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
- from $5,420 PP
- 11 Nights
- Breakfast & Lunch
- 4 Star Expedition Ship
- Lavrio
- Lavrio
Highlights
Over 12 days this trip will reveal some of the best that Greece has to offer. You’ll discover the iconic monuments in Athens, widely regarded as the birthplace of western civilization, and then embark on an island-hopping cruise. Visit 10 different islands, a mix of the most popular and some of our favorite less-visited gems, while cruising in style and comfort in a spacious, en-suite cabin. Marvel at the enchanting scenery that surrounds it while soaking in the Jacuzzi and enjoy plenty of swim stops in the enticing cobalt waters. Conclude with three nights on the diverse island Crete, the country’s largest.
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

- 8 days of cruising & 4 days of land tours
- Private transfers
- 4 nights staying at 4-star hotels in Athens & Rethymnon
- En-suite, air-conditioned cabin while cruising
- Private guided tours in Athens & Crete
- Visit 10 different islands
- Free use of watersports gear
- Frequent swim stops in secluded bays and off the shores of idyllic beaches
- Opportunities to sample authentic local cuisine on many of the islands visited
- Alfresco dining on freshly prepared dishes served on board
- Most evenings spent on a different island sampling the local fare
- Live entertainment at the Farewell Dinner hosted on board
- Pilates classes held on deck
- Massage and other spa services provided by a professional therapist
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the vessel
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 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

Start your land/cruise tour in the Greek capital that gave birth to western civilization. You’ll be greeted by our driver upon arrival at Athens International Airport for a private transfer to your hotel in the city center. As you’ll enjoy an in-depth look at the famous Acropolis hill tomorrow, you might want to spend the day soaking up the atmosphere in the city and doing some people-watching. There are trendy sidewalk cafes that are ideal or head to one of the rooftop bars to sip Greek wine or a cocktail while watching a magnificent sunset over one of the world’s most iconic sights.
Day 2 Private Highlights of Athens Walking Tour. Embarkation: Port of Lavrio to Cape Sounion

A half-day private tour brings you to Acropolis hill, home to some of the world’s most iconic monuments. With expert insight from your guide, you’ll step into the footsteps of ancient greats like Plato while marveling at the Parthenon and other landmarks dating back to the 5th century BC. After two hours on the hill, take a stroll through one of Athens’ oldest neighborhoods, Plaka, home to historic monuments like Hadrian’s Library and the Ancient Agora. Afterward, you’ll transfer to your ship in Lavrio and enjoy the first swim stop of the trip beneath the shadow of the Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounion.
- Dining: Breakfast & Welcome Dinner
- Excursion Included: Private Highlights of Athens Walking Tour
Day 3 Delos & Mykonos

After cruising overnight you’ll wake up at Delos Island, a UNESCO-listed site and one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. An optional excursion reveals its extensive ruins dating back to around the 5th and 4th centuries BC. Discover everything from a theater and temples to well-preserved Venetian and Byzantine architecture while your guide provides an intriguing insight into their history and the myths behind the island. Afterward, continue to Mykonos. Just a few miles away, you’ll enjoy a swim stop en route. 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

Having departed at 2 am, we’ll reach Naxos early in the morning. Upon arrival, you can join the Traditional Naxos Villages Tour that will bring you to beautiful mountain villages that have held onto time-honored traditions. Hilltop Aperanthos with its medieval character is a favorite. Sometimes referred to as the marble village, its marble-paved streets are lined with marble buildings and marble homes, built into one of Mount Fanari’s foothills. After touring, return to Naxos with the evening yours to enjoy dinner in one of the eateries along the waterfront or nestled amongst the narrow streets and alleyways of Chora.
- On Board Dining: Breakfast & Lunch
- Excursion Included: Traditional Naxos Villages Tour
Day 5 Naxos to Koufonisia

As we make our way toward Koufonisia, enjoy a swim stop just south of Naxos off the shores of Schinoussa Island. Known as the “Island of the Sun” it boasts sandy beaches and remarkable clear, calm blue-green waters ideal for a dip. Upon arrival in Koufonisia, you’ll have the rest of the day to enjoy at your leisure. The island is most popular for swimming and walking, with a myriad of beautiful beaches with soft, golden sands edged by pale turquoise water. Picturesque Chora is ideal for a stroll with its historic windmill, Cycladic architecture, and cobbled alleyways filled with traditional tavernas and independent shops.
- On Board Dining: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 6 Koufonisia to Santorini. Overnight to Milos

Cruising toward Santorini, enjoy a swim stop at Magganari Beach on Ios Island, an alluring stretch with shallow, clear, brilliant blue waters. As we sail into Santorini’s port, marvel at the dramatic view of the caldera precipitously looming above. We highly recommend taking 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. Afterward, head to pretty Oia for a legendary sunset and dinner on your own, boarding the ship by 11 pm.
- On Board Dining: Breakfast & Lunch
- Optional Excursion: Santorini Wine & Oia Tour EUR70pp
Day 7 Milos to Kimolos

