Recently updated on April 28th, 2025 at 12:11 pm
Picture this: you’re sitting back, relaxing, listening to the gentle lap of the waves against your boat. You’re just beginning your week-long Greece cruise, with the shores of Mykonos, Santorini and other picture-perfect islands on your itinerary.
That’s exactly what awaits you on Trafalgar’s Best of Greece tour with a 7-day cruise extension – a week of endless views, quaint towns and pure relaxation after the hustle and bustle of Athens and Olympia on the mainland. This is how to tick off six Greek ports off your bucket list without having to haul your luggage on and off a boat every day.
Your 7-day Greece cruise extension
Day 1
Embark on your Greece cruise
Today your journey begins in the port of Athens! Prepare for your 7-day Aegean cruise, with sun-soaked decks, refreshing pools, an array of restaurants and bars, a jam-packed program of entertainment, and a comfortable cabin to came back to at the end of a busy day.
Highlight experience: Getting to know your cruise ship and cozy cabin, and meeting your fellow travelers.
Day 2
Explore Thessaloniki
Today you’ll get the chance to explore Greece’s second largest city, Thessaloniki. From byzantine art and architecture to colorful squares and streets, you can take you time simply walking through this lively city. Take time to relax in its many cafes along Aristotelous Square, and lay eyes on ancient monuments like the Arch of Galerius.
Highlight experience: Strolling along the waterfront catching sight of The Umbrellas, a particularly unique art installation by the famed Greek artist George Zongolopoulos.
Day 3
Uncover the Ephesus Ruins
Arrive in Kusadasi, Türkiye, where you’ll step back in time in the City of Ephesus, one of the world’s finest ancient sites. With an evening departure, you’ll have more than enough time to soak up the history of this famous landmark.
Highlight experience: Seeing the ancient Ephesus with the guidance of a Local Specialist. Walk the Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and Amphitheatre, strolling along its marble colonnades and admiring the façades of the Library of Celsus and Temple of Artemis.
Day 4
Legends of Crete
Wake up in Crete, Greece’s largest island (and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean!). Legendary home to Zeus and the Minotaur, there are many myths to get lost in here. An optional experience gives you the chance to discover modern-day Greece with a drive through the Cretan countryside for a wine tasting, followed by Cretan mezze and traditional dance performance.
Highlight experience: You have the option to visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos in the capital city of Heraklion, absorbing the rich history of Europe’s first advanced civilization.
Day 5
Sunny Santorini
Santorini is one of the most photographed places in Greece, and it’s easy to see why. Its blue rooftops and white buildings sit against a backdrop of clifftops and breathtaking views. Today you can explore its capital of Fira, buzzing with clifftop restaurants and cafés. With a late departure, the evening is yours to explore Santorini’s buzzing nightlife before continuing your Greece cruise.
Highlight experience: Watching the sunset over Fira is one that’ll stay with you for a long time to come, best enjoyed from a rooftop restaurant or bar with a sundowner in hand.
Day 6
Marvel at Mykonos
The blue waters of Mykonos (called ‘Chora’ by the locals) lay ahead of you today. Whitewashed cottages and bright bursts of pink bougainvillea flowers are a feast for the eyes. Let your stroll find you a quiet spot overlooking the Old Port with a refreshing drink.
Highlight experience: Step onto the land of gods on an optional visit the Sacred Island of Delos, the birthplace of Apollo, where an archaeological treasure trove awaits.
Day 7
Journey to Milos
Your final day brings you to Milos, the ‘Island of Colours’ and former home of the famous Venus de Milo marble sculpture (now in the Louvre). Milos is noticeably quieter than other islands you’ll visit on your Greece cruise, so soak up its serenity in one of its many fishing villages and unique white beaches. This evening you’ll cruise back to Athens, celebrating a final evening on board with your fellow travelers – now friends.
Highlight experience: A flavor-filled optional experience offers the chance to sample the best of local cuisine while on the move, from local watermelon pie (Karpouzopita) to a dessert (Koufeto) made from honey, pumpkin and almonds at a family run pastry shop.
Ready to embark on an unforgettable Greece cruise? Discover more on our Best of Greece tour.