Cruising the Greek Isles
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Whitewashed villages, sun-soaked beaches, epic history, vibrant cuisine — it’s no wonder this is one of our most popular cruises year after year. On our Greek Isles cruise, see Athens’ ancient sites and Mykonos’ beaches, as well as Patmos, Delos and other smaller ports of call the big ships often miss. Along the way, our acclaimed Expedition Team affords a deeper appreciation of these destinations through exclusive tastings, culinary experiences and cultural exchanges you won’t find anywhere else.
Cruise for seven nights aboard an exclusive charter of Le Dumont d'Urville
Uncover Athens' iconic treasures with a two-night stay in the historic city center
Choose your own adventure with a host of included excursion options in every port
Your small explorer ship affords access to Monemvasia, Crete, Patmos and other secluded ports of call
Go off the beaten path for a culinary adventure at a traditional farm in Crete
Sample the celebrated wines of Santorini with an expertly curated tasting at a local winery
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive Athens, Greece
Arrive in Athens, where you are met and transferred to the Hotel Grande Bretagne for a welcome briefing and reception.
Day 2 | Athens - Ancient Majesty
Awake in one of the world's ancient capitals, a veritable open-air museum adorned with graceful Greek temples, proud Roman arches and ornate Byzantine churches. You might choose to begin your day exploring the majestic Parthenon and other Hellenistic ruins of the Acropolis while taking in stunning views over the Plaka Quarter, the ancient Agora and the Theater of Dionysus. Or, set out on a scenic drive through the Peloponnese to the Argolis region, pausing at the Corinth Canal, Cyclopean Walls, Lion's Gate, Royal Tombs, Treasury of Atreus and Epidaurus' ancient theater. Alternately, art lovers might prefer a gallery visit showcasing local contemporary artists, followed by a tour of the Benaki Museum's Bronze Age exhibits. This evening, enjoy a festive event with live entertainment.
Day 3 | Athens - Setting Sail
After a morning at leisure, you might opt to visit the world-renowned Acropolis Museum, seeing antiquities that span the Bronze, Roman and Byzantine eras. Later, head to the port of Piraeus to board your expedition vessel.
Day 4 | Monemvasia - Cliffside Stronghold
Your first port of call is Monemvasia, a walled medieval bastion perched on the cliffside of a small Peloponnese island. Coming ashore, you might opt for a closer look inside the fortified city itself, walking its narrow lanes to reveal the ruins of former Byzantine dwellings and churches, as well as the intact Church of Elkomenos Christos and its dazzling collection of iconography. Linger within the walled city or continue on to Liotrivi Mansion, a former family estate and olive oil mill that survives today as a cultural museum. Alternatively, you might opt for a day trip to the ruins of Mystras, a former Byzantine capital. After a short drive, enter Mystras through the castle gate to discover the Cathedral of Aghios Dimitrios, the Palace of the Despots and the Monastery of Pantanassa.
Day 5 | Crete - Minoan Treasures
Your next destination is the island of Crete, former hub of the ancient Minoan maritime trading empire. Once ashore, you might opt for an exploration of the renowned Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the Minoan Palace of Knossos. Alternatively, pair your tour of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum with a hands-on culinary experience at a local hilltop farm. Or, visit the Historical Museum of Crete, walk amid Heraklion's living history and embark on a scenic drive through the island.
Day 6 | Santorini - Volcanic Vistas
Today, explore Santorini, the jewel of the small volcanic archipelago known as the Cyclades. Here, you might choose to visit the Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri, its houses, streets, squares and workshops all preserved in volcanic pumice. Alternatively, opt for a hike up the crater of Nea Kameni, followed by a dip in the thermal springs of nearby Palea Kameni. Or, embark on a scenic drive through the hills, pausing for a tour and tasting at a local winery. Later, enjoy an afternoon at leisure in the towns of Oia or Fira.
Day 7 | Rhodes - Medieval Marvels
Discover Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands. Once ashore, you might choose a guided walk of the Old Town's medieval fortifications, the Grand Master's Palace, the Avenue of the Knights and the Archaeological Museum. For a more active experience, head toward the ancient Doric town of Lindos for a hike to its acropolis, taking in the temple of Athena Lindia and the Byzantine church along the way. Or, watch the artists of a local ceramics workshop ply their skill before attempting your own piece. Alternately, visit the Grand Master's Palace and take a walking tour of Rhodes' Old Town before transferring to a rustic restaurant for a hands-on cooking experience.
