Greece trip | Explora cruise: From Athens to Venice

Located in the Cyclades archipelago in the heart of the Aegean Sea, the paradise island of Paros is known for its spectacular beaches, idyllic traditional villages and exciting nightlife. The island boasts 38 beautiful soft sandy beaches, characterised by white sand lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters and lined with restaurants and beach bars. The eastern beaches are perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and there are plenty of great diving spots, as well as guided tours to the uninhabited islets of the Aegean Sea, nearby reefs and ancient wrecks. Historical attractions include intriguing castles, ancient monasteries, a Mycenaean Acropolis, Byzantine museums, two folklore museums, a wine museum and more. Nature lovers will enjoy the chance to explore the Butterfly Valley, where butterflies breed during the summer months.

The island of Rhodes, situated in the south-eastern Aegean Sea, is the largest of the Dodecanese islands, which are renowned for their Byzantine churches, medieval castles and ancient archaeological sites. With beautiful beaches, picturesque villages and several excellent seaside resorts, Rhodes has become a popular tourist destination, offering guests a perfect blend of the traditional and the cosmopolitan. Visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the coastline and the well-preserved old town, which is surrounded by the medieval cobbled streets of the Knights.

Located roughly in the middle of the Aegean Sea and surrounded by several islands, the beautiful Greek island of Syros perfectly combines modern and traditional Greece. It is the smallest island in the Cyclades archipelago and serves as a major ferry port in the Aegean. Syros has a cosmopolitan capital, charming coastal villages and beautiful quiet beaches. The island is best known for its Turkish fruit (loukoumia), a soft, pink, tart delicacy made from rosewater, pistachios and almonds. The town offers an excellent variety of delicious traditional Greek cuisine, with fantastic views of the glittering sea. History buffs can explore the fascinating architecture of Ermoupolis, the capital of the Cyclades, with its must-see harbour and some of Greece's most spectacular 19th-century buildings, as well as a series of breathtaking churches.

The sun-drenched island of Hvar, located in the Adriatic Sea just off the coast of Croatia, is a popular summer destination known for its spectacular landscape characterised by lush rolling hills, hidden coves and secluded beaches. The island's hills are covered with olive groves, lavender fields and cultivated vineyards that produce excellent wines. The island's main town, also called Hvar, is a glitzy playground with a vibrant nightlife, chic hotels and elegant restaurants. For visitors looking for peace and quiet, the rest of the island is dotted with quaint fishing villages with beautiful medieval architecture, history and culture. Visitors can look forward to a variety of adventure activities, such as kayaking, snorkelling, diving and boating.

Split, the second-largest city on Croatia's Dalmatian coast, is known for its beautiful beaches and the fortress-like complex at its centre, Diocletian's Palace, built by the Roman emperor in the 4th century. Once home to thousands, this sprawling UNESCO World Heritage Site is surrounded by white stone walls and contains some beautiful courtyards with an array of galleries, shops, bars, cafes, cathedrals, hotels and several historic houses. Add to this an impressive backdrop of dramatic coastal mountains and the shimmering waters of the Adriatic, and it is not hard to see why locals often claim that their city is "The most beautiful city in the world".

Rhodes, the famous Greek island in the Dodecanese, offers a unique blend of rich culture and picturesque landscapes. To experience the island’s authentic culture, you can explore the capital of the same name – also known as ‘The Island of the Knights’ – and discover its many historical sights. The spectacularly well-preserved Old Town of Rhodes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features cobbled alleyways and magnificent mansions from centuries past, including the Venetian Castle and the Street of the Knights. Adventurers can also discover hidden gems such as the Acropolis of Lindos, the Valley of the Butterflies, the Filerimos Monastery and fantastic beaches. As well as its natural beauty and historic charm, you can also explore the modern town of Mandraki and visit hotels, resorts, restaurants, clubs, cafés and traditional villas, known as ‘Marasiotika’ from Marasia. All in all, Rhodes is an unforgettable destination.

Venice is a small, unique city in the Veneto region of Italy, a historic centre comprising 118 small islands in a lagoon of the Adriatic Sea, linked by a complex network of canals and footbridges. The stately palaces and ancient churches are fascinating remnants of what was once a major trading centre between Europe and the East.
From the famous Gothic Palazzo Ducale and the breathtaking Basilica di San Marco to the almost surreal radiance of Titian’s altarpiece *Assunta*, which illuminates an entire cathedral, Venice has remained virtually unchanged over the past 600 years. Other sights not to be missed include the Bridge of Sighs, the impressive Peggy Guggenheim Collection (art gallery), the fascinating Gallerie dell’Accademia (museum) and, of course, a gondola ride through the canals.

The Venetian Lagoon is a crescent-shaped bay between the Italian mainland and the Adriatic Sea, in northern Italy. Whilst the beautiful city of Venice is undoubtedly the highlight of the region, the lagoon is home to numerous lesser-known islands just waiting to be discovered. The main islands are Murano, famous for its fantastic glass workshops; Burano, known for its beautiful handmade lace; and Torcello, where you can visit the fascinating ruins of the Santa Maria Assunta Complex. Surrounded by one of the most ecologically rich bodies of water in the Mediterranean, the lagoon is a haven for a wide variety of marine life, birdlife and, occasionally, dolphins. This remarkable lagoon is an ideal natural setting for travellers seeking a peaceful retreat from the bustling crowds of tourists and the hectic energy of Venice.

Nestled between the Dolomites and the Adriatic Sea, Italy’s north-eastern Veneto region offers an impressive array of historical sights, a rich arts scene and spectacular landscapes. In Venice, marvelling at the splendour of St Mark’s Square and the cathedral, take a gondola ride along the magnificent Grand Canal or join the locals at the city’s famous, lively festivals. In Padua, Vicenza and Verona, whole other worlds of heritage architecture await you. Savour the magnificent vocal performances at the Verona Opera Festival, the world’s largest open-air event for opera. The Museo Luigi Bailo in Treviso offers the chance to see a breathtaking 20th-century collection and the largest collection of works by the master Arturo Martini. A variety of natural attractions await you: natural hot springs, the crimson Dolomites, the charming Lake Garda and Peschiera del Garda, and gentle, expansive beaches dotted with world-class resorts.

Italy, the country that has it all. From beautiful landscapes, a collection of art and architectural treasures, globally recognised museums a national passion for fantastic food and fine wines. But also olive groves, par-like lakes, volcanoes and snow-capped peaks. Dive into the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, visit markets with many stalls or experience the country's national parks. Enjoy Italian culture and "la dolce vita" (the good life)!

Located in the Adriatic Sea, just off the coast of Croatia, the sun-kissed island of Hvar is a beautiful summer destination known for its spectacular landscape characterised by lush rolling hills, hidden coves and secluded beaches. The island's slopes are covered with olive groves, lavender fields and cultivated vineyards that produce excellent wines. Dotted around the island are picturesque fishing villages with beautiful medieval architecture, history and culture.

Dalmatia, located on Croatia's glorious southern coast, is a captivating region that often exceeds expectations. One of the country's four historic regions, it boasts an impressive number of heritage sites, to be found in the interesting medieval towns overlooking the beautiful turquoise waters, as well as some enchanting ancient walled cities and breathtaking Roman monuments. Here you can enjoy some of the cleanest waters in Europe, which, together with the idyllic white beaches and lush vegetation, make for a heavenly holiday experience. Nature lovers will especially enjoy exploring Krka National Park, with its spectacular waterfalls and beautiful blue pools. Night owls head to Novalja to party, while the island of Pag offers insight into a unique regional culture.

Idyllic beaches, fascinating ancient ruins, breathtaking landscapes and old-world charm are just a few of the highlights awaiting you in this historically rich Eastern European country. With thousands of kilometres of coastline and over a thousand islands covered in lush vegetation, Croatia’s coastline is the Eastern European Riviera. Even during the high season, there are still plenty of off-the-beaten-track islands, secluded bays and fishing villages to give nature lovers the feeling that they are visiting Europe at its most unspoilt. Those seeking refined luxury will also be well catered for by the wide range of luxury hotels, marinas, glitzy cocktail bars and world-class restaurants serving delectable cuisine. With its beautiful historic walled towns full of fairytale castles and its countryside blessed with impressive national parks, it is no surprise that Croatia is emerging as one of Europe’s leading coastal destinations.

Greece is a country virtually unrivalled in the sheer quantity and diversity of its historical and cultural repertoire. For centuries, visitors have been drawn to Greece for its spectacular natural landscapes consisting of a stunning mountainous interior, beautiful coastlines and rich archaeological sites that contain the remains of four millennia of ancient culture. Greece's main draw is undoubtedly its spectacular islands. From the vibrant nightlife of Mykonos to the breathtaking sunsets of Santorini, exploring the Greek islands is an absolute delight. Other famous Greek attractions include: the many ancient structures of Athens; Metéora monasteries, one of the world's most remarkable ecclesiastical sites; towering Mount Olympus, home of the gods; and, of course, Delphi, Greece's most sacred site where the oracle once answered questions in Apollo's temple. However you spend your time in Greece, it will undoubtedly be the holiday of a lifetime.

Anatolia, Asia Minor or Asian Turkey is the westernmost protrusion of Asia, a region made up by the majority of Turkey's land. A place of extremes and contradictions, it is home to the ruins of ancient civilisations as well as fast-paced modern cities. Nature enthusiasts have a world to discover: explore the mighty rocks of the Phrygian Valley and the 'moonscape' terrain of Cappadocia, traverse the beautiful wooded St Paul Trail, or walk barefoot in the extraordinary bright blue travertines (or terraces), calcite surfaces that overrun with mineral-rich, warm waters in layers of circular shallow pools. Meander through the 3000-year-old Hittites cities, or others dating back a whopping 7500 years, as well as hundreds of Roman archaeological sites. Let your eyes swim in the glorious, colourful patterns of the numerous Seljuk Turkish (pre-Ottoman) mosques and caravanserais.

Situated between Athens and Crete, the Cyclades archipelago is made up of 39 islands, including some of the most popular in Greece, such as Santorini and Mykonos. The islands form a circle around the sacred island of Delos. Each island is distinctive in landscape, history and personality, making for a stimulating and exciting holiday experience. Mykonos' stunning sandy beaches and characteristic white and blue chapels have attracted visitors for centuries, while Santorini's striking, steep, multicoloured cliffs and indulgent resorts intoxicate travellers from around the globe. Kythos or Thermia provides wonderful hot springs; Delos is home to a UNESCO-listed ancient archaeological site, believed to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis; and Paros is blessed with beautiful natural scenery and remote villages. Most of the islands are small enough that they can be explored in a few days.