Istanbul to Athens – Aegean Elegance by Tall Ship Hosted by Wendy Fracchia

Along the way, we’ll visit picturesque islands made famous by the beloved film Mamma Mia!, along with charming coastal ports that will capture your heart with their authenticity and beauty. Each stop offers its own story inviting you to explore, relax, and immerse yourself in the culture and scenery of the region.

With Star Clippers’ intimate sailing experience, you’ll enjoy fewer guests onboard, a relaxed and elegant atmosphere, and access to smaller, less crowded ports that larger ships simply cannot reach.  This sail-ship is perfect for mobile, active lifestyle guests of all ages…those with “adventure in their hearts”, regardless of age. Yes, this is a “tall ship” with sails, but it is also a modern ship with propeller motors and all the amenities for smooth sailing as we follow the coastlines of Greece, Turkey, and the Northern Cyclades Islands.  If you want a memorable trip of a lifetime that is unique, experiential, culturally immersive, and includes easy and energetic adventures and activities,  then this is the trip for you. It’s a style of travel that feels more personal, more meaningful, and one you’ll find yourself wanting to experience again and again.

Enhance your journey with an optional 2-night pre-tour in Istanbul, where East meets West in a captivating mix of culture, history, and architecture. Enjoy a free arrival day to settle in, followed by a full day of guided sightseeing featuring highlights such as the breathtaking Blue Mosque, the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, and the colorful Grand Bazaar. It’s the perfect way to begin your adventure before stepping aboard your sailing yacht.

After your cruise, consider extending your experience with an optional overnight in Athens, bringing ancient history to life with a guided tour of the legendary Acropolis and the iconic Parthenon. This seamless extension allows you to fully experience one of the world’s greatest cities before your journey home. Whether you choose the pre-tour, post-tour, or both, this itinerary offers the perfect combination of discovery, relaxation, and once-in-a-lifetime moments.

Tour ID #9227F19

We offer A CASH DISCOUNT of $150.00 on this tour. It applies for all payments made by check or ACH AFTER the deposit, and only the deposit amount is paid by credit card.

To Book This Tour, Contact your favorite Morris Columbus Travel advisor or the Group Tour Manager listed below:

Wendy Fracchia, Tour Operations Manager
Tel: (800) 809-9910

Highlights

• Small group size (30 max) for the cruise
• Free Shipboard Gratuities
• $150 per cabin Shipboard credit
• Morris Murdock tour host, Wendy Fracchia, Morris Murdock Escorted tours Group Director
• Optional Pre-IstanbulTour and post tour in Athens
• Intimate, yacht-style cruising experience

• 7 Night Cruise on the Tall Ship, Star Flyer.
• Group director while on your cruise for travel and group assistance
• Free Shipboard Gratuities
• $150 per cabin Shipboard credit

• Airfare into Istanbul, Turkey and home from Athens, Greece
• Government fees and taxes: $300 per person
• Optional Excursions in ports both private and group (see below)
• Trip cancellation/Trip interruption coverage

Wendy Fracchia has spent close to 40 years in the travel industry, turning her love for exploring the world into a rewarding career. From the moment she entered the industry right out of school, Wendy discovered her passion for helping others experience unforgettable journeys — whether fulfilling lifelong “bucket list” dreams, growing in faith, or simply enjoying the adventure of travel. Her extensive experience includes leading group tours throughout the USA, Africa, Thailand, Australia, and on multiple European River and Mediterranean cruises. Wendy is known for her travel expertise, insider tips, and heartfelt enthusiasm for sharing the world’s most remarkable places with others.

Travel is more than a job for Wendy — it’s part of who she is. She hopes to see as much of the world as possible and pass along those stories and experiences to her family, friends, and fellow travelers.

Wendy and her husband, Art, have been married for over 35 years. Together, they’ve raised two wonderful sons, welcomed two beloved daughters-in-law, and are now the proud grandparents of soon-to-be five cherished grandchildren. Art has been a constant support, often joining Wendy as an assistant on group tours and embracing the adventure alongside her.

Pricing Options:

• Category 6: (Inside cabin, cabin 86 sq. ft) - From $2,200
• Category 5: (Outside cabin, cabin 118 sq. ft.) - From $2,400
• Category 4: (Outside cabin, cabin 118 sq. ft.) - From $2,730
• Category 3: (Outside cabin, cabin size varies) - From $2,860
• Category 2: (Large outside cabin, cabin 129 sq. ft) - From $3,030
• Category 1: (Deluxe deck cabin, twin bed converted to double, marble bathroom with whirlpool, cabin doors open onto deck, cabin 156 sq. ft) - From $3,520  SOLD OUT
• The rates listed are for double occupancy. Please call for single cabin rates
• OPTIONAL Pre-Tour: Istanbul Experience $549.00 PP/DOUBLE
• OPTIONAL Post-Tour: Athens Highlights   $559.00pp/double
• BONUS  SAVINGS - Book both the PRE and POST tours together in 1 package for only $1000 pp/double and save $108 per person!

Important Information:

• All persons must travel with a valid passport. If you are a USA citizen, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of your travel and have at least two blank pages. See www.travel.state.gov for details. Check 60 days prior to departure as requirements may change.

Payment Terms:

• A deposit of $500.00 per person (Cat 2-6) and $900 per person (Cat 1 or Owners) is due at the booking
• Rates are Per person/Double Occupancy - please call for single cabin rates
• The final Payment is due 17 March 2027
• **This tour is based on a minimum of 20 passengers traveling

Cancellation Policy:

Free cancellation up to 7 days from deposit, After 7 days there is a 50% cancellation fee of your deposit, Tour is fully non-refundable after final payment

INTERNATIONAL TRIPS: For all tours and cruises that include international air, a valid passport is required and must be valid for at least 6 months beyond date of entry and one blank page per stamp. Morris Murdock Escorted Tours must receive a copy of your passport information page at least 90 days before the departure date. Airlines have strict policies concerning name changes/corrections after tickets have been issued. If a name change/correction is required on your ticket, you will be required to cover the cost of the fees.

Please see our cancellation policy:

If a participant needs to cancel their reservation, written notice must be provided. Cancellations within seven calendar days of booking (if not past the final payment date) will receive a full refund, excluding airfares, which follow the airline’s policy. Cancellations after the seven-day grace period incur a 50% penalty on the deposit until the final payment date, and cancellations after the final payment date are non-refundable, including for unused portions of the tour.