Signature Greek Island Luxury Cruise

                                    June 27 – July 6, 2024                    Small group.

• 1 Night in a premium 4 star hotel in Athens with breakfast (twin shared rooms)
• Welcome drinks in Athens on the first night
• Guided tour of Acropolis and Plaka
• Transfers to the ship
• 7-Night cruise around the Cyclades including 4 excursions
• Transfers to the airport at the end of the cruise

We have included the following excursions:

• Guided tour of Mykonos town with a local expert
• Guided island tour of Naxos traditional villages with tastings
• Guided tour of Milos Island with a visit to Sarakiniko Beach
• Santorini Oia and winery tour

Come sail away with us through azure waters to the best Greek islands for 9 glorious days during the best time of year.  Forget the mega ships. You will love our small yacht-like expedition ship, holding only 48 passengers. So intimate, you’ll get to know your gracious crew well and appreciate the Zen-like atmosphere on our luxury vessel, the Elysium!

You may have been here and sailed the Aegean through the Cyclades islands, but who wouldn’t want to return to see it again up close and personal that other ships can’t match. I’ve been to Greece a dozen times, but not in such style nor off the beaten route of all other cruise lines. Each time I visit, I discover new cultural and scenic wonders because Greece is like a small world in one country.

We visit the hidden gems and heavenly inlets with 9 different Ports of call! Only with AFS, we include five shore excursions. Enjoy guided tours in Athens, Naxos Village, Sifnos, Kimolos, Mykonos, Milos, Sarakinikos, and Santorini with wine tastings and incredible Oia with the world's finest sunsets. We also include your airport transfers, Wi-Fi and free use of water sport equipment for swimming the clearest award-winning beaches.

We had 77 AFSers on 2 different cruises sail with us through Croatia on the beautiful yacht-like Belisima, and they loved it, so much so, they asked to repeat it again or do a similar style cruise. This is the same charter company, so we know you’ll be pampered throughout. On board, it’s personalized service to your every need and mouthwatering cuisines. In navigating the sea mingled with the sun, you’ll feel fully present as if you were on your own private yacht.

Air is so easy on this, round-trip to Athens and the price can’t be beat for all that is included. Please note this special sailing is presented to our Orient Express group and open to others on a first come basis when space allows. It’s a small group of 18 participants. Book your exclusive reservation now so that you won’t ‘ miss the boat’ as this signature sailing can not be presented again. If you are in need of some Vitamin Sea, this is a perfect dreamy vacation escape that will leave you with indelible memories of a lifetime. Opa… I can’t wait to sail with you!

  The Elysium is a truly boutique cruise ship featuring only 25 spacious and elegantly decorated cabins.  Your time on board the Elysium will be nothing short of unique, nothing like you have ever experienced before on a cruise. A balanced fusion of relaxation, wellness, discovery and fun.

Visit pristine coves and beaches only accessible by small boat, discover ancient civilizations, learn a new craft, have a massage, meditate at sunset, enjoy a chilled drink, hike a volcano, fish with locals, snorkel, stargaze, read a book. You decide. The Elysium awaits to soothe your soul and excite your senses.  With large interior and exterior spaces, a spa suite, a mini gym, deliciously healthy Mediterranean cuisine, personalized service and an array of daily activities, the Elysium will pamper you, spoil you and captivate you forever.

Accommodation 

• 1 Night in Athens in a 4 star hotel in a twin room with breakfast 

Meals & Beverages 

• Daily buffet breakfast
• Daily buffet lunch
• Three course welcome dinner
• Greek style farewell BBQ dinner
• Complimentary drink with each of the evening meals • Filtered water throughout the cruise
• Complementary tea, coffee and biscuits 

Excursions Included 

• Guided tour of the Acropolis and Plaka
• Guided walking tour of Mykonos Town
• Guided Naxos Island Food & Villages Tour
• Guided tour of Milos Island including Sarakiniko Beach • Santorini wine tasting and Oia tour 

Activities Included 

• On board Pilates with a Wellness Coach
• Complimentary use of snorkeling equipment and all water sports • Beach Towels 

