Begin your 8-day yachting adventure in the cradle of Western culture and board the Crystal Esprit at the Athenian port of Piraeus. Discover one of the most significant archaeological and mythological sites in all of Greece, Delos. Visit the cosmopolitan island resort of Mykonos, picture-perfect Paros, and the secluded coves of Patmos. Get lost in the charm of Santorini and explore the narrow streets of Chania. Soak in the glistening aquamarine waters of Elafonisos before returning to Athens.
Highlights
Explore the mythological birthplace of Apollo on Delos Island
Visit a Venetian castle on Paros Island
Discover the Cave of the Apocalypse on the isle of Patmos
See the iconic whitewashed buildings and dramatic landscape of Santorini
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Venture through Greece’s largest port city, Piraeus, as you make your way to the cradle of Western culture. Athens has long since been the location of myth and muse, and its ancient heritage is still an incredible source of inspiration.
Embark on the Crystal Esprit at the port of Piraeus for your journey through the Cyclades.
One of the most significant archaeological and mythological sites in all of Greece, Delos earns its UNESCO-celebrated status in spades. It is a tiny island in the heart of the Cyclades Archipelago in the Aegean Sea, is believed by Greek mythology to have been the birthplace of Apollo, and considered to be the most sacred of all islands in ancient Greek culture. Excavations have unearthed tremendous monuments, sanctuaries and other facets of Hellenistic history. Due to its remote location and the fact that it was largely uninhabited since the 7th century AD, its well-preserved ruins are a fascinating journey through time and culture, situated in the heart of one of the most breathtaking stretches of sea in the world.
In the afternoon, arrive at Mykonos, a former 18th-century pirates' bastion, now a sophisticated and cosmopolitan island resort.
Located in the heart of the Aegean Sea, picture-perfect Paros is exactly what you would imagine a Greek island to be – a maze of narrow alleyways and classic Cycladic architecture with its white, cube-shaped homes accented by blue doors and windows. Make your way up to the 13th-century Venetian castle that sits at the top of the hill and be rewarded with a view that rivals that of Mount Olympus. A lack of modern buildings enhances the island’s unique, genuine character.
The Greek isle of Patmos has a rich Christian heritage - the Monastery of Saint John was founded in 1088 and is a UNESCO World Heritage site, as is the Cave of the Apocalypse, the grotto where John the Apostle received the visions he recorded in the Book of Revelation. The island’s white-sand beaches, secluded coves and beautiful marina make it a popular destination for worshippers of the sun.
Of all the Cyclades Islands, Santorini is often considered the most dramatic with its dark landscape and iconic whitewashed buildings. The rich soil is ideal for grapes, and local vines produce a cherished crop known for its special volcanic taste. Picturesque "Thíra," or Fira Town, laid out along the edge of a cliff at the rim of the now-extinct caldera, exudes easy charm.
Chania, a city on the northwest coast of the mountainous island of Crete, is known for its 14th-century Venetian harbor, narrow streets and waterfront restaurants. Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands.
In the early morning, arrive at the port of Neapolis for a clearance stop. All guests remain aboard the ship for the duration of this port call.
Elafonisos, a sparsely populated Greek island, is situated in the glistening aquamarine waters of the Bay of Laconia, between the Peloponnese and Kythira. The sun-kissed isle measures just seven square miles in area and is home to gorgeous beaches, dunes and cedar groves. Its white houses, red-tiled roofs and narrow lanes exude the picturesque charm of a typical Greek island. Visitors looking to go swimming, sunbathing or camping often head to Simos, the famous beach located on the southern side of the island, at Simos Bay. On the northern coast lies the quaint port town of Elafonisos, where the amenities include seaside cafés, seafood restaurants and bars. Not far from the village of Elafonisos is another popular attraction, a small church dedicated to Agios Spyridon, the island's patron saint. The church is built on a separate stretch of land that is connected to the island by a bridge.
Day 8: Athens, Greece | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After breakfast aboard the Crystal Esprit, disembark at the port of Piraeus and further explore Athens at your leisure.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Notes
Solo Supplement: A select number of cabins are available for single use. The single supplement varies by cabin type, please contact us for details. Child Discount: Children age 11 or under receive 50% off when sharing a cabin with two full paying guests. Children, regardless of age pay full rate in a double occupancy cabin.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
7 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Complimentary Wi-Fi Access
All-suite, butler-serviced accommodations
All gratuities, shipboard and shoreside
The Pantry: 24-hour self-service venue offering specialty coffees, teas, wines and nonalcoholic beverages
Complimentary airport transfers between the airport and the river ship on days of embarkation and disembarkation
Complimentary marina and water sports equipment including a wide variety of aquatic toys (water skis, wakeboards, kayaks, jet skis, snorkeling equipment) based on destination's local rules and regulations and the discretion of the Captain due to weather and sea conditions
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Crystal Esprit's submersible equipment
Massage, spa services or hair styling for which separate charges may be imposed.
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
TrustScore 4.8 | 167 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 167 reviews on
5 hours ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
1 day ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
1 day ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
2 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
3 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner