Azamara Greek islands: 10 nights from Venice with Azamara Onward
Jun 19, 2028

Pula

The richness of its Roman architecture makes Pula (ancient Peninsula) a prominent destination among the largest Croatian cities.

The star of the show is the extraordinarily well-preserved Roman amphitheater, a jewel in the heart of the city, which dominates the panorama and represents a picturesque venue for summer concerts and festivals. Historic attractions aside, Pula is a commercial city by the sea that has managed to maintain a friendly mood. Just a short bus ride separates you from a series of beaches; the coast is scattered with fragrant pine forests, cafes, and a choice of fantastic restaurants.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is definitely special. A magnificent curtain wall surrounds marble streets and Baroque buildings exude a pearly light in the Adriatic sun.

Picturesque and artistic, Dubrovnik is a tourist hotspot and port in southern Dalmatia, at the foot of the Srđ mountain. From a historical and cultural point of view, it has been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Thanks to its beauty and everything it has on offer for tourists, Dubrovnik is one of the most attractive destinations in the Mediterranean, so much so that the city can be visited all year round. In addition to its world-famous architectural heritage, this place has beautiful rocky beaches, pebble beaches and sandy beaches, enjoys a Mediterranean climate and also has lush vegetation. The main pedestrian street, Placa, is a melange of cafes and shops with monuments at each end.

Churches, monasteries and museums adorned with finely carved stone, recall an eventful history and a rich artistic tradition. Beyond the city there is a paradise of beaches, wooded peninsulas and a crystal-clear sea dotted with lush islands.

The city is also known for its delicious cuisine and its infrastructure of hotels for tourists. The city offers a wide selection of first-class restaurants, numerous sport and leisure activities, as well as cultural and entertainment events

Korfu

Corfù is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea, located off the northwestern coast of Greece and south of Albania. The Greek island is a natural paradise. It is the second largest island of Greece, with 220 km of coastline. Its geography is dominated by mountain ranges and reaching 1000 meters above sea level, you will find Mont Pantokrator.

This mountain divides the island into three different areas. The northern area, abundant in olive groves, features green valleys and coastlines that form both small and large bays. The central part, the most populous and important, is covered by dense vegetation and lush hills.

 

 

The southern area consists of a large plain with less vegetation than the other regions but is decidedly more fertile. The most lively part of the city is found at Liston, similar to Paris’ Rue de Rivoli- a grand avenue lined with beautiful cafes and excellent restaurants. On the other hand, the island also has beautiful beaches washed by the Ionian Sea.

One of the most beautiful walks in the capital is along the harbor promenade, next to the city walls, where you can contemplate the view of the city. Corfù was the first Greek Island to open its doors to tourism, becoming an important international tourist centre that attracts many visitors every year. Even if tourism is evident in the coastal areas, the island has managed to preserve its authenticity.

Argostoli

Argostoli is the capital and main port of the Greek island of Kefalonia. It is located 100 km west of Patras and has a population of about 13,000 inhabitants. The island is part of the archipelago of the Ionian Islands or Eptaneso.
This small city has been the capital of the island from 1757 to today and is located in the center of the southern part of the territory, surrounded by mountains and green forests.
Argostoli has monuments of great historical interest, such as the Archaeological Museum, which preserves archaeological finds from the Mycenaean to the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The Korgialenios Museum, a historical and ethnographic museum of the island, which contains a detailed reconstruction of the uses, customs and traditions of the place. The lighthouse of San Teodoro, located a couple of kilometers from Argostoli, built by the English under the command of Governor Napier and consisting of a small circular building with white Doric columns.

From the walk in Lithostrotos avenue, the most commercial street in the capital, you will find the beautiful Orthodox Church of San Spiridione and the interesting clock tower and its splendid bell.
The stone bridge, composed of 650 meters in length and called Drapano Bridge, is located at the entrance to the capital flanked by a small pyramid in the center and dedicated to Charles de Bosset, builder of the bridge.
The modern and cosmopolitan city of Argostoli is constantly moving with interesting activities to offer. It has an elegant maritime promenade lined with palm trees and beautifully paved with colored stones.

The road ends at the small ferry pier where boats leave for the city of Lixouri and where small fishing boats dock.
The central square of the city, called "Plateia Valianou", is a large site full of numerous restaurants, clubs and bars. During the summer evenings, the square becomes really crowded.
In Argostoli you will find a place of extraordinary beauty with splendid mountains and wonderful beaches.

Monemvasia

Monemvasia (Μονεμβάσια) is located in the Peloponnese in the southeast in the prefecture of Laconia, 400 meters from land. Its name derives from two Greek words, mone and emvassi, which means "single entry". It was called Malmsey by old English writers, Malvasia by the Venetians, and Malvoisie by the French.
It was founded by the Byzantines in the 6th century and soon became an important port. It remained in Byzantine possession for almost 700 years until it was captured by the Franks in 1249 after a three-year siege. However, it returned to Byzantine hands ten years later and became the main port of the Despotato of Mystra.