Other Inclusions 

• Airport and port transfers throughout
• Experienced on board Cruise Director
• Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout
• Luggage handling and porterage from the vessel • 100% Financial trip protection 

• Access to our Greek restaurant guide 

Not Included 

Port Taxes of $300 per person
Beverages (except those mentioned above)
Spa Treatments  Laundry and Dry Cleaning 

Crew gratuities

 Route Changes due to Poor Weather Conditions
Please note that with any cruise, the captain of the vessel reserves the right to amend the itinerary if there is significantly poor weather, which could result in clients being put at danger. Should this happen, we and the crew on the ship will do our utmost to accommodate you but we will not offer any compensation for necessary changes we make to protect guest safety.
 

June 27 -  Fly USA to Athens.    Air details and more coming soon and trip tips.  

June 28 -  (Land officially begins) 40 min Transfer from Athens Airport to Athens Airport Athens Hotel

A private driver will meet you at Athens Airport and he will drive you to your hotel City Center Athens.  We will collect your air details after final payment.

June 29 - Private Highlights of Athens Walking Tour

The Acropolis is the iconic landmark that stands above the Greek capital, symbolizing the birth of western civilization. One of the best ways to experience it is on a private guided tour that provides insights into its history and the many monuments you’ll be witnessing from the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike to Propylaea. After your two hour tour of the Acropolis your guide will take you on a walk through Plaka, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens. Located just under the Acropolis, this is an area worth exploring. Plaka is known for its many historical monuments including the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora, the Tower of the Winds, and Hadrian’s Library.

We then head to Port of Lavrio to board of small ship ab=nd sail to Cape Sounion

Cruise on the Elysium, a graceful expedition cruise ship that offers a unique cruising experience. She sleeps up to just 50 passengers who can look forward to very personalized service with accommodation in spacious cabins. This vessel offers plenty of ways to get active and relax too, with everything from a wellness deck for sunrise pilates/yoga and a soothing Jacuzzi to snorkeling.

Elysium’s 25 cabins are available in five different categories, including double, triple, and interconnecting family cabins, all of which have windows or portholes. Bedding configurations include twin- or queen-size beds with plush mattresses and cozy all- season duvets. Each one is ensuite, with comfortable bathrooms that have showers, organic toiletries, towels, hairdryers, spa robes, and slippers. 

Other highlights when it comes to amenities include individually controlled air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV with movies as well as a news and bridge channel, music, Wi-Fi, a personal safe, minibar, beach towels, and an internal-use phone.

The Reception Area is where you’ll be welcomed with a smile and find a number of amenities including two check-in desks, a coffee station that’s open 24/7, a library cabinet, filled with board games and books. During the day, the Thalassa Main Deck & Bar is the place to be, enjoy mingling with your fellow passengers by sipping a glass of wine, cocktail, or beer, or simply relax. This is also where alfresco meals are served with the bar offering an all-day menu. If inclement weather hits or you just want a change from the outdoors, the Interior Lounge provides an ideal alternative for socializing and relaxing. It’s also possible to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat.

Key Facts:  Re-Built in 1998 (Renovated 2021),  Star Rating: 4 Star,  Ship Type: Small Expedition Ship  Cruising Speed: 10 Knots, 25 cabins accommodating up to 49 guests,, Length 63.8mtr Fly USA to Venice. (Air details and more in trip tips.  We suggest that you go in a day early for more time to explore Venice on your own.)

 We’ll arrive at the sacred island of Delos this morning. One of the most impressive archaeological sites in Greece, the UNESCO World Heritage Site features remarkable ruins dating between the 5th and 4th centuries BC. That includes a theater, temples, statues, mosaics, and impeccably preserved Venetian and Byzantine architecture. You’ll have the option to take an optional guided tour of Delos before we continue to nearby Mykonos (entrance to be paid at the site). After Delos we continue on to Mykonos with lunch on board on route. Upon arrival in Mykonos, join our Cruise Director and a local guide for a fascinating guided tour of Mykonos Town. Discover the history of this picture perfect town visiting one of the oldest bakeries in Greece, its iconic windmills, Little Venice and several other hidden gems which make up this charming town. In the evening, you are free to enjoy dinner at a fabulous selection of restaurants in Mykonos.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Excursion Included: Guided Tour of Mykonos with a local expert

