Athens and Greek Island Hopping Cruise to Venice

Fly to Athens and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.

A further overnight hotel stay. Athens received a make-over for the 2004 Olympics. There is lots to see here such as the Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple of Poseidon and Athena, Odeon Herodus of Atticus and the Theatre of Dionysos.

Transfer to Piraeus Port and embark ship.

The most popular port of call on any cruise itinerary is the photographer’s paradise of Santorini. This volcanic island is made up of a crescent shaped Caldera which is the edge of an ancient volcano . Ancient legend suggests that this was the site of the lost city of Atlantis – when the volcano erupted the centre of this island disappeared in to the sea leaving the remnant known as Santorini.

Mykonos (part of the Cyclades chain of Islands) is also frequently visited by many cruise ships for its Greek charm and upmarket cosmopolitan atmosphere – plus there are some excellent beaches.

Zante (Zakynthos) is the southern most of the Ionian island chain which marks the gateway to the Adriatic. This wonderful island with a low lying plain to the south and dramatic cliffs to the north boasts a wealth of beaches and is just a short hop from the Peloponnese mainland, and the birth of the Olympic games at Olympia. Zante is one of only two places in the world where loggerhead turtles come on the beach to lay their eggs. Perhaps head to the dramatic shipwreck beach in the north-eastern corner of the island, explore Zante Town with its scenic harbour or seek out one of the many charming beaches featuring some of the best seafood and authentic Greek tavernas in Greece.

Corfu is the northern-most and capital of the Ionian Island chain - lying just a short hop from the coast of Albania. One of Corfu's many claims to fame is the birthplace of Prince Philip at the Palace of Mon Repos. It is where the famous zoologist Gerald Durrell lived with his family just before World War two - being the setting for his book - My Family and Other Animals, and the location for the popular TV series. The Achilleon Palace is home to the statue of Achilles Heel and was where Kaiser Wilhelm declared World War I. Corfu Town is the largest “living” medieval town in Greece and an absolute pleasure to walk around, perhaps watch some cricket in the square or sample the excellent local cuisine. Try the local Kumquat liquor or simply watch the world go by with an ice-cold Frappe. Rolling Cypress Pine clad hills drop down to beautiful bays and beaches.

Well known for its stunning architecture, walled city and amazing natural setting in a dramatic bay with tall emerald-green hillsides. This small town with its cobbled streets and maze of alleyways, shops, bars and restaurants is surrounded by well-preserved walls that feature many landmarks making Kotor itself a UNESCO World heritage site.

Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s many highlights. This unique12th century walled city has cobbled streets , towering ramparts and red roofed building overlooking a pretty fishing harbour. Visit Onofrio’s Fountain, Sponza Palace and the Church St Blaise.

A medieval port which nestles on the sparkling Dalmatian Coastline of Croatia has a picturesque pedestrianised centre and a 60-metre-high cathedral bell tower. Diocletian‘s Palace is one of the best preserved Roman Palaces in Europe and a UNESCO world heritage site.

Ravenna lies on the Venetian coastline a couple of hours South of Venice and 90 minutes east of Bologna.

Disembark the ship after breakfast in Trieste and transfer to Venice airport by coach for your flight home.