TAKE A SMALL SHIP CRUISE TO TURKEY, GREECE

Credit: International Expeditions

When it comes to picking a cruise, consumers have lots of options, including how many passengers will share the journey with you. If you are among those who prefer a more personal experience, International Expeditions is expanding their offering of small-ship expedition cruises for 2013. They report that "in addition to year-round journeys to the Amazon River and Galapagos Islands, the company will operate a Turkey and Greece cruise aboard the 42-guest Panorama II departing Sept. 15, 2013. Each small-ship expedition is led by knowledgeable expedition leaders and guides who help travelers delve into the nature, history and cultures of places visited."

Along with the lovely scenery, history buffs will be delighted with the itinerary: "Designed for history and archaeology enthusiasts, International Expeditions’ Turkey and Greece journey spans centuries of history and culture along the ancient Turquoise Coast and Greek Isles. IE’s 12-day cruise offers an immersive survey of the region, from Bronze Age shipwrecks at Bodrum’s Underwater Archaeological Museum to an unexcavated acropolis in remote Lindos. Highlighting the tour are archaeologist-guided explorations of sites which were part of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — the Colossus of Rhodes, Mausoleum of Halicarnassus and Temple of Artemis. Guests also enjoy swimming off secluded coves and beaches, time to sample food at a local taverna and independent exploration." Prices start at $4,798.

Here's more info on their other offerings: