Essential Greece Signature Cruise & Land Tour

Look forward to the VIP treatment from the start, with your arrival at Athens International Airport. Your driver will be there to meet you for a private transfer to your five-star hotel in the capital. If you’d like to rest and relax, there’s a rooftop pool that’s ideal for lounging around with a magnificent view of the city. Or enjoy an indulgent treatment at the spa. Those who have the energy to explore might take a walk through the colorful Plaka district, with over 3,500 years of history. You’ll find unique shops to browse and plenty of cafes for people-watching with a refreshing drink.

A five-hour walking tour led by our local guide will bring you to the top of Acropolis hill to get an up-close look at iconic monuments like the Temple of Athena and the Parthenon that’s stood here overlooking the city for nearly 2,500 years. Your guide will provide expert insight into the landmarks and Athens’ heritage before taking you on the second part of your tour. Focused on food, you’ll head to the heart of the city to visit artisans who’ve perfected recipes over many decades, pop into specialty food shops, and sample tasty local treats while exploring the central food market.

• Dining: Breakfast
• Excursion Included: Private Acropolis & a Taste of Athens Tour

Now that you’ve gotten to know Athens and its delicious flavors and centuries-old monuments, you’ll take a private transfer to the port of Lavrio to join your cruise. Check-in is between 2 and 3 pm and will include a welcome drink. As you settle in, we’ll begin sailing toward Cape Sounion, famous for the Temple of Poseidon. One of the most majestic in the country, it was built in 444 BC atop a headland, surrounded by the sea on three sides. This is where your first swim stop will be and once you’re back on board, the welcome dinner will be hosted.

• On Board Dining: Welcome Dinner

After cruising overnight toward Mykonos, we’ll be at the sacred island of Delos this morning. One of the most impressive archaeological sites in Greece, an optional guided excursion of this UNESCO World Heritage Site brings you to see remarkable ancient ruins dating all the way back to the 4th– and 5th centuries BC. The expert guide will bring the beautifully preserved temples, theater, Venetian and Byzantine architecture, mosaics, and more to life. The tour will be followed by a swim stop on the way to Mykonos. Upon arrival in Mykonos, join our Cruise Director and a local guide for a fascinating guided tour of Mykonos Town. Discover the history of this picture perfect town visiting one of the oldest bakeries in Greece, its iconic windmills, Little Venice and several other hidden gems which make up this charming town. In the evening, you are free to enjoy dinner at a fabulous selection of restaurants in Mykonos.

• On Board Dining: Breakfast & Lunch
• Optional Excursion AM: Delos archaeological site
• Excursion Included PM: Guided Tour of Mykonos Town with a Local Expert

Today we’ll visit the Cyclade’s largest island, Naxos, with landscapes that include everything from some of the country’s most picturesque sandy beaches to soaring mountains. By joining the Traditional Naxos Villages Tour you’ll explore fascinating places like hilltop Apeiranthos, built amphitheatrically with marble-paved streets that have given it the nickname the “village of marble.” Note the distinct medieval feel as your guide provides expert insight into the town’s past. After returning to Naxos Town, you’ll have time on your own for dinner at one of the many eateries tucked along the maze of streets and alleyways or along the waterfront.

• On Board Dining: Breakfast & Lunch
• Excursion Included: Traditional Naxos Villages Tour

A short sail brings us to tranquil Schinoussa Island this morning for a swim stop in the clear, calm aquamarine water that surrounds it. From there we’ll cruise to the underrated island of Koufonisia, a gem with beaches featuring soft, golden sands edged by surreal blue water. The locals are friendly and the food mouth-watering so you might want to split your time between the beaches and the dining scene. There are multiple seaside eateries for dining on fresh fish and seafood with a view and a glass of wine or a refreshing cocktail. Koufonisia’s signature cheese, mizithra, is a must-try.

• On Board Dining: Breakfast & Lunch

Begin your day with a swim stop at Magganari Beach, widely regarded as the most beautiful on Ios Island, en route to the bucket list island of Santorini. Reaching Santorini at 2 pm, we recommend joining our optional excursion which includes a visit to a fabulous family winery where you will learn the unique way in which wine producers on the island cultivate their grapes and produce their wines. You will get an opportunity to sample their wines and snacks. You’ll also visit Oia, the village famous for its blue-domed churches and whitewashed homes plunging down the caldera. You’ll have time for dinner with a sunset view but return to the ship by 11 pm for our Milos departure.

• On Board Dining: Breakfast & Lunch
• Optional Excursion: Santorini Wine & Oia Tour EUR70pp

The island of colors, Milos, is where you’ll wake up this morning. The highlight here for many is its otherworldly beach, Sarakiniko. Its image, with smooth white volcanic rock that’s contrasted by brilliant turquoise water, has been splashed against countless postcards and tourism sites. By joining today’s excursion you’ll get to visit it and explore the Geological Mining Museum. The museum is focused on the island’s mining history and displays informational exhibits and interesting artifacts. You’ll have time to enjoy lunch independently before we continue to Kimolos. Dinner will be served on board followed by leisure time this evening to explore the island.

• On Board Dining: Breakfast & Dinner
• Excursion Included: Guided Tour of Milos

After cruising overnight you’ll reach Sifnos by mid-morning. You will have time at leisure to explore the island of Sifnos, known for its traditional white washed architecture, food scene and hiking trails. You might wish to hike one of the many “Sifnos Trails”, explore Apollonia, the Island’s capital, or take an optional excursion to the island’s medieval castle and one of its most photographed locations, the church of Seven Martyrs. Enjoy lunch on your own at one of the enticing traditional tavernas here. As the sun sets, enjoy an entertaining and tasty farewell dinner hosted onboard this evening.

• On Board Dining: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner

Making our return to where it all began, one last breakfast will be served while cruising to the nearby port of Lavrio. Disembarkation will be by 10 am with time to say your farewells to the captain and crew. With fellow passengers that have likely become new friends, you might want to exchange photos and contact information before taking a private transfer to your local hotel or to Athens’ airport. If you’ve decided you’d like to stick around longer, reach out to our travel experts who will be happy to create a bespoke addition to your itinerary.

• On Board Dining: Breakfast