Traveling From The Us
There are few airlines that offer non-stop flights between the USA and Athens however, many offer one or two stop over flights. The following are the main airline companies that fly to Athens:
Delta Airlines offers direct flights from New York-JFK to Athens up to once or twice a day during peak season .
Since March 2017, Emirates has included non-stop flights between Newark and Athens and operate all year round.
During the summer months, American Airlines also offers daily flights from Philadelphia to Athens.
To Appreciate The History And The Unesco Sites
From the Greeks to the Romans and Ottomans, men have been vying to rule the Mediterranean Basin and control its shipping routes since ancient times. Today, the numerous UNESCO World HeritageSites are a testament to the regions economic and cultural wealth and to the diversity of the Mediterranean people. Setting sail on a Mediterranean cruise is a chance to admire a myriad of perfectly preserved artefacts and unmissable sites: the Acropolis of Athens the Theatre of Epidaurus the sacred island of Delos the ancient city of Nessebar the archaeological ruins of Delphi the medieval city of Rhodes the historic centres of Valletta Dubrovnik, Kotor and Syracuse and the relics of Pompeii, Rome and Venice.
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Things You Need To Know When Planning A Cruise To The Greek Islands
Few places are as photographed and fantasized about as the Greek Islands.
You can visit Santorinis whitewashed houses and their blue domes perched high atop the steep cliffs, witness the incredible history of the Acropolis of Athens, or stroll around the cobblestone alleyways of romantic Mykonos.
That said, traveling the Greek Islands can be daunting: There are flights to secure, hotels to book, boat reservations to makeand that doesnt even begin to count your meals, entertainment and the like. Cruising the islands can take much of that guesswork out of the equation, and our local Expedia Cruises travel agents will ensure you maximize your time and money, so you can focus on enjoying the experience.
Here are a few of the most asked questions answered about planning your cruise to the Greek Islands:
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Cruise Travel: How Will It Work
So how will cruise travel in the Mediterranean be carried out post-COVID? Cruise companies insist that travel at sea is perhaps the safest and cleanest option due to the stringent safety, health, and sanitation protocols already in place on board even before the emergence of the virus.
The companies have, for the past year, followed the recommendations of safety and health experts and have expanded their existing protocols with additional layers of protection.
Some companies accept only vaccinated passengers , others are requesting a negative PCR test result 72 hours before embarkation, and a number of companies will be requesting that those under 18 test negative before boarding.
If you do decide to take a cruise this summer this is what you should expect: you can enjoy onboard amenities, eat only served meals at the ships dozens of restaurants, and enjoy drinks at the bars. You can also participate in cultural activities and sports on board.
One major change, however, is that you cant disembark at any port on your own unless youre traveling on a vaccinated-only cruise. Instead, this years visits to the shore will be organized exclusively by the cruise company, which has also tested vendors, guides, drivers, and service providers at the ports of call in order to ensure safety on board and limit the possibility of infection.
Additionally, you should have in mind that:
Popular Greek Isles Cruise Ports
Greece is home to more than 200 inhabited islands in the Aegean and Ionian seas. These are three of the most popular destinations to visit on a Greek Islands cruise:
- Santorini, Greece: Step out of a postcard and into Santoriniâs weaving roads lined with white-washed buildings and blue-domed roofs overlooking a glimmering sea. With beaches shaped by volcanic eruptions and wine producers dotting the island, Santorini is the perfect place to kick back and relax.
- Mykonos, Greece: Known for its spectacular beaches and delicious Mediterranean food â think olives, cheese, honey, and pistachios â Mykonos is a must-see destination while in Greece. On the island, you can visit the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos to see ruins from nearby Delos, the birthplace of Apollo, or rent ATVs to explore the islandâs rolling hills on your own.
- Athens, Greece: Greeceâs capital, known as the cradle of Western Civilization, is a history-loverâs paradise. Visit the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon, the Theater of Dionysus and the Parthenon, as well as museums like the Museum of the City of Athens and the Museum of Cycladic Art.
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What Should I Pack For A Cruise To Greece
Ground can be uneven especially at archaeological sites so pack sturdy shoes. The Greek Orthodox religion is pervasive in Greece and maintains conservative views especially regarding women if youre planning on visiting any monasteries and you should pack something to cover your shoulders, as well as a skirt or dress.
To Stand At The Crossroads Of Civilisation
From the Iberian Peninsula to the Turkish Riviera, the Mediterranean is where Europe meets Africa and Asia. Throughout history, the sea has allowed men to travel from shore to shore and from east to west, discovering new curiosities and trading knowledge and goods. The Mediterranean boasts a unique blend of cultures: small ports with Byzantine architecture, ancient Ottoman cities, Greek and Roman ruins, Hispano-Moresque palaces From the Black Sea to the Adriatic and from the Aegean Sea to the Strait of Gibraltar, every community has its own distinctive style and way of life.
