At the heart of the Greek Islands

Located on the edge of the Saronic Gulf in eastern Greece, the capital city bears a plural name referencing the ancient villages originally surrounding the Acropolis. Marvel at this rocky plateau, crowned by iconic UNESCO World Heritage monuments. In the city below, explore Plaka, one of the most vibrant districts in Athens. Navigate a maze of colorful streets where the evening aromas of moussaka and garlic prawns tempt your palate. To further uncover the rich cultural history of the region, step inside key attractions like the National Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art.

Discover Patmos, a legendary, must-see island within the Dodecanese archipelago. Step back in time to explore the former home of Saint John, the presumed author of the Bible's final book. Uncover his enduring legacy at the Cave of the Apocalypse and the Saint John Monastery, both recognized as prestigious UNESCO World Heritage sites. Marvel at these historic landmarks, beautifully situated atop a hillside rich with lush vines and orchards. Down on the shoreline, take a refreshing dip in the crystalline coves of Kambos and Lampi, which offer absolutely gorgeous swimming areas.

Included Excursions
Patmos, island of the Revelation
Duration : 3h00
The minuscule Greek island of Patmos, lost in the middle of the Dodecanese, has something mysterious about it. It was here, in the year 95, that John the Apostle, exiled on the island, had and recorded his vision of the apocalypse, leaving a lasting mark on this jagged piece of land. Centuries later, the fortified monastery devoted to the Apostle and the Cave of the Apocalypse still remains as enigmatic. Sanctuaries, churches, convents… Patmos has no shortage of religious sites, but none are as eye-catching as the Monastery of Saint John, which tops the village of Chorá and its whitewashed walls. Founded in 1088, the monastery looks like a fortress, visible from miles around. The compound houses a remarkable collection of Byzantine manuscripts, icons, objects and liturgical works, while the Chapel of Theotokos, next to the monastery, has frescoes dating back to the 12th century. The Cave of the Apocalypse is between Chorá and Skala. The final book of the New Testament was revealed to John the Apostle between its walls. The cave was the evangelist’s house – one can still see the place where he slept and the rock pulpit on which his disciple Prochorus wrote his dictation – and is now surrounded by a monastery as well as a theological school. The last stop will be the three windmills nestling on Chorá hill, which will give you breathtaking views over the island and the sea as far as the eye can see.

Religious heritage of Patmos
Duration : 3h00
Explore the religious treasures of Patmos during an excursion in the footsteps of Saint John the Evangelist. From the eponymous fortified monastery to the Cave of the Apocalypse via the Zoodochos Pigi convent, immerse yourself in the island's ancient heritage combining history, art and faith. With its sanctuaries, churches and convents, Patmos has no shortage of religious sites, but none is as eye-catching as the Monastery of Saint John overlooking the village of Chora and its whitewashed walls. Built in memory of Saint John the Evangelist by Saint Christodoulos in 1088, the monastery, which looks very much like a fortress, was sanctioned by the Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos, who gave the monk the entire island. The compound houses a remarkable collection of Byzantine manuscripts, icons, objects and Byzantine liturgical works, while the Chapel of Theotokos, next to the monastery, boasts frescoes dating back to the 12th century.
Not far from there, another monastery awaits you: the Zoodochos Pigi convent, built in 1607. Its church and its museum are known for preserving very old icons and frescoes through which you dive into the history and iconographic symbols. These days, 15 nuns live in this convent, obeying strict rules. They practice the art of sewing and embroidering ecclesiastical garments, as one of them will tell you. Between Chora and Skala, the Cave of the Apocalypse will reveal itself. The final book of the New Testament was revealed to John the Apostle between its walls. The cave was the evangelist's house and visitors can still see the place where he slept as well as the rock pulpit on which his disciple, Prochorus, took his dictation.

A simply ravishing gem in the Dodecanese, Symi is located north-west of Rhodes. This island of cypress forests, vineyards and olive orchards, possesses a capital city of the same name that is as colorful as the surrounding countryside. The charm of the port district of Gialos is not to be missed: its quaysides are lined with picturesque houses with multi-colored facades. You can get to the upper town by car or climb the 500 steps up the Kali Strata ramp. The second option offers superb viewing points of the coast and gorgeous turquoise waters.

It’s no accident that the island of Amorgos was chosen as a shooting location for Luc Besson’s film, The Big Blue. You too will fall under the charm of this island as your ship edges closer. Amorgos is the most easterly island in the Cyclades and stands out for its rocky inlets with crystal-clear water and its small, picturesque villages. This port of call will be your chance to visit one of the prettiest villages in the Cyclades, Chora, and discover its cobbled streets and whitewashed houses overlooked by a castle. Byzantine churches, windmills and courtyards brimming with flowers complete this typical tableau of timeless Greece.

Included Excursions
The wild beauty of Amorgos
Duration : 3h45
The preserved island of Amorgos attracts lovers of nature and the big blue, like Luc Besson, who shot the eponymous film here. This mountain with striking relief is made up of pretty little villages and historic monasteries, nestling in a truly splendid mineral decor. An overview. The first stop is the unmissable Byzantine Hozoviotissa Monastery, constructed on the slopes of a vertiginous cliff. Founded in 1088 by Emperor Alexius Komninus and devoted to the patron saint of Amorgos, it shelters precious icons and rare manuscripts. You then go to Chora, a small emblematic Cyclades village, overlooked by a castle. After tasting some local pastries accompanied by ouzo or raki, enjoy a stroll through the heart of this maze of cobbled little streets, made up of typical houses covered in bougainvillea, old Byzantine or pre-Christian churches struck by the sun, and higher up, windmills, watching over the landscape. Or make the most of this whitewashed little corner of heaven to relax in the shade of a eucalyptus tree on the main square, Plateia Lozza.

Beach break
Duration : 3h00
Discover the beach of Aegiali, located in the northern part of the island of Amorgos. After a 45-minute ride by local bus, arrive at the beautiful, sandy beach of Aegiali. Enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters. Spend about 90 minutes at the beach before making your way back to the port.

Sailing in the waters of Santorini caldera is breathtaking. The gigantic scale of the unique setting, the majesty of the high cliffs surrounds this ancient crater that was flooded in 2000 years before Christ, is one of the highlights of the cruise. From your ship, the colorful whites, grays, reds of the volcanic rocks, the blue of the Aegean Sea and the immaculate perched villages form a unique and marvelous spectacle.

Although Milos is especially renowned for the famous statue of Venus found in a field there and now displayed in the Louvre in Paris, this mineral island is also a geological treasure. Its volcanic origin is evident in its breathtaking landscapes and the colors of its cliffs, ranging from pure white to deep red. Discover the wild beauty of the shorelines lined with the most beautiful beaches in Greece from a ship deck, and enjoy privileged access to emerald-green coves. Tiny fishing ports like Adamas hide there, with brightly-painted doors and terraces. Milos is a charming port of call in the heart of the Cyclades.

Included Excursions
Natural wonders and ancient vestiges of Milos
Duration : 4h00
Fall under the spell of the captivating beauty of northern Milos, with its limestone cliffs sculpted by the elements, isolated inlets inviting calmness, ancient vestiges and whitewashed villages. Milos is one of the most spectacular volcanic islands in the Cyclades because of its unique geology and it also promises you a unique experience. Beneath its azure sky, each road, trail and path unveils a captivating panorama. Following a short journey, Sarakiniko will stand before you. Make the most of the calm in its immaculate inlet, chiseled by the volcanic eruptions of the past. Further south, Trypiti unveils its finest ancient treasures. Walk around the recently restored marble Roman Theater. Discover its seven entire rows of seats offering unique views over the bay. Not far from there, is the site where the Venus de Milo was discovered in 1820 (it is now exhibited at the Louvre in Paris). The road winding along the northern coast will then take you to Plaka. This traditional Cyclades village, nestled against the hill, will welcome you to its narrow little streets and immaculate houses. At the summit, Korfiatissa Church reveals stunning views, an infinite sea bathed in the golden light of dusk.

The beauties of North Milos
Duration : 4h00
Along the northern coast, Milos is overflowing with marvels, between geological wonders, seaside villages and traditional buildings. Start your visit with the village of Mandrakia where you be charmed by the Syrmata - small brightly colored fishermen’s houses -, the whitewashed church, the sandy beach stretching out into turquoise water, the dried octopuses hanging in the courtyard and the small squares where you can sip a glass of ouzo. Continue towards Sarakiniko. Here, walk over the white stone sculpted by volcanic eruptions to a unique little beach. You be dazzled by the beauty of the place. The next port of call will be Papafragas, one of Milos’ most fascinating sites. It is a long and narrow natural pool with a huge cave carved into the cliffside. A small path leads the boldest visitors to the small sandy beach, where a Catholic priest used to pray in medieval times (papa means ‘priest’; fragas means ‘from France/Europe’). The village of Pollonia, Milos’ second port, directly linking Kimolos, will be your final stop. You can also be able to enjoy a refreshment here and possibly a swim.

This legendary Cyclades island of Delos stands just a few miles southwest of Mykonos. The ceremonial solemnity of this ancient holy sanctuary will not leave you indifferent. The sheer size and importance of this UNESCO World Heritage site which covers over half of the island is thrilling in itself. From the Stoa of Antigonos, the Terrace of the Lions, to the carved marble animal statues, you make discovery after discovery, against a backdrop of the Aegean stretching to the horizon. The theater steps on the hillside are a particularly good place from which to enjoy the expansive view.

