Signature Greece Small Ship Cruise 2024

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 5th and 4th centuries BC. That includes a theater, temples, statues, mosaics, and impeccably preserved Venetian and Byzantine architecture. You’ll have the option to take an optional guided tour of Delos before we continue to nearby Mykonos (entrance to be paid at the site). After Delos we continue on to Mykonos with lunch on board on 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

Saying farewell to Mykonos, our next destination is Naxos, with a swim stop en route followed by lunch on board. After our mid-afternoon arrival to this beautiful Cycladic Island, we invite our guests to join our local guide for an island tour of Naxos visiting traditional mountain villages like Chalki. 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 our Naxos Island tour, we will return to Naxos Town, where you will enjoy dinner on your own.

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

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

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 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. We will then continue on to the popular picture perfect town of Oia where you will enjoy a guided tour through its pristine streets which jaw dropping Caldera views. Guests looking to stay in Oia for dinner can finish the tour here and make their own way back to Fira. Guests wishing to eat in Fira will head back with the guide an finish the tour in Fira. This evening guests can choose to have dinner on the island and get back to the ship by 11pm, before its onward departure.

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

Wake up in Milos, the “island of colors,” with its famous lunar-like landscape that includes smooth, white volcanic rock stunning contrasted against the brilliant blue of the sea. Join our Cruise Director and our local guide for a fascinating island morning tour which showcases the highlights of this unique island. You will get to visit the world famous Sarakiniko Beach with the opportunity to swim its its iconic bays. We will continue on to the picturesque town of Plaka with its picture perfect streets and charming boutiques. The tour will ends with an optional visit to the Geology museum which showcases the history of this fascinating island.  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
• Excursion Included: Guided Tour of Milos Island

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

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