Call us on 0800 197 8050 We are open today between 9am and 8pm
Arrive: Fri 02 September 2022 / Depart: Fri 02 September 2022 at 19:00
A city of legend, civilisation and enduring culture, Athens is a majestic and magical urban sprawl. Extraordinary elegance and grace combine with grit and graft in Greece's capital, where highways encase ruins from antiquity, and gleaming museums and galleries stand beside concrete sprayed with edgy street art. These contrasts enhance and elevate the wonders of this 2,500-year-old city, however, which can count notable contributions to philosophy, drama and democracy, among its global legacy. Piraeus' giant port and naval base welcome you to the edge of the Athens' urban area. From there it's a simple jaunt to the centre. The majestic ancient citadel of the Acropolis dominates an elevated platform and is a constant presence as you explore the city. The wonderful remains of the columned temple of the Parthenon - which date back to the 5th century BC - stand here, representing the pinnacle of classical architecture. The nearby Acropolis Museum adds context to your visit and frames the broad views from its giant glass windows. Or rise up Mount Lycabettus, to be rewarded with perhaps Athens' best panorama of the Acropolis sitting high over the city on its grand stage. See the marble horseshoe of the Old Olympic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896, for more of the city's enduring legacy. Elsewhere, golden beaches and temples stretch out along the coastline, should you wish to explore a little further afield. Coffee is an art form to the Greeks, and it's an unwritten rule that coffee time must never be rushed. So prepare to settle down for a couple of hours and lose yourself in a good chat. Feeling hungry - try traditional souvlaki made with sauces handed from generation to generation.
Arrive: Sat 03 September 2022 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 03 September 2022 at 22:00
Of all the Cyclades Islands, Santorini is often considered the most dramatic. Once an active volcano, in approximately 1620 BC, the volcano erupted with such force that the center of the island literally exploded, leaving a submerged crater. The island's small villages were preserved in the ashes giving a fascinating view of everyday life from 3,600 years ago. Santorini's landscape offsets its simple buildings, which shine in the brilliant sunlight. The rich volcanic soil is ideal for grapes and the local vines produce a crop known for its "special volcanic taste."
Arrive: Sun 04 September 2022 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 04 September 2022 at 23:00
Since the late 1970s, Kusadasi has grown from a fishing village into a sprawling tourist center, serving thousands of visitors who flock here to visit the nearby ruins of Ephesus. Despite an incredible building boom and an influx of shops, Kusadasi has managed to retain much of its original charm. The major attraction remains the archaeological site of ancient Ephesus, considered to be the most important one in all of Turkey. The history of this ancient city dates as far back as the 10th century BC. Many of the remarkable structures seen today are the result of an extraordinary excavation and restoration program. As you walk along the white marble road, grooved by ancient chariot wheels, the two-story Library of Celsus presents a striking sight. In addition, there are temples, houses of noblemen and community buildings lining the ancient streets. Nestled into the mountainside is the 25,000-seat amphitheater, still used today for performances during the Festival of Culture and Art.
Arrive: Mon 05 September 2022 at 09:00 / Depart: Mon 05 September 2022 at 18:00
With 40 kilometres of shore, arrival in Dikili is like arriving in an Aegean postcard. Not only is it boast blue flag beaches, limpid turquoise seas and healing waters (the town’s thermal springs are world famous), but a good deal of historical texture as well. This will come as great news for history fans. The ancient and as yet unexplored sites of Aterneus and Pitane are located nearby, and the region boasts deep roots to civilisations including the Persian and Roman empires. A superb example of this can seen by visiting the Çandarl? Castle, built by the Genovese in the 14th century with stones that date back to the 2nd century BC. The town also has some Arab heritage, and the local Merkez mosque is a rare example of a construction that uses no nails. Dikili remains one of the more undiscovered ports on the Turkish Riviera, which is surprising as it is bursting with authenticity and charm. Thus, amid the colourful shops selling the typical tourist fare, you can still find glimpses of the real Turkey. Be on the lookout for artisanal handicrafts such as leather goods, painted ceramic and, of course, carpets. The food is also some of the best in the world; try a mezze for a taste sensation to remember. The town is located opposite Lesbos, and ferries operate daily to and from the Greek island. Izmir, with its compelling tapestry of monuments, bazaars and superb art and history museum (not to mention a lovely promenade), is also nearby. Both places take about an hour and a half to reach from port.
