Cruise in the Greek Islands with Windstar

Discover the magic and mythology of the Greek Isles – one of the most storied regions of the world. Sail across the azure waters of the Aegean Sea visiting the small hidden ports of Nafplio, Monemvasia, and Patmos and the legendary islands of Santorini and Mykonos. Windstar brings you closer to unique island cultures, ancient treasures, and the breathtaking beaches of Greece. Your vacation includes visits to nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a complimentary local Destination Discovery Event featuring dinner at the Celsus Library in the ancient city of Ephesus.

Day 1 – ATHENS, GREECE

Departure : 5.00pm

With 3,000 years of history, you can’t turn around in Athens without encountering the past. The Acropolis, a UNESCO site, the Plaka, and the Acropolis Museum are must-sees. But leave time if you can to climb Pnyx Hill for photos of the Parthenon at sunset, to buy your own set of Greek komboloi (worry beads), and to explore the metro stations that serve as mini-museums for the relics that are constantly being unearthed.

Day 2 – MYKONOS, GREECE

Arrival: 8.00am – Departure: 6.00pm

Wake this morning to the postcard-like scene of Mykonos, the classic Greek isle dotted with hundreds of whitewashed churches and thatch-roofed windmills, in a harbor bobbing with fishing boats and luxurious private yachts. An optional  tour including a scenic ferry ride takes you back to the 6th   century B.C. to the tiny island of Delos, a UNESCO site and the mythical birthplace of Apollo.

Day 3 – KUSADASI, TURKEY

Arrival: 7.00am – Departure: 11.00pm

Few places offer such a rich combination of history and scenic beauty. In Ephesus, one of the greatest outdoor museums in the world, you’ll explore legendary sites steeped in history. Also visit the houses of Bulbul Mountain, where the roof of one forms the terrace of the next. This evening we present our Destination Discovery Event — dinner in the moonlight and a concert at Celsus Library in Ephesus.

Day 4 – PATMOS, GREECE

Arrival: 8.00am – Departure: 6.00pm

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known worldwide as the sacred island where St. John wrote the Book of Revelation, Patmos is the ideal place for nature lovers with its coastline of sheer cliffs and its volcanic soil.  Highlights of Patmos include the Cave of the Apocalypse and the Holy Monastery of the Apocalypse.

Day 5 – SANTORINI, GREECE

Arrival: 8.00am – Departure: 9.00pm

As our ship approaches the spectacular cliffs rising from the deep azure sea, you’ll understand the magic of this area, where some say the ruins of Atlantis remain hidden. Visit the village of Oia and see the iconic Santorini blue domes or take a guided tour of Bronze Age excavations at the UNESCO site of Akrotiri. Toast the day with a crisp, cold glass of local Assyrtiko wine.

Day 6 – MONEMVASIA, GREECE

Arrival: 12.00pm – Departure: 6.00pm

This Gibraltar-like town tied to the mainland by a single thread of causeway holds treasures that are old even by Mediterranean standards, with town walls and several churches dating to the 12th century. Climb to the upper town for an up-close look at the castle and Agia Sophia, a Byzantine church. Wander the lanes of the lower town lined with Venetian mansions, many of which have been lovingly restored. Savor the sun on a smooth pebble beach.

Day 7 – NAFPLIO, GREECE

Arrival: 7.00am – Departure: 5.00pm

This charming seaside town on the Peloponnese is one of the most romantic cities in Greece. Enjoy the medieval old town with narrow cobblestone alleys, and neoclassical mansions with bougainvillea trees adorning the balconies. Take an optional tour to the UNESCO site of Epidaurus or the UNESCO site of Mycenea, ancient ruins including the famous Lion’s Gate. Stroll the Syntagma Square and take in the beauty of the Palamidi Castle with its 999 steps carved from the rocks. The view is breathtaking.

Day 8 – ATHENS, GREECE

Arrival: 7.00am

With 3,000 years of history, you can’t turn around in Athens without encountering the past. The Acropolis, a UNESCO site, the Plaka, and the Acropolis Museum are must-sees. But leave time if you can to climb Pnyx Hill for photos of the Parthenon at sunset, to buy your own set of Greek komboloi (worry beads), and to explore the metro stations that serve as mini-museums for the relics that are constantly being unearthed.

Possibility to book extend your stay in Greece, for this contact our travel architects.

Cruise aboard the Wind Star. Several departure dates from august 2019 to october 2021.

What Groupe Voyages VP likes about this cruise:

• Spend full days in the Greek Isles with later evening visits in Santorini, Kusadasi, Patmos, and Mykonos
• Relax on one of the many beautiful beaches of Mykonos
• Take an excursion to Epiduras, where people have traveled miles to be healed
• Envelop yourself in history with at least nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites in this region
• Tour highlights of Athens like The Parthenon, The Acropolis, Mount Lycabettus, the Temple of Hephaestus and the National Archaeological Museum
• Find the breathtaking view from Nafplio’s Palamidi Castle after climbing the 999 rock steps
• Visit romantic ancient castles of Monemvasia