Day 6 Nafplion: Stop In Monemvasia Explore Old Town Nafplion
Our cruise continues as we head toward Nafplion, but youll enjoy a stop in the medieval fortified town of Monemvasia. It was carved right into the side of a huge rock rising out of the sea and features well-preserved Byzantine and Venetian buildings. Bring your camera to take advantage of the many photo-ops before we set sail again. Before anchoring at the seaport town of Nafplion, well stop so that you can enjoy a refreshing swim. Upon our arrival, once on land it will feel as if youve stepped into medieval times, walking Old Town with its impressive fortifications and distinctive architecture, then feed your appetite with an authentic meal at one of the family-run eateries popular with the locals.
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Greek Island Cruise Highlights
Once-In-A-Lifetime Experiences
There is no shortage of unforgettable experiences to be had in Greece. Its seascapes and cityscapes are wondrous, from the mighty ruins of the Acropolis to the buzzing, modern city center of Athens. Visit an olive farm in Crete, or embark on a tour of Mykonos Towns organic wineries. Or, take an intimate, exclusive cooking lesson on how to make local favorites in Santorinis main square, right in the middle of it all.
Ancient History
Greece is a world-renowned destination for history buffs. 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. Explore the historic forts of Corfu, or hop on a boat ride to Delos, said to be the birthplace of Apollo.
Natural Wonders
Discover Elafonisi Beach, a paradise of pink, powdery sand and shallow waters off the island of Crete. Take an unforgettable cruise through the impressive Corinth Canal on a shore excursion in Athens. Stand in awe at the base of Mount Olympus, Greeces highest mountain and the fabled home of the Greek gods. In Zakynthos, dont miss a visit to the awe-inspiring Shipwreck Beach, which often tops best-of lists.
An Exclusive Special Dinner With Chamber Music At Ephesus Library Of Celsus
Although the ancient city of Ephesus, in what is now Turkey, was originally built by the Greeks in the 10th century AD, much of the ruins youll see at the site today date to the citys Roman period like the famed Library of Celsus, constructed in the 2nd century AD to memorialize a Roman governor of Asia. Only the facade of this remarkable building has survived, but restored and re-erected, it is a stunning example of Roman urban architecture and the amazing nighttime setting for a Tauck Exclusive, al fresco dinner featuring a chamber music orchestra performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the IONIAN cruises?
IONIAN cruises are island hopping tours ideal for independent like-minded travelers. You will explore the most famous islands in the world, the Greek islands.
When they depart?
They depart From Corfu every Monday at 6pm, from June till end of September . For specific dates see our calendar.
What time does the cruise finish?
The cruise finishes every Monday at 09:00 after breakfast.
I was thinking of joining the usual island hopping tours with the public ferries?
How are the cabins on the boat?
Our cabins are double/twins, triples. All the cabins are en-suite with a/c. If you want to be in the same cabin with your friends just write that on the comments while booking. We can not guarantee that you will be together, but we will make everything possible to fulfil your will! Please keep in kind that we provide 1 set of fresh linen and towels for the week.
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Can I Add A Few Days Before Or After The Cruise
Yes absolutely. More than 90% of the clients that book their cruises with us book either a pre or post cruise extension. The most popular cruise extension tends to be an extra 2 nights in Athens giving guests the opportunity to visit ancient Delphi and Olympia which are private day tours we do from Athens. We also are seeing an increasing number of clients wanting to do Turkey before the cruise, visiting Istanbul for a few days followed by Cappadocia and then a short flight to Athens to board the cruise.
The Best Yacht Cruises For Santorini & The Greek Islands
All of these sailing tours are with G Adventures a fantastic company that offers unique boat tours of the Greek islands on 15m charter yachts. A skipper/captain/tour-guide is on the boat the entire trip. Theres a kitchen and 3 bathrooms, safety vests, and snorkeling equipment. Some meals onboard, some on land. These tours sell out quickly so book as early as possible. Dates vary by tour but most begin sailing in late April or early May and run until mid or late October.
Yacht cruise of the Greek islands. Eat on board, swim and snorkel at private beaches, and sail around the Greek islands at your own pace.
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Can I Swim Off The Back Of The Boat
With the enticing sapphire waters, including hidden bays, one of the highlights of our cruises is the chance to swim in beautiful clear bays. You can look forward to regular stops for enjoying a refreshing dip, depending on the season and the weather. There are ladders for convenient access to the sea from the swimming platform, but be sure to read the safety instructions before leaping in. Be aware that the ships are unable to drop anchor too close to the shore, so passengers arent able to swim to beaches that are nearby.