Arrive: Tue 06 September 2022 at 13:00
A chaotic, colossal collision of east and west – start your day in Europe and end it in Asia, all without breaking a sweat. Sprawling across two continents, the city has been toed, froed and yanked between countless civilisations over its history, leaving a multi-layered, majestic tapestry of culture to untangle. An army of narrow minarets puncture the skyline, while the soaring towers of palaces and labyrinths of bazaars - where bargains are the reward for brave hagglers - fill up this dynamic city of 15 million people. View less With a rich portfolio of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, Istanbul enjoys one of the world's most dynamic skylines and has an intense, infectious energy. The vast Aya Sofya is the starting point for exploring this huge city's deep wealth of cultural treasures. Built in the 6th century as a Greek Orthodox church, it was later transformed into an Ottoman imperial mosque – and latterly a museum. Cast your eyes up to take in the full scale of the colossal dome, one of the world's largest, which floats on a magnificent bed of light. See the Blue Mosque, with its glorious blue ?znik tiles, or head to the Galata Tower which was once the tallest structure in Istanbul, and is ideal for a panoramic view of the city. Grab handfuls of dates and spices, shop for jewellery and patterned fabrics as you're swallowed whole by the Grand Bazaar - one of the world's biggest and busiest covered indoor markets. To understand Istanbul is to visit its kahvehans. Few rituals are taken as seriously as Turkish coffee - prepared to be incredibly strong. Sweeten the aftertaste with Turkish delight, or baklava – try the smooth pistachio version called kuru baklava.
Depart: Wed 07 September 2022 at 23:00
A chaotic, colossal collision of east and west – start your day in Europe and end it in Asia, all without breaking a sweat. Sprawling across two continents, the city has been toed, froed and yanked between countless civilisations over its history, leaving a multi-layered, majestic tapestry of culture to untangle. An army of narrow minarets puncture the skyline, while the soaring towers of palaces and labyrinths of bazaars - where bargains are the reward for brave hagglers - fill up this dynamic city of 15 million people. View less With a rich portfolio of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, Istanbul enjoys one of the world's most dynamic skylines and has an intense, infectious energy. The vast Aya Sofya is the starting point for exploring this huge city's deep wealth of cultural treasures. Built in the 6th century as a Greek Orthodox church, it was later transformed into an Ottoman imperial mosque – and latterly a museum. Cast your eyes up to take in the full scale of the colossal dome, one of the world's largest, which floats on a magnificent bed of light. See the Blue Mosque, with its glorious blue ?znik tiles, or head to the Galata Tower which was once the tallest structure in Istanbul, and is ideal for a panoramic view of the city. Grab handfuls of dates and spices, shop for jewellery and patterned fabrics as you're swallowed whole by the Grand Bazaar - one of the world's biggest and busiest covered indoor markets. To understand Istanbul is to visit its kahvehans. Few rituals are taken as seriously as Turkish coffee - prepared to be incredibly strong. Sweeten the aftertaste with Turkish delight, or baklava – try the smooth pistachio version called kuru baklava.
Arrive: Fri 09 September 2022 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 09 September 2022 at 17:00
It is interesting to note that between the 17th and 20th centuries Jews made up more than half the population as a result of the arrival in 1492 of some 20,000 Jews who had been expelled from Spain. They engaged in all trades and professions and played a predominant part in commerce and industry. Thessaloniki's main hub centers around Aristotle Square, a traffic- free area surrounded by arcades that house cafes and restaurants. The pedestrian strip along the water's edge makes for a popular seafront promenade. Two of the main thoroughfares, Odos Mitropoleos and Odos Tsimski, are lined with luxury shops and boutiques. On either side of Aristotle Street extends the picturesque Central Market where you will find numerous shops supplying domestic needs
Arrive: Sat 10 September 2022 at 09:00 / Depart: Sat 10 September 2022 at 19:00
The island of Mykonos is the most easterly of the northern Cyclades. Its attractive setting and other captivating attributes make it one of the most celebrated holiday destinations in Greece. Mykonos Town is a colorful maze of narrow streets lined by whitewashed houses with bright blue doors and shutters. During the 1960s, it was the Bohemian jet set that discovered Mykonos. Many old houses along the waterfront are now restaurants, bars and discos, catering to an international yachting crowd. The tiny town of cube-shaped houses extends in a semicircle around the picturesque bay. As an attractive backdrop, the famous windmills are lined up like toy soldiers on the hillside, vestiges of a time when wind power was used to grind the island's grain.
