I am interested in taking a trip that goes from Istanbul to Athens and includes stopping at places like Troy, Ephesus, Rhodes (the famous sites of classical civililation). Not interested in a trip with lots of kids on board - prefer a nicer ship and would ideally want to go in either Oct or Nov. Any recommendations as the trip I had my heart set on is fully booked.

We did a trip like that a few years ago on Marco Polo of Orient Lines. 3 starship, about 800 pax.
Troy (port Cenakale) was very disappointing!!!

What ship were you hoping to sail on? Actually I would think any cruise in Oct or Nov would have few kids on board! We did a Celebrity cruise last May and there were very few children. Have you checked Princess and Celebrity lines or were you looking at more of the upscale products?

I want to stay away from the more "institutional" cruise lines and prefer to find a more "academic" type group that is smaller. The trip I want to take has only 23 cabins on board. I may opt for a trip to "Classical Turkey" and forget the boat stuff. I am more after the learning experience than anything else.

Sega, your thought of Classical Turkey is much more exciting + interesting than the 1st thought of the cruise.
Happy Travelling,
Murat