Nights 1 & 2: Hotel Grande Bretagne Athens, Greece Located in the center of Athens on Syntagma Square, across from the Greek Parliament buildings, Hotel Grande Bretagne has been welcoming discerning travelers since 1874. For over 130 years, it has been a favorite of crowned heads and heads of state. A member of Starwood’s Luxury Collection, this classic and prestigious hotel more than deserves its reputation for excellence. Leisure facilities include an impressive spa with an indoor swimming pool and an outdoor swimming pool in the roof garden is open seasonally. The roof garden also features a bar and restaurant during the summer months.
Night 3: Nafplia Palace Hotel Nafplion, Greece The genius of Frank Lloyd Wright inspired the dramatic design of the Nafplia Palace Hotel. A true pearl of the Peloponnese, this special hotel is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Located within the Venetian fortress of Akronafplia, it stands majestically over the town and the scenic harbor below. Its restaurants received the “5 Star Diamond Award” from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences recently and the Veranda Bar, with its stunning view of the sea, is a popular gathering place. The outdoor swimming pool also offers impressive sea vistas.
Amphitryon Hotel Nafplion, Greece Set on the waterfront overlooking the fortified isle of Bourtzi and in the shadow of the city’s historic castle, the Amphitryon Hotel is an unspoiled, luxurious enclave catering to discerning travelers. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, this fine hotel offers lovely guestrooms with all the amenities today’s travelers expect. Fitness facilities and tennis courts are available to guests and the beach is nearby. Enjoy splendid views while indulging in your favorite libation in the hotel’s bar.
Nights 4 - 10: Aboard Wind Star / Wind Spirit Cruising the Aegean Sea Windstar Cruises’ slogan, “180° From Ordinary,” aptly describes the delights of a voyage aboard the intimate Wind Star and Wind Spirit. These totally modern, four-masted schooners are twin sisters designed to show guests the world from the perspective of a luxury motor-sail-yacht. All staterooms feature ocean views, closed circuit color television, DVD and CD players, a mini-bar/refrigerator, international direct-dial telephones, a hairdryer and private baths with luxurious toiletries and plush robes. Public areas include a salt water swimming pool, a hot tub and the pool bar on deck 4, an intimate lounge and bar, a fitness center, and a library offering books, videos and CDs for use in staterooms. Of particular note is complimentary water-skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling and kayaking, weather permitting. “Casual elegance” defines life aboard these sleek vessels, with jackets and ties never being required. Dining in The Restaurant or in the more casual Veranda Restaurant is an epicurean delight. Over 90 crewmembers attend to the needs of just 148 guests, assuring attentive service.
Nights 11, 12 & 13: Ceylan InterContinental Hotel, Istanbul Istanbul, Turkey The deluxe Ceylan InterContinental Hotel Istanbul elegantly reflects both European and Asian influences, as is fitting in the cosmopolitan city of Istanbul. Located in the center of the city near Taksim Park, it is very convenient to many of Istanbul’s best-known sights. Its large selection of restaurants and bars offer many dining and drinking choices and its leisure facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, a beauty parlor and a health club with a fully equipped gym, sauna and Turkish bath. The air-conditioned guest rooms are spacious and well appointed.