Saying farewell to Mykonos, our next destination is Naxos, with a swim stop en route followed by lunch on board. After our mid- afternoon arrival to this beautiful Cycladic Island, we invite our guests to join our local guide for an island tour of Naxos visiting traditional mountain villages like Apiranthos. Surrounded by stunning mountain views, it was carved out of the slopes of Mount Fanari in amphitheatrical style. You might feel like you’ve stepped by in time as it’s managed to retain its ancient traditions with the feel of a medieval town, while the narrow streets are paved with marble. After our Naxos Island tour, we will return to Naxos Town, where you will enjoy dinner on your own.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Excursion Included: Traditional Naxos Villages & Apiranthos

Cruising on toward Koufonisia, look forward to a morning swim stop at Schinoussa, a serene island just south of Naxos with calm, aquamarine waters, and little development with a population of only a few hundred. We’ll reach Koufonisia in the mid- afternoon, a treasure with striking natural scenery, exotic beaches, friendly locals, and outstanding food. Enjoy the evening at your leisure, perhaps taking a walk to one of the many secluded beaches before taking advantage of the many great eats available here. Dishes, including lots of fresh fish and seafood, tend to feature authentic flavors and lots of local ingredients.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

  While our ultimate destination is Santorini, we’ll visit Ios along the way for a swim stop at Magganari Beach, a large stretch on the south coast boasting soft golden sands with clear, shallow water. Lunch will be on board with arrival in Santorini at 2pm. We highly recommend joining our Cruise Director for our Santorini tour which includes a visit to a fabulous family winery where you will learn the unique way in which wine producers on the island cultivate their grapes and produce their wines. You will get an opportunity to sample their wines and snacks. We will then continue on to the popular picture perfect town of Oia where you will enjoy a guided tour through its pristine streets which jaw dropping Caldera views. Guests looking to stay in Oia for dinner can finish the tour here and make their own way back to Fira. Guests wishing to eat in Fira will head back with the guide an finish the tour in Fira. This evening guests can choose to have dinner on the island and get back to the ship by 11pm, before its onward departure.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Excursion Included: Santorini Wine and Oia Tour

Wake up in Milos, the “island of colors,” with its famous lunar-like landscape that includes smooth, white volcanic rock stunning contrasted against the brilliant blue of the sea. Join our Cruise Director and our local guide for a fascinating island morning tour which showcases the highlights of this unique island. You will get to visit the world famous Sarakiniko Beach and also see why this island is so famous for its unique geology by visiting the the Geological Mining Museum with artifacts and interesting exhibits that chronicle the island’s mining history. Lunch will be on your own bringing the opportunity to sample the delicious local fare. Return to the ship by 4pm as you’ll depart for Kimolos while enjoying dinner on board. You’ll have the evening free to explore Kimolos, one of the most picturesque and peaceful Cycladic islands.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Excursion Included: Guided Tour of Milos

 After sailing overnight, we’ll reach Sifnos mid-morning where you will have the rest of the day to spend as you wish. Explore the island’s Capital, Apollonia with its enticing streets and alleyways lined with picturesque whitewashed buildings, hike one of the many “Sifnos Trails”, or take an optional excursion to the Island’s medieval castle and the church of the Seven Martyrs. Lunch will be enjoyed on your own, at one of the traditional taverns in the town center, or perhaps you’ll opt for a cooking experience with the Island’s locals. One of the highlights of your cruise will be enjoyed this evening, so you’ll want to prepare for the Captain’s Dinner which includes a multicourse feast, live entertainment, and plenty of fun.

Meals: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner

Passing the island of Kea, we’ll reach the port of Lavrio during the early morning hours. Enjoy one last breakfast on board, perhaps while exchanging contact with fellow passengers who’ve become new friends. After farewells to all, disembarkation is by 9am. Of course, if you’d like to extend your time in Greece, feel free to contact our travel experts who can create a bespoke addition to your itinerary. Otherwise, we wish you safe travels as you bring memories of a lifetime home.
Meals: Breakfast

Transfer · Port of Lavrio to Athens Hotel / Airport