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Cruising the Islands of Greece & Turkey


Secluded beaches, ancient ruins, local flavours and spectacular sunsets – this nine-day Adventure Cruise offers a hearty dose of Greek island life with a splash of Turkish delights. Tick off the idyllic Santorini and Mykonos and stray from the pack to the lesser-visited Cyclades, sail through sparkling waters on a small ship and soak up the salty sea breezes as you explore charming hill villages and hidden coves. Visit ancient archaeological sites and spend time learning about Delos, the ruins of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis. Add a healthy helping of delicious Greek cuisine and the endless opportunities to swim and snorkel off the back of your boat, and you’ve got yourself and unforgettable overwater odyssey through the Aegean Sea.

9 days, from

$6,655

per person

GROUP SIZE

47 people max

ACTIVITY LEVEL

1
Trip code: ZSGT
Style: Comfort
Theme: Adventure Cruising

Details

Countries Visited:  Greece Turkey
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night), Small cruise ship (7 nights)
Transportation: Small cruise ship , bus
Included Meals:

  • 8 breakfasts
  • 4 lunches
  • 4 dinners

Group size: Minimum 1, Max 47

  • Explore the historical city of Athens on a walking tour, get the insider lowdown from your local leader and discover hidden gems and highlights that you won’t find in a guidebook.

  • Whether you want to revel in the atmosphere of Mykonos or relax on own your private paradise at Manganari Beach, there are plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun.

  • Enjoy an amazing view as you taste the local wines in Santorini.

  • Join a local guide and brush up on your history as you explore Delos – one of the most important mythological, historical and archaeological sites in Greece.

  • Tour the Turkish ruins of Ephesus and discover the incredible relics that remain, including the Temple of Artemis – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Itinerary

Show Full Itinerary

Day 1: Athens

Welcome to Athens, Greece’s historic capital city. You will be met on arrival at Athens International Airport and transferred to your hotel. There is a lot to do and see here in one of the world's oldest cities, so you may wish to arrive a few days early to explore. The Archaeological Museum of Athens is highly recommended. There are no activities planned for today, other than an important welcome meeting which will take place at your hotel this evening at 6pm.

Day 2: Athens

This morning, check-out of the hotel and enjoy a guided city tour. This afternoon transfer to the port where you will board the M/S Panorama at about 3 pm and set sail at around 4 pm. The first stop of your journey is Sounion, where a memorable sunset dinner awaits. Get to know your fellow travellers as you dine under the magnificent temple of Poseidon, the god of the sea in Greek mythology. Towering 65 metres (213 feet) above the Aegean Sea, its marble columns have inspired many who came before, including poet Lord Byron. Sail overnight to Poliegos.

Day 3: Poliegos and Folegandros

Arrive in Poliegos. Meaning ‘many goats’ in Greek, the aptly named island is uninhabited apart from its large goat population, and is known for its untouched beaches, gorgeous rock formations and sea caves. Enjoy a swim in the clear Aegean Sea and a lunch barbecue on the beach before setting sail for Folegandros. Stretch your legs in the clifftop town of Hora, one of the oldest and most picturesque traditional towns in the Cyclades. Enjoy free time in port for dinner, perhaps gathering a few of your travel friends together for a seafood meal. Stay overnight in port.

Day 4: Ios to Santorini

Sail to los in the morning for a stop at Manganari Beach. Its remote location makes it a private paradise and an ideal spot for a relaxing morning swim. Enjoy a delicious onboard barbecue as you continue on to Santorini. In the afternoon, take a cable car from Thira Old Port up to town for a leader led orientation walk. Later transfer to Venetsanos Winery and enjoy some local tastings. Next stop is Oia for that picture- perfect view before having free time back in Thira to check out one of the many the local restaurants. Head back to the boat to relax and unwind perhaps under the stars on the deck.

Day 5: Amorgos

Depart early for Amorgos, where you will spend half a day touring the island. This tour includes a visit to the Monastery of Hozoviotissa (Monastery of the Virgin Mary). Built precariously into the face of a cliff, the 11th-century monastery offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Follow this with a stop at Aegiali Beach where there’s time to swim and enjoy a barbecue on the beach. Sail overnight to Samos.

Day 6: Kusadasi, Turkey - Samos, Greece

After an early morning customs clearance in Samos, continue to Kusadasi, a resort town on Turkey’s Aegean coast and the gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus. Tour this incredible archaeological site and learn about its varied history with a local guide. After a traditional Turkish lunch, indulge in some shopping and learn a thing or two about Turkish carpets. Spend the evening at port in Samos, then depart at midnight for Mykonos.

Day 7: Delos to Mykonos

In the morning, sail to the ancient World Heritage-listed site of Delos. The mythological birthplace of twin gods Apollo and Artemis, this tiny island is considered one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites. Explore these awesome ruins with the help of a local guide, who will explain some history and point out key attractions. Head back to the ship for a late lunch and a swim stop, before continuing to Mykonos for a leader-led orientation walk followed by a free evening.

Day 8: Mykonos

Today is a free day to acquaint yourself with the glitz and glamour of Mykonos. Its charming Old Town is a delightful maze of whitewashed houses and cobbled streets. Perhaps explore the chic boutiques that line the town’s photogenic walkways. Or you may opt to soak up the sun on one of the main beaches. Return to the ship for a captain’s dinner, then sail overnight to Athens.

Day 9: Athens

Enjoy breakfast with your fellow travellers before disembarking in Athens between 8 and 9 am. With no other activities planned for today, you are free to leave the marina at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to spend a couple more days exploring Athens at your own pace, we’ll be happy to organise additional land-based accommodation (subject to availability).