Arrive: Sun 11 September 2022 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 11 September 2022 at 18:00
Located only seven miles from the Turkish coast, Rhodes is one of Greece's favored vacation centers. In ancient times, the entrance to its harbor featured a celebrated landmark, the Colossus of Rhodes. The 105-foot statue rose from a 35-foot stone base and was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Rhodes was an important cultural center with a well-known School of Rhetoric attended by such historical figures as Cicero and Caesar. From a school for sculptors came the famous Laocoon group, which is now in the Vatican Museum. Rhodes' most famous attractions originated with the Knights of St. John, who occupied parts of the island from 1308 to 1522. As their legacy they left a medieval town, dominated by the Palace of the Grand Masters and the Knights' Hospital. The Old Town is encircled by one of the best-preserved walls in Europe. In addition to buildings that showcase the legacy of the Knights of St. John, there are plenty of shops and dining opportunities throughout the Old Town.
Arrive: Mon 12 September 2022 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 12 September 2022 at 22:00
As one of the lesser known islands in the Aegean Sea, Paros enjoys its reputation as being the underdog of the Cyclades. Often overshadowed by Mykonos to the north, or Santorini to the south, the savvy traveller knows this island paints one of the finest pictures of Greece that you’re ever likely to find. Arrival in Paros is postcard perfect and exactly as you imagine it. Cafes and tavernas line the pretty port, bougainvillea covers narrow streets, brightly painted fishing boats bob gently in the harbour. View less If you arrive early enough, you’ll find the catches of the day being sold for pennies. All the touch points are there: evocative blue shuttered, white-washed houses, windmills and domed churches on the horizon, arid hillside above an azure bay that homes promise of fresh figs, olives and the seductive lullaby of cicadas. This image might seem clichéd but in Paros, it’s reality. If strolling the cobbled streets that snake into the village does not sustain your love of Greek history, then head for the Archaeological Museum in the centre of town. Paros has been inhabited since 3200 BC and has a past of maritime battles, followed by economic development and cultural flourishing. The island was well known for its fabulous marble, a fine example of which is the lovely Town Hall in Lefkes village (notably Venus de Milo was also crafted from Parian marble). Literary lovers will also know that Paros was the birthplace of Greek lyrical poet Archilochus, statues of whom can be found all over the island.
Arrive: Tue 13 September 2022 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 13 September 2022 at 22:00
The former capital of Greece is a popular town on the eastern coast of the Peloponnese. Stately, medieval architecture recalls its Venetian occupation in the 15th century. The most dominant structure from this time is the crenellated Palamidi Fortress towering high above the town. The lively port and resort town spreads around a scenic harbor. Its center is crisscrossed by narrow streets, which are best negotiated on foot. Several monuments remain from the towns' Turkish past, including a mosque and the parliament building. Relics from ancient sites are on display in the Archaeological Museum. Those who are interested in handicrafts and traditional costumes may enjoy a visit to the Folk Art Museum. Enjoy exploring along the waterfront and around the main square of the Old Town. Open-air cafés and restaurants invite you for a break to enjoy a light snack or a seafood lunch while taking in the local atmosphere.
