Island Hopping To Santorini
Santorini is one of the best-known destinations in the region and a fixture on any Greek island itinerary. As a favorite among honeymooners and sun-seekers, it totally lives up to the hype. Sure, it sees its fair share of tourists during peak season, but there are plenty of ways to dodge the crowds. I rented a scooter and zipped off to explore the island’s quaint cliffside villages with their cozy al fresco cafes, sun-kissed vineyards and the wonderfully preserved ruins of Akrotiri first thing in the morning. Then, I spent my afternoon unwinding at a beach club on a black sand beach. You’ll find several throughout the island that feel a world away from the bustling cobblestone streets of towns like Oia and Fira. In fact, less than eight miles northeast of the island’s capital, there’s Cape Columbo, Santorini’s most off-the-beaten-path beach. Hemmed by towering black and white cliffs, the dramatic landscape of this wild, wind-lashed shoreline is truly awe-inspiring.
If you’re a wine lover, no visit to Santorini is complete without checking out one of the island’s many vineyards. The island is well known internationally for its Vinsanto wines, made from late-harvest, sun-dried white grapes that have been aged in oak for at least two years. Most wineries on the island offer tours and tastings.
Athens Delphi & Cyclades 11
Discover the iconic ancient ruins of Greece with picture-perfect islands on this fabulous 10-night small ship Greece cruise. Start your Greek Adventure with three nights touring Athens and its incredible UNESCO-listed sites, followed by a day trip to Delphi to admire its ancient ruins.
Enjoy a delightful food tour of the capital, before setting sail on an intimate 44 passenger luxury ship bound for the pristine Cyclades islands. Enjoy stops in the highly sought-after islands of Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete and spend your evenings dining in charming Greek restaurants in Hydra, Kythira, and more.
Looking for further inspiration? Check out our selection of deluxe cruises and luxury tours of Greece, or contact our dedicated Greece specialists today to get started on planning your Unforgettable journey.
What Is The Dress Code On The Boat
Unlike the bigger ocean liners where evenings can be quite formal, life on our vessels is very relaxed and casual. During the warmer months, you will find our guests typically wearing shorts, summer dresses or bathing suits during the day. Summer evenings in Greece are also pleasantly warm, so clients will enjoy dining on shore in smart chino shorts, jeans, linen trousers or summer dresses. During the cooler months, we do advise guests to bring a windproof jacket and slightly warmer clothes as temperatures in the evening can get quite chilly. What to take with you on a Greek Island Cruise.
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The Thrill Of The Climb
Another great thing to do while in Greece are the daily tours of the volcano Nea Kameni, which is located on an uninhabited island close to Santorini, begin with a short boat ride, followed by a climb up to the volcanic craters that takes just over an hour. The tour then takes in hot springs and mud baths, where you can recharge your batteries.
Azora Becomes The Evrima
Construction on the first yacht, which was originally to be named Azora, began with the keel laying at the Hijos De J. Barreras Shipyard in Vigo, Spain in January 2018. Ten months later in October 2018, the vessel was launched. As the company worked to perfect its product, it was also confronted with delays at the shipyard, and in March 2021 they moved the yacht, which had been renamed Evrima, to the Astander Shipyard also in Span for completion.
This weeks maiden voyage is a seven-night cruise from Barcelona to Nice. Plans call for the Evrima to operate cruises mostly ranging from seven to 10-nights with the company boasting that no two cruises will be alike. The Evrima is scheduled to sail in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America and keeping with the yacht-style ports will include Spains Balearic Islands, the French Riviera, the tropical coastlines of Costa Rica with destinations including Mykonos, Saint-Tropez, Aruba, and St. Barts. The yachts of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection are also available for private charter.
The first yacht features amenities including a main lounge known as the living room, an observation lounge, and a marina for watercraft and sports in port. Passengers will have dining options including the main dining room, sushi, a speciality restaurant, and even a wine-tasting room. Other amenities include a spa, sauna, fitness studio, and an infinity pool.
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Up Close And Personal To The Very Best Of Greece And The Greek Islands Cruise Vacations
Its easy to fall under an eternal spell of romanticism during a cruise vacation in Greece and the Greek islands. The eastern reaches of the eastern Mediterranean were the crossroads of many influential civilizations of antiquity from Phoenicians to Mycenaeans to Athenians and still more, as historic sites bear witness throughout the islands of the Dodecanese chain. From the majesty of the Acropolis in Athens to the beauty of picture-perfect islands such as Mykonos and Patmos, Greece and the Greek islands cruise Vacation is an all-time classic destination that appeals to every sense. No other country has given the world so much cultural heritage. The countrys lauded history and multifaceted architecture blend with incredible natural settings in port cities like Kavala and Volos a spellbinding gateway to the otherworldly landscapes of Meteora in Thessaly, the lunar-like rocks of Sarakiniko Beach and blue-domed churches of Santorini.
