Darlings,
Today I am bringing you a very special experience that we had with my Mum during The Windstar Cruises 40th years Anniversary Cruise: Aegean Sea Odyssey via the Corinth Canal. This trip was very unique because we had a lot of incredible events like a Private Dinner with a Orchestra at the Ruined city of Ephesus. (Only Windstar Cruises can book a private Dinner here and only for the guests). We explored Lemnos, Patmos, Kusadasi, Bodrum & Santorini during this incredible Journey. It was truly a Lifetime experience. The team was Very kind and we felt just like home, thanks to them.
Before I share our Magical trip, let me share with you Why Windstar Cruises is For You.
The World's Best Small Ship Cruise Line
We truly felt the more intimate and familiar atmosphere and that we are a part of the Windstar Family. After the first day, the team knew our names, almost everywhere and they took notes if we had special request, so next days they brought without asking me, like I asked for every morning for breakfast a salad and lemon Juice with warm water.
All cruise ships let you see the world. Only Windstar’s private yacht style cruises brings you close enough so you can truly experience it. Each of our Windstar Cruises yachts serves between 148 and 342 guests. This intimacy provides you with the luxuries of time, space, and freedom to immerse yourself in both the journey and the destination — in ways you may never have imagined possible.
Making a Difference One Detail at a Time.
Windstar Cruise team makes big effort to small details and make you feel like home.
I mentioned one time to Chef Marcello that the Apple strudel was so tasty and the next day they delivered to my room some fresh ones and also a dish in Amphora Restaurant. We received daily cute gifts, notes and special treatments, as everyone in the Cruise.
Of all the things that make Windstar 180 degrees from ordinary, the most exceptional may be our crew. To them, hospitality is not just a job, it’s a calling, and the more you enjoy your voyage, the more they enjoy serving you. They notice things others might not – your affection for turn-down chocolates, for instance, resulting in extra sweets magically appearing on your pillow.
World Class Dining Experience
The Dining at the Cruise were extraordinary.
Always fresh, delicious Food, using the Best and fresh ingredients.
Our favorites were Amphora & Candles Restaurants.
Windstar Cruises upped the onboard dining game with our culinary program, featuring an array of fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from each ports along the journey. The menu is crafted to highlight the spectacular flavors of the regional cuisine.
With two brand new restaurants on Star Class Ships, you will be able to taste a variety of cuisines from around the globe. Whether you are looking for afternoon tapas or barbecue grilled by a master, the option to relax and enjoy delicious meals is always a guarantee
Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso
Savor flavors of Spanish local culture as you dine in intimate surroundings that encourage sharing and camaraderie by ten-time Michelin-starred Chef Anthony Sasso. With seating for 38 including a chef’s counter and communal table, it’s an inventive take on modern Spanish cuisine.
Star Grill by Steven Raichlen
You’ll find all your traditional grilled and barbecued favorites (and discover new dishes from around the world) in our new casual outdoor restaurant brought to you in partnership with global grilling authority, Steven Raichlen.
DAY 1
LEMNOS, GREECE
POLIOCHNI & WINERY
In this program we visited Poliochni which is one of the largest urban centers of the Early Bronze Age and the first city in Europe with a basic social and civic structure. After we went to Chatzigeorgiou Estate to learn about their famous wines through by the tasting of 5 wines accompanied by local cheese and crackers.
THE BEAUTIFUL SUITE:
DAY 2
PATMOS, GREECE
This day we discovered Patmos and we bought some local Olive oil and souvenirs.
DAY 3-4
KUSADASI, TURKEY
Ephesus and Private lunch at Sirince Village
A perfect way to discover the rich history and culture of Ephesus, as well as the charming village of Sirince.
Our tour began with a visit to the ancient city of Ephesus, where you will see landmarks such as the Celsus Library, the Great Theater, and the Odeon Temple. We had the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Mother Mary, St. John, and St. Paul as you learn about the early Christians and Romans who lived in Ephesus.
After exploring the ancient city, we had the chance to visit the delightful village of Sirince. This charming village is known for its beautiful scenery, including olive groves and lush countryside. It is also famous for its wines, olive oils, and garden produce. During this visit, we had a lunch in a boutique hotel with local wines and olive oils.
After we went back to the Cruise for a quick change since around 17:30 the Shuttle bus was waiting for us to have a Private Dinner with Orchestra at Ephesus. This experience was just Magical and Only Windstar Cruises can book a private Dinner here and only for the guest.
EPHESUS:
SIRINCE VILLAGE AND PRIVATE LUNCH:
TRADITONAL TURKISH CARPET STORE:
At the end of the tour we visited a traditional Turkish carpet store where we learned so much about how they make carpets, how they use Silk and we tasted Turkish coffee, tea, wine and of course Baklava.
PRIVATE DINNER WITH ORCHESTRA AT EPHESUS:
DAY 5 BODRUM, TURKEY
At Bodrum we spent the day at Casa Nonna Bodrum hotel which is the Best Boutique hotel there. We had a Nice lunch and spent the afternoon at the beach. It was magical and 100% recommend. The whole place is so Beautiful.
Santorini we spent a day at my favorite hotel: Athina Luxury Suites, we enjoyed a nice dinner and discovered Santorini. Find below more details HERE about the hotel.
DAY 7 AT THE SEA
We enjoyed the daily programs and activities because Windstar has many, especially during your sea day.
DAY 8 DELPHI/ITEA
We visited Delphi and the highlight of the day was the cruising through the Corinth Canal. It was such an unique Experience.
CORINTH CANAL:
SUNSETS:
DINING AT WINDSTAR:
RESTAURANTS:
AMPHORA
CANDLES/VERANDA
CUADRO 44 BY ANTHONY SASSO
STAR GRILL BY STEVEN RAICHLEN
The Dining at the Cruise was extraordinary.
Always fresh, delicious Food, using the Best and fresh ingredients.
Our favorites were Amphora & Candles Restaurants.
GIFTS AND SURPRISES FROM WINDSTAR:
The lovely team always left us Gifts, Lovely Notes and special treats in our room as to every guest. For example, at the private dinner, was a professional photographer who was taking photos about each guest, they didn't ask any names or email but next day we had our photos printed as a gift. How thoughtful :)
With Captain Pedro Pinto and Gloria Bohen ( Godmother of Star Legend)
ENTERTAINMENT:
Every night we saw some nice concerts, live music, it was so Nice.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
We had such a magical time with Windstar Cruises.
I would like to thank to the whole team for our very special experience.
Windstar Cruises Website:
https://www.windstarcruises.com/
Windstar Cruises Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/windstarcruises/
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