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If you can’t decide whether to visit Greece or Croatia on your next trip, why not do both? This 13-day tour includes a week of sailing the Greek islands, time to get to know Athens, the birthplace of western civilization, and one of Croatia’s most desirable cities, Dubrovnik. Accommodation in four-star hotels is included and you’ll enjoy your overnights on the cruise in a spacious en-suite cabin on an elegant small ship with a wealth of impressive facilities. Intriguing guided tours are included and you’ll have optional excursions to choose from too. Throughout the trip, enjoy plenty of mouthwatering local cuisine.
While she might look like an ordinary vessel from a distance, the Elysium is sure to impress from the moment you step on board. Designed to provide an intimate experience with personalized individual attention, she hosts up to just four dozen guests and has a wealth of modern amenities.
Your Greece and Croatia adventure begins with your arrival at Athens International Airport where you’ll be welcomed by our driver for a private transfer to your 4-star hotel in Athens. You’ll have the rest of the day to enjoy the city on your own, or you might want to simply relax at your hotel. With a rooftop restaurant, spectacular views are guaranteed. People-watching while sipping wine or strong Greek coffee from one of the many sidewalk cafes is a great way to immerse yourself in daily life and you’ll find plenty of shops for picking up gifts, souvenirs, and essentials for your trip.
The cruise portion of your journey begins with a private transfer from your hotel. You’ll be delivered to the port of Lavrio where your ship and friendly crew await, with boarding between 2 and 3 pm. Departure for Cape Sounion is at 4 pm and you’ll be able to dive right into the fun with the first swim stop taking place near Cape Sounion, a headland topped by the Temple of Poseidon and surrounded by the Aegean on three sides. Once back on board, you’ll have time to freshen up before joining us for the welcome dinner with time to get to know your fellow passengers.
After cruising overnight toward Mykonos, we’ll arrive early so that you can explore sacred Delos Island. If you’d like expert insight, join the optional tour that will reveal the stories behind the ancient ruins in the UNESCO-listed archaeological site, including well-preserved Venetian and Byzantine architecture, temples, a theater, statues, and mosaics. En route to nearby Mykonos enjoy a swim stop and once we reach the island, the rest of the day is yours. You might spend time on one of the gorgeous white sandy beaches, visit the Little Venice windmills, or wander through Mykonos Town, with time for a world-class dinner on your own.
Enjoy a memorable swim stop as we make our way to Naxos with lunch served before our arrival on the island where your first glimpse will be its famous Temple of Apollo that greets ships as they make their way into the harbor. You’ll have the opportunity to take an excursion into its rugged mountains to visit traditional villages like pretty Apiranthos, surrounded by gorgeous mountain scenery. As you stroll the marble-paved streets, you’ll notice a distinctly medieval feel with little change over the decades. After the tour, return to Naxos town with time to dine on the island’s delicious farm-to-table fare.
Sailing on to Koufonisia, a morning swim stop will be enjoyed at Schinoussa, which lies just south of Naxos. It boasts calm and clear, strikingly blue waters and unspoiled landscapes with its population including just a few hundred inhabitants. Arriving at Koufonisia in the mid-afternoon, the island is renowned for its friendly, hospitable locals, exotic beaches, and mouthwatering cuisine. You’ll have the evening at your leisure, perhaps spending time on one of the glorious stretches of beach before dining in one of the many outstanding eateries. Here the dishes often feature fresh fish or seafood alongside local ingredients.
Continuing to the island many have on their travel bucket lists, we’ll reach Santorini at 2 pm, but first, another memorable swim stop off the shores of Ios Island at Magganari Beach. It boasts translucent turquoise waters that are shallow and calm, ideal for a dip. Upon arrival to Santorini, you can take an optional excursion that will bring you to two of the island’s top spots, the ancient Akrotiri archaeological settlement that was left well-preserved under a blanket of ash following a 1600 BC volcanic eruption. Continue to Oia village, enjoying dinner with a jaw-dropping view. We’ll depart at 11 pm for Milos.
Known as the “island of colors,” Milos is a big treat today, home to the very Instagrammable Sarakiniko Beach with its lunar-like landscape featuring smooth, white volcanic rock and electric blue water. You can opt for an excursion to experience it (camera in hand) followed by a visit to the Geological Mining Museum which features artifacts and exhibits on the island’s mining history. There will be time for lunch on your own with the ship departing at 4 pm to Kimolos. Enjoy dinner on board and upon our arrival to the peaceful island, you’ll have the evening at your leisure to explore.
Arrival into Serifos will be at mid-morning after a night of cruising. Once there, an optional excursion is available that will take you through its enchanting streets and alleyways lined with picturesque, whitewashed buildings. As the farewell dinner will be hosted on the ship this evening, you’ll have time to sample the island’s culinary delights for lunch on your own. There are traditional taverns in the town center and seaside restaurants at Livadakia Beach. Once back on board, we sail toward Kythnos enjoying the trip’s final swim stop along the way. Get refreshed and ready for a fun evening of food and entertainment.
This morning we arrive early to where your cruise began, back to the port of Lavrio. One last breakfast will be served on board and once your bags are packed and ready with disembarkation at 10 am. It’s not over yet as you have a private Taste of Athens food tour this afternoon. You’ll visit talented food artisans and specialty food stores, enjoying samples along the way. It’s also a great opportunity to delve into authentic daily life in the city while learning about Greek cooking methods and time-honored culinary traditions.
Start your day with a private Panoramic Tour of Athens will take you to see the highlights of the city with a focus on Acropolis hill, including remarkable monuments like the Parthenon. Enter the New Acropolis Museum to view treasures uncovered from the hill and then take the panoramic drive portion of your tour, viewing sites like the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Presidential Palace. After your excursion, your private driver will transfer you to Athens International Airport for a whole new adventure. Catch your flight to Dubrovnik’s airport in Croatia, where you’ll be met by private transfer to your four-star hotel, complete with stunning sea views.
Embark on a tour of Old City Dubrovnik, tucked within massive stone defensive walls. You’ll be led by an expert local guide through the streets that are paved with marble and lined with centuries-old baroque and Renaissance architecture. Learn the stories behind the sites, such as Rector’s Palace, the 15th-century Onofrio’s Fountain that was part of the water supply system, and Franciscan Monastery, home to a 1317 pharmacy that’s still in operation today as one of Europe’s oldest. After your tour enjoy time on your own to explore – we recommend walking atop the walls before enjoying dinner with a sea view.
Discover more delicious flavors on a small group tour that features some of the world’s best oysters complimented by amazing wine. You’ll head to the Peljesac Peninsula, renowned for both. First visit Ston, the town with walls referred to as the “Great Walls of Croatia” as they’re longer than any other, with the exception of China’s fortifications. This is the gateway to an oyster farm which you’ll reach by boat to enjoy fresh oysters straight from the sea alongside Dalmatian wine. As you indulge, you’ll learn about the history of oyster harvesting in the region. Including the reason that the delicacies are so tasty.
We hate to say goodbye, so if you don’t have to, we’d be happy to create a bespoke addition to this itinerary, perhaps exploring one or more of Croatia’s neighboring countries like Slovenia and its fairytale-like towns or mountainous Montenegro with its breathtaking fjords. Otherwise, conclude your trip with a private transfer to Dubrovnik International Airport to catch your flight home. Remember, there’s always next time with countless alluring destinations to visit.
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