Included Excursions
The archaeological site of Delos
Duration : 3h30
Delos is considered “the most sacred of all islands” in Ancient Greek culture; according to legend, it is the birthplace of Apollo-Sun and his twin sister Artemis-Moon. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island is both the oldest and largest open air archaeological site in Europe. Emerging from a carpet of burned grass, the ruins - of many houses, temples and sacred sanctuaries - are spread across the foot of Mount Cynthus, the island’s only hill, which rises 113 meters (370 feet) high. At its summit stands the sanctuary of Zeus and Athena dating from the 3rd century BC while, on its slopes, you glimpse a whole series of cultural buildings dedicated to various western divinities. Fixed by two thousand years of neglect, the city forms an impressive white stone maze in which to stroll around, like the pilgrims and merchants of the past, when Delos was significant across the Aegean Sea. You then reach the Apollonian sanctuary, known as the Temple of the Athenian, where you be able to admire the different temples devoted to the gods, their altars, their votive offerings and other buildings. Next, discover the Terrace of the Lions and its famous white marble sculptures overlooking and protecting the city. Continue the visit with the Theater Quarter, the most luxurious of the ancient city with the residences known as the “House of Dionysos”, “House of Cleopatra” and “House of the Dioscuri”. You can appreciate the mosaics decorating the floor of the houses from Hellenistic times, as well as the streets, workshops and shops, which made Delos a very lively city.

Famous for its white marble, the island of Paros is located in the Cyclades. Along the quays of Parikia, its main town, see Byzantine churches and neoclassical buildings. To make the most of the turquoise waters, you can stop over in Naoussa. This little fishing port is bounded by a very beautiful cove.

Included Excursions
Charming Lefkes
Duration : 3h30
On Paros, the discreet neighbor of Mykonos and Santorini, the charm of the Cyclades can be seen in all its gentleness and timelessness. Between golden beaches and pine forests, discover one of the most beautiful historic villages of the region Lefkes. A few kilometers away from the port, on the island’s heights, explore its former capital, Lefkes, with its labyrinth of little streets and whitewashed stairs overgrown with bougainvillea. Discover the old wash houses, still used today by some inhabitants, the House of Literature, picturesque Ramnos street, its taverna and boutiques, as well as the superb views over the sea and Naxos in the background.

Naoussa on your own
Duration : 3h00
On Paros, the discreet neighbor of Mykonos and Santorini, the charm of the Cyclades can be seen in all its gentleness and timelessness. Between golden beaches and pine forests, discover the famous historic village Naoussa. Head for the north of the island and Naoussa, a fishing village, a perfect picture postcard of the Cyclades. The whitewashed houses here are decorated with blue doors and shutters, the octopus dry on washing lines while the small bars and tavernas have a trendy appearance. However, the real eye-catching site here is the Venetian castle, constructed in the 15th century by the Sommaripa family. Rising out of the sea, behind the port and its traditional boats, it has impressive views over the azure sea. Explore the jewel of Paros at your own pace. Numerous little cafés and taverns invite you to enjoy a timeless moment while overlooking the traditional fishing boats. Or perhaps you would rather go on a photo hunt, Naoussa offering wonderful opportunities to capture lasting memories. 

This unusual gem belonging to the Saronic islands is located to the east of the Peloponnese. There are no cars here. Named after the island, the harbor town is layered up the slopes of a mountainous bay. You may be surprised to see beautiful stone mansions. These are traditional here, as are the multi-colored caïques along the quays. Further along the shore, you discover the Historical Archives Museum. Collections from Athens National History Museum are exhibited in the elegant villa Koundouriotis.

Included Excursions
A dive into Hydra’s history
Duration : 3h00
A gem of the Aegean Sea, Hydra’s great appeal lies in its wealth of history, the beauty of its port and its seafront as well as the arty atmosphere found there. This island without cars, possessing rustic charm, is home to many sites worth discovering. Discover the island’s main historic monuments during a walk. First, stop at the Historical Archives Museum, where you be able to admire 19th-century paintings of considerable artistic value as well as an impressive collection of documents and photos connected to the island’s long maritime tradition. As you continue your walk around the port, you visit the Church of the Dormition, which houses icons, chandeliers and other offerings from the island’s rich sailors. It is even said that one of the chandeliers was stolen from Louis XIV to be given to the church. During your visit, you have a break to enjoy an amygdaloto – local confectionery - accompanied by a coffee or other refreshment. You then go to the Koundouriotis Mansion, which is one of the finest examples of traditional 18th- and 19th-century architecture on Hydra. Constructed in 1780 by the shipowner Lazaros Koundouriotis, it now houses various articles from the National Historical Museum, Athens, such as traditional costumes, jewelry, fine embroidery, pottery and wooden sculptures. Finally, enjoy a pleasant walk exploring Hydra’s little streets and its stone houses.

The Greek capital city is located on the edge of the Saronic gulf, in the east of the country. It bears a plural name in reference to the first villages that surround the Acropolis. Be enchanted by the rocky plateau presided by its monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage. In the city below, you can visit some of the liveliest districts in Athens: Plaka, with its maze of colorful streets, and where, in the evenings the drifting aroma of moussaka and garlic prawns will tickle your taste buds. The National Archaeological museum and the Cycladic Art Museum are also some of the city’s key attractions and allow visitors to discover Athens’ cultural past.

Disembark after breakfast, continue your independent travels, or begin your journey home.