Discovering The Medieval Harbor Of Bonifacio On The Island Of Corsica
Tucked between soaring chalk-white limestone cliffs, the island of Corsica’s tiny, fjord-like harbor of Bonifacio is only accessible to small ships and private yachts like the one you’ll be sailing on. And your entrance into this spectacular harbor and the historic 12th-century city it welcomes you to is nothing short of magical so be sure to have your camera ready! Once ashore, you can hop aboard Le Petit Train for a ride to the area of the town’s walled citadel, built during the middle ages wander a maze of medieval lanes stroll along the bluff overlooking the harbor or explore the former barracks of the French Foreign Legion.
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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Cruising Around The Greek Islands
The Greek Islands remain a captivating cruising destination, full of wonder and history while being easily accessible from the UK. We offer the yacht cruising experience in both the iconic destinations seen in travel posters and some hidden gems only accessible by the small ships we operate. Check out our Greek Cruise options below for the best Greece has to offer, each offering a different experience in this fascinating country.
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Greek Island Cruises Luxury And Discovery
Greece is at the crossroads of the west, east, south and north. You can be in Scandinavia in a little over 3 hours flight. Africa is under 2 hours. The ancient Greek civilisations has left their traces throughout the world.
Visitors can come into contact with historical, cultural, artistic and folkloric traditions. The first monument in Greece to be included on UNESCOs list was the Temple of Apollo Epicurius in 1986. Since then number of entries on the list has dramatically increased. Today it includes eighteen monuments throughout the country.
For Greek Island Cruises small boats are best. You are able to access the small ports and coves that large ships cannot get near. The atmosphere and service is much more friendly and personal.
Enjoy a harmonious balance between conventional cruising and private yachting. Your oating home is on board a sleek, contemporary state of the art Mega Yacht. Our ships accomodate under 50 guests in modern state of the art cabins with private ensuite and windows. There is ample deck space, an indoor and outdoor restaurant. Modern facilities and technical specifications redene what yachting was meant to be.
Explore thousands of years history and the place that is known as the birthplace of democracy. Athens is host to the 5th century BC Acropolis and Parthenon. Greece is also known for its many islands and beaches, from the black sands of Santorini to the party resorts of Mykonos.
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Why Choose A Greek Island
With so many small islands and so much to see, exploring the Greek Isles any other way is logistically challenging and very expensive. A Greek island-hopping cruise lets you easily enjoy many islands, multiple ports and a variety of enchanting towns and village.
See all of Greece on an island-hopping adventure through this iconic region.
Elegant accommodations onboard, authentic shore excursions and locally focused enrichment only enhance every voyage. Plus, an island-hopping cruise means you’ll only pack and unpack once and not have to worry about flights, hotels and transfers.
While larger ocean liners usually only stop at the most popular islands and tend to pass by the true hidden island gems, the stylish small-ships and luxury yachts that truly focus on the Greek Isles like the ones recommended by our CruiseInsider experts can sail you right into the secluded beauty of hard-to-reach coves and hidden inlets, ports and places the big ships can’t access.
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Sicily Rich With The Gifts Of Civilizations That Have Come Before
Blessed with a long, rich heritage that dates back to some of Europes earliest civilizations, Sicily retains many vestiges of the cultures that have come and gone here throughout the centuries Greek theatres, Roman villas, Byzantine art, Norman cathedrals, Moorish markets, Baroque churches. Among the treasures youll encounter are Siracusas Greek Theatre, Ear of Dionysius, and 3rd-century Roman amphitheatre Ortigias Theatre of Apollo and Baroque Duomo the Baroque gems of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Noto ancient Ragusa Ibla the capital, Palermo, and its Palazzo dei Normanni and traces of the Greeks, Romans and Byzantines in Taormina.
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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Best Time To Cruise In Greece
The best time to visit Greece depends on which of its treasures you want to experience and how you like your sun. The summer is the high season running from June to September, this is the time when not only visitors from abroad flock to the islands but locals from the mainland too. This is a vibrant and lively time to visit the islands when a rich variety of people are living the high life on the Greek archipelagos, be prepared to share these islands with the rich and famous and share the waters with their superyachts too. It can be pretty hot during the summer perfect for heading to the beach and making gloriously cool swim stops along the coast. Visiting Greece in spring and winter is cooler and it’s a great time for those looking to take in the sights and appreciate the history and architecture of Greece. It is worth noting that during the winter months there will be fewer local businesses open as many are closed during the low season.
Greek Travel Agencies Specializing In Cruises
For more information on thecruises and to see Itineraries and dates for3, 4, and 7 day cruises to the Greek Islands,Italy, Turkey and Egypt visit the Cruise pages of these two respected travel agencies in Athens:FantasyTravel atwww.fantasytravelofgreece.com orDolphinHellas atwww.greecetravel.com/dolphinhellas
Economical Cruise Packages
Special offers for the 2021 cruise season by Dolphin Hellas:
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Variety Cruises:Special offers on small ship cruises by Variety Cruise 10% discount for select departures in the year 2021. This offer is available for a limited number of cabins and are the next best thing tohaving your own private yacht.
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Celestyal Cruises: Early bird Celestyal Cruises offers for all sailings of Celestyal Cruises in the year 2021 season and for reservations completed by March 31, 2021 a 10% discount.
– Check their Greecetravel special offers page –
New Economical Cruise Packages: Fantasy Travel has put together a number of packages that offer quality accomodation for economical prices. Most packages that seem too good to be true are actually not as good as they seem, often using hotels that are in areas you really don’t want to stay in, to keep the price down. But Fantasy’s economy packages feature hotels in and around the Plaka in Athens and are all goodqualityhotels. I recommend Fantasy Travel’s 8 day package that includes a 4-day cruise plus Athens-Delphi-Meteora which starts at 595 euros per person. For these and more visit Fantasy Travel’s Special Offers Page
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Day 4 Crete Rethymnon
Morning arrival will be at Cretes famous and lively port of Rethymnon.
