Star Clippers is expanding its Eastern Mediterranean program for 2027, placing greater emphasis on the Turkish coast with a series of 7- to 11-night voyages linking Istanbul and the Aegean with ports along the Turkish Riviera.
The itineraries combine coastal cruising with access to archaeological sites, historic towns, beaches and smaller maritime communities. The region encompasses more than two millennia of Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history, alongside contemporary resorts, markets, restaurants and working harbors. Along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, mountainous terrain, sheltered bays and clear waters form the backdrop to ancient settlements, fortifications and waterfront towns.
The program is centered on new 10- and 11-night voyages aboard the 166-guest, 4-masted Star Flyer, operating between Istanbul and Antalya. The itineraries include a broad selection of Turkish ports, among them Çeşme, Datça, Fethiye, Kaş, Kekova, Dikili, the Dalyan River and Bozcaada, with calls at several Greek islands incorporated into the routes.
The 11-night Istanbul-to-Antalya voyage, scheduled to depart on May 29th and July 24th, 2027, starts in Istanbul before heading south to Dikili, which provides access to the ancient city of Pergamon. The ship then continues to Çeşme, a resort and marina destination near Alaçatı, before visiting the Greek islands of Samos and Patmos.
Star Flyer subsequently returns to Türkiye at Datça, situated on the peninsula separating the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. The itinerary continues through the Dalyan River and Fethiye before reaching Kaş. A call at the Greek island of Kastellorizo precedes the final arrival in Antalya. Fares start at US$3,740 per person, based on double occupancy.
The 10-night voyage from Antalya to Istanbul, departing June 9th and August 4th, includes a call at Kekova, an area known for its sheltered coastline, islands and remains associated with ancient Lycia. The route also visits Fethiye and the Dalyan River before continuing to the Greek islands of Symi and Patmos. In Türkiye, the ship calls at Çeşme and Bozcaada, the latter known for its historic streets, traditional tavernas and beaches. Fares start at US$3,350 per person.
Turkish ports are also incorporated into shorter Eastern Mediterranean itineraries aboard Star Flyer. The 7-night Yachtsman’s Paradise voyage from Istanbul to Athens includes Dikili before continuing through the northern Aegean, while the Delightful Dervishes itinerary from Athens to Istanbul calls at Dikili and Bozcaada. Other Greek-focused voyages include Turkish ports such as Çeşme, Bodrum, Fethiye and Kuşadasi, the principal gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus. 7-night Star Flyer itineraries start at US$2,500 per person.
Star Clippers Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Americas, Terri Haas, said the Turkish coast was particularly compatible with the company’s small-ship sailing model because of the combination of historical sites, coastal landscapes and maritime communities. She noted that the vessel’s access to smaller ports allowed passengers to experience destinations that are less frequently included in larger cruise-ship itineraries, while the sailing passage itself forms an integral part of the voyage.
The itineraries are designed around Star Flyer’s operating characteristics. Carrying 166 guests, the 4-masted sailing ship is small enough to enter ports and coastal locations that may be inaccessible to larger cruise vessels. When weather and operating conditions permit, the vessel can raise its sails and reduce engine use while underway.
Passengers can observe sail-handling operations from the decks, visit the open bridge, assist the crew with lines and access the Crow’s Nest. The ship also features a bowsprit net suspended above the water, providing a vantage point at the forward end of the vessel.