Athens & 8 days "Classical Greece" Cruise

Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights

Destinations:

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This summer, enjoy an exciting amalgamation of destinations that combine the quintessential Greek experience with off-the-beaten-track places to create a truly unique experience that will make your friends green with jealousy! Your adventure begins in Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, and home to some of the most prominent ancient monuments. Through our meticulously planned half day sightseeing tour you will be able to visited historical place such as the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Academy of Athens in just a few short hours!

Once you've had your fill of history in the big city, get ready to embark on a cruise like no other! The small island of Kea will serve as a gateway to the Aegean world which you will be exploring during the following days. From there you will visit the cosmopolitan Mykonos and join the never-ending party before proceeding to the nearby island of Delos which is in its entirety a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The juxtapositions of Greece can be mesmerizing!

Still in the heart of the Aegean and onto the volcanic island of Santorini! Fine wines, stunning views of the caldera and a sunset that fills the sky with a golden hue paint a picture that pales in comparison with the real thing. Anchors aweigh and you will be southbound to Crete and specifically the town of Rethymnon, one of the more traditional spots on the north of the vast island. Add a culinary element to your adventure by discovering incredible Cretan delicacies in local taverns.

Moving away from the popular destinations among tourists, you will find yourselves in Kythira, a quiet island beloved by locals for its natural beauty and relaxed way of life. From there you will launch expeditions to the coast of Peloponnese and explore majestic towns like Monemvasia and Nafplion. You final stop before returning to Athens will be the island of Hydra in the Saronic Gulf. An artist's haven, Hydra's elegance is evident to every visitor, whether they find themselves strolling down narrow alleys through countless galleries or taking in the scenery which leaves one with a sense of the numinous.

So there you have it! A cornucopia of destinations are begging to be explored. Are you going to miss out on the chance of a lifetime?

Arrival in Athens: Every Wednesday (April to October)

3 nights hotel accommodation in Athens
Athens half day city tour including Acropolis Museum
8-Day Cruise ‘Classical Greece’ on Motor Yacht by Variety Cruises including:
English speaking cruise escort
Use of fishing & snorkeling equipment (subject to availability)
Meals: Buffet breakfast and 1 meal per day including a Welcome Cocktail, a Greek night evening, fun BBQ (weather permitting) & Captain’s dinner.
Beverages: Regular filter coffee, tea and drinking water free all day
Transfer service as per itinerary
VAT for all services

Not included:

International airfare
Personal expenses meals or beverages not indicated above etc.
Port & service charges
Shore excursions on the islands or other land arrangements. Shore excursions are proposed and arranged on board by the tour leaders.
Lundry, Spa (where applicable), Boutique items, Medical expenses, Expenditures incurred ashore and Wi-Fi (available at a charge).
Customary tips & gratuities to drivers, guides, escorts, crew and captain
VISA expenses (if applicable)
Stayover hotel tax (to be paid directly to the hotel)

Remark for the cruise: Gratuities are optional but as a rule satisfied clients are expected to give to the captain, at the end of the cruise, approximately 13,00-15,00 Euros per person per day for distribution among all crew members.

Optional: Private Athens sightseeing tour can be offered at additional cost.

Wednesday: Arrival in Athens
On arrival our representative will be waiting to welcome you to Athens and answer any questions you may have. Afterwards your driver will take you to your selected hotel and then you can begin exploring the city on your own pace. Stroll down the shops of Ermou street and end up in Plaka for a traditional dinner with a view of the Acropolis shining bright on the night sky.
Overnight: Athens
Meals: -
Thursday: Athens Half Day Sightseeing Tour
After breakfast we will meet you at your hotel and start the morning Athens sightseeing tour. An essential part of any visit to Athens, this tour will take you to the most important landmarks of the Greek capital, culminating in the historic Acropolis and its magnificent museum. You will visit popular sites such as the Academy of Athens, the Panathenaic Stadium, Hadrian's Arc and many more, experiencing an amalgam of culture, history and philosophy from both antiquity and the modern era. After witnessing history come alive you will have the afternoon at your leisure for some well-earned rest and further exploration of the city.
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast
Friday: Arrival in Kea
After enjoying your morning, we will transfer you from your hotel to the port for your cruise around classical Greece. Embarkation will take place at Marina Zea in between 2 and 3 pm. On board the vessel you will be welcomed with a drink and meet your crew and fellow passengers. After departure you will sail along the coastal route until you meet Cape Sounion, the tip of the Athenian peninsula. There lie the well-preserved remains of the Temple of Poseidon, God of the seas and protector of seafarers. After having dinner on board you will explore Korissia, Kea’s tiny port and the village of Livadi that embraces the sandy bay of the area. In the early hours you will set sail for Delos.
Overnight: On board
Meals: Breakfast, 1 meal on board
Saturday: Visit Delos & Mykonos
The island of Delos is in its entirety considered an archaeological monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Do not miss the opportunity to join an optional morning tour to one of the most sacred places in ancient Greece. The Lion Terrace, the Doric Temple of Isis and the House of the Trident are just some of the monuments that proudly exhibit Delos' rich history. Once the tour concludes, you will hop back on board and sail to the nearby port of Mykonos, with a stop for a swim in the Aegean waters on the way. The rest of the day is at your disposal to explore the famous cosmopolitan lifestyle of Mykonos. Elegant galleries popping up seemingly out of nowhere, Cycladic windmills overlooking the town and unparalleled beauty of Little Venice create a uniquely majestic combination!
Overnight: On board
Meals: Breakfast, 1 meal on board
Sunday: Explore Santorini
Around noon we will arrive in Santorini, arguably the most famous island in Greece. Hugging the rim of a submerged volcano, Santorini's crescent-shaped coastline makes it so that you have magnificent view of the Aegean Sea from anywhere on the island. We will anchor at Fira, the island's capital, from which you can launch expeditions and explore volcanic beaches, picturesque villages or specific sites like the Venetian Lighthouse and the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri. An optional tour can help introduce to the some of the reasons that make Santorini a prime destination in a short amount of time. During your free time on the island make sure to taste local wines as the vineyards resting in volcanic soil produce wines that will make a viticulturist out of you! During the late hours of the night you will set sail for your next destination; the vast island of Crete.
Overnight: On board
Meals: Breakfast, 1 meal on board
Monday: Visit Rethymnon in Crete
If there is one word that describes such a big island in a unifying way, it is tradition. Over the centuries Crete has developed its own culture and customs, marrying the Hellenistic world with an Oriental flavor. This is obvious in Cretan cuisine, as well as the biodiversity of the island. Typical Mediterranean scenery gives way to rivers laid with palm trees and pink coral sandy beaches, in a truly unique amalgam of landscapes. We will dock in the town of Rethymnon, a charming spot right in between Heraklion and Chania, which gives you the opportunity to explore either the east or the west side of the island in the following hours. If you want to learn more about Crete's rich history, an optional tour to the Minoan Palace of Knossos near Heraklion comes highly recommended. During the night you will bid adieu to Crete and sail north towards Kythera.
Overnight: On board
Meals: Breakfast, 1 meal on board
Tuesday: Explore Kythera
After a stop for a swim around lunch we will arrive at Kythera in the afternoon. Just off the coast of Peloponnese, Kythera is a hidden gem of an island, that is constantly gaining popularity among local visitors. After docking in Diakofti, you will have the evening at your disposal to explore the enticing island as you wish.
Overnight: On board
Meals: Breakfast, 1 meal on board
Wednesday: Visit Monemvasia and Nafplion
Early morning sailing to Monemvasia where you will start experiencing the Greek mainland. Monemvasia is a medieval fortified town sitting on an islet just off the coast of Peloponnese. Full of beautifully preserved Byzantine and Venetian architecture augmented the stunning the natural setting, the town is ideal for aimlessly strolling around. Cozy taverns, charming squares and quaint shops sprout in every cobblestoned alley and cul-de-sac. In the afternoon we will depart for Nafplion, with yet another swim stop on the way. Greece's first capital and one of its most captivating towns today, Nafplion is a weekend getaway for locals and for good reason! Combining Italian and Greek influences, Nafplion effortlessly combines two great cultures with neoclassical architecture supplement by Venetian Forts both on the port and on crowning the hills above! After a fulfilling meal in a local tavern, make sure to end your night with gelato by the seaside!
Overnight: On board
Meals: Breakfast, 1 meal on board
Thursday: Explore Peloponnese and visit Hydra
In the morning you can join an optional tour to the Peloponnesian inland and visit Mycenae, the center of one of the most important Greek city-states of antiquity and home to the walled palace of the powerful Agamemnon, the Homeric Achaean king. Early in the afternoon you will depart for the island of Hydra, one of the few place in the world where cars are not allowed. An island beloved by artists, Hydra exudes an elegance that accompanies its multiple mansions, galleries and restaurants creating a waterfront that is instantly recognizable after a single visit!
Overnight: On board
Meals: Breakfast, 1 meal on board
Friday: Return to Athens
Early in the morning you will sail through the Saronic Gulf to reach Marina Zea, returning to Athens. You will disembark after breakfast and meet with your driver who will transport you to your centrally located hotel. Take advantage of your last night in Athens to do some sightseeing and last minutes hopping for souvenirs for your friends back home!
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast
Saturday: Departure from Athens
After a filling breakfast, pack your memories and meet with our assistant at the lobby of your hotel. A transfer to the Athens International Airport will be waiting for you. We hope to see you again soon!
Overnight: -
Meals: Breakfast

Remark: Cruise itinerary can be changed at the discretion of the cruise company (Variety Cruises) and of the vessel's Captain in case of adverse weather conditions - winds of 6 / 7 Beaufort or more depending on the vessel - on port authorities not allowing a vessel to leave port or in case of other extraordinary conditions. Such itinerary changes do not entitle automatically passengers to any refunds but Variety Cruises guarantees that passengers are disembarked at the advertised port of disembarkation on time for their flights.

Wednesday: Arrival in Athens
On arrival our representative will be waiting to welcome you to Athens and answer any questions you may have. Afterwards your driver will take you to your selected hotel and then you can begin exploring the city on your own pace. Stroll down the shops of Ermou street and end up in Plaka for a traditional dinner with a view of the Acropolis shining bright on the night sky.
Overnight: Athens
Meals: -
Thursday: Athens Half Day Sightseeing Tour
After breakfast we will meet you at your hotel and start the morning Athens sightseeing tour. An essential part of any visit to Athens, this tour will take you to the most important landmarks of the Greek capital, culminating in the historic Acropolis and its magnificent museum. You will visit popular sites such as the Academy of Athens, the Panathenaic Stadium, Hadrian's Arc and many more, experiencing an amalgam of culture, history and philosophy from both antiquity and the modern era. After witnessing history come alive you will have the afternoon at your leisure for some well-earned rest and further exploration of the city.
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast
Friday: Arrival in Kea
After enjoying your morning, we will transfer you from your hotel to the port for your cruise around classical Greece. Embarkation will take place at Marina Zea in between 2 and 3 pm. On board the vessel you will be welcomed with a drink and meet your crew and fellow passengers. After departure you will sail along the coastal route until you meet Cape Sounion, the tip of the Athenian peninsula. There lie the well-preserved remains of the Temple of Poseidon, God of the seas and protector of seafarers. After having dinner on board you will explore Korissia, Kea’s tiny port and the village of Livadi that embraces the sandy bay of the area. In the early hours you will set sail for Delos.
Overnight: On board
Meals: Breakfast, 1 meal on board
Saturday: Visit Delos & Mykonos
The island of Delos is in its entirety considered an archaeological monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Do not miss the opportunity to join an optional morning tour to one of the most sacred places in ancient Greece. The Lion Terrace, the Doric Temple of Isis and the House of the Trident are just some of the monuments that proudly exhibit Delos' rich history. Once the tour concludes, you will hop back on board and sail to the nearby port of Mykonos, with a stop for a swim in the Aegean waters on the way. The rest of the day is at your disposal to explore the famous cosmopolitan lifestyle of Mykonos. Elegant galleries popping up seemingly out of nowhere, Cycladic windmills overlooking the town and unparalleled beauty of Little Venice create a uniquely majestic combination!
Overnight: On board
Meals: Breakfast, 1 meal on board
Sunday: Explore Santorini
Around noon we will arrive in Santorini, arguably the most famous island in Greece. Hugging the rim of a submerged volcano, Santorini's crescent-shaped coastline makes it so that you have magnificent view of the Aegean Sea from anywhere on the island. We will anchor at Fira, the island's capital, from which you can launch expeditions and explore volcanic beaches, picturesque villages or specific sites like the Venetian Lighthouse and the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri. An optional tour can help introduce to the some of the reasons that make Santorini a prime destination in a short amount of time. During your free time on the island make sure to taste local wines as the vineyards resting in volcanic soil produce wines that will make a viticulturist out of you! During the late hours of the night you will set sail for your next destination; the vast island of Crete.
Overnight: On board
Meals: Breakfast, 1 meal on board
Monday: Visit Rethymnon in Crete
