Capture the spirit of the sunny Greek isles

REVISIT history in the Greek Isles and the Eastern Med, where a luxurious cruise could see you bargaining for treasures in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, stepping into a postcard in lovely Santorini, savouring freshgrilled octopus and ouzo in chic Mykonos and exploring crusaderera Rhodes Town.

It’s a stress-free way to soak up this sun-kissed region’s past and present, as you’ll unpack just once and discover a new port every day.

Wander through the ancient streets of Ephesus — or climb up the magnificent Acropolis in Athens and stand in awe of the Parthenon.

Chill in a beachside Greek taverna, and don’t forget to bring the ‘Opa!’ back on board while you live it up (or wind it down) as you cruise to the next hot spot in style.

TWO PORTS IN ONE DAY

CAPTURE the spirit of the Greek Isles and Eastern Mediterranean aboard Norwegian Spirit following its more than $100million renovation, where every curve, view and space has been completely reimagined to perfection.

The new contemporary design has been inspired by Norwegian Cruise Line’s latest sophisticated vessels — where Freestyle Cruising gives you the flexibility to holiday your way.

Six new dining spaces offer a culinary trip around the world, including modern Italian at the new Onda by Scarpetta restaurant. And modernised staterooms mean you can revel in spacious serenity at sea. sea Unusually, you can explore two ports in one day on a seven-day round trip cruise from Athens, opening up monasteries, palaces, wineries and underground lakes. In Ephesus, Turkey’s top archaeological site, remains such as the Roman Library of Celsus bring the past vividly to life.

Step ashore that same evening on the holy island of Patmos, home to pristine beaches and 365 churches and shrines. In Rhodes, savour the charm of the old walled town where the Colossus stood in ancient times.

Mykonos is a classic Greek beauty with whitewashed houses, bluedomed churches and windmills, and gorgeous beaches.

Or take a ferry ride to the tiny island of Delos, a mythical home of the gods packed with ancient treasures.

Up ahead lie the frescoed cathedral at Argostoli, as well as lush Corfu. Med’s best views: Santorini. Inset: A balcony stateroom and Onda by Scarpetta restaurant on Norwegian Spirit And in gorgeous Santorini, let out an ‘Opa!’ alongside locals at a lively Greek celebration with food, wine dancing and laughter, all while admiring the cobalt Aegean Sea.

LIFE-AFFIRMING JOURNEY

ANOTHER seven-day Norwegian Spirit cruise includes Istanbul, as well as many Greek Isles.

Lavish palaces, Byzantine art, beautiful mosques, bustling bazaars, Turkish food — all these things come to mind when you think of Istanbul.

Head to any park and you’ll see why tulips have long been the symbol of this fashionable city.

Or how about a cruise that calls at Israel and Cyprus, as well as favourite Greek isles? In Jerusalem, see the Dead Sea Scrolls and visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. Alternatively, travel to the Sea of Galilee and Nazareth, to Bethlehem or to the Dead Sea and Masada, a national Jewish shrine.

With fabulous food, brilliant entertainment and even the option of The Haven, home to the most luxurious, well-appointed and spacious accommodation, a lifeaffirming journey around the Greek islands and Eastern Med begins the moment you step aboard the all-renewed Norwegian Spirit.