You Can Mingle With The Crew
Crewmembers are very friendly and approachable and mingle with passengers informally . There is an open bridge policy and passengers are welcome to drop by and chat to the captain and duty officers at any time, except when the ship is maneuvering in and out of port. Even during these times — which invariably draw a crowd to watch the sailors at work — the captain will often provide brief explanations about what is going on. In the evening, off-duty crew members will join passengers in the Tropical Bar and take to the dance floor. Once a week, they stage a light-hearted talent show and passengers are welcome to join in.
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Greek Island Cruise Port Highlights
Santorini: The iconic photo of a whitewashed church with a blue dome, set against an equally blue sea, comes from the small town of Oia on Santorini. Oia also has shops, galleries and restaurants in its narrow, picturesque streets. The island’s main town, Fira , also offers gorgeous views of the caldera, as well as the volcano that created the island’s high cliffs. Bonus for oenophiles: Some of Greece’s best wine comes from Santorini, and you can easily spend the day touring wineries.
Mykonos: This island has a reputation throughout the world as one of Europe’s main beach party spots. But there’s a lot to see in Mykonos, even if sun and fun aren’t your thing. Photographers will plant themselves in front of the island’s too-cute windmills, while shoppers will enjoy the twisty streets of Little Venice. Or take a daytrip to the island of Delos, a once-sacred spot throughout the ancient world, to see the ruins.
Crete : Crete has two cruise ports, Chania and Heraklion. Of the two, Heraklion is the more well known. There, you’ll want to head straight for the Knossos Palace, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, with ruins dating back 4,000 years. From Chania, you can take a wine and olive tour with a guide or visit the chapel of Agia Paraskevi, set atop a pagan cave.
Greek Island Cruises 2020
The Greek Islands Cruise BD901 Classical Greece Piraeus Return The Greek Islands Cruise is a harmonious balance between conventional cruising & private yachting, to unravel the wonders of Greece. See Kea, Santorini, Mykonos and the neighboring isle of Delos. Crete is the largest and
Greek Island Cruise from Athens BD904 Antiquity to Byzantium The Greek Island Cruise from Athens is a voyage through history dedicated to the Golden Age of Greek civilization and beyond. This cruise comes complete with a guest lecturer, Eugenia Alexiou. Eugenia has a Masters degree
The Greek Islands BD903 Jewels of the Cyclades from Athens Take our Greek Island Cruise for dazzling white villages, golden beaches and clear azure water. Ancient Greek geographers gave this unique cluster of islands the name Cyclades because they saw that they formed a circle
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Greece Tours Travel Tips
- In Greece, cash is king and many establishments don’t accept cards, so make sure you have plenty of cash on you. ATMs are easy to find in Athens but can be a problem on smaller islands.
- The Greeks drive rather aggressively, so be careful if you rent a car, especially in Athens. It’s best to book a guided Greece tour and leave the driving to the experts.
- During high season , Greece is an extremely popular vacation spot, so book early if you don’t want to be disappointed.
- Except on remote and isolated islands, Wi-Fi is freely available virtually everywhere in Greece, so don’t be afraid to ask for the password in cafes, bars, and hotels.
- Dial 171 from anywhere in Greece to get in touch with the Tourist Police who are fluent in many languages. They can help if you need to report a theft or other such issues. But remember, they are not tourist guides, so avoid calling them for information.
- It’s perfectly safe to drink tap water in Athens, but it’s best to stick to bottled water on the islands .
- Punctuality can be a hit or miss in Greece, so don’t expect transportation to run like clockwork or restaurant service to be snappy. Instead, immerse yourself in the laidback Mediterranean lifestyle and go with the flow.
Croatia & Greece Cruise Tours
A Croatia cruise is a great way to explore the islands of Croatia with ease and efficiency. From the comfort of your luxury small ship cruise, you will sail along the stunning coastline, enjoying a different island every night. Whether its starting in Split or Dubrovnik, our Croatia cruises offer a fantastic level of service, attention to detail, and the utmost comfort. The cabins are all en-suite and air-conditioned, with some offering a balcony on the upper deck.
The experience of cruising Croatias coastline is like no other. On board, you will be looked after exceptionally well, and with a staff to passenger ratio of 1 to 4, there will always be somebody to attend your needs or talk to about Croatias history, culture or landscape. Visiting destinations like Hvar, Brac, Korcula, Mijet and Slano will give you a range of experiences and topographies to enjoy in Croatia and, if youd like to extend your trip, why not combine it with a luxury Greece tour?
Greece is a country home to ancient history, medieval treasures and sparkling ocean views year-round. There is so much to explore and enjoy in Greece and combining it with a Croatia cruise gives you time to relax after your exciting cruise, imbued with excursions and local attractions. We can curate your Greece extension to whatever suits you. Whether its time on a paradise island, such as Santorini or Mykonos to relax, or exploring the ancient ruins around Athens, our travel experts can curate the perfect trip for you.
