A first in the history of the WOW! Travel Club, we chartered a luxurious, little-known ship that we’d used with fabulous success for a corporate client. The entire experience – including a pre-trip to magical Cappadocia, Turkey – was nothing short of extraordinary. Our intimate group of cruisers and ship’s crew bonded and became forever friends by the second day. Captain Rajko collaborated with us to design a unique itinerary, visiting tiny ports and islands where the big ships don’t go. It was one unforgettable, idyllic summertime week visiting the best of Turkey and the Greek Isles!

Highlights:

Cappadocia

• A 3-night pre-trip to this UNESCO World Heritage site in central Turkey with its lunar-like landscape of volcanic terrain and thousand-year-old cities carved into the towers of undulating rock carved by the wind
• We stayed at the luxurious, 5-star Argos of Cappadocia, created from the ruins of a 2,000 year-old monastery which was once a hostel for the camel caravans plying the Silk Road
• We saw the famous “Whirling Dervishes” – and learned about this sacred ritual
• We made traditional Turkish dishes in the kitchen of a private home
• We had a picnic in the countryside, under the olive trees
• Many opted for a magnificent hot-air balloon flight

The Ports of Call

• Istanbul – where expert guides led us on small-group explorations to the museums, mosques and ancient markets of this bustling, cosmopolitan city that straddles two continents
• In tiny Tilos, we wandered around the quiet town and peeked into the Orthodox Church with its doors wide open
• Symi, was a favorite of everyone
• Patmos, with its picturesque hilltop windmills
• UNESCO World Heritage site of Ephesus – where we pulled a “wow” surprise on everyone: in a 3,000 year-old amphitheater the symphony orchestra from Izmir was waiting to surprise everyone with a classical music concert under the stars

The Onboard Experience

• We had only about 60 guests on this luxurious 88-passenger vessel, which has consistently been named “Best of” in every small ship category
• With coffee or champagne in hand, we visited the Bridge at any time – day or night – to watch Captain Rajko, his officers and crew skillfully maneuvered the ship in and out of tiny ports
• We enjoyed a “Zorba” theme dinner on deck – complete with a Bouzouki trio and smashing plates!
• A belly dancer shimmied around our guests during cocktails one evening
• We placed pillow gifts in the staterooms on most nights – sweet surprises!