Cruising from Istanbul, Turkey, to Athens aboard the Wind Star

Istanbul’s spice market.   (Sandy Northrop / For The Times)

The Ephesus library. Earthquakes and destructive invaders led to the city’s demise more than 1,000 years ago. But after 150 years of ongoing excavation, archaeologists have rebuilt 16% of the city, column by column. Today, Ephesus is Turkey’s most popular tourist destination, attracting 5 million visitors a year.   (David Lamb / For The Times)

Bodrum, a pleasant and lively coastal town in Turkey. It is the home of the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, where an 11th century shipwreck is on display.  (David Lamb / For The Times)

The Greek isle of Santorini. Its tranquility is often interrupted by the arrival of huge cruise ships disgorging thousands of passengers for a few hours, but it’s still a charming island with good restaurants, narrow alleyways and quaint hotels.  (Sandy Northrop / For The Times)