Getting away from it all Greece
What better way to experience the best of Greece than by setting sail for a relaxing three-day cruise?
Why go?
With its network of picturesque, whitewashed islands, breathtaking orange sunsets and famed Mediterranean charm, Greece is the perfect destination for those who want to embrace a slower, restorative pace of life. Prepare to truly get away from it all as you enjoy delicious local cuisine and wines alongside vistas dotted with crystal-clear waters, hand-carved fishing boats and fruit-laden olive trees.
All Aboard
Scrap every stereotype you’ve ever had about a typical cruiser and prepare to be seduced by the many charms of ship life. Cosy cabins, cocktails around the clock and a healthy dose of cruise camaraderie mean that you’ll be reluctant to set foot on dry land once your floating hotel eventually docks.
Signature toiletries, fluffy bathrobes, a complimentary bottle of red wine and a dedicated cabin attendant who’s on call 24/7 to cater to your every whim gives this mid-level cruise a luxe feel.
And whether you’re relaxing by the top-deck pool with an umbrella-adorned tipple in hand or being lulled by the wonderful melodies of an on-board violinist at one of the ship’s numerous lounge bars, there’s never a dull moment.
A step back in time
Your Greek adventure begins and ends in Athens. A 45-minute drive from the airport, the centrally located Athens Plaza hotel (njvathensplaza.gr) is the perfect spot to explore the city’s rich history, bustling nightlife and pretty marinas. After downing bags in our spacious rooms, we stepped out into the balmy evening for a pleasant 10-minute stroll to the upmarket Zillers restaurant (thezillersathenshotel.com). Offering al fresco dining at its best, this exclusive eatery/boutique hotel is a destination in itself.
As we tucked into a roof terrace dinner of zesty fennel salad with pickled yellow cherry tomatoes and perfectly cooked sea bass with a celeriac puree, we marvelled at the spectacular views of the Acropolis (acro = ‘high’, polis = ‘city’), which is spectacularly lit up each night.
The peek into the past continued on day two of our trip with a morning visit to Kusadasi in Turkey, which is perfectly placed for a visit to the Ancient City of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Led by our expert tour guide we were quickly transported to the wonders of this awe-inspiring Hellenistic and Roman settlement. Walking along original marble paved roads and examining carvings etched thousands of years ago, it was easy to imagine how this once thriving community spent their days.
Returning to Athens on our final day, with our guide Constantinos leading from
the front, we headed to Monastiraki, home to the Ancient Agora – the centre of the city. With its cobbled streets, inviting cafes and ancient ruins, this is just the place to dose up on culture and Greek coffee.
We took a break from the heat at the popular Diodos café and tucked into moreish slices of honey sponge cake – heaven!
island life
On the Greek flag, blue represents the sky and sea, while white represents clouds and waves in the sea. You will see these in bucket-loads as you take a whistle-stop tour of the Greek islands. Our journey started on day one with the glitz and glamour of Mykonos island – a stunning location that has managed to retain its authentic charm despite the party crowds that descend on it each summer. After a visit to the island’s historic windmills, we settled down at a portside bar with a glass of bubbles to watch the sun go down before heading for a memorable meal at Vegera restaurant (vegera-mykonos.com).
After the buzz of Mykonos you’ll welcome the slower pace of life on the island of Patmos – a site that has been dubbed the Jerusalem of the Aegean because St John the Theologian is said to have written the Book of Revelation here.
Next, we headed to Agrio Livadi beach for a dip in its calm waters and a laze on a sunlounger. Fully rested, we took a 10-minute drive to the Monastery of St John the Theologian. Founded in 1088, the monastery’s centuries of rich history are captured in original frescos.
On day three, the ship took a quick dock at the capital of Crete: Heraklion. We decided to stay on board and enjoy a massage at the on-site spa rather than disembark, but there is the option to take a wander around the city or take a guided tour to the Minoan Palace of Knossos – the first European Civilisation. As evening descended we boarded a tender boat to take in the sights of Santorini. Don’t forget to head to the ship’s bow before you disembark to get a sweeping view of the island as it approaches. We headed to the island’s picture-postcard town of Oia for a few hours’ strolling along its marble road. For a quick pit stop, head to one of the many bars and restaurants perched on the hillside and feast on island delicacies with a glass of locally produced wine – there are an impressive 20 wineries on Santorini alone! End your day with a cable car ride back to the port at sunset. Cruise ships are famed for their onboard entertainment and the Celestyal Olympia is no exception. From late-night karaoke to a poolside Greek dancing masterclass and hands-on science workshops for the little ones, the whole family are sure to be thoroughly entertained. Don’t miss the all-dancing, all-singing evening shows – it’s a cruise ship rite of passage. We were glued to the action at the Mythologia Show, which told the story of Greece’s ancient gods and goddesses with some dramatic costumes, dry ice and death-defying acrobatics thrown in for good measure!