Essential Greece Signature Cruise & Land Tour

You’ll be welcomed by our driver at Athens International Airport for a private transfer to your accommodation in the city. In a five-star hotel, you might want to relax at the full-service spa or lounge around the rooftop pool while enjoying the spectacular city views. Or, if you’re excited to go exploring, there are numerous historic sites, shops to browse, and enticing cafes for sitting down with a glass of wine or strong Greek coffee while people-watching. The colorful Plaka neighborhood beneath the Acropolis has a history that dates back over 3,500 years making it fun to wander through as well.

This morning you’ll meet our local guide for a five-hour private walking tour with the first two hours exploring the iconic hill topped by the Parthenon, one of the world’s most important monuments, standing over the city since the 5th century BC. Gain insight into the capital’s rich heritage and hear the stories behind the many landmarks on the hill before embarking on a three-hour food tour that takes you into the heart of Athens. You’ll explore specialty food shops, visit artisans who’ve spent decades perfecting their recipes and pop into the central food market, sampling delicious local treats along the way.

This morning our driver will provide a private transfer to the port of Lavrio where your ship awaits. Enjoy a welcome drink at check-in, from 2 to 3 pm, get settled into your cabin and we’ll start cruising toward Cape Sounion. The Temple of Poseidon on the headland was built in 444 BC and 15 of the original columns are still standing, one of which bears the initials of the poet Lord Byron himself who visited in 1810. Enjoy the first swim stop of the trip followed by a welcome dinner on board. We’ll be cruising to Mykonos as you sleep in your comfortable cabin.

Meals Included:

Welcome Dinner

The UNESCO-listed island of Delos is our first stop this morning. Discover the ancient ruins that date back to the 5th and 4th centuries, including statues, temples, mosaics, and remarkably well-preserved Venetian and Byzantine architecture on an optional tour with a guide that will bring it all to life. After arriving at Mykonos, 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.

Optional Excursion AM:

Delos archaeological site

Excursions Included PM:

Guided Tour of Mykonos Town with a Local Expert

Meals Included:

Breakfast & Lunch

Naxos is our next destination, home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches along with some impressive mountainous terrain dotted with bell-wearing goats and strewn with traditional villages. The Traditional Naxos Villages Tour will bring you to experience them, including the amphitheatrically built village of Aprianthos which is surrounded by magnificent mountain views. Incredibly atmospheric it has a distinctly medieval feel and marble-paved streets. After your excursion, enjoy dinner in Naxos Town, with many eateries serving fresh seafood along the waterfront. The maze of streets in Chora is also lined with some exceptional restaurants for sample island eats.

Excursions Included:

Traditional Naxos Villages Tour

Meals Included:

Breakfast & Lunch

Our first stop this morning is serene Schinoussa Island just south of Naxos. You’ll be able to leap into the clear, calm turquoise water while surrounded by the island’s wild, nearly untouched landscapes. Afterward, we continue to Koufonisia with our arrival around mid-afternoon. An underrated gem, it boasts soft golden sands edged by dazzling blue-green waters, friendly locals, and an impressive dining scene. You’ll have time on your own to explore the beaches and sample the local fare, with multiple eateries serving fresh seafood and fish that can be enjoyed with a sea view. Don’t miss the chance to sample mizithra, the island’s signature cheese.

Meals Included:

Breakfast & Lunch

An exciting day awaits, including a swim stop at Magganari Beach as we make our way toward Santorini. Enjoy a memorable dip in the shallow blue waters with a 2 pm arrival at Santorini. 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. Continue to the village of Oia, characterized by whitewashed homes and blue-domed churches that spill down the caldera. Take in the famous sunset before enjoying dinner on your own, boarding the ship by 11 pm with an overnight sail to Milos.

Optional Excursion:

Santorini Wine & Oia Tour – EUR70pp

Meals Included:

Breakfast & Lunch

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.

Excursion Included:

Guided Tour of Milos Island

Meals Included:

Breakfast & Dinner

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

Meals Included:

Breakfast & Farewell Dinner

Heading back to the port of Lavrio this morning, your cruise is nearing its end. You’ll have time for breakfast and goodbyes to the captain, crew, fellow passengers, and new friends. Disembarkation is by 10 am so you’ll want to have your bags ready for transfer to the airport or your onward local hotel. If you’d like to spend more time here, our travel experts can create a bespoke addition to your itinerary, otherwise, we look forward to seeing you again on another unforgettable trip.