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 $5,420 PP
  • 11 Nights
  • Breakfast & Lunch
  • Small Cruise 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

Outoor eating on Cyclades Cruise
  • 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 and yoga classes held on deck
  • Massage and other spa services provided by a professional therapist
  • 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.

Your Itinerary

Day 1 Athens Arrival

Panoramic view of Athens

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

    Temple of Poseidon, Cape Sounio

    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
    • Included Excursion: Private Highlights of Athens Walking Tour

    Day 3 Delos & Mykonos

    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. The rest of the day is yours to explore the sites and enjoy dinner in one of the outstanding restaurants.

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

    Day 4 Mykonos to Naxos

    Naxos APollo Temple

    Having departed at 2 am, we’ll reach Naxos early in the morning. Upon arrival, you can join the optional 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
    • Optional Excursion: Traditional Naxos Villages & Apiranthos

    Day 5 Naxos to Koufonisia

    Schinoussa

    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
    • Optional Excursion: N/A

    Day 6 Koufonisia to Santorini. Overnight to Milos

    Santorini in Greece

    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. Upon our arrival, you can join an optional tour to Akrotiri, a prehistoric settlement covered under 200 feet of ash during the massive 1600 BC volcanic eruption. Similar to Pompeii, it remained frozen in time providing a fascinating look at life centuries ago. 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: Guided Tour of Akrotiri & Oia

    Day 7 Milos to Kimolos

    Milos, Greece

    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 take an optional 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
    • Optional Excursion: Guided Tour of Milos

    Day 8 Kimolos to Serifos & Kythnos

    Serifos, Greece

    We’ll start to make our way back to where your cruise began but there are still two more islands to visit, including hilltop Serifos with Chora one of the most charming in the Cyclades. An optional tour will bring you through its atmospheric streets and alleyways with traditional tavernas and romantic whitewashed architecture all overlooked by a Venetian castle/fortress. Look forward to a sublime view of the island before enjoying time for lunch on your own. Once back on board, we’ll sail to Kythnos with one last swim stop en route. The Farewell Dinner with live entertainment will be hosted on the ship this evening.

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

    Day 9 Disembarkation from the Port of Lavrio. Fly to Crete & Walking Tour

    Rethymnon Old Town, Crete

    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
    • Included Excursion: Private Walking Tour of Rethymnon

    Day 10 Private Tour of Knossos Minoan Palace

    Palace of Knossos, Crete

    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
    • Included Excursion: Private Tour of Knossos Minoan Palace

    Day 11 Private Day Trip to Elafonisi Beach

    Pink sand of Elafonisi Beach, Crete, Greece

    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
    • Included Excursion: Private Day Trip to Elafonisi Beach

    Day 12 Departure

    Rethymnon, Greece

    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

    The Yacht for This Journey

    Elysium Yacht, Greece

    Elysium Yacht

    Cruise in style on Elysium, a graceful 200ft yacht that offers a unique and modern mega-yacht experience as one of just a few of its kind worldwide.

    Refurbished in 2021, she sleeps up to just 50 passengers who can look forward to exceptional personalized service with accommodation in spacious, elegant cabins with high-end amenities like flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, pillow menus, spa robes and slippers.

    This vessel offers plenty of ways to get active and relax too, with everything from a wellness deck for sunset yoga and a soothing Jacuzzi to snorkelling and water skiing while impressive dining is enjoyed inside and out.

    What's Included

    • Private transfers
    • Private tours in Athens and Crete
    • Spacious en-suite and air-conditioned cabin with luxury amenities
    • 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
    • Room service without charge
    • Pilates & Yoga sessions with on board Wellness Coach
    • Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout
    • Access to the on board gym
    • 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 daily shore excursions
    • Spa treatments at the Gemaya Spa
    • Water ski & scuba diving (available on request)
    • Laundry service (available on request)
    • Gratuities for the crew
    • Port taxes of €245 per person
    • Visa if required
    • We strongly advise all guests purchase comprehensive travel insurance

    Departure Dates

    Please select your year of departure.

    2023

    • May

      May 05 May 12 May 26 - Sold Out
    • Jun

      Jun 02 - Sold OutJun 09 - Sold OutJun 16Jun 23 - Sold Out
    • Jul

      Jul 07 - Sold OutJul 14 Jul 28
    • Aug

      Aug 04 Aug 18 - Sold OutAug 25 - Sold Out
    • Sep

      Sep 01 - Sold OutSep 08 - Sold OutSep 15 - Sold OutSep 22 - Sold Out

    2024

    • May

      May 03 - Sold OutMay 10 - Sold OutMay 17 - Sold OutMay 24 - Sold OutMay 31 - Sold Out
    • Jun

      Jun 07 - Sold OutJun 14Jun 21Jun 28
    • Jul

      Jul 05 - Sold OutJul 12Jul 19
    • Aug

      Aug 09Aug 16 - Sold OutAug 23 - Sold OutAug 30
    • Sep

      Sep 06Sep 13Sep 20 - Sold OutSep 27 - Sold Out

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

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