Talk to the Expert

Hi I’m Perian. I’m originally from Toronto and now live in Italy. I frequently visit Greece throughout the season in search of new off the beaten track experiences and charming boutique properties for my clients.

Perian

Greece Specialist

+1 844 381 5808
  • from $6,780 PP
  • 12 Nights
  • Breakfast & Lunch
  • 4 Star Expedition Ship
  • Lavrio
  • Lavrio

Highlights

Dreaming of Greece but you’ve always wanted to visit Italy too? Why not both? This 13-day tour will bring you to both countries and includes an 8-day, 7-night cruise through the Greek islands. You’ll start by exploring the iconic 5th-century BC monuments in Athens before hopping on an elegant ship to discover 10 different islands, with an ideal mix of classics like Mykonos, Santorini, and Naxos, along with unspoiled treasures like Sifnos. You’ll travel in style, with overnights in 5-star hotels and a spacious en-suite cabin on your ship. After jetting off to Naples, spend three nights in Sorrento, exploring the stunning Amalfi coast.

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.

  • Intuitive Travel App

    One central place to access all of your travel documents and guides without the need for WiFi.

At a Glance

Outoor eating on Cyclades Cruise
  • 13-day trip with an 8-day cruise and 5 days of land touring
  • Private transfers
  • Flight from Athens, Greece to Naples, Italy
  • 5 nights’ accommodation in 5-star hotels
  • Spacious cabin with a/c and a private bathroom on the cruise
  • Private tours led by expert guides in Athens and Sorrento
  • Cruise itinerary that features 10 different islands
  • Complimentary use of watersports gear during the frequent swim stops on the cruise, daily when possible
  • Delicious freshly prepared meals served on board that can be enjoyed alfresco or indoors
  • Farewell dinner with live entertainment hosted on the ship
  • Opportunities to sample local fare in various islands on most evenings
  • Pilates classes hosted on deck
  • Professional spa therapist for massage and pampering treatments
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout the vessel
 
  • Cyclades Map

    Want to extend your trip?

    If you are looking to extend your stay in Greece by adding some additional nights in Athens pre or post cruise or even adding on an additional country like Turkey, Italy or Croatia, please speak to our travel specialists. We can take the pain out of planning and include pre and post stays in your trip with us.

The Ship for This Journey

Elysium Yacht, Greece

Elysium Small Cruise Ship

Cruise on the Elysium, a graceful 4 star expedition cruise ship that offers a unique cruising experience. She sleeps up to just 50 passengers who can look forward to very personalized service with accommodation in spacious cabins. This vessel offers plenty of ways to get active and relax too, with everything from a wellness deck for sunrise pilates and a soothing Jacuzzi to snorkeling.

Built in 1998 and refurbished in 2021 the Elysium’s 25 cabins are available in five different categories, including double, triple, and interconnecting family cabins, all of which have windows or portholes. Each one is ensuite, with comfortable bathrooms that have showers, organic toiletries, towels, hairdryers, spa robes, and slippers.

Your Itinerary

Day 1 Athens Arrival

Panoramic view of Athens

The excitement begins with your arrival into the Greek capital of Athens. You’ll be met by your private driver for transfer to your 5-star accommodation in the city center, with the remainder of the day yours. Take time to settle in, rest, and refresh, and then we suggest taking in the panoramic view over Athens by riding the funicular train up Mount Lycabettus. If you get there just before dusk, you’ll be able to watch the sunset and the twinkling lights across the city. Afterward, you’ll find plenty of rooftop restaurants for a continuation of that dazzling view at dinner.

    Day 2 Private Highlights of Athens Walking Tour. Embarkation: Port of Lavrio to Cape Sounion

    Temple of Poseidon, Cape Sounio

    Start the day with a private Highlights of Athens Walking Tour which includes exploring the iconic Acropolis hill and its crown jewel, the Parthenon which has stood over the city since the 5th century BC. Your expert guide will reveal the stories behind the remarkable monuments before bringing you to the colorful Plaka district. One of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, it’s home to multiple historic sites, including the Roman Agora, Ancient Agora, and Hadrian’s Library. Afterward, transfer to your ship waiting in the port of Lavrio where you’ll depart for Cape Sounion, enjoying your first swim stop under the shadow of the Temple of Poseidon.