What Are The Nationalities On Board
The vast majority of clients on our cruises are from English speaking countries namely the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. We also accommodate guests from Europe and ad hoc bookings from South America. The main language spoken on board is English and all of the crew and captain speak English to guests during the cruise.
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Where Does The Ship Dock Overnight
Most evenings our boats are docked in the small ports, giving guests the opportunity to go and enjoy dinner in a wonderful selection of traditional Greek tavernas. This is one of the highlights of our cruises, the opportunity to enjoy evenings dining alfresco and soaking up the local atmosphere. There will be a handful of dinners on board the boat, one of these being Greek night which is great fun and one of the highlights of the cruise.
Greek Isles Cruise Packages
Anyone you ask will tell you that the absolute best time to visit Greece is in the spring and early summer months , or in the autumn . When visiting at these times you often avoid the summer high season, which comes with crowds of people and inflated prices. While lodging won’t be a concern, Easter weekend can be pretty busy, and many museums and other tourist areas are closed for the entire weekend. You will also find that visiting in the spring and in autumn will provide you with some of the best weather. During the months of July and August, the temperatures can be unbearably hot and you might find yourself enjoying shelter indoors rather than exploring the areas around the ports.
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Popular Cruise Lines For Greek Island Cruises
Embark on board of Azamara Club Cruises and experience the 5-star flair of Royal Caribbean‘s luxurious boutique hotel-style ships. A maximum of 700 passengers can be accommodated on board and thus the ships differ from the cruise giants. This also takes you to the smaller ports on the Greek islands.
Everything is included at Seabourn. Whether you want a butler, to book a personal trainer on board or order a glass of champagne at dinner. Above all, luxury at Seabourn fulfills all your wishes and you do not have to pay extra for it.
American Style awaits you at Oceania Cruises. On the English-speaking ships you go on a journey with the highest demands – and they are fulfilled. With a casino on board, a large crew and first class cuisine.
Athens Greece Port Guide
As the capital of Greece and one of Europes most bustling cities, Athens is powered by 5,000 years of history. At night, the city of Athens glows from afar, light reflecting off the ancient ruins. Today travelers flock from around the world to experience its history while on cruises from Athens. After all, the art, theatre, architecture, and philosophy of Athens had ripple effects through the fabric of entire civilizations.
Take in thousands of years of history through timeless excursions while on taking a cruise from Athens. The departure port of Piraeus is one of the busiest commercial ports in the world, servicing many Mediterranean cruises, and sits on a natural, sandy bay where local Athenians often relax on summer weekends. Piraeus offers travelers stopping through on their Greek island cruises from Athens opportunity to explore, shop, and eat traditional Greek dishes.
A Greek island cruise from Athens wouldnt be complete without seeing the metropolis major sitesthe unforgettable Acropolis, the Parthenon, a hike up Mount Lycabettus, or tours of museums containing antiquitys greatest treasures dating back to the 5th century BC. Though Athens is a city of ruins, its the very essence of modern Greece.
Cruises to Athens , Greece
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Top Things To Do In Athens
Hike the Acropolis
Youll break a sweat getting there, but the view of these famed, ancient ruins including the Parthenon is well worth the climb. An unmissable activity for anyone visiting Athens. Treat yourself to Greek sweets in the Plaka District once youre done taking in the sights.
Go Museum Hopping
While on your cruise from Athens, you cant miss the chance to museum hop from one Greek masterwork to the next. Beyond the incredible ruins and sites available in Athens, their exhibits are unmatched. Take, for example, the Numismatic Museum of Athens, which has the largest collection of modern ancient coins in the world. Or see the National Archaeological Museum, which is home to antiquitys greatest artifacts and a true display of the lasting effects of Greek civilization.
Run the Famous Olympic Stadium
The Olympic Stadium is an iconic excursion for sports lovers and Olympic Game fans. Named for the 1896 Olympic marathon gold medalist Spyros Louis, the Olympic Stadium opened in 1982.
Walk Along the National Garden
The National Garden is a large public park and is conveniently located near the Olympic Stadium. After your stop at the Stadium, take a long walk through the National Garden for a glimpse of Greeces natural environment and plant life both native and exotic. The Garden is home to 7,000 trees, a getaway from the city even in the middle of Athens.
See As Many Historic Ruins As You Possibly Can
Cruise Around Greek Islands
Greece has many islands, in fact there is estimated to be anywhere between 1200 and 6000 dependant and the size in which people class as an island. Greek Island cruises are simply put, a must for any cruise fanatic. The Greek Islands are seperated into different areas which we describe below along with there highlights.
