Greece

Greece

Greece is a captivating Mediterranean destination where ancient history, spectacular landscapes, and vibrant island culture come together. Famous for its archaeological treasures, sun-drenched beaches, and charming villages, Greece offers something for every type of traveler.

Begin your journey in Athens, the country’s historic capital, where iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis and Parthenon stand alongside lively neighborhoods, traditional tavernas, and modern cafés. Beyond the capital, Greece’s islands provide endless opportunities to relax and explore. Santorini is celebrated for its dramatic volcanic cliffs, whitewashed buildings, and unforgettable sunsets, while Mykonos combines beautiful beaches with lively nightlife. For a more peaceful escape, islands such as Naxos, Paros, and Corfu offer picturesque villages, local cuisine, and stunning coastlines.

With a warm climate, welcoming atmosphere, and remarkable variety of experiences, Greece is ideal for both relaxing beach holidays and immersive cultural adventures. Whether you are exploring ancient ruins, sailing between islands, enjoying local food, or simply watching the sunset over the Aegean Sea, Greece offers memorable experiences at every turn. Contact your local Expedia Cruises location today and let us help you explore everything Greece has to offer.

Greece

Know before you go

Greek cruise season runs roughly April through October. July and August are the hottest, busiest, and most expensive months, with temperatures in the Cyclades often topping 95°F (35°C) and the longest lines at popular ports. May, June, and September–early October are our favorites: warm seas, softer crowds, and more comfortable sightseeing. Later in the season, wind and rain become more likely, which can occasionally affect boats and tenders.

Most itineraries begin or end in Athens (Piraeus) and include a mix of Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Crete (Heraklion), Corfu, Patmos, and Katakolon (for ancient Olympia). Many sailings also pair Greece with Turkey (Kuşadası/Ephesus), the Adriatic, or Italy. Smaller luxury and yacht-style ships can reach lesser-visited islands like Naxos, Syros, and Monemvasia, and often stay late or overnight, giving you more time ashore.

It's the most logistically demanding stop in Greece. After the tender ride, you'll take the cable car (or walk or ride a donkey up the many steps) to reach Fira, and on busy days with several ships in port, queues can be long. Our advice: go early, consider a pre-arranged private tour that handles logistics for you, and allow buffer time before the last tender back. For a calmer experience, we can look at itineraries on smaller ships that dock or arrive ahead of the day-tripper crowds.

Yes. Since 2025, Greece has charged a per-passenger fee on cruise visitors, higher at Santorini and Mykonos (about €20) than at other island ports (about €5). We'll confirm how this is handled for your specific sailing so there are no surprises.

Lightweight, breathable clothing, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen), and a light layer for windy decks and evenings. Comfortable, grippy walking shoes are essential: cobblestones, steps, and steep village lanes are the norm. Bring modest attire (covered shoulders and knees) for churches and monasteries, and a swimsuit for beach or pool time.

Absolutely. Most Greek itineraries start and end in Athens, and the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, and the Plaka neighborhood deserve more than a rushed half-day. A night or two before your cruise also builds in a buffer against travel delays. We can arrange hotels, private guides, and transfers to and from Piraeus.

A special thank you to Angela F. a loyal Expedia Cruises Sudbury client for sharing her photographs and the wonderful story of her time in Greece. And another special thank you to Deb U. from Expedia Cruises London North for sharing her photos with us!

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