October 9, 2022 Lavrio
Arrival 10/9/2022 early morning Disembarkation 10/9/2022 at 7:00 AM
Near Athens, Lavrion is a peaceful port welcoming boats from around the world. The town has been known since ancient times for the silver-producing mines of Lavrion, which were major contributors to the wealth of Athens and to the Greek economy in the 20th century. Weather permitting, take a stroll through the town and discover the many vestiges of this industry that flourished until the 1980s: old Neoclassical-style constructions, industrial buildings, and worker houses. Not far from there, the ancient site of Thorikos reveals a Greek theatre and a marble temple dedicated to Demeter, both well preserved. The elegant silhouette of Le Ponant will be awaiting you at quay, to take you on an incredible journey to the heart of the Greek islands.
Le Ponant
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Advice From Friendly Planet
- In general, you must have a passport to travel abroad, which should be valid for at least six months after your return date. Passports expiring before then should be renewed as soon as possible. Passports contain at least 2 blank pages for each country visited. If your passport does not have this many pages, obtain a new passport as soon as possible.
- if your passport and visa are not in order, airlines and cruise ships may deny boarding, countries may deny entry, and your trip may be disrupted. Travel insurance may not cover such losses.
- Any changes in names or passport information should be reported to us immediately. Airlines and cruise ships may deny boarding if the name on your passport does not match your tickets.
- Minors departing and/or returning to the U.S. without parents or with only one parent may be required by U.S. Customs & Border Protection to present a notarized parental consent letter and/or unabridged birth certificate . Many other countries have similar entry requirements, especially for minors traveling with a parent/guardian with a different surname check with the consulates of all countries you’ll be visiting to learn more.
Holland America: Passage To Spain And Mediterranean
Holland America’s 27-day Passage to Spain and Mediterranean cruise departs from Fort Lauderdale and starts with eight full days at sea before reaching Funchal in Madeira, Portugal. This is followed by another day at sea on the way to Lisbon. The next ports are in Spain Huelva , Malaga, Cartagena and Barcelona followed by Marseille and world-famous Monte Carlo in Monaco. Five days in Italy are next, including Livorno Rome via the port of Civitavecchia Naples Sicily’s Taormina and a day of scenic cruising across the Strait of Messina. You’ll reach Greece on day 23 when the ship docks on the island of Corfu with its UNESCO World Heritage-listed old quarter. The following days are spent in Dubrovnik, Croatia, and Kotor, Montenegro. Then it’s back to Italy for two days in Venice, the final port of call.
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What About The Smaller Boats That Do Greek Island Cruises
In my opinion this is a great way to go. Yes it is a cruise except there are only from 5 to 25 cabins meaning there are only 10 to 40 people on your boat instead of hundreds or thousands. They are mostly old style wooden sailboats though they mostly travel using the engines. And unlike a cruise where you wait in lineto get on and off the ships and sometimes have to use smaller boats to get to shore because they are too big for the harbor, these boats pull up to the dock and you get on and off as you like. They also stop in quiet coves and beaches for swimming, fishing and lunch. The famous Captain Alexander Matsakis does cruises of the Cyclades, Sporades and the Ionian Islands and is something of a legend. Besides his weekly scheduled cruises his boats can be chartered as well. See Greece Sail Cruises and Charters.
Another option is the Jewels of the Cyclades Cruise on the motor-yacht Gallileo which has 25 cabins or the Classical Greece Cruise on the 21 cabin mega-yacht Harmony.
Greek Island Cruise Video
This video was made by filmaker Andy Emery during his honeymoon in the fall of 2009. It gives you a pretty good idea of what a cruise of the Greek Islands and Turkey is like.
You can get discounted rates for cruises by going to Fantasy Travels Cruise for inexpensive packages that includes a 4 day cruise, 3 nights in Athens and Delphi.
Boats And The Bronze Age
The Naval Museum has exhibits that present ship building from ancient times to the present day. You will be fascinated by the Neosoikoi, the archaeological remains of the ship sheds where local craftsmen maintained and repaired the boats. Art lovers will have plenty to see at the Piraeus Archaeological Museum, from Bronze Age sculptures to classical Hellenistic pottery.
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The Airlines: What Went Wronga Matt Barrett Editorial
While many of us were playing with our computers the airlines did their best to destroy the travel industry that had served it well for the last half a century. They first limited commissions travel agents could make selling airline tickets and then eliminated commissions altogether forcing agents to add fees or sir-charges to the ticket price just to break even. Meanwhile the airlines offered discounts to people who booked electronically on their system or through the large on-line booking companies whose names we are now all familiar with. People booked on-line not realizing that by saving a few dollars they were putting a large number of travel agents out of business. Just like shopping at Walmarts and then wondering what happened to the little guy who ran the local drugstore.
Anyway if you live in the USA there is an ocean between you and Greece and until they bring back the trans-Atlantic ocean liners, flying is the only way to go so we must make the best of the situation.
