Compare Athens and Greek Islands Cruise (3 N) by Indus Travels vs Saronic Gulf Expedition by Ribingreece Expeditions

Upon arrival in Greece’s capital city of Athens today you will be met by our company representative and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Athens

Athens Cruise Departure: 11.30 am

Mykonos Cruise Arrival: 6.00 pm | Cruise Departure : 11.00 pm

Today you will be transferred to the port in Piraeus to embark on a cruise that will take you out into the Aegean Sea to the beautiful island of Mykonos. Spend your evening at leisure exploring this magnificent island. Mykonos boasts splendid beaches, historic churches and quaint narrow streets laced with whitewashed houses, where artists and jetsetters alike mingle. Windmills give an extra romantic touch to this lovely island as do the open air tavernas, offering an array of Greek delicacies. It is truly an island paradise.

Overnight on board

Kusadasi Cruise Arrival:     7.30 am | Cruise Departure: 1.00 pm

Patmos  Cruise Arrival:      5.45 pm | Cruise Departure: 9.30 pm

The first port of call today is the Turkish port of Kusadasi where you will participate in the Ancient Ephesus through the Ages - Hellenistic/Roman tour. The journey begins from Kusadasi to Ancient Ephesus along fragrant roads lined with olive trees. One of the 12 cities of Iona, this is a stunning marvel in the hills above the Aegean coast, one of the world's largest open-air archeological museums. Founded by the ancient Greeks circa 2000 BC. Ephesus was dedicated to the goddess Artemis, and its Artemision, a temple in her honor, took 120 years to complete and was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. You can wander through the Odeon and the Prytaneion, then stroll between the marble colonnades of Curetes Street to visit Trajan's Fountain, Hadrian's Temple, the Scholastica Baths and the astonishing Terrace Houses. Nearby, where Curetes Street becomes Marble Street, is the spectacular Library of Celsus, which has been almost entirely reconstructed, and the Agora. Every step here takes you deeper into the Hellenistic, Roman and early-Christian eras; you'll notice inscriptions on many of the city's columns. The Great Theater of Ephesus, where St. Paul once preached, was carved into the side of Mt. Pion in the 4th century BC.  Before returning to the cruise time permitting you will be able to walk through the Covered Bazaar in Kusadasi. where, you will be able bargain for jewellery, Turkish carpets, cosmetics or leather products at the little shops. The cruise will then sail on to the Greek island of Patmos, where you will have the option to visit the Monastery and Grotto of St. John, where he lived and recorded the Book of the Revelation.  After the tour, you will re-join your cruise ship in time for a delicious dinner.

Overnight on board

Crete Cruise Arrival:          7.00 am | Cruise Departure: Noon

Santorini Cruise Arrival:     4.30 pm | Cruise Departure: 9.30 pm

Today’s first port of call is the Cretan port of Heraklion, where you will have the opportunity to participate in an optional tour to the Palace of Knossos, to visit the center of the Minoan Civilization. The ship will sail on this afternoon to the most breathtaking island of Santorini, believed to be the lost continent of Atlantis. Enjoy an excursion to the spectacular village of Oia perched on the Caldera rim. The sunsets here are world-famous. As sunset approaches, hundreds of visitors to the village gather to watch the finale of another perfect day. The sunset from Oia is intoxicating, truly one of the most beautiful sights on earth. 

Overnight on board

*Please note that for April 5^th departure there will be a slight variation to the itinerary on this day. We will sail straight to Santorini from Patmos. 

Cruise Arrival: 7.00 am

After breakfast on board, disembark in Piraeus. You will be transferred directly to Athens International Airport for your onward flight. 

Day 1

Our day begins early in the morning. The minivans will transport you to the marina where we will embark on the RIBs. Our first destination is the island of Poros. Of course, before approaching the port we will explore the coastline and visit beaches of extraordinary beauty. At the afternoon we will arrive at Poros, the rest of the day is free for you to relax and wander around the backstreets of the village. Accommodation will be at a selected hotel near the port.

Day 2

After having breakfast at the hotel and visiting the local stores, our trip continues. Next destination, the island of Hydra. A stop at the Tselevinia island complex is a must. You will be amazed by the color of the sea. A great spot for snorkeling with extreme visibility. Upon arrival at Hydra, early in the afternoon, you will realize the absence of cars. Transportation on the island is done on foot, or by donkeys. Time to relax at the hotel, as Hydra is famous for its nightlife too.

Day 3

No need to rush, as our next destination, Spetses, is only about an hour away with the RIBs. We will spend some time on the island and watch the port rhythms change as boats of all kinds will be trying to find a spot to dock in the small marina. When we are ready, we will embark and explore nearby bays and beaches. We will arrive at Spetses at the afternoon to relax at the hotel. We suggest to spend the last evening at a beautiful restaurant.

Day 4

We will take our time, wander around the Chora and visit the local shops. During our trip to Athens we will make a couple of last stops for swimming. Late in the afternoon we will arrive at Athens."