Arrive: Wed 14 September 2022 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 14 September 2022
A city of legend, civilisation and enduring culture, Athens is a majestic and magical urban sprawl. Extraordinary elegance and grace combine with grit and graft in Greece's capital, where highways encase ruins from antiquity, and gleaming museums and galleries stand beside concrete sprayed with edgy street art. These contrasts enhance and elevate the wonders of this 2,500-year-old city, however, which can count notable contributions to philosophy, drama and democracy, among its global legacy. Piraeus' giant port and naval base welcome you to the edge of the Athens' urban area. From there it's a simple jaunt to the centre. The majestic ancient citadel of the Acropolis dominates an elevated platform and is a constant presence as you explore the city. The wonderful remains of the columned temple of the Parthenon - which date back to the 5th century BC - stand here, representing the pinnacle of classical architecture. The nearby Acropolis Museum adds context to your visit and frames the broad views from its giant glass windows. Or rise up Mount Lycabettus, to be rewarded with perhaps Athens' best panorama of the Acropolis sitting high over the city on its grand stage. See the marble horseshoe of the Old Olympic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896, for more of the city's enduring legacy. Elsewhere, golden beaches and temples stretch out along the coastline, should you wish to explore a little further afield. Coffee is an art form to the Greeks, and it's an unwritten rule that coffee time must never be rushed. So prepare to settle down for a couple of hours and lose yourself in a good chat. Feeling hungry - try traditional souvlaki made with sauces handed from generation to generation.
Luxury
Silver Spirit 04 April 2024 7 nights
Itinerary: Istanbul - Bodrum - Rhodes - Agios Nikolaos - Souda Bay - Athens
Cruise Only from
Luxury
Silver Spirit 11 April 2024 13 nights
Itinerary: Athens - Santorini - Agios Nikolaos - Marmaris - Kusadasi - Istanbul - Thessaloniki - Volos - Mykonos - Monemvasia...
Fly Cruise from
Luxury
Silver Spirit 11 April 2024 25 nights
Itinerary: Athens - Santorini - Agios Nikolaos - Marmaris - Kusadasi - Istanbul - Thessaloniki - Volos - Mykonos - Monemvasia...
Call us now on 0800 197 8050
Luxury
Silver Spirit 24 April 2024 12 nights
Itinerary: Athens - Santorini - Heraklion - Corfu - Kotor - Bari - Dubrovnik - Split - Hvar - Zadar...
Fly Cruise from
Includes extra savings of up to £550pp
Luxury
Silver Spirit 06 May 2024 10 nights
Itinerary: Fusina - Split - Dubrovnik - Bari - Corfu - Malta - Siracusa - Sorrento - Rome
Call us now on 0800 197 8050
Luxury
Silver Spirit 16 May 2024 12 nights
Itinerary: Rome - Sorrento - Giardini Naxos - Malta - Trapani - Porto Santo Stefano - Portofino - Florence/Pisa - Monte Carlo - Barcelona
Cruise Only from
Includes extra savings of up to £520pp
Luxury
Silver Spirit 16 May 2024 26 nights
Itinerary: Rome - Sorrento - Giardini Naxos - Malta - Trapani - Porto Santo Stefano - Portofino - Florence/Pisa - Monte Carlo - Barcelona...
Call us now on 0800 197 8050
Exclusive Offer
Silver Spirit 28 May 2024 5 nights
Itinerary: Barcelona - Malaga - Cadiz - Lisbon
Cruise Only from
Includes extra savings of up to £135pp
Luxury
Silver Spirit 28 May 2024 14 nights
Itinerary: Barcelona - Malaga - Cadiz - Lisbon - Leixoes - Bilbao - Bordeaux - St Malo - St. Peter Port - Southampton
Fly Cruise from
Includes extra savings of up to £415pp
Luxury
Silver Spirit 02 June 2024 9 nights
Itinerary: Lisbon - Leixoes - Bilbao - Bordeaux - St Malo - St. Peter Port - Southampton
Cruise Only from
Includes extra savings of up to £230pp
At CruiseKings there are a number of ways you can contact us meaning that all you have to do is choose the option which is most convenient to you.
Request a Callback
Get A Quote
At CruiseKings there are a number of ways you can contact us meaning that all you have to do is choose the option which is most convenient to you.
Get A Quote
Request A Callback
Sign up today for exclusive savings