Firstly you will be enjoying a cup of coffee or a tea followed by delicious appetizing breakfast.
After such morning ritual with the best view, youll have an optional tour to the ancient city of Knossos near Heraklion. Explore the mysterious labyrinthine ruins whereas the legends say, the monstrous Minotaur, a half-man half-bull creature lived.
You can also choose to visit some of the beautiful white sand beaches and soak up the sun, read a book and simply unwind. At night time dinner will be prepared and served, and after youll have a late departure for Kythira. Overnight at sea.
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Why Travel To Greece
Imagine seeing crystal clear seas lapping against an endless coastline with the scent of delicious food cooking and the sound of passionate music & cheerful people in the background, these are only some of the amazing senses Greece has to offer its visitors. There is something for everyone in Greece from ancient ruins such as the Acropolis in Athens to romantic sunsets in Santorini and glamorous parties in Mykonos.
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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.
How To Get To Greece
Most small ship cruises around Greece depart from Athens which is the main international hub of Greece. Athens international airport provides flights from around the world with good connections by metro to Piraeus port where most small ship cruises depart from. There are some of the cruises that start on the archipelagos themselves which usually means either travelling from Athens by flight or ferry out to the island chains. Some of the larger islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes and Zakynthos have their own international airports many of the smaller ones have domestic airports making it a short hop over from Athens or one of the larger islands.
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What Are The Nationalities On Board
The vast majority of clients on our cruises are from English speaking countries namely the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. We also accommodate guests from Europe and ad hoc bookings from South America. The main language spoken on board is English and all of the crew and captain speak English to guests during the cruise.
A Lavish Retreat In A Jet
Fairmont Monte Carlo hotel is a unique, four-star luxury resort set in the heart of the Principality of Monaco, between the Mediterranean Sea and the legendary Monte-Carlo Casino a prestigious destination where the international elite gathers, providing a harbor for the most beautiful yachts, and home to some of the worlds most celebrated events including the Grand Prix and the Monaco Yacht Show. Immerse yourself in the beauty and sophistication of this world-class destination at this world-class resort.
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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.
Yacht And Sailboat Charters And Smaller Sail
For Yacht and Sailboat Charters see www.greecetravel.com/sailingwhere you will find information on chartering boats with or without a skipper as well as cruises on sailing ships with twenty or thirty cabins that go on weekly itineraries to the islands, . You don’t have to book the whole boat. You just book by the person.
Santorini Sailing: Several companies do charters around the island catamarans which includes gourmet meals, swimming in isolated coves, and a spectacular view of the island. You can take half-day, full day and overnight trips.
For those who are visiting Mykonos try the 1 Day Yachting Cruise from Mykonos to Rinia & Delos offered by Fantasy Travel. Rinia is a small island accessable only by sailboat or motoryacht.
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Day 3 Santorini: Discover One Of The Worlds Favourite Islands
As we sail to your next island, Santorini, enjoy your morning coffee while surrounded by the breath-taking Aegean scenery. Santorini is one of the most popular of all the Greek Islands, famous for its volcanic landscape, creative by massive volcanic eruptions. Upon our arrival, youll have time to explore its highlights, including the capital of Fira, the stunning caldera and the postcard-perfect village of Oia. Here, blue-domed churches and whitewashed homes cling to the rugged cliffs where some of the worlds best sunsets can be enjoyed. You can also choose to take an optional tour of archaeological sites and charming traditional villages.
Where To Go On A Greece Small Ship Cruise
Our Greece cruising map and highlights show the sorts of idylls that almost bring tears to your eyes – the fragility of these islands, their precious reefs, cultural heritage of their communities, their ancient archaeology and gorgeous landscapes are all highlights. They take in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, cruise around the Peloponnese Peninsula and even navigate into the Adriatic.
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Small Ship Greek Island Cruises
Many small ship Greek Island cruises hit the popular ports of Mykonos and Santorini as well as the Corinth Canal, but look for routes that explore lesser known gems too. With over 200 islands, where are the best places to visit on a Mediterranean cruise in Greece? For first timers, we recommend Peloponnese Peninsula and Cyclades cruises, which operate round-trip from Athens, Greece.
The southeastern Cyclades islands feature iconic Greece with colorful fishing boats, azure waters and whitewashed villages cascading down scrabbled slopes. The Peloponnese Peninsula reveals gods, warriors, underground waterways, magnificent temples and impressive caves. Visit classic islands like Delos, Mykonos and Santorini, or add unique stops such as mystical Patmos or the fountain of youth town of Ikaria. Select Greek Island cruises take you west, as far north as Corfu and the other Ionian Islands.
The 157-foot, 49-guest Galileo is a steel-hull motor sailer cruising the Greek Isles in classic style. Enjoy the best of the Mediterranean aboard this stunning vessel.
The 58-guest Sea Cloud: Lindblad is the historic Marjorie Merriweather Post sailing yacht Sea Cloud, chartered by Lindblad Expeditions for select Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries. Enjoy the grace and class of an extraordinarily elegant ship while relaxing in the casual atmosphere and informal style of expedition travel.
Swim Stops In The Aegean
One of the highlights of a small-ship cruise through the Greek Islands is the chance to swim in the enticing cobalt blue waters of the Aegean. Thanks to the sleek size of the vessel, its possible to anchor in secluded bays and hidden coves so you can enjoy unforgettable dips among magnificent surroundings.
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