If there is one word that describes such a big island in a unifying way, it is tradition. Over the centuries Crete has developed its own culture and customs, marrying the Hellenistic world with an Oriental flavor. This is obvious in Cretan cuisine, as well as the biodiversity of the island. Typical Mediterranean scenery gives way to rivers laid with palm trees and pink coral sandy beaches, in a truly unique amalgam of landscapes. We will dock in the town of Rethymnon, a charming spot right in between Heraklion and Chania, which gives you the opportunity to explore either the east or the west side of the island in the following hours. If you want to learn more about Crete's rich history, an optional tour to the Minoan Palace of Knossos near Heraklion comes highly recommended. During the night you will bid adieu to Crete and sail north towards Kythera.
Overnight: On board
Meals: Breakfast, 1 meal on board
Tuesday: Explore Kythera
After a stop for a swim around lunch we will arrive at Kythera in the afternoon. Just off the coast of Peloponnese, Kythera is a hidden gem of an island, that is constantly gaining popularity among local visitors. After docking in Diakofti, you will have the evening at your disposal to explore the enticing island as you wish.
Overnight: On board
Meals: Breakfast, 1 meal on board
Wednesday: Visit Monemvasia and Nafplion
Early morning sailing to Monemvasia where you will start experiencing the Greek mainland. Monemvasia is a medieval fortified town sitting on an islet just off the coast of Peloponnese. Full of beautifully preserved Byzantine and Venetian architecture augmented the stunning the natural setting, the town is ideal for aimlessly strolling around. Cozy taverns, charming squares and quaint shops sprout in every cobblestoned alley and cul-de-sac. In the afternoon we will depart for Nafplion, with yet another swim stop on the way. Greece's first capital and one of its most captivating towns today, Nafplion is a weekend getaway for locals and for good reason! Combining Italian and Greek influences, Nafplion effortlessly combines two great cultures with neoclassical architecture supplement by Venetian Forts both on the port and on crowning the hills above! After a fulfilling meal in a local tavern, make sure to end your night with gelato by the seaside!
Overnight: On board
Meals: Breakfast, 1 meal on board
Thursday: Explore Peloponnese and visit Hydra
In the morning you can join an optional tour to the Peloponnesian inland and visit Mycenae, the center of one of the most important Greek city-states of antiquity and home to the walled palace of the powerful Agamemnon, the Homeric Achaean king. Early in the afternoon you will depart for the island of Hydra, one of the few place in the world where cars are not allowed. An island beloved by artists, Hydra exudes an elegance that accompanies its multiple mansions, galleries and restaurants creating a waterfront that is instantly recognizable after a single visit!
Overnight: On board
Meals: Breakfast, 1 meal on board
Friday: Return to Athens
Early in the morning you will sail through the Saronic Gulf to reach Marina Zea, returning to Athens. You will disembark after breakfast and meet with your driver who will transport you to your centrally located hotel. Take advantage of your last night in Athens to do some sightseeing and last minutes hopping for souvenirs for your friends back home!
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast
Saturday: Departure from Athens
After a filling breakfast, pack your memories and meet with our assistant at the lobby of your hotel. A transfer to the Athens International Airport will be waiting for you. We hope to see you again soon!
Overnight: -
Meals: Breakfast

To ensure the safety of our guests, all transfers will be private and in line with health protocols.
The hotels included in our vacation programs comply with the mandatory health and safety protocols instituted by the Greek National Health Organization in collaboration with the Greek Government.
Please note that the tour dates, cruise itinerary, ports of call, sailing dates and vessel are subject to change at any moment, without prior notice. Please consult our agents for further information.

Cruise itinerary can be changed at the discretion of the cruise company (Variety Cruises) and of the vessel's Captain in case of adverse weather conditions - winds of 6 / 7 beaufort or more depending on the vessel - on port authorities not allowing a vessel to leave port or in case of other extraordinary conditions. Such itinerary changes do not entitle automatically passengers to any refunds but Variety Cruises guarantees that passengers are disembarked at the advertised port of disembarkation on time for their flights.

Rates available on request!