May 2023 Special Offer Signature Greece Small Ship Cruise

Our friendly crew will be waiting to welcome you on board the Elysium in the port of Lavrio between 2pm and 3pm, with our departure to Cape Sounion at 4pm. The fun is quickly underway as you’ll enjoy your first swim stop off the shores of the cape known for one of the major monuments of the Golden Age of Athens, the Temple of Poseidon. It sits atop the headland overlooking the sparkling sapphire waters of the sea that surround it on three sides. This evening the delicious welcome dinner will be hosted on board while cruising to Mykonos overnight.

• On Board Dining: Welcome Dinner

We’ll arrive at the sacred island of Delos this morning. One of the most impressive archaeological sites in Greece, the UNESCO World Heritage Site features remarkable ruins dating between the 5^th and 4^th centuries BC. That includes a theater, temples, statues, mosaics, and impeccably preserved Venetian and Byzantine architecture. You’ll have the option to take a guided tour before we continue to nearby Mykonos. Along the way, enjoy a swim stop with our arrival in the mid-afternoon. Take the rest of the day to explore the island independently, enjoying dinner at one of the many fine restaurants Mykonos Town is renowned for.

• On Board Dining: Breakfast & Lunch
• Optional Excursion: Guided Tour of Delos

Saying farewell to Mykonos, our next destination is Naxos, with a swim stop enroute followed by lunch on board. After our mid-afternoon arrival to this beautiful Cycladic Island, you can take an optional excursion to traditional mountain villages like Apiranthos. Surrounded by stunning mountain views, it was carved out of the slopes of Mount Fanari in amphitheatrical style. You might feel like you’ve stepped by in time as it’s managed to retain its ancient traditions with the feel of a medieval town, while the narrow streets are paved with marble. After returning to Naxos Town, you’ll enjoy dinner on your own.

• On Board Dining: Breakfast & Lunch
• Optional Excursion: Traditional Naxos Villages & Apiranthos

Cruising on toward Koufonisia, look forward to a morning swim stop at Schinoussa, a serene island just south of Naxos with calm, aquamarine waters, and little development with a population of only a few hundred. We’ll reach Koufonisia in the mid-afternoon, a treasure with striking natural scenery, exotic beaches, friendly locals, and outstanding food.  Enjoy the evening at your leisure, perhaps taking a walk to one of the many secluded beaches before taking advantage of the many great eats available here. Dishes, including lots of fresh fish and seafood, tend to feature authentic flavors and lots of local ingredients.

• On Board Dining: Breakfast & Lunch
• Optional Excursion: N/A

While our ultimate destination is Santorini, we’ll visit Ios along the way for a swim stop at Magganari Beach, a large stretch on the south coast boasting soft golden sands with clear, shallow water. Lunch will be on board with arrival in Santorini at 2pm. We highly recommend the optional excursion which includes two of the most popular places on the island, the Pompeii-like Akrotiri archaeological site, and Oia, with its whitewashed homes and blue-domed churches spilling down the dramatic caldera cliffs. Enjoy dinner with a view on your own, returning to the ship by 11pm for our overnight sail to Milos.

• On Board Dining: Breakfast & Lunch
• Optional Excursion: Guided Tour of Akrotiri & Oia

Wake up in Milos, the “island of colors,” home to Sarakiniko Beach with its famous lunar-like landscape that includes smooth, white volcanic rock stunning contrasted against the brilliant blue of the sea. An optional excursion can bring you there and to the Geological Mining Museum with artifacts and interesting exhibits that chronicle the island’s mining history. Lunch will be on your own bringing the opportunity to sample the delicious local fare. Return to the ship by 4pm as you’ll depart for Kimolos while enjoying dinner on board. You’ll have the evening free to explore Kimolos, one of the most picturesque and peaceful Cycladic islands.

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

After cruising overnight you’ll reach Serifos at mid-morning. Take advantage of the optional excursion where you’ll enjoy awe-inspiring views over the island and its enchanting streets and alleyways lined with whitewashed architecture. Enjoy lunch on your own at one of the enticing traditional tavernas here or head to pretty Livadakia Beach where there are several seaside eateries. After returning to the ship, departure for Kythnos, known for its wild landscapes, arriving in the mid-afternoon after a final swim stop along the way. The Elysium will anchor in a beautiful bay with the entertaining and tasty farewell dinner hosted here this evening.

• On Board Dining: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
• Optional Excursion: Visit the Island of Serifos

Passing the island of Kea, we’ll reach the port of Lavrio during the early morning hours. Enjoy one last breakfast on board, perhaps while exchanging contact with fellow passengers who’ve become new friends. After farewells to all, disembarkation is by 10am. Of course, if you’d like to extend your time in Greece, feel free to contact our travel experts who can create a bespoke addition to your itinerary. Otherwise, we wish you safe travels as you bring memories of a lifetime home.

• On Board Dining: Breakfast