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Luxury Greek Island cruises 2024 and 2025

best greek isles cruise

For example, in Athens, you might choose to take a guided tour of the Acropolis, followed by a "day in the life of an archaeologist" experience, where you'll search for treasures in a faux archaeological dig. From ancient mythology to wine and olives, there's a lot to love about Greece. There's something magical about the contrast between the deep-blue waters of the Aegean Sea and the ancient ruins and white buildings found on the Greek islands. According to Clabbers, "Celebrity Cruises was launched by a Greek shipping family," so the line has deep ties to — and many officers who hail from — the country. The fleet of eight small ships hosts a maximum of 71 passengers each and takes travelers close to the sea, nature and local communities in destinations visited.

Different Types of Greek Island Itineraries

It sort of waned a little bit in the 90s and the early 2000s, but it’s really come back and it’s again a very vibrant and trendy place to go. From there they normally include a bus which will take you back to the town of Fira, which you can then explore, get the cable car down or walk down or get a donkey ride down. It’s not known why it was deserted when it was such a major structure, but it’s felt that was probably there’s lots of volcanic activity and also lots of battles which probably drove the people out. The one that I would really make sure you get to, which is not far from the entrance into Olympia, is the museum which tells you the whole history of Olympia. You’ll need a visa for your cruise to Greece if you’re a national of a country that falls outside of the European Union or the Schengen.

best greek isles cruise

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You'll be able to see an incredible range of wildlife during your stay. Preparing your house for an extended vacation can seem like a huge task, but doing a few things before you go will make your trip carefree. It can bring you to some of the most beautiful port cities in the world. These are some of the spookiest places in Europe, from the streets of London to the forests of Transylvania. The tour then takes in hot springs and mud baths, where you can recharge your batteries.

best greek isles cruise

Planning a Barcelona Vacation From the Sea

This volcanic island is exceptionally accessible, giving you options to swim in hot springs by day and hike to unforgettable panoramas for sunsets every evening. As much as you’ll want to indulge in the laid-back lavishness of the island, there’s more to explore beyond the shops and bars of Fira and Oia. Ancient Thera and the Bronze Age Akrotiri archaeological sites give you a glimpse into the lives of those that called Santorini home as far back as the 16th-century BC.

Under the new rules, arrivals from these countries, as well as Israel, Serbia and the UAE who have been vaccinated or have a negative PCR test up to 72 hours prior to arrival, are allowed to enter. Rapid checks will be carried out at airports and quarantine hotels have been set up for those who test positive. Safety protocols including wearing masks and social distancing remain in place. The Greek islands are known for famous foods like feta cheese, but the location is also home to a slew of other delicacies. Olive oil plays a big part in the local cuisine, as does local produce such as tomatoes and other Mediterranean vegetables. Feast on feta me meli, baked feta wrapped in filo, or choriatiki, greek salad with tons of vegetables.

'I never thought I'd go on a cruise. Here's my honest verdict after 10 days at sea.' - Mamamia

'I never thought I'd go on a cruise. Here's my honest verdict after 10 days at sea.'.

Posted: Mon, 08 Aug 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

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If you're looking to cruise the Greek Islands in a small, stylish ship, then Seabourn Cruise Line may be your best bet. Seabourn is known to be one of the best luxury small ship lines in the Greek Islands and beyond. The all-inclusive sailings feature five-star dining and the only "raw food" menu at sea with dishes prepared using raw, organic and vegan ingredients. To join our mailing list enter your email address in this box and look out for a confirmation in your inbox.

Best of Greece

Embarking on a cruise through the Greek Islands is akin to opening a book with countless stories. Each island, with its distinct character and allure, offers a new chapter of adventures, awaiting to be etched in your travel memoirs. Whether you’re seeking romance, history, adventure, or relaxation, these islands ensure that your Greek odyssey is nothing short of epic.

That's particularly true if you're planning on an guided tours of Old Towns. Temperatures can rise to more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit on the Greek islands at the height of summer. You'll want to protect yourself with plenty of sunscreen, a hat and lots of water. While it's tempting to dive into the Aegean Sea without sun protection, you don't want to ruin the rest of your trip. If you're planning a Greek islands cruise – or have always dreamed of one – check out our best tips, tricks, and intel on when to go, what to see and where to visit.

Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. Whether you cruise multiple times per year or you're new to cruising, the goal of Royal Caribbean Blog is for it to be a useful resource for keeping up to date with what's new and exciting with Royal Caribbean. Corfu is an island located in the Adriatic sea, southwest of Albania and east of Italy. Due to its geographical location, the island has been influenced by a variety of cultures and people throughout history.