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Romance And Culture Await On A Greek Island Cruise
Its no wonder the Greek Islands have always been a perennial favorite of travelers. Greece is a magical, romantic destination where you can wander alongside stunning coastlines, explore the ruins of ancient cultures, and dine on fresh Mediterranean cuisine all in one vacation.
On one of our luxury Greek Island cruises, explore far-flung beaches, drift out to sea on catamarans and kayaks, and duck into tiny tavernas where you can eat and drink like a local. From the sun-soaked stone buildings in Santorini to the white-sand beaches that beckon in Mykonos, a Greece cruise is the best way to experience the captivating Greek Islands.
Test The Acoustics Of The Theatre Of Epidaurus
The Theatre of Epidaurus is known around the world for its exceptional acoustics and its perfectly preserved structure. Even the slightest sound in the orchestra carries to the very top of the auditorium, allowing all 12,000 spectators to appreciate every performance. Dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine, this ancient theatre hosts an annual festival every summer.
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Wander The Sacred Ruins Of Delphi
At the sacred site of Delphi, the gods of old still have a powerful presence. In a magnificent location at the foot of Mount Parnassus, it provides a stunning panorama of the surrounding hills. From the 4th to the 6th century BC, Delphi symbolised of the unity of the Greek world. This important position is reflected by the Sacred Way that connects the temple of Apollo, the council house and the spectacular theatre.
Best Time Of Year To Cruise In Greece
The main cruising season in Greece runs from May to October each year. The months of May and October are cooler, mostly sunny and ideal if you are looking to see Greece crowd free. June and September are very popular months for cruising in Greece driven by warm pleasant weather. July and August are great months if you are after hot weather, plenty of sunshine and seeing the islands in full swing. We also do cruises in the off season months of November and April, which are perfect for exploring the historic Peloponnese region home to Nafplion, Corinthia and Mycenae.
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Attractions To See During Your Greek Cruise
Travel dreams come true with a Greek cruise. Greece, the land of the Gods and Olympias, is a true Eldorado for all cruise fans. The islands off the mainland are each something special and if you enter the port of Piraeus, you will arrive at a place steeped in history, which will also enchant you.
In Greece’s capital, Athens, you will encounter the extraordinary remains of the former city fortress. The Acropolis of Athens is the most famous representation of an ancient citadel. The thick pillars look particularly beautiful in the evening when they are staged with indirect light. At the foot of the lofty hill on which the fortress sits, you can visit the Acropolis Museum. Backgrounds and historical events around the fortress are impressively recreated here. –> Athens cruises
On the Greek island of Corfu, you can visit the city of the same name. Venetian, French and British rulers once had the island in their power before it fell to Greece. Visit the Old Fortress, whose outer walls are reminiscent of the Venetians, the buildings inside, however, reflect the time of the British. To understand the lives of farmers in Corfu, take a tour to the deserted village of Paleó Períthiain where farmers once lived. Today it is a museum village and gives an insight into the difficult living and working conditions in the past. –> Corfu cruises
Greek Isles Cruises: Visit Santorini Mykonos Corfu & More
Few vacations are as picturesque as a cruise to the Greek Isles. The opportunity to stroll along blue-domed villages and swim in turquoise waters is nothing short of picture-perfect when it comes to idyllic getaways.
If you’ve been considering a Greek Isles cruise, there’s no better time than now to start planning. Norwegian offers several departures for Greece cruises from Athens, Venice, and Rome with stops in must-see ports like Santorini, Mykonos, and Corfu, to name just a few.
Add in Norwegian’s flexible booking policy and you can relax knowing your next cruise experience will be the best it can be. Read on to know more about what to expect on a 2022 Greek Isles cruise with Norwegian.
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Top Food And Drink Spots Near The Athens Cruise Port
Varoulko – Piraeus
Address: Akti Koumoundourou 52, Mikrolimano, Piraeus
This Michelin-rated restaurant serves a variety of fresh seafood dishes and main courses cooked expertly, like white fish served with zucchini cream and horseradish, or cuttlefish risotto, or delicious leek soup.
Strofi – Athens
Address: Rovertou Galli 25, 11742 Athens, Greece
Just steps from the Acropolis, youll find Strofi, a restaurant that has been open since 1957. Try lamb stuffed wrapped in vine leaves and stuffed with cheese, or octopus with olive oil and oregano. Enjoy the outdoor dining area, with views of the Acropolis in the near distance.
Orizontes – Athens
Address: Lycabettus Hill, Athens, Greece
Most of the novelty of Orizontes is the fact that its located on Mount Lycabettus, the highest peak in Athens. Talk about views. Come for homemade bread, an extensive wine list, and classically Mediterranean lamb and fish dishes.
Mama Psomi – Athens
Address: 42-44 Zacharitsa St, Koukaki
This family-owned bakery is a favorite, providing everything from pies with sweet filling to bulgur wheat bread or walnut bread. Find and quickly devour these at Mama Psomis.
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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