Cyclades Cruise with Dalmatian Highlights

Welcome to Athens. You’ll be met by your private driver for transfer to your 4-star hotel in the capital city. With the rest of the day to enjoy at your leisure, you might want to rest up for the journey ahead, perhaps taking advantage of the facilities of your hotel, which includes a stunning view of the Acropolis from the rooftop restaurant, or do a little exploring. There are plenty of shops nearby for picking up souvenirs or items you might need for the trip ahead along with sidewalk cafes for unwinding with a glass of the local wine and doing some people-watching.

This morning you’ll take a private transfer to your ship that awaits in the port of Lavrio. Our friendly crew will welcome you aboard between 2 and 3 pm. Departing for Cape Sounion at 4 pm, the fun gets underway quickly with a swim stop near the famous headland that’s surrounded by the sea on three sides and topped with the Temple of Poseidon. You’ll want to capture a photo of the iconic monument from the Golden Age of Athens before freshening up for the welcome dinner that will be hosted on the ship. We’ll sail toward Mykonos as you sleep.

• On Board Dining: Welcome Dinner

Arriving early at sacred Delos Island, a UNESCO-listed site and one of the country’s most impressive archaeological sites. An optional tour reveals the remarkable ruins. Which include mosaics, statues, a theater, temples, and well-preserved Venetian and Byzantine architecture. Continuing to Mykonos afterward, a swim stop will be enjoyed en route. We’ll arrive at the cosmopolitan island famous for its beautiful beaches, world-class eateries, and nightlife in the mid-afternoon. 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

Cruising on to Naxos, enjoy a swim stop along the way followed by lunch on board. We’ll reach the island known for its powdery sands and farm-to-table fare in mid-afternoon with the chance to join a tour that will bring you to charming traditional mountain villages like Apiranthos. You’ll be surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery while feeling as if you’ve stepped back into the medieval days, complete with narrow marble-paved streets and people who continue to honor long-held traditions. Once back in Naxos Town, the evening is at your leisure for enjoying dinner along the waterfront or in the heart of Chora.

• 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

As we make our way to Santorini, we’ll stop at Magganari Beach. Located on the south coast of Ios Island, it’s known for its calm shallow water, ideal for your next refreshing dip. Back on board, enjoy lunch before we arrive in Santorini at 2 pm. 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. Continue to Oia village to enjoy dinner with a view independently – departure for Milos is at 11 pm.

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

While the island of Milos is known as the place where the Venus de Milo sculpture was discovered, the highlight here is Sarakiniko Beach. It has an otherworldly appearance, made up of smooth, white volcanic rock that’s edged by surreal blue waters that provide a jaw-dropping contrast. Take a tour to visit it and the Geological Mining Museum where you can learn about Milos’ mining history via exhibits and artifacts. You’ll have time for an independent lunch before reboarding by 4 pm for our departure to Kimolos. Dinner will be served on board, followed by a free evening to explore the tranquil island.

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

We begin our return toward the port of Lavrio but there’s still a full day of fun ahead with a visit to Sifnos. You’ll have the option to hike one of the many “Sifnos trails” or choose an optional excursion to the island’s medieval castle and the most photographed spot on Sifnos, the church of Seven Martyrs. Alternatively you could explore Apollonia, the picturesque capital, named after the God of light Apollo. You will also enjoy lunch on your own at one of Apollonia’s traditional tavernas or opt for a cooking experience with the locals. This evening, enjoy the Farewell Dinner with live entertainment

• On Board Dining: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner

Cruising into the port of Lavrio early this morning, be sure your bags are packed and ready as you’ll soon be embarking on a new adventure. You’ll have time for breakfast and goodbyes to the captain, crew, and new friends made, with disembarkation by 10 am. This afternoon enjoy a private Taste of Athens Tour. Discover the city’s most delicious flavors on this four-hour excursion while learning about authentic daily life at the same time. You’ll get to enjoy plenty of samples as you get insight into long-held culinary traditions and cooking methods, visiting everything from skilled artisans who’ve been perfecting their recipes for years to specialty food stores.

• On Board Dining: Breakfast
• Excursion Included: Private Taste of Athens Tour

While your adventure brings you to Dubrovnik later in the day you’ll conclude your time in Athens with an exciting six-hour tour uncovering many of the highlights of Athens, including Acropolis Hill, topped by the majestic Parthenon that’s been overlooking the city for over 2,600 years along with many other significant monuments from the same period. Follow in the footsteps of ancient greats like Plato and Socrates before visiting the New Acropolis Museum, Panathenaic Stadium, the Presidential Palace, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Afterward, you’ll take a private transfer to Athens International Airport where you’ll hop on a flight to Dubrovnik, Croatia.

• Dining: Breakfast
• Excursion Included: Private Panoramic Tour of Athens

This morning, discover the secrets behind Old City Dubrovnik from your professional guide who can offer all sorts of intriguing insight and historical anecdotes while walking the streets that are paved with marble. You’ll see the 1438 Onofrio’s Fountain that supplied drinking water to the city for nearly six centuries, the magnificent Rector’s Palace, the Franciscan Monastery that houses one of the oldest still active pharmacies in Europe, and more. Afterward, perhaps stroll atop the walls that encircle the historic center, enjoying views of the sea and nearby islands on one side and red-tiled roofs on the other. Then, find an enticing spot to dine.

• Dining: Breakfast
• Excursion Included: Private Dubrovnik City Tour

There are more tasty flavors to savor before your trip comes to an end. Today you’ll join a tour to the Peljesac Peninsula, famous for its wine and oysters, with a tasting of both included. It begins by visiting the town of Ston, renowned for its 14th-century walls that are so long they’re often referred to as the “Great Walls of Croatia.” From here you’ll be taken to a boat for a ride to an oyster farm, which includes a sample of the delicacy right out of the sea. Paired with Croatian wine, it’s a mouthwatering experience that includes insight into oyster harvesting here.

• Dining: Breakfast
• Excursion Included: Small Group Half-Day Oyster & Wine Tour

With 13 days behind you, your Greece and Croatia cruise-tour concludes with pick up from your hotel to Dubrovnik’s Airport. If you aren’t ready to go just yet, our travel experts will be happy to create a bespoke addition to your itinerary. With Montenegro and Slovenia next door, they’re easy to explore from here, but your options are practically endless. Otherwise, we wish you safe travels home, with many memories made and photos to take with you.

• Dining: Breakfast