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Greek Island Cruising On A Small Ship
I’m looking for a cruise for about 7 or 8 days to visit the Greek Islands. I’m single and so it will be more exy than twin share. I’m looking at a company called ‘Small Ship Cruising’ – on the MV Harmony’has anyone been on one of these ships/cruises?
If so was it value for money – food, comfort, etc.
Hey and welcome footy8:-) I don’t know how small a ship you’re looking for.. but you may want to check out You can also consider posting this in the dedicated ‘Cruise Forum’ here -) Happy planning.. and enJOY!
My wife and i are looking for a small boat cruise of some of the Greek Islands or Adriatic for about seven days in May 14. Embarking Istanbul or Athens would be fine. We are fit healthy Australian in our early sixties. Any recommendations
hi and welcome..there is a dedicated cruise forum here on Trip Advisor,post your question there and you will have better luck for a more informative answer
Hi, I was looking for same recently for 2014 April , got in touch with this company:
Captain said that ship currently going through refurbishment and will be ready soon. Sounded very nice and flexible on terms. Obviously can’t recommend it yet myself, but worth checking if you still haven’t found anything better.
Any luck? I am looking for the same, Lyn
No luck in respect to the smaller craft. We have settled on a 7 day Athens – Istanbul on the Star Clipper…..it does sail but about 120 passengers likely to be aboard.
Day 4 Katakolon To Ancient Olympia & Zakynthos
Out at sea overnight, well reach the port at Katakolon early this morning. Its the perfect base for exploring ancient Olympia where the Olympic Games were birthed. The Temple of Hera is where the Olympic flame continues to be lit today using the rays of the sun. Take an optional tour to explore the archaeological site and museums before we continue our cruise to Zakynthos. On route, enjoy a swim stop at Vasilikos beach and perhaps a horse ride or explore the authentic villages in the area. Once at the main port, disembark to explore Zante Town with dinner served aboard this evening.
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To Cruise Or Not To Cruise The Greek Islands
If you arecoming to Greece this year and you want to seeas much as you can, what better way to see theGreek Islands and the coast of Turkey then togo in style on a cruise ship? But there are some things you should think about. For example do you want to spend all your time on a ship and 5 or 6 hours on an island, or do you want to spend more time on the islands? If you are using a cruise ship as a sort of introduction to Greece for a future trip where you will spend more time on an island or two then I get it. Think of it as getting the appetiser sampler instead of a main meal, so next time you come you will know what you like. If there is a next time.Of course if this is your one and only trip to Greece it would be great if you could do both. Well, actually there is. Fantasy Travel’s Smart Seven allows you to spend three nights on Mykonos and three nights on Santorini and in between you are on a Four Day Cruise that includes Turkey, Patmos, Rhodes and Crete.
Day 5 Navagio/shipwreck Beach To Ithaca
Enjoy one of our favorite destinations today, Navagio Beach, better known as Shipwreck Beach, an image thats attracted worldwide attention with a shipwreck that sits on its pristine white sands framed by dramatic highs cliffs and surreal blue waters. You can leap right from the swimming platform of the ship to enjoy them, or we can bring you to get a closer look at the shipwreck with a visit to the soft sands. Lunch will be served on board as we depart for Ithaca, the mythical island of Odysseus. Youll have time to explore on your own in a seaside bar or eatery.
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Greek Island Cruise Itineraries
Eastern Mediterranean: The larger Greek islands of Mykonos, Santorini and Crete are often part of longer itineraries that embark in Venice or Athens and end in Istanbul. Another popular cruise itinerary calls on the islands on the way to Israel. This is the most common way that cruisers experience the Greek islands.
Greece and Turkey: Many Greek island cruises include stops at Turkish port cities like Kusadasi and Bodrum. In Turkey, this stretch of coastline is called the Turquoise Coast, and its ancient history is similar to what you’ll find in Greece. A cruise that concentrates on Greece and Turkey often runs between Athens and Istanbul or runs round trip from Athens.
Greece Only: If you’re looking for true immersion in the Greek islands, look to smaller ships that concentrate solely on hopping between them. On these cruises, you’re likely to begin the day at one island for a swim or snorkel, head to another for a barbecue lunch and finish up with an overnight in one of the more happening ports to take advantage of the nightlife. These cruises usually sail round trip from Athens.
Alternative Onboard Activities Are Plentiful
All of the free onboard activities are themed around nautical traditions and good, old-fashioned fun. For example, crewmembers host workshops on topics such as chart reading and knot-tying, and one of the engineers will lead a tour around the engine room followed by a question and answer session in the library. The most unique — and exciting — activity is the opportunity to climb 65 feet up the mast to the crow’s nest, with the security of a safety harness. At night, homegrown entertainment might consist of a guest and crew talent show, crab races, tongue-in-cheek fashion show or team trivia.
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