
A full day at sea will allow you to fully enjoy the experience on board the Star Flyer: feel the wind filling the 16 sails, sunbathe on deck, cool off in the swimming pool, dare to climb the rigging or even take the helm of the ship. The journey culminates in Istanbul, a vibrant metropolis of eleven million inhabitants that has been a crossroads of continents, cultures and religions for millennia.
The Star Flyer offers an elegant and traditional way to travel, with all the modern comforts: full board, air-conditioned cabins with private bathrooms, quiet libraries and cosy lounges. With capacity for just 166 passengers and a crew of 74, the experience is intimate and personalised, very different from conventional large cruise ships. This cruise is ideal for curious travellers, lovers of history, culture and sailing, couples looking for a romantic getaway (including a special offer for newlyweds with champagne, fresh fruit and pastries) and families with special discounts for under 18s on selected dates. Prices include full board and port taxes, making this an exceptional value proposition to explore the Eastern Mediterranean in an authentic and unforgettable way.
What you need to know:
Full board on board
Port taxes included
Air conditioning in all cabins
Access to upper deck swimming pools, as well as lounges and relaxation areas
Possibility to climb into the rigging and steer the ship
Special offer for newlyweds (champagne, fresh fruit and pastries)
5% discount when booking two or more consecutive cruises
7 days
From 2650 €/per person
06/06/2026 - 13/06/2026
Boarding harbor: Piraeus (Athens), Greece
Disembarkation harbor: Istanbul, Turkey
Star Flyer: Star Flyer (166 people + crew)
Full board on board
Port taxes included
Air conditioning in all cabins
Access to upper deck swimming pools, as well as lounges and relaxation areas
Possibility to climb into the rigging and steer the ship
Special offer for newlyweds (champagne, fresh fruit and pastries)
5% discount when booking two or more consecutive cruises
Eastern Mediterranean Sailing Cruise: Athens to Istanbul
06/06/2026 - 13/06/2026
7 days
Boarding harbor: Piraeus (Athens), Greece
Disembarkation harbor: Istanbul, Turkey
Star Flyer: Star Flyer (166 people + crew)
From 2650 € / p.p
Itinerary
This 7-night itinerary travels through the heart of the Eastern Mediterranean, sailing from Piraeus (Athens) to Istanbul via the Greek Aegean islands and the Turkish coast. The route masterfully combines the legacy of ancient Greece with the cultural richness of the Ottoman and Turkish worlds. You visit iconic islands such as Mykonos, Patmos and Chios in Greece, before crossing to the Turkish coast to discover the authenticity of Dikili and the unspoilt charm of Bozcaada. A day at sea allows the Star Flyer sailing experience to be enjoyed in all its glory, with its 16 sails unfurled and 3,365 square metres of sail, before the triumphant arrival in Istanbul, where two continents meet. Each port offers a unique cultural immersion, from ancient temples and monasteries to local markets, artisanal wineries and pristine beaches.
*IMPORTANT: The itinerary is indicative and may vary according to weather conditions and the crew's preferences. The skipper is responsible for safety on board and can modify the itinerary at any time.
Your boat
Star Flyer: Tall ship
The Star Flyer is a true queen of the seas, a majestic clipper ship that proudly embodies the tradition of the legendary 19th century clipper ships. Built in 1991, this impressive sailing ship was the first of the Star Clippers and marked the beginning of a success story in the world of sailing cruising. At an imposing 115.5 metres in length, the Star Flyer reinterprets the great era of historic clipper ships in every inch of her structure: from her sleek streamlined hull and four mighty 63-metre-high masts, to her solid wooden rudder and classic nautical-style interior décor.
What makes the Star Flyer truly special is her ability to uniquely combine this seafaring heritage with the comforts of modern sailing. She is not only a truly grand sailing yacht, sailing the seas under 16 sails with a sail area of 3,365 square metres, capable of speeds between 5 and 17 knots, but also a modern cruise ship offering her 166 passengers an individualised holiday experience in an intimate and private atmosphere, served by a crew of 74 professionals.
On board the Star Flyer, passengers will find a level of comfort rarely found on a sailing yacht: spacious cabins equipped with private marble-finished shower bathrooms, air conditioning, flat screen televisions with DVD player, hairdryer, safe, radio and telephone. The elegant restaurant with free choice of seating invites you to enjoy exquisite cuisine, while the library with fireplace transports guests to the exclusive atmosphere of a distinguished English private club.
The spacious decks lined with noble teak wood invite you to stroll and relax, offering more free space per passenger than on most conventional cruise ships. Under the white sails and blue skies, everyday stresses quickly disappear, giving way to an almost forgotten sense of calm and deep relaxation. For refreshment, the ship has two pools on deck, complemented by two bars: the indoor Piano Bar and its open-air counterpart, the Tropical Bar.
