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Greek Islands Cruise: Athens, Mykonos, & Santorini
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Trip curated by Roman Karin
ExpertThe Ephesus excursion from Kusadasi is what separates this cruise from a standard Aegean loop. The Library of Celsus and the ancient amphitheater are among the best-preserved Roman structures in the eastern Mediterranean, and pairing that morning with Patmos gives the cultural thread of the cruise genuine weight. Try to be among the first tender ashore in Santorini; the caldera path up to Fira before the day-trip crowds is a completely different island from the midday cable car queue version. Book the Oia sunset stop at the end of the day rather than mid-afternoon. The light on the volcanic cliffs as it drops behind the western rim is what the island holds back until that hour.
The Ephesus excursion from Kusadasi is what separates this cruise from a standard Aegean loop. The Library of Celsus and the ancient amphitheater are among the best-preserved Roman structures in the eastern Mediterranean, and pairing that morning with Patmos gives the cultural thread of the cruise genuine weight. Try to be among the first tender ashore in Santorini; the caldera path up to Fira before the day-trip crowds is a completely different island from the midday cable car queue version. Book the Oia sunset stop at the end of the day rather than mid-afternoon. The light on the volcanic cliffs as it drops behind the western rim is what the island holds back until that hour.
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Athens
Day 1 - 2
Dominating the Attica region of Greece, the country’s capital, Athens, is one of the oldest cities in the world. For over two and a half centuries, the astonishing Greek temples and monuments of Athens have continued to intrigue and amaze visitors from around the world. This icon of western civilization seamlessly combines ancient history with modern architecture and a surprisingly lively atmosphere. This is particularly apparent in areas at the foot of the Acropolis, Anafiotika, Plaka, Monastiraki, and Thissio where visitors will find numerous extraordinary Neoclassical buildings, trendy and traditional cafes, and shops, and narrow winding streets with historical treasures at every turn. Once you have enjoyed a history and art fix, try some mouth-watering Greek cuisine at one of the city’s fine local restaurants before indulging in the insatiable nightlife at the chic cocktail bars and waterfront dance clubs.
Your accommodation
Amalia Hotel Athens
Amalia Hotel Athens is located right in the centre of the city. Accommodation options include a selection of comfortably furnished rooms and suites equipped with workspaces, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, central heating, TVs, private bathrooms, and hairdryers. Facilities and services include a restaurant, a bar lounge, a gym room, a 24-hour front desk, a concierge, and room service.
Your activity
Athens Tour: Parthenon & Acropolis
Our Athens city tour takes you to the most important sites of the historic capital. The Panathenaic Stadium was the site of the first Olympic Games of modern times in 1896. The Prime Minister's residence (ex. Royal Palace) is guarded by the Evzones in their colorful uniform. The Temple of Olympian Zeus,Hadrian's Arch, Parliament, and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, and Omonia Square. We make a short stop at each place. Of course, we can’t leave out the Acropolis, home to the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and ‘the harmony between material and spirit’, the monument that ‘puts the order in the mind’, the Parthenon and the Theatre of Dionysus'. Concluding the tour, we will visit the new Acropolis Museum and admire the wonders of the classical era.
Mykonos
Day 3
Out of all of the Cyclades - the group of islands that surround the sacred Greek island of Delos - Mykonos is perhaps the most famous. It is known for its gorgeous green rolling hills, exquisite beaches and the glamorous, cosmopolitan crowd that typically vacations here. While Mykonos makes for an ideal base for archaeological day trips to the nearby islands, the island itself has plenty to offer. Spend your days exploring the quaint winding alleyways strewn with iconic whitewashed houses; sailing around the picturesque harbour and out into the glistening Aegean Sea; unwinding on the idyllic beaches, and dining in the numerous fine restaurants. If it’s unforgettable nightlife, a bit of luxury, and plenty of natural beauty you are after, Mykonos is undoubtedly the destination for you.
Patmos
Day 4
The Greek island of Patmos lies in the eastern reaches of the Aegean Sea. Known as the ‘Holy Island’ – and officially inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 1999 – Patmos is an absolute must for history-lovers and culture enthusiasts. This is the island where St. John is said to have written the Book of Revelation, and it is possible to visit the so-called Cave of the Apocalypse, which is found between Skala (a vibrant port town with great markets to explore) and the hilltop settlement of Chora. Other key activities include relaxing on the inviting sands of Petra Beach, Psili Ammos and Vaghia Beach, as well as boat trips to the nearby islet of Marathi, where the renowned Pantelis Restaurant serves excellent seafood.
Your activity
Kusadasi Visit
Our visit toEphesus brings us to the site of the fourth of ourSeven Wonders.Ephesus was an Ancient Greekcity on the coast of Ionia. It’s now in Turkey. Itwas famed for the nearby Temple of Artemis,one of the Seven Wonders, completed around550BC.The temple, with more than 100 marble pillarseach standing 56 feet tall took 120 years tobuild and it earned the city the name ‘Servantof the Goddess.’ A single solitary pillar remainsstanding on the site, found during an excavationin the 1870s.As with so many places in the EasternMediterranean, Ephesus changed hands manytimes over the centuries. But it remains oneof the largest Roman archaeological sites inthe region. You will be in awe of this incrediblehistoric complex and the ruins you explore stillgive some idea of the original splendour ofEphesus.Among the sights to be admired still are theiconic and instantly recognisable Library ofCelsus, the Gate of Augustus, Magnesian Gate,the Agora, Odeon, the Houses of the Patricians,the Great Theatre, Hadrian’s Temple and theHouse of the Virgin Mary.One legend suggests Mary may have spent herlast years here following Jesus’ instruction toSt John the Evangelist to look after his mother.Many consider it to have been her final homeand it has become a place of pilgrimage.In 1957 the Vatican formalised this recognition.Three Popes have visited. Another reason whyEphesus is important in Christianity is thatthe apostle Paul lived, preached and wroteextensively here including his Letter to theCorinthians.Ephesus is one of the largest, most fascinatingand most inspiring open-air archaeologicalmuseums in the world. This is an excursion youare unlikely to forget.We have time for shopping for carpets,jewellery, leather and other souvenirs at the endof our tour.
Santorini
Day 5 - 6
Classically known as Thera and officially Thira, the picturesque island of Santorini dots the South Aegean Sea. Some destinations have stunning beaches and breathtaking natural landscapes, while others have extraordinary ancient cities and excellent restaurants. The popular Greek island of Santorini is blessed with all of these attractive features and more. This lovely volcanic island in the Cyclades lies in the middle of the Aegean and is well known for its strikingly white cliff-side homes with their pretty deep blue rooftops. Visitors will be treated to dramatic ocean views, pristine beaches, traditional Grecian architecture, many fascinating historical sites, fine dining, and excellent local wineries. With all of this on offer, it is little wonder that this remarkably romantic island has become one of the world’s most popular island getaways.
Your activity
Minoan Palace of Knossos
The ancient city of Knossos, near Crete’s capital Heraklion, was the place that ‘gave birth’ to the very first civilisation of Europe, the Minoans. So we can say with some certainty it is Europe’s oldest city. Our excursion will open up the world of the Minoans as we visit one of the continent’s most important archaeological treasures. The first excavations were undertaken in the 1870s by Minos Kalokairinos, a Cretan himself. A few decades later in the early 1900s, more work by Sir Arthur Evans from Britain brought to the world’s attention the full impressive scale of the Palace of Knossos, according to legend the residence of wise King Minos. We will be able to explore the large Central Court, the wonderful Throne Room, the imposing Grand Staircase and see the fresco of the ‘Prince of the Lilies.’ As you stroll through the palace apartments and view the archaeological finds, we think you will be just a little in awe of the rich cultural heritage of the Minoan civilisation.
You will undoubtedly hear the Cretan legend of the Minotaur, half man, half bull who lived in the Labyrinth and was slain by Theseus. But that’s another story. Exploring from room to room we will relive time in the Hall of the Royal Guard and the King’s Chamber, hearing about the extraordinary rule of King Minos.