Choosing the right Greek Islands cruise itinerary is all about aligning with your interests, travel style, and duration preferences. Whether you’re looking for history, relaxation, adventure, or gourmet delights, there’s a cruise that’s just right for your odyssey on a cruise of the Greek Islands. Explore Trafalgar’s best Greek island cruises and overland experiences to find your perfect Greek holiday itinerary. Two days in Santorini is plenty of time to snap a selfie in front of the Blue Dome churches.

Whichever line you choose, cruising the Greek Islands is bound to be an unforgettable experience. Consider your preferences—whether they lie in luxury, adventure, family fun, or cultural immersion—and select the cruise line that aligns best with your dream Greek voyage. Whether aboard a quaint sailing yacht or a majestic cruise liner, a cruise of the Greek Islands promise an unforgettable adventure. The Greek archipelago is studded with over 6,000 islands and islets, each with its own tale to tell.

But the thing I recommend you do is head out to the Glyfada cave at Dira. It’s about a 40-minute drive, so you may want to book an excursion through your cruise line. You go a little boat trip, which will take about half an hour, winding its way through the caves. It’s quite an enclosed space so if you’re claustrophobic not the best thing to do! There's so much to look forward to on a cruise to mainland Greece. Enjoy every minute spent in port exploring, when you're not loving life on board embracing all your Cunard Queen has to offer.

They offer a perfect blend of history, culture, gastronomy, and natural beauty. The sun-kissed shores of the Greek Islands have beckoned travelers for centuries. Our Greek Island Hopper tour takes you to all three islands with ease. High speed ferries cut your time in transit and give you more time to shop, dine, and actually explore each island to your liking. This 10-day trip around Greece’s famous islands starts and ends at Piraeus Port of Athens, ensuring that even your first and final days of your holiday aren’t wasted or waterlogged.

Unlike the bigger ocean liners where evenings can be quite formal, life on our vessels is very relaxed and casual. During the warmer months, you will find our guests typically wearing shorts, summer dresses or bathing suits during the day. Summer evenings in Greece are also pleasantly warm, so clients will enjoy dining on shore in smart chino shorts, jeans, linen trousers or summer dresses. During the cooler months, we do advise guests to bring a windproof jacket and slightly warmer clothes as temperatures in the evening can get quite chilly.

Greece And Greek Isles Cruises: Cruise to Greece And Greek Isles

best greek isles cruise

You'll find the world-famous Acropolis on Rhodes Island and the Akrotiri on Santorini. But don't forget to watch the sun rise over the Aegean while visiting the renowned windmills of Mykonos. According to T+L A-list travel advisor and small ship specialist Mary Curry, this local Greek cruise line offers its own fleet of yachts, most carrying fewer than 50 passengers. Since the ships are so small, says Curry, “you can travel a bit further off the beaten path.” Variety offers a handful of Greece itineraries, including specially themed hiking and wine cruises. All of Variety’s Greek Island cruises are seven-night round trip sailings from Athens.

Highlights of Greece Small Ship Cruise 2024

Most of these ships will be based in Piraeus for Athens, sailing around the Greek islands. Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas is based in Limassol, Cyprus, but the itinerary is primarily the Greek islands, as well as Crete. To visit the capital of Greece is to take a trip back in time, whether you’re exploring the narrow streets of the Plaka District or hiking the Acropolis for well-earned views of the Parthenon. After a day of exploration, pop into a taverna for Mediterranean meze and a cold beer. Travelers flock to Santorini for its cobalt-roofed homes, friendly locals, and fine local wine.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Typically, these will be Vision, Radiance, or Voyager Class cruise ships like Rhapsody of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, and Explorer of the Seas. The newest and biggest Royal Caribbean ship sailing to the Greek Isles is Odyssey of the Seas. As a Quantum Class cruise ship, Odyssey of the Seas boasts the latest and greatest of Royal Caribbean’s onboard activities, dining venues, and entertainment. The most important thing you can do when traveling in peak season is to disembark the ship as early as possible. Not only will you be able to start exploring before the weather gets too warm, but you’ll get the chance to walk around town before hoards of other tourists arrive. The most crowds will be found in the peak summer months of June, July, and August, although crowds should be expected at any time of the cruise season.

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best greek isles cruise

Don’t forget to try a glass of Robola wine while on the island of Kefalonia, as it’s said to be one of the best wine varieties in all of Greece. The capital of Greece is a far cry from the quaint island villages you’ll find on a Greek Isles cruise, but it’s well worth a visit. With over 3 million people, Athens is a bustling city with a unique blend of ancient history and modern influences. Having an understanding of what is offered in each Greek port can help you better select a cruise itinerary. No matter which itinerary you choose, however, you’ll likely be amazed by the beauty, culture, and charm of everywhere you visit in Greece.

I Just Cruised The Greek Islands, Here's What It Was Like (2021) - TravelAwaits

I Just Cruised The Greek Islands, Here's What It Was Like ( .

Posted: Fri, 20 Aug 2021 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Do you need a passport to take a cruise to Greece?

25 BEST Eastern Mediterranean Cruises 2024 (Prices + Itineraries): Cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean on Cruise ... - Cruise Critic

25 BEST Eastern Mediterranean Cruises 2024 (Prices + Itineraries): Cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean on Cruise ....

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The cruise season in Greece runs from May to October, with July and August being the most popular months. Temperatures can top 100 degrees during peak summer months, but many of the islands have a constant breeze. During the high season in Greece and its islands, you should expect crowds. The most popular islands can get jammed – not just with cruise passengers, but with people on holiday from Greece and the rest of Europe. To help you out, check out our list of the best cruises and cruise lines in the Greek islands. Your first decisions when picking a Greek island cruise is the size of your ship and what islands matter most to you (for a primer, check out our guide to which cruise ship size is right for you).

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Excavations of Akrotiri on Santorini Island date back to the Manoan Bronze Age, where the settlement was preserved in ash following a volcanic eruption in 1627 B.C. The site is still being excavated today, and you can witness history firsthand by exploring the vast settlement and the enormous ongoing archaeological dig. Ground can be uneven -- especially at archaeological sites -- so pack sturdy shoes. When in Greece, you'll want to visit the abundance of ancient temples, structures and relics that have been incredibly preserved. Take some time to visit (or even snorkel) a beach and dine at a waterfront cafe on delicious local specialties.

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Chic tavernas with open terraces line the sea and after the sun dips down, the island sizzles with youthful energy. Stroll through the Acropolis and marvel at human achievement, or visit the Museum of Cycladic Art to study Aegean and Cypriot artifacts. Examine the 400-year-old remains of a town buried under volcanic ash outside of Santorini.

A Greek Island Cruise With The Best Cruise Line

best greek isles cruise

Dubrovnik is of course a very famous city and, in some ways, it’s becoming almost over busy with tourists. Fans of Game of Thrones will know Dubrovnik from early parts of the series Dubrovnik was used for some of Game of Thrones. The old walled city is very beautiful, and you can walk right along the old walls.

From Greek bagels to baklava and spinach & feta pies, your senses are sure to be overwhelmed in the best way possible. Ensure your chosen cruise aligns with your primary reason for traveling. On the northwest coast of the island of Crete, Souda beckons with a romantic Venetian harbor, Old Town’s tangle of streets, and a 500-year-old lighthouse. Kefalonia is home to the legendary tiropita cheese puff, which is basically cheese baked in cheese, although you'll also find puffs filled with vegetables, particularly spinach, and even sometimes meat. You can also find local cheeses like feta, manuri or kefalotiri everywhere.

Thessaloniki is not an island; it’s located in mainland Greece and is the second biggest city in the country. Don’t let this deter you, though, as the city offers plenty of activities for all interests. Consider a day trip to Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece, which was regarded as the home of many Greek gods in Greek mythology. From Melissani Cave’s sunlit waters to beaches with unbelievably-blue waters, you're sure to have a relaxing day in Argostoli.

Kotor is a magnificent and beautiful place to call on, so when you look at your itinerary, I really recommend you include one that has Kotor on. It’s a bit like cruising into the Norwegian Fjords with beautiful mountains on either side of a beautiful bay. You sail quite a long way inland and the old town of Kotor is very charming. Lots of interesting shops but one of the things I recommend you do, if you’ve got a bit of energy and fitness, is to climb up the massive mountain behind Kotor.

Many people walk through the old town to head towards the windmills, which are the famous and iconic sight and picture that everyone wants to get. The very easy way of doing that is when you get onto the dockside, you’ll find a number of boats there which will do a shuttle service. So, they will take you from the dockside in Fira about a 15-minute drive to Oia, they’ll have a bus which takes you up the hill into Oia. Since we’ve been talking about important archaeological areas what I’m going to do is talk about some of the really other great and important archaeological sites to see.

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