Enjoy the Greek Isles and Turkish Riviera in style with Seabourn

There is a singular image that dominates our popular imagination of the Greek islands: one of sparkling aquamarine water, winding cobblestoned streets, and whitewashed houses.

Though not wrong, it is certainly not the only landscape to behold.

Made up of over 6,000 islands scattered across the Aegean and Ionian seas, the Greek archipelago is an endlessly diverse constellation of landscapes, people, and ways of life.

Depending on your idea of the perfect holiday - lounging on the beach, exploring ancient ruins, wining and dining, or something else altogether—there’s a Greek island for you.

Read on for a roundup of five especially stunning Greek islands, including must-see recommendations for every kind of traveller.

Where you'll go on a Greek island cruise with Seabourn

When you travel with Seabourn, you may enjoy the full flavour of the Greek Isles and sample a delectable menu of immersive experiences, from sipping wine while overlooking Santoríni’s caldera, to making tzatziki with a local chef at a taverna on Rhodes. Or participate in authentic shore experiences immersing you in local history and culture.

On your Seabourn luxury cruise to Greece you will behold stunning shores, be immersed in ancient history and partake in delicious Greek cuisine.

In the port of Athens, experience the 'Acropolis via a Seabourn Mindful Living Tour' or through 3D (augmented reality) or virtual reality experiences.

Experience Seabourn luxury on the island of Mykonos through a private yacht excursion or UNESCO tour to ancient Delos.

In the magical port of Santoríni you may learn to cook Greek specialties or treat your body and your palate in a 'Caldera Yoga & Wine Tasting Mindful Living Tour'.

The port of Ágios Nikólaos in Crete offers a variety of beautiful sites to visit including the Lassithi Plain, Elounda Bay and the Minoan Palace of Knossos.

Top five Greek islands

1. Crete

Greece’s largest island features more than enough sights, activities, and experiences to easily justify spending an entire holiday here.

The site of the most famous Greek legends, the island also features Italian style architecture from its centuries of rule by the Venetian Empire.

From gorgeous beaches to the best in Greek cuisine you’ll ever find, Crete offers something for every traveller.

Don't miss: Knossos

Europe’s oldest city, capital of the Minoan civilisation and Crete’s largest Bronze Age archaeological site has so many facets, but the centrepiece is the fascinating Palace of Knossos, a glimpse into ancient history and home of the legendary minotaur.

Our favourite itinerary

A 'Seven-night Turquoise Coast & Greek Isles' round-trip cruise from Athens departs May 12 or September 29 onboard Seabourn Encore, and calls at Limassol (Cyprus); Antalya (Turkey); Marmaris; Agios Nikolaos (Crete); and Milos. Fares from £3,389 per person including flights.

2. Mykonos

The quintessential Greek island of Mykonos is marked by whitewashed houses, domed churches, imposing windmills, and a labyrinth of winding streets designed to disorient pirates.

Everywhere there is a dash of bright, bold blue - doors, shutters and window frames, sea and sky.

The harbour bustles with colourful fishing boats, vendors selling fish and locals gathered with visitors in the casual seaside cafes.

The port even comes with two beloved mascots, the pelicans Petros and Irini.

Don't miss: Little Venice

The most unique area in Mykonos Town is known as Little Venice, where waterfront Cycladic houses with colourful, wooden balconies are kissed by the waves of the Aegean, creating a photogenic seascape with a romantic atmosphere.

Our favourite itinerary

A '10-night Greek Treasures & Ephesus' cruise sailing from Piraeus (Athens) to Venice (Fusina) departing May 12, 2024, onboard Seabourn Quest, and calls at Mykonos, Dikili (Pergamon, Turkey); Bodrum; Kusadasi (Ephesus); Cephalonia; Corfu and Rovinj (Croatia). Fares from £4,879 per person including flights.

3. Rhodes

Walk though medieval Rhodes Town and learn about grand medieval structures, each recalling the Knights of St John and their Turkish conquerors.

Your guide recounts the town's fascinating past as you walk along the Knights Road, leading to the 14^th century Palace of the Grand Masters, built to dominate the town and the harbours, its floors covered with ancient mosaics from Kos while an impressive marble staircase leads to the upper floor, offering panoramic views over the city.

Don't miss: Filerimos

Drive to the Plateau of Filerimos, and visit the Church of Our Lady, built on the foundations of the ancient temple of Athena and early Christian catacombs, then restored by the Knights of St John and used as stables by the Turks, before being rebuilt a little over 30 years ago.

The restored monastery with its barrel-vaulted Chapel of St George has 15th-century frescoes.

Our favourite itinerary

A 'Seven-night Turkey & Greek Island Gems' roundtrip from Piraeus (Athens), departing May 24, 2024, onboard Seabourn Encore, and calls at Canakkale (Turkey); Izmir; Patmos (Greece); Rhodes and Spetses. Fares from £3,659 per person including flights.

4. Santorini

When most people picture the Greek islands, they’re recalling postcards of Santorini. Arguably Greece’s most popular destination, Santorini has a lot to love, from romantic beaches and jaw-dropping sunsets to world-class vineyards and culinary delicacies.

Though often simply referred to as “Santorini,” the area is actually a cluster of five islands—Thira, Thirasia, Aspronisi, Palea Kameni, and Nea Kameni—formed by centuries of volcanic eruptions.

The largest eruption to date occurred some 3,500 years ago, leaving a stunning caldera (a sea-filled crater) in Santorini’s crescent-shaped bay.

Sitting upon an active volcano, Santorini is marked by striking black sand beaches, red volcanic rocks, and jagged cliffs soaring above an azure sea.

Don't miss: Akrotiri

One of the best-preserved ancient settlements in the Aegean, and said to be the lost city of Atlantis, the Akrotiri site was inhabited by the Minoans from Crete around 3000 B.C.

The entire ancient city was buried under volcanic ashes after a massive eruption and no human remains and valuables were ever found.

Imagine how life was like in Akrotiri as you navigate through an impressive network of buildings and rooms filled with earthenware.

You can also view artefacts from the excavations of Akrotiri in the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira.

Our favourite itinerary

A 'Seven-night Aegean Treasures' roundtrip from Piraeus (Athens), departing August 4, 2024, onboard Seabourn Encore, and calls at Skiathos; Kavala (Neapolis); Dikili (Pergamon); Bodrum and Santorini. Fares from £4,059 per person including flights.

5. Naxos

As the largest island among the Cyclades group, Naxos offers a breadth of sights for all ages and interests, from lazy beach days and scenic hikes to ancient landmarks and traditional villages.

Naxos ruled the Cycladic region and was noted by Herodotus as the “most prosperous island” around 500 BCE.

The town, and indeed the other villages on the island contain many historic remnants of Greek, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman domination.

The medieval Venetian Kastro atop the town makes a fascinating place to recapture the spirit of earlier times

Don't miss: Local produce

Make sure to sample the local cheese, produce, and Kitron (a famous fruit liqueur), products of the region’s thriving agricultural infrastructure.

Our favourite itinerary

A 'Seven-night Aegean Gems & Eastern Mediterranean' roundtrip from Piraeus (Athens), departing September 22, 2024, onboard Seabourn Encore, and calls at Naxos; Izmir (Turkey); Dikili (Pergamon); Kos (Greece) and Patmos. Fares from £3,889 per person including flights.

For more information about Seabourn’s ultra-luxury Mediterranean cruises click here www.seabourn.com or call 0344 338 8615