The Star Flyer is registered in Malta and classified by DNV with a "1A1+" rating, a guarantee of the highest safety and quality standards. Sailing days aboard this clipper sailing yacht are worth double and triple, creating indelible memories that awaken the desire to repeat such an experience. It is the ideal boat for romantic travellers, lovers of sailing, couples looking for a different experience and all those who dream of living the magic of sailing the sea as the great sailors of the past did, but with all the comforts of the present.
The Star Flyer is a true queen of the seas, a majestic clipper ship that proudly embodies the tradition of the legendary 19th century clipper ships. Built in 1991, this impressive sailing ship was the first of the Star Clippers and marked the beginning of a success story in the world of sailing cruising. At an imposing 115.5 metres in length, the Star Flyer reinterprets the great era of historic clipper ships in every inch of her structure: from her sleek streamlined hull and four mighty 63-metre-high masts, to her solid wooden rudder and classic nautical-style interior décor.
What makes the Star Flyer truly special is her ability to uniquely combine this seafaring heritage with the comforts of modern sailing. She is not only a truly grand sailing yacht, sailing the seas under 16 sails with a sail area of 3,365 square metres, capable of speeds between 5 and 17 knots, but also a modern cruise ship offering her 166 passengers an individualised holiday experience in an intimate and private atmosphere, served by a crew of 74 professionals.
On board the Star Flyer, passengers will find a level of comfort rarely found on a sailing yacht: spacious cabins equipped with private marble-finished shower bathrooms, air conditioning, flat screen televisions with DVD player, hairdryer, safe, radio and telephone. The elegant restaurant with free choice of seating invites you to enjoy exquisite cuisine, while the library with fireplace transports guests to the exclusive atmosphere of a distinguished English private club.
The spacious decks lined with noble teak wood invite you to stroll and relax, offering more free space per passenger than on most conventional cruise ships. Under the white sails and blue skies, everyday stresses quickly disappear, giving way to an almost forgotten sense of calm and deep relaxation. For refreshment, the ship has two pools on deck, complemented by two bars: the indoor Piano Bar and its open-air counterpart, the Tropical Bar.
The Star Flyer is registered in Malta and classified by DNV with a "1A1+" rating, a guarantee of the highest safety and quality standards. Sailing days aboard this clipper sailing yacht are worth double and triple, creating indelible memories that awaken the desire to repeat such an experience. It is the ideal boat for romantic travellers, lovers of sailing, couples looking for a different experience and all those who dream of living the magic of sailing the sea as the great sailors of the past did, but with all the comforts of the present.
Your cabin
The Owner's Cabin is the jewel of the Star Flyer, with a luxurious living area and marble bathroom with bathtub.
Ideal for couples seeking exclusivity on a clipper yacht. Located on the Clipper Deck, it offers supreme privacy and comfort.
Rates & availability
The Owner's Cabin is the jewel of the Star Flyer, with a luxurious living area and marble bathroom with bathtub.
Ideal for couples seeking exclusivity on a clipper yacht. Located on the Clipper Deck, it offers supreme privacy and comfort.
Spacious outside cabin with double or triple berth, perfect for small families.
Ocean windows for panoramic views from Clipper Deck. Comfort on a luxury sailing yacht with full en-suite bathroom.
Approx. size: 12 m²WardrobeShowerAir conditioningTelephoneSea viewWindowSafeTVPrivate bathroomDouble bed
From 3495 € / per person
Bright outside cabin with double or triple berth, in Clipper or Commodore Deck.
Direct access to the dining area in some units for added convenience. Perfect balance between price and ocean views.
Versatile outside cabin on Commodore Deck, suitable for couples or triples.
Private bathroom and lower berth for easy sailboat access. Authentic sailing experience with natural light.
Compact but cosy, with raised or lowered bed according to preference.
Ideal for tight budgets in Commodore Deck. All basic amenities with porthole to the sea.
Approx. size: 11 m²Air conditioningTelephoneSea viewWindowWardrobeShowerTVPrivate bathroomDouble bed
From 2890 € / per person
Economical interior cabin with private bathroom, no windows.
Perfect for budget or short stays on a sailing yacht. Maintains Star Clippers luxury with full equipment.
All prices quoted are in Euros per person in double cabin from/to port, including full board and port taxes, but excluding gratuities (optional).
When confirming the booking, 100% of the total cost of the cruise must be paid.
Upon confirmation of booking, Star Clippers cancellation policies apply in full (see details at starclippers.com/terms).
Boarding information
The exact check in and check out time varies according to the route. Two weeks prior to departure, the exact check in time and meeting point at the respective port of departure will be provided.
Additional information
Accommodation in a double cabin in the selected category.
Full board and snacks.
Entertainment, parties and transport between ports.
Free water sports in selected harbours (snorkelling, kayaks, windsurfing).
Port taxes and charges
Send an enquiry
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