If your Greece small ship cruise is visiting Mykonos, there’s a good chance that it includes an optional excursion to the sacred archaeological site on Delos to view some of the most extensive remains from the golden age of classical Greece. The UNESCO World Heritage Site features fascinating ruins that primarily date back to the 5th-century BC, with some even older than that. Look forward to marveling at remarkable mosaics, a theatre, temples and statues for a trip back through time.

A Greece luxury cruise that stops on the island of Crete often includes tours to visit the ancient Palace of Knossos, the island’s largest Bronze age archaeological site. You’ll discover the myths that surround it while learning about Europe’s oldest city and the Minoan civilization. Many excursions here also include a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, which showcases many of the treasures uncovered here and from other Minoan palaces and sites. 

Many cruises include Mykonos on their itineraries as one of the most famous Greek islands, known for its upscale shops, restaurants and lively nightclubs. Its most iconic symbol, however, may be the whitewashed windmills that overlook Mykonos Town. They stand out on the skyline and were once used for grinding its agricultural yields so produce could be shipped elsewhere. While they are no longer in operation today, they’re still an important part of the island’s rich agricultural past. Many have been beautifully restored, some transformed into museums like the Boris Windmill.

Part of the Dodecanese islands group in the Aegean, not far from Turkey, if you take a cruise that visits this archipelago you’ll not only enjoy a nature lovers’ paradise with postcard-perfect beaches and stunning crystal-clear blue bays, but experience the world’s second-most holy place after Jerusalem.

This is where all religions believe the creator of the world appeared, a sacred island that inspired St. John to write the Book of Revelations, the closing pages of the New Testament. It’s been a place of pilgrimage for many who come to be immersed in its spiritual heritage while basking in its serene beauty.

Instead of taking off on your cruise the day after your arrival into Athens, some itineraries add a full day trip to the ancient ruins of Delphi, the seat of the oracle of Apollo and the most important Greek temple. This UNESCO-listed site offers the ideal blend enchanting natural beauty and a glimpse at a fascinating time in history, a place that was revered by the ancient Greeks as the center of the Earth. You’ll be able to see everything from the Temple of Apollo and Athenian Treasury to a hippodrome and theater that once hosted the ancient Pythian Games.

Explore many of the highlights of Greece on this 9-day small ship cruise here, or call our travel experts at +44 208 004 2345 to start planning a memorable holiday filled with exciting destinations like this and more.