BOSTON, MASS. – Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.), the leader in small group travel on the road less traveled, announced a unique Turkish coast and Greek island small ship cruise that sails the legendary waters of the Aegean. New for 2020, the itinerary highlights a region that has been named a top place to travel in the coming year.
O.A.T. offers small group, immersive adventures for travelers aged 50 and older. With its small-scale travel philosophy, O.A.T. limits groups to 8-16 travelers on land and 20-25 on average by ship.
On this 14-day adventure, travelers soak in the charm and traditions of life in the region with a small group (average of 22 travelers). Aboard the 50-passenger privately owned M/V Athena small ship, travelers sail the Aegean for seven nights, exploring classical ruins and modern marvels.
“A small ship cruise is a fascinating way to discover Turkey and the Greek islands,” said Brian Fitzgerald, chief operating officer of O.A.T. “Many O.A.T. travelers are former teachers and educators interested in continuing to learn. Beyond the scenic beauty, this epic voyage brings our travelers to monumental sites in classical history.”
Highlights of this adventure include:
- Visiting four UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Among the sites is enigmatic Troy. Once thought to be a mythical place immortalized by Homer's Iliad, the remnants of nine cities of Troy still stand in Turkey.
- Exploring a different side of Turkey – Travelers sail to Bodrum, a 3,000-year-old city with a multifaceted history, and discover the hidden gems of Istanbul and sites such as Kusadasi, gateway to the ruins of ancient Ephesus. With the guidance of a local Trip Experience Leader with insider knowledge, travelers gain a deeper connection to the culture.
- Making local connections – Travelers visit six Greek islands, meeting with local residents to experience the culture. At an ouzo distillery on Lesbos, travelers learn from locals about the production of this anise-flavored aperitif for which the island is known.