Monemvasia was entirely excavated in the back of a rock in the sea in the Middle Ages. This huge rock was not visible from the mainland, so as to avoid enemy attacks. The only way to reach Monemvasia was by boat, while later a paved path was built to connect the entrance to the castle to the mainland. The Castle of Monemvasia is among the most striking places in Greece. A new city has been built on the mainland, in front of the rock. The walk around the Castle is a journey into the past and the view of the sea from the top of the castle is spectacular.
Inside the village, there is the "Limani" sandy beach, a quiet corner highly recommended for families with small children. On the outskirts of the village, the small bay of "Kavos" with the warmest waters. 20 meters from the town square and behind the beach of Limani, there is the one of "Viandini" with a wild charm and the depth of the water truly very particular. The sea of "Tigania" perfectly wonderful, "blue flag" granted thanks to its proven reputation.

Santorini

Santorini is a small circular archipelago of volcanic islands located in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200 km southeast of mainland Greece.

Santorini is located in the southern part of the Cyclades.Its special geological configuration gives a spectacular, wild and unique beauty, becoming one of the main tourist destinations in Europe.
The current crescent shape of Santorini is a consequence of the enormous volcanic explosion that destroyed much of the island causing the formation of the caldera present on the territory, inside which form a series of wonderful small islands.
The island is a sanctuary of peace and calm, an idyllic corner where tourists from all over the world enjoy a few moments of pleasant relaxation. However, the quiet Santorini is, at the same time, one of the most suggestive and festive places in Greece. The square in the center of Fira and the beaches of Kamari, Perivolos and Perissa are the most lively and fashionable places.
The volcanic beaches of Santorini are not the best known in Greece, but they stand out for their diversity, their unique charm and the unique colors of the sand and stones. Santorini offers a spectacular view of the city, eclectic cuisine, enchanting art galleries, a very fun nightlife and excellent wines.

Rhodes

Ancient Charms and Aegean Sails from Rhodes!

Embark on a captivating cruise from Rhodes, Greece, the largest of the Dodecanese islands, steeped in ancient history and medieval charm. From its impressive Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to its beautiful beaches, Rhodes offers a magical departure point for exploring the Aegean Sea. Immerse yourself in its legendary past before setting sail on a journey filled with sun-drenched islands, historical treasures, and serene sea days.

Rhodes is the 3rd largest island in Greece. Its geographical location and beauty have long been a target for many empires. Considered one of the most important centers of ancient Greece, this locality was frequented by wealthy Romans. In the Middle Ages, the city came under the dominion of the Knights of Malta and was later occupied by the Ottomans. Thus, Rhodes is known both for the variety of landscapes and the richness of its historical architecture. The old city, thanks to its imposing fortifications, makes it one of the largest inhabited medieval cities in Europe. The metropolis is divided into three areas. The modern and cosmopolitan city, with its hotels and buildings. The ancient one, built in 408 BC, later restored and where the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, Athena, and Apollo, the stadium, the gymnasium, and the theater are located. Finally, the one characterized by medieval Gothic architecture, built during the Ottoman period. Not to mention the Grand Masters Palace, home to ancient mosaics and a collection of Western-style furniture. Rhodes is the sunniest in Europe, with 300 days of sunshine a year. You will find both modern comfort and vintage style. You can also appreciate the warm hospitality of its people and the traditions that are still alive. After visiting the city, you will notice its beautiful beaches, some of which are equipped for water sports.

Bodrum

Set Sail for Ancient Wonders from Bodrum!

Begin your captivating cruise adventure from Bodrum, Turkey, a city where ancient history meets modern charm on the Aegean coast. From its iconic castle to its vibrant marina, Bodrum offers a stunning backdrop for your departure. Explore historical ruins and enjoy the lively atmosphere before embarking on a journey to discover sun-drenched islands and historical sites of the Aegean and Mediterranean.

Syros

Built by the Venetians in the early 13th century on the hill of San Giorgio, Syro preserves a particularly medieval atmosphere. Countless passages between narrow streets and houses with colored doors lead to the top of the city. In addition to its urban and cultural life, Syro offers several beaches, such as those of Azolimnos and Galissas, made up of golden sand and transparent waters.

The small Siro is located in the central part of the Cyclades islands, in the waters of the Aegean Sea. It is characterized by the variety of its landscapes and Venetian architecture, the northern part is mountainous, while the interior alternates between low hills and cultivated fields. The coast is 87 km long and winds between headlands and large beaches, such as that of Ermopoli to the east and Finikas to the west. The architecture of Siro, although sharing the Cycladic characteristics, derives from the Venetian domination of the island and the rest of the Cyclades. During the Venetian occupation, the majority of the population converted to Catholicism, so Siro preserved, at the time, a significant percentage of Catholics compared to the rest of Greece, mostly Orthodox. During the Greek War of Independence in 1821, the island of Syro remained neutral under French protection, welcoming a large number of Greek refugees from all over the world to escape the horrors of the war. That mass of refugees managed to make the economy and culture of the island's capital flourish, becoming the commercial and cultural center of Greece. Today Ermopoli, queen of the Cyclades, is the capital and main port of Siro. The port rises on a natural amphitheater and is characterized by its neoclassical buildings and white houses. Among the most important buildings are: the imposing town hall (built in 1889 by Ernst Ziller) and the Apollo Municipal Theatre (in 1864), considered a miniature copy of the Teatro alla Scala in Milan. The island has 17 villages, all to be discovered. Also called the Manchester of Greece, the city has some important religious monuments such as the churches of Metamorfosis tou Sotiros, Agios Nikolaos, Ploussio and Kimisis