    • Dining: Breakfast & Welcome Dinner
    • Included Excursion: Private Highlights of Athens Walking Tour

    Day 3 Delos & Mykonos

    Mykonos

    Sailing overnight while you’re peacefully asleep in your comfortable cabin, by the time you rise we’ll be at the sacred island of Delos. One of the country’s most significant archaeological sites, it includes many very well-preserved ruins, the remains of a sanctuary to the gods Apollo and Artemis, and the city that developed around it, with most dating around the 5th and 4th centuries BC. Enjoy a swim stop as we cruise onto nearby 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

    Day 4 Mykonos to Naxos

    Naxos APollo Temple

    After sailing most of the night we’ll arrive at Naxos early. The island is famous for its white powdery sand beaches and it also boasts dramatic mountainous landscapes. A Traditional Naxos Villages Tour can bring you to the charming traditional villages tucked within the mountains like hilltop Apeiranthos. Built amphitheatrically on the foothill of Mount Fanari, it’s beloved for its medieval character and its marble, with marble homes, buildings, and even marble-paved streets. Following the tour, enjoy the evening in Naxos, dining at one of the waterfront restaurants or an eatery tucked among the alleyways and narrow winding streets in Chora.

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

    Day 5 Naxos to Koufonisia

    Schinoussa

    We’ll depart for tranquil Schinoussa Island, just south of Naxos, so that you can enjoy a swim stop in the calm and clear turquoise waters. After a memorable dip, we’ll arrive at Koufonisia, with postcard-perfect beaches and a romantic Chora with whitewashed architecture. Just about everything is within a short walking distance so you might spend time soaking up the sun and the sand on one of the half-cozen beaches before wandering through the maze of streets. You’ll find lots of fun little shops to browse and a wide range of authentic eateries for enjoying the island’s local flavors.

    • On Board Dining: Breakfast & Lunch

    Day 6 Koufonisia to Santorini. Overnight to Milos

    Santorini, Greece

    Cruising toward Santorini, we’ll visit Ios Island for a swim stop in the shallow, vibrant blue waters at Magganari Beach. Enjoy a jaw-dropping view of the caldera as we arrive at Santorini and then you might take the 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. Next visit picturesque Oia where you have time to dine in one of the many view restaurants while enjoying a world-famous sunset, reboarding the ship by 11 pm.

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

    Day 7 Milos to Kimolos

    Milos, Greece

    With our departure last night, we’ll arrive in Milos early this morning. An excursion on this “island of colors” will bring you to its most popular attraction, Sarakiniko Beach. It’s an otherworldly-like place with its lunar landscape made up of smooth white volcanic rock contrasted stunningly against the brilliant turquoise water. Next, head to the Geological Mining Museum to learn about the mining history of the island. Enjoy lunch independently with dinner served on board this evening. Our overnight destination is Kimolos and you’ll have time to do some exploring there on your own as well.

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

    Day 8 Kimolos to Sifnos

    Church of the Seven Martyrs, Sifnos

    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

    Day 9 Disembarkation from the Port of Lavrio. Full-Day Private Tour of Mycenae & Nafplio

    Mycenae

    With your cruise coming to an end, you’ll enjoy one more breakfast on board with disembarkation by 10 am. Say your farewells and then embark on a full-day private tour to the archeological site of Mycenae where a local guide will provide insight into the history and reveal the incredible ruins of the two greatest cities of the Mycenaean civilization. In photogenic Nafplio, wander the cobbled alleyways lined with magnificent architecture as your guide tells you about its past. You’ll see the ancient theater and famous Asklepieion, the inspiration for the symbol of medicine, before returning to your hotel in Athens this evening.

    • On Board Dining: Breakfast
    • Excursion Included: Private Tour of Mycenae & Nafplio

    Day 10 Sorrento: Flight from Athens to Naples

    Naples, Italy

    This morning you’ll be met by your private driver for transfer to Athens International Airport. Catch your flight to Naples and there will be another driver there to greet you and provide private transfer to your 5-star hotel in Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast. It enjoys a tranquil location on a cliff overlooking the Bay of Naples with a backdrop of soaring Mount Vesuvius, an outdoor heated pool and a spa with a sauna, steam room, and an indoor pool, ideal for relaxation after a long day. Enjoy the many facilities and perhaps have dinner right here as the on-site restaurant is outstanding.

    • Dining: Breakfast

    Day 11 Full-Day Private Tour of Amalfi, Positano & Ravello

    Ravello, Italy

    A full-day tour will bring you to explore the Amalfi Coast, renowned as one of the world’s most magnificent stretches of coastline. You’ll visit pretty Positano splashed with an abundance of color thanks to the lush gardens, orange, lemon, and olive groves. Strolling through is enjoyable with no motor vehicles allowed and you’ll find numerous places to pick up a coffee or enjoy lunch on your own. In Ravello, visit the 13th-century Villa Rufolo overlooking the town’s historical and cultural hub, Piazza Vescovado. Marvel at the iconic St. Andrew Cathedral in Amalfi, the town symbol, and see its colorful homes before returning to Sorrento.

    • Dining: Breakfast
    • Excursion Included: Full-Day Private Tour of Amalfi, Positano & Ravello

    Day 12 Sorrento: Day of Leisure

    Capri Island, Italy

    You’ll have an entire day in Sorrento at your leisure, but we recommend a self-guided trip to the island of Capri. Easily accessed by a 25-minute hydrofoil boat ride from Sorrento’s port, Capri has been a popular escape since Roman times. Explore the labyrinth of streets with fashion boutiques featuring big-name designer items and shops selling handcrafted goods. Visit the main square, Piazza Umberto, with its appealing white church, and the magnificent gardens at Villa San Michele, ending with a gorgeous view over the town and harbor.

    • Dining: Breakfast

    Day 13 Departure

    Sorrento, Italy

    After 13 days of visiting some of the most impressive sights in Greece, island-hopping, and experiencing one of the world’s most enchanting coastlines in Italy, it’s time for your trip to come to an end. Of course, if you aren’t ready to leave our staff will be happy to create a bespoke itinerary. Otherwise, have your bags packed and ready as your driver will meet you at your hotel for transfer to Naples’ airport where you can begin your travels back home. We wish you a safe journey with memories of a lifetime and hundreds of photos to take back home and share with your friends and family.

    • Dining: Breakfast

    What's Included

    • Private transfers
    • Private tours in Athens and Sorrento
    • Spacious en-suite and air-conditioned cabin
    • Excellent English-speaking crew with a crew to client ratio of 1 to 2
    • Daily buffet breakfast
    • Three course welcome dinner
    • Greek style BBQ Farewell dinner
    • 7 buffet lunches
    • Filtered water throughout the cruise
    • Complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits
    • Guided tour of Mykonos Town with a local expert
    • Guided tour of Traditional Naxos Villages with tasting
    • Guided tour of Milos Island with swimming at Sarakiniko Beach
    • Room service without charge
    • Pilates sessions with on board Wellness Coach
    • Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout
    • Complimentary use of snorkelling equipment and all water sports
    • Multilingual Cruise Concierge
    • Luggage handling and porterage
    • Beach Towels
    • Very intuitive travel app with our sought after Restaurant Guide
    • Full financial trip protection for your guaranteed peace of mind

    What's Not Included

    • Arrival flight to Athens & departure flight from Sorrento
    • Any meals or beverages not listed above
    • Optional Santorini Wine & Oia tour which needs to be pre-booked EUR70pp
    • Spa treatments at the Gemaya Spa
    • Laundry service (available on request)
    • Gratuities for the crew
    • Visa if required
    • We strongly advise all guests purchase comprehensive travel insurance

    Departure Dates

    Please select your year of departure.

    2024

    • May

      May 24May 31
    • Jun

      Jun 07Jun 14Jun 21Jun 28
    • Jul

      Jul 05Jul 12
    • Aug

      Aug 23Aug 30
    • Sep

      Sep 06Sep 13

    Speak to experienced Destinations Experts about designing this itinerary around your budget and trip preferences

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