Cruising Greece & Turkey

The sun is shining, the snow is thawing and the flowers are blooming. Most people don’t naturally think spring and cruise time, but they should. Now is a good time to get away before all the summer tourists clog up the waterways, jack up the prices and crowd all the most popular tourist spots. 

The heat is also something to consider. In summer, temperatures can reach 35C by mid morning and over 40C by noon, not a temperature conducive to go hiking and exploring the ruins. In spring, however, the temperatures hover around a much more comfortable (and humane) 25C. It’s a great time to escape our wet and rainy weather and go on an island-hopping cruise.

Here’s an 8 day sample itinerary to give you a taste of a Greek adventure.

Day 1:  Board cruise ship. Athens, Greece. Arrive a day early and visit some of the ruins. The Parthenon and the Acropolis are sightseeing highlights. And if you have energy after the hike, stop by the National Archaeological Museum.

Day 2:  First stop: Mykonos, Greece.  This island is famous for its beaches, with fine golden sand lapped by cobalt . There are 15 beaches in total, so you have your pick. Paradise Beach is one of the most popular, but if you’re craving a little more privacy take your buck and spade to Agios Sostis Beach. It’s only accessible by private vehicle and taxi.

Day 3:  Kusadasi (Ephessos), Turkey. What would a trip to Turkey be without a Turkish hamam (bath)?  Similar to a North American steam room, you go through a series of hot and hotter rooms, before being splashed with cold water, cleansed, given a full massage before heading to a cooling room for relaxation.  For lunch, try the catch of the day at one of the local restaurants. 

Day 4:  Patmos, Greece. After the indulgent splendors of the Turkish bath, it is now time for some deeper reflection. Patmos has many beautiful stone monasteries: the Monastery of St. John, built in the 11^th century, is a UNESCO world heritage site. The Monastery of the Apocalypse and Chapel of St. Anne are all worthy stops.

Day 5: Rhodes, Greece. Get your walking shoes on and visit the Old Town (driving is prohibited), which is one of the oldest continually inhabited medieval town in Europe. Ruins of the Temple of Venus can be found here and as well as the Municipal Art Gallery of Rhodes which features eminent, modern, Greek artists.

Day 6: Heraklio (Crete), Greece. This is a modern city, but there are many archaeological treasures to discover. The Palace of Knossos is probably the most important because it is the main relic of the Minoan civilization which once flourished on the island. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum and be sure to hike three kiolometres along the15th century Venetian walls.

Day 7: Santorini, Greece.  What a great last stop! This unique, crescent-shaped island (formed by an ancient volancic eruption) is famous for its white-washed houses that have become synonymous with Greece. Your day should include a hike around Ancient Thira, a well-known archaeological site, a pit-stop at Boutari Winery (the most famous Greek winery) for a wine-tasting (and perhaps a bottle or two to-go), and sunbathing at one of the largest beaches on the island, Kamari Beach, famous for its black powdery sand. To finish off your day, why not watch the sunset from Amoudi Bay? Surrounded by steep cliffs, this little fishing town is the perfect spot for popping open one of your newly acquired wines and enjoying a bite of baklava.

Day 8:  Disembark cruise ship.  Athens, Greece. Sadly, your trip has come to an end. Relax on your last day by enjoying some local shopping at Plaka, Monastiraki and Athens Central Market where you’ll find everything from breezy sundresses to devices for hollowing out a zucchini. Your last meal in Greece should include some salad (with feta cheese and olive oil, of course), fresh grilled fish, souvlaki and their national dish, moussaka (ground beef and eggplant casserole). 

Oh, and don’t forget a shot of Ouzo before you take off.  Opa!

For more information on this cruise, visit www.greek-cruises.com.
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