Flights To Athens From The Usa And Canada
The easiest way to get to Athens from the USA and Canada is to fly. Actually it is the only way unless you can catch a cruise ship making the transition journey from the Caribbean to the Aegean Sea. If you are coming from the USA there are non-stop flights from New York by Delta Airlines and then a dozen other airlines that you have to connect somewhere in Europe. Starting in the summer Continental flies non-stop from Newark and American flies non-stop from Philadelphia to Athens. Emmirates also have flights from Newark non-stop to Athens. If you are coming from Canada you can fly Canada Air from Toronto and maybe Montreal. There are dozens of ways to fly to Greece and it is just a matter of finding the right flights and connections. What that means is the flights that dont have layovers that have you waitingfor hoursin an airport between your transatlantic flight to Europe and your short flight to Athens or Thessaloniki.
By the way check your passport expiration date because if you are American and you have less than 6 months before it expires they may not let you on the plane even if you are only going for 2 weeks. . Also if you are going for more than 3 months and you are non-EU you probably needa visa.
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Cruises To Greece Leaving From The Usa
The shortest cruise from the U.S. to Greece is a 25-day journey.
Greece, both the mainland and islands, is an ancient and storied tourist destination, a place of legend and real-life treasures with a seafaring heritage embraced in contemporary times by countless cruise passengers from all over the world. With the exception of epic around-the-world voyages, at the time of publication only a handful of cruises departing from the United States call at ports in Greece all on their way to Italy. They range from 25 to 47 days and call at numerous other European countries in addition to Greece.
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Island Hopping To Mykonos
Mykonos, another of Greece’s most famous islands to visit, has earned a reputation as a party island getaway. True, you’ll find no shortage of beat-thumping, celebrity-frequented beach clubs near Ornos, Paraga and Paradise Beach, as well as vibrant nightlife in Mykonos Town. Though you can also find plenty of sun-kissed rest and relaxation. Ftelia, Kapari, Fokos and Mersini are some of Mykonos’s quieter, more secluded beaches. Since the island has very few taxis, and they’re all in demand during the busy summer months, consider splurging and chartering a boat during your time in Mykonos. I chartered a sailboat with a captain for the whole day and quickly found it’s the most convenient way to get to the island’s quieter beaches and hidden coves. The captain regaled me with stories of each location’s history and offered insider tips on where to eat and party on the island a priceless bonus.
If you’re a history lover, you should definitely pencil in an excursion to the nearby island of Delos. In ancient times, Delos was believed to be the birthplace of the Greek goddess Artemis and the god Apollo and served as the region’s holiest and most important island. Today, it’s home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s considered one of Greece’s most significant and best-preserved archeological wonders. Visitors can explore the ruins of Greek, Roman, Syrian and Egyptian shrines dating back thousands of years before heading back to Mykonos by boat or ferry.
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Greek Isles Cruise Ports
Most cruises to Greece will stop at three to four Greek ports. While each port is, in some way or another, quintessentially Greek, they each offer their own highlights. Some ports may fare best for a beach day whereas others are located nearby some of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.
Having an understanding of what is offered in each Greek port can help you better select a cruise itinerary. No matter which itinerary you choose, however, youll likely be amazed by the beauty, culture, and charm of everywhere you visit in Greece.
Here are some of the ports to choose from on a Greek Isles cruise itinerary:
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Places To Visit When Island Hopping In Greece
When it comes to unforgettable and extravagant summertime adventures, there’s nothing like a week spent Greek island hopping. Take it from me I sailed across the Aegean Sea on an 11-night Greek Isles cruise, and nothing comes close to topping the amazing culture, crave-worthy food and jaw-dropping beaches I had to look forward to every day. The many shores that make up this one-of-a-kind destination offer something for every type of traveler: rich history infused with colorful ancient mythology, dramatic landscapes that beckon with plenty of outdoor activities, delicious cuisine that goes big on fresh, locally sourced flavor and warm hospitality that will make you feel right at home everywhere you go. If you’re anything like me, the perfect getaway involves all of the above.
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Amazing Foods Of Crete
With some 35 million olive trees and wine presses dating as far back as 1500 BC, its no wonder that the gastronomy of Crete is so special and tasty. Crete produces a third of all the olive oil in Greece, and 90 percent of it is extra virgin. The islands unique biodiversity includes myriad native wild herbs and greens.
According to leading Greek nutritionist Stefanos Pertsemlides, While the Cretan diet does not differentiate much from the Greek/Mediterranean diet, what is unusual is the very wide variety of ingredients that Crete asthis is quite unique, especially for an island. In fact, the term Mediterranean diet is based on the Cretan diet of the early 1950s, he adds, when a very important study revealed the Cretan diet to be a protective factor against cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Whether you feast on herb-suffused Cretan pork sausage, chicken souvlaki marinated in yogurt and garlic, or dakos, a kind of bread rusk with chopped tomatoes, drizzled with soft cheese and sprinkled with olive oil, Cretan cooking and its myriad traditional meze, or small appetizer plates, will leave you hungry for more. Excellent restaurants include Ferryman in Elounda Peskesi in Heraklion and Portes and Ta Chalkina in Chania. But even the humblest taverna in Crete turns out tempting dishes youll probably want to text home about.