Day 8 | Mykonos - Cosmopolitan Paradise
Today, explore Delos, a small uninhabited island that legend holds as the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo. Discover the island's remarkably preserved ruins, including government buildings, homes, a cistern and an amphitheater. Alternatively, stay in Mykonos for a walk along its narrow streets. Or, choose a panoramic drive through the island, pausing to take in its sun-drenched beaches, the quaint village of Ano Mera and its Monastery of Panagia Tourliani.
Day 9 | Patmos - Village of Chora
Uncover the hidden gem of Patmos, one of the smaller islands of the Dodecanese. Here, you might stroll through the hilltop village of Chora, visiting the House of Simandris and the historical Nikolaidis mansion. Alternately, visit the Monastery of St. John and the quaint village of Chora. For a more active experience, opt for a hike to the hermitage of Zaroi and a secluded beach.
Day 10 | Depart Athens
Arrive in Piraeus and disembark your vessel after breakfast. Then, transfer to the Athens airport and board your return flight home, or join our Northern Greece Post-Tour Extension.
Extensions
Peloponnese Highlights Pre-Tour Extension
Discover the ancient and historic Peloponnese Peninsula including the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Olympia and Epidaurus.
Northern Greece Post-Tour Extension
Itinerary
Itinerary:
Arrive in Athens, where you are met and transferred to the Hotel Grande Bretagne for a welcome briefing and reception.
Itinerary:
Extensions
Peloponnese Highlights Pre-Tour Extension
Discover the ancient and historic Peloponnese Peninsula including the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Olympia and Epidaurus.
Northern Greece Post-Tour Extension
Hand Selected for an Unmatched Experience
Hotel Grande Bretagne
Situated in the heart of Athens overlooking the Acropolis, Constitution Square, Parliament and lush Lycabettus Hill, the Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel has been welcoming guests since 1874. This classic luxury hotel boasts 320 guest rooms and suites featuring elegant marble bathrooms. Suites add separate living rooms and 24-hour butler service. The hotel's rooftop restaurant features Mediterranean cuisine, while European fare and high tea are served in the elegant atrium lobby. Other amenities include two bars, two pools, a spa, hair salon, fitness center, boutique, gift shop and cigar bar. Located 45 minutes by car from Athens International Airport, the Hotel Grande Bretagne is an excellent choice for guests seeking gracious sophistication in a central location.
Le Dumont d’Urville
Chartered exclusively for A&K, your small explorer ship is specially configured to limit capacity to 148 total travellers (from a maximum of 184). The all-English-speaking ship staff is complemented by A&K’s expert Expedition Team. All staterooms and suites feature a private balcony, and every suite offers complimentary butler service. The vessel also features multiple observation, lounge and dining areas, as well as a library, theater, outside heated pool, fitness center, spa, 24-hour medical facility with a certified doctor and a fleet of Zodiac boats for shore expeditions. A&K also includes complimentary wireless Internet and Traveller’s Valet laundry service.
Le Dumont d’Urville
Chartered exclusively for A&K, your small explorer ship is specially configured to limit capacity to 148 total travellers (from a maximum of 184). The all-English-speaking ship staff is complemented by A&K’s expert Expedition Team. All staterooms and suites feature a private balcony, and every suite offers complimentary butler service. The vessel also features multiple observation, lounge and dining areas, as well as a library, theater, outside heated pool, fitness center, spa, 24-hour medical facility with a certified doctor and a fleet of Zodiac boats for shore expeditions. A&K also includes complimentary wireless Internet and Traveller’s Valet laundry service.
Enjoy your choice of curated daily shore excursions spanning a wide range of interests. Once you’ve made your selection, our network of local guides reveal your destination at its most authentic. Ranging from historians and anthropologists to art experts and sommeliers, these local guides offer a multidimensional perspective that’s sure to broaden yours.
Inclusions
English-Speaking Local Guides
Airport Meet and Greet with Transfers
Complimentary Wi-Fi on Board and in Hotels
24/7 A&K On-Call Support
Optional pre-tour and post-tour extensions available on this departure.
This departure may alter routing to avoid cruise traffic.
Dates & Prices
Choose a date to view available Suites
Prices are in USD, per person, double occupancy.
All staterooms feature a private balcony, TV, minibar, Nespresso machine, plush robes and slippers, and luxury bath products.
All staterooms feature a private balcony, TV, minibar, Nespresso machine, plush robes and slippers, and luxury bath products.
This departure may alter routing to avoid cruise traffic.
Active elements include walks over uneven terrain and optional, challenging hikes
Minimum age is 7 years old
Welcome briefing at 6:30 p.m. on Oct 3
Disembarkation by 9:00 a.m. on Jun 29
More
Expedition Cruises
10 Days
|
from $14,495
|
148 guests