Having departed late last night, you’ll wake up at the “island of the colors,” Milos, this morning. Here on this island where the famous Venus de Milo statue was discovered, you can join an excursion to visit two highlights. Famous Sarakiniko Beach is one of the most popular attractions in the Cyclades with its smooth white volcanic rock ideal for sunbathing while the brilliant blue of the sea provides a stunning contrast for photos. You’ll explore the Geological Mining Museum which focuses on Milos’ mining history followed by time for lunch on your own. This evening dinner will be served on board and you’ll be able to explore our next destination, Kimolos, too.
- On Board Dining: Breakfast & Dinner
- Excursion Included: Guided Tour of Milos
Day 8 Kimolos to 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. Fly to Crete & Walking Tour

Disembarkation will be by 10 am after enjoying breakfast on board and time for farewells to the captain, crew, and new friends made with your cruise coming to an end. There’s lots more to come making goodbyes a bit easier. You’ll take a private transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Crete. A late afternoon walking tour will provide an intro to the city’s highlights, including the Venetian harbor, a Venetian fountain, and a castle that overlooks it all. Your guide will be happy to provide recommendations as to where to eat and drink during your leisurely time this evening.
- On Board Dining: Breakfast
- Excursion Included: Private Walking Tour of Rethymnon
Day 10 Private Tour of Knossos Minoan Palace

A highlight of the trip, this morning head to Knossos Palace with your own private guide for a fascinating tour of the settlement that was home to the ancient Minoans, the first organized civilization. The center for life here during the bronze age, your guide will point out the remarkable and extensive sewerage and drainage systems that reveal how advanced the Minoans were. Discover the Palace of Knossos, Little Palace, the Royal Villa, house of the Frescoes, Temple Tomb, and more. After your visit, head into the Heraklion archaeological museum to view artifacts from the site followed by time for shopping and dining independently.
- Dining: Breakfast
- Excursion Included: Private Tour of Knossos Minoan Palace
Day 11 Private Day Trip to Elafonisi Beach

A day trip filled with magnificent sights, you’ll visit one of the country’s most stunning and famous beaches, Elafonisi, with its pink sand the result of the white sand mixing with little pieces of red coral. Against the bright blue waters of the sea, it’s incredibly photogenic. You’ll start by visiting Agia Sofia cave which has a chapel at its entrance, filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Afterward, enjoy three hours of Elafonisi to swim and sunbathe. On the return to your hotel, you can choose to stop in Elos village to dine on authentic Cretan cuisine in a traditional taverna.
- Dining: Breakfast
- Excursion Included: Private Day Trip to Elafonisi Beach
Day 12 Departure

While it’s never easy to say goodbye, after 12 days of exploring some of the best Greece has to offer, it’s time for your memorable journey to end. You can choose to transfer to your onward local hotel in Rethymnon if you want to extend your trip here or travel to either Heraklion or Chania airport to catch your flight home. Your driver will meet you at your hotel for a seamless transition. It may be all said and done now, but we hope to see you again with so many fantastic destinations across the globe to consider for a future trip.
- Dining: Breakfast
What's Included
- Private transfers
- Private tours in Athens and Crete
- 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 & Yoga 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
- Return flights to Greece
- 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 31Jun
Jun 07Jun 14Jun 21Jun 28Jul
Jul 05Jul 12Aug
Aug 23Aug 30Sep
Sep 06Sep 13
Speak to experienced Destinations Experts about designing this itinerary around your budget and trip preferences
Similar Trips
-
Greece Cyclades Small Ship Cruise 2024
Athens – Poros – Polýaigos/Folegandros - Santorini – Antiparos/Paros – Delos/Mykonos – Syros – Kythnos – Athens
7 NightsFrom $2,695 ppCruise for 8 days and 7 nights, visiting the island jewels of the Cyclades while sailing on a small, yacht-like ship that offers comfort and old-style beauty. Enjoy the salty sea air and Mediterranean sun as she sets her white sails, enchanted by the glistening expanse of the Aegean Sea. -
Highlights of Greece Small Ship Cruise 2024
Athens - Kea - Delos - Mykonos - Santorini - Rethymnon/Crete - Kythira - Monemvassia - Nafplion - Hydra - Athens
7 NightsFrom $3,350 ppAn 8 day Greek islands small ship cruise visiting the best of Greece including Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Crete with lesser known destinations including Hydra, Monemvassia and Kythira. -
When to go: May to September
BestsellerEssential Greece Signature Cruise & Land Tour
Athens - Cape Sounion - Mykonos - Koufonisia - Santorini - Milos - Kimolos - Sifnos - Athens
9 NightsFrom $3,885 ppEnjoy some of the best Greece has to offer, from world-renowned ancient sites to some of the most alluring islands.
COPYRIGHT © 2023 UNFORGETTABLE GREECE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED