Talk to the Expert

As a former competitive swimmer it’s not surprising that I have an affinity for the Greek Islands. I love creating unique itineraries which combine food, wine, culture and really immersive experiences which I’m passionate about.
Natalie
Greece Specialist
- from $6,105 PP
- 13 Nights
- Breakfast & Lunch
- Small Cruise Ship
- Athens
- Athens
Highlights
A two-in-one, this unforgettable adventure starts in Turkey with an exploration of exotic Istanbul and will bring you to one of Turkey’s most magical destinations, Cappadocia, too. Soar over the incredible landscape with its famous fairy chimneys in a hot-air balloon, and jet off to Athens to experience its iconic monuments while following in the footsteps of ancient greats like Socrates. You’ll sail on an elegant yacht-like vessel through some of the most beautiful Greek islands from popular gems like Santorini to lesser-known treasures, including enchanting Folegandros. Throughout your trip, enjoy 24/7 support, upscale accommodation, and plenty of mouthwatering cuisine, including authentic local dishes.
Why Book with Us
Low Deposits to Book
Book your trip with us and pay a reduced deposit with the rest 90 days before your departure
24/7 Support
From the moment you book your trip, our team is on hand 24/7 to assist you throughout your journey.
ATOL & ABTOT Protected
Your trip with us is fully financially protected by our travel insurers. Peace of mind guaranteed.
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One central place to access all of your travel documents and guides without the need for WiFi.
At a Glance

- 14 days and 13 nights exploring Greece and Turkey
- A one-week cruise featuring many enticing Greek islands
- Many private tours included, led by professional local guides
- Intriguing optional excursions while on the cruise
- Leisure time for exploring and sampling local fare independently
- 4- and 5-star hotels
- A spacious, en-suite cabin on the cruise
- Special Greek night with music and dancing
- Enchanting swim stops off beautiful beaches and in secluded bays
- Hot-air balloon ride in Cappadocia
- Walking and vehicle tours in Istanbul
- Discover the birthplace of western civilization
Your Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 Istanbul Arrival

Welcome to Turkey. Your private driver will be waiting for you at the airport in Istanbul to provide a transfer to your 5-star hotel in the city, your home for the next three nights. After getting settled in, you might enjoy exploring the neighborhood as Karaköy is renowned for its thriving food and drink scene. Fuel up with strong Turkish coffee and browse the shops and galleries before sitting down in one of the many outstanding restaurants, enjoying dinner on your own, and perhaps a drink in a local bar, bringing the opportunity to soak up the local atmosphere.
Day 2 Full Day Walking Tour of Istanbul

A full-day walking tour with your private guide provides the opportunity to get to know the highlights of Istanbul, particularly the magnificent Old City. Some of the top spots to look forward to include the world-famous Blue Mosque which was named for the impressive tiles decorating the interior. The grand Hagia Sophia will be visited too – it’s been a church and a mosque during its long history which includes serving as the city’s hub for the arts, religion, and politics during the Byzantine period. Stroll through the popular Grand Bazaar, filled with locals and visitors alike, and visit the Basilica Cistern among other impressive landmarks.
- Included Excursion: Private Walking Tour of Istanbul
Day 3 Full Day Tour of Istanbul with Car & Driver

You’ll continue your explorations of Istanbul on another full-day tour, this time by vehicle with your own private driver. You’ll cross the famous Bosphorus Strait which separates the European and Asian continents to experience both sides of the city, perhaps starting with a visit to the extensive Ottoman-style Topkapi Palace as well as the colorful Spice Bazaar. Your driver will travel into the modern part of the city for a visit to Taksim Square and bustling Istiklal street while you enjoy the scenic views before crossing the Bosphorus where the hottest gastronomic spots in your hotel’s neighborhood will be revealed.
- Included Excursion: Private Tour of Istanbul with Car & Driver
Day 4 Fly to Cappadocia. Full Day Tour

Today begins with a private transfer to Istanbul’s airport to hop on a flight to Nevsehir, or Cappadocia. You’ll be welcomed by another private driver, transferring to your four-star accommodation, overnighting in a Classic Cave Room. Settle in and then get ready for a tour of this fascinating region, including a visit to explore the ancient cave dwellings in the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the small town of Avanos for a pottery workshop which reveals the reason why it’s so highly acclaimed for its pottery, and enjoy a hike in the Rose Valley through the stunning pink rock formations.
- Included Excursion: Private Walking Tour of Cappadocia
Day 5 Hot-Air Balloon Ride & Day Tour of Cappadocia with Car & Driver

An exciting morning starts early to take advantage of the calm winds for a 2.5-hour hot-air balloon ride. You’ll soar over the incredible Cappadocia landscapes, enjoying a bird’s-eye view of the unusually shaped rock formations and deep canyons. Marvel at the surreal limestone pillars and spires with churches and other dwellings created right from the rock. Afterward, you’ll get ground-level views, including stunning panoramas, perhaps visiting Uchisar Castle along with the underground city of Kaymak….
- Included Excursions: Private Hot-Air Balloon Ride & Tour of Cappadocia with Car & Driver
Day 6 Fly to Athens

The next part of your journey takes you to Greece, starting with a private transfer back to Nevsehir Airport. Catch your flight to the capital city of Athens where you’ll be welcomed by another private driver, enjoying a transfer to your 5-star hotel. It’s just steps from Syntagma Square bringing opportunities to explore many attractions, shops, and eateries, but we recommend resting up and taking advantage of the property’s facilities. There’s a rooftop pool for swimming with a view of the iconic Acropolis hill topped by the Parthenon that’s overlooked the city since the 5th-century BC. The view continues with fine dining at the rooftop restaurant.
Day 7 Highlights of Athens Walking Tour & Embarktion. Sail to Poros

While your cruise gets underway later today, you’ll enjoy an in-depth look at the Acropolis and its monuments that reveal a glimpse of life more than 2,500 years ago. During the two-hour private tour, your guide will reveal the stories behind them before walking through one of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens, Plaka. A colorful district under the shadow of the Acropolis hosts many other historical sites like Hadrian’s Library, the Ancient Agora, and Roman Agora. Conclude with a private transfer to your ship at Marina Zeas. Get settled into your spacious cabin as we sail to the Saronic Gulf island of Paros, cruising overnight.
- Included Excursion: Private Highlights of Athens Walking Tour
Day 8 Polyaigos - Folegandros

Having cruised throughout the night we’ll reach the largest uninhabited island in Greece this morning. Poliegos is known for its beaches edged by spectacularly clear blue waters that make it perfect for the first swim stop of your journey. Afterward, enjoy a Greek-style BBQ feast on board. Our next destination is the little island of Folegandros, wonderfully unspoiled with far fewer visitors than its famous neighbor Santorini. You’ll have time on your own for dinner this evening, with the cobbled streets of Chora not only enjoyable to stroll, but they host many excellent traditional tavernas serving authentic local fare.
Day 9 Santorini

Cruising into the port at Santorini, you’ll enjoy a dramatic view of the steep cliffs of the caldera rising above. You can explore Fira, the charming capital, on your own, or join an optional excursion. It includes two popular attractions, the archaeological site of Akrotiri which, similar to Pompeii, was blanketed with ash during a volcanic eruption some 3,700 years ago providing a fascinating glimpse of the past. Visiting Oia village, you’ll see its whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches that spill down the caldera cliffs, with time to take in its world-famous sunset and enjoy an independent dinner with an awe-inspiring view.
Day 10 Antiparos - Paros

On route to Paros Island this morning, there will be a swim stop at Antiparos to take advantage of its incredibly clear cobalt waters. After we’ve anchored for the day, you can enjoy Paros on your own. The main port of Parikia is particularly alluring with its streets lined with typical whitewashed Cycladic homes with blue doors and shutters. Continue to the village of Naoussa to wander its enticing alleyways before returning to the ship for our fun Greek night, complete with music, providing the opportunity to show off your dance moves. A great time for all, you might want to bring your camera.
Day 11 Delos - Mykonos

While Mykonos will be our destination for the evening, an exciting stop just a few miles away offers the chance to delve into the ancient past. We’ll visit Delos, a sacred island and archaeological site where you can take an optional tour of the well-preserved ruins that date back some 2,500 years. That includes the Agora, Temple of Apollo, and remarkable mosaic floors. As we make our way to Mykonos, enjoy a swim stop in a secluded bay. Upon arrival, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps visiting the windmills in Little Venice before dining in one of the many world-class restaurants.
Day 12 Syros

Before departing for Syros, enjoy a swim stop in a sapphire bay off Mykonos. Once we reach our destination for the day, you can enjoy the island on your own. In town, you’ll find many impressive neoclassical buildings lining the meandering narrow street. Miaouli Square, home to Ermoupolis’ city hall is well worth a visit and along the coast, there are both sandy and pebbly beaches for soaking up the sun. You’ll have time for an independent dinner here with a wide range of choices that include local tavernas with menus featuring authentic traditional fare, including lots of locally grown herbs and vegetables.
Day 13 Kythnos - Cape Sounion

It’s time to start making our return to where it all began but you’ll enjoy your last swim stop in Kolones Bay at Kythnos Island. Soak up the surrounding natural beauty and then back on board we’ll continue cruising toward Marina Keas via Cape Sounion. The impressive view includes the Temple of Poseidon that overlooks the Aegean from atop the headland. Be sure and get your cameras ready for a great shot. This evening will be spent on board, providing time to exchange contact information with new friends made, and perhaps some of the many photos you’re bound to have taken.
Day 14 Departure

You’ll want to be sure your bags are packed and ready this morning before enjoying breakfast on board. After your last meal of the cruise, it will soon be time to disembark and say your goodbyes to fellow passengers, the captain, and the crew. Private transfer can bring you to your onward hotel if you plan to spend more time in Athens or to catch your flight from Athens International Airport. Wherever your journey takes you we wish you safe travels and hope to host you again on another memorable trip.
Want to extend your trip?
If you are looking to extend your stay in greece or equally visit another European destination on your trip, then please speak to our travel experts as we can create you a bespoke itinerary to suit your needs.
Our Ships

Galileo
A unique small ship cruise with both motor and classic sailing capabilities. From a distance Galileo looks like a cousin of the Spanish Galleon, but when on board you’ll find comfortable amenities making the ship an ideal base for exploring the Med. Capacity for 49 guests.
The Galileo offers an unforgettable small ship cruise experience. The ship was originally built in 1992 but was successfully renovated in 2016 to enhance facilities for guests. Cabins are comfortable and fitted with the latest amenities. Communal areas are spacious and offer beautiful views of the surroundings. This ship complies with all stringent safety regulations.
What's Included
- 14 days of cruising and land tours
- Private arrival and departure transfers
- Flights from Istanbul to Nevsehir and Nevsheir to Athens
- 5-star hotels in Istanbul and Athens. 4-star hotel in Cappadocia
- 2 days of private tours in Istanbul
- 2 days of private tours in Cappadocia including a hot-air balloon ride
- Private Highlights of Athens Walking Tour
- Jewels of the Cyclades Cruise in a spacious en-suite cruise cabin
- Visits to multiple popular and lesser-known islands
- Greek-style BBQ
- At least two freshly prepared meals on the ship served daily
What's Not Included
- Flights to Istanbul and from Athens
- Gratuities for local guides
- Optional excursions while on the cruise
- Visas if required
- We strongly advise all guests to purchase comprehensive travel insurance
- Port taxes of €310 per person
Departure Dates
Please select your year of departure.
2023
May
May 06, 2023May 13, 2023May 20, 2023May 27, 2023Jun
Jun 17, 2023Jul
Jul 01, 2023Jul 08, 2023Jul 15, 2023Jul 22, 2023Jul 30, 2023Aug
Aug 05, 2023Aug 12, 2023Aug 19, 2023Aug 26, 2023Sep
Sep 02, 2023Sep 09, 2023Sep 16, 2023Sep 23, 2023Sep 30, 2023
Speak to experienced Destinations Experts about designing this itinerary around your budget and trip preferences
Why book with Unforgettable Greece
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100% Financial Protection
We are a licensed and fully bonded tour operator financially protected by both the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust (ABTOT). All clients that travel with us are fully financially protected.
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Destination Experts
Our travel experts live and breathe the destinations they specialise in. This shows in their passionate to create hand crafted trips for our clients. We don’t offer cookie cutter trips, just truly unforgettable journeys unlike any other.
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The Best Guides
What makes our trips extraordinary is the unique immersive experiences we include. We pride ourselves in our black book of sought after expert guides, game rangers and local contacts who believe in our philosophy, unforgettable.
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We Care
From the moment you book your trip, we are on hand 24/7 to assist you throughout your journey. With regional offices around the world, we have ground logistics teams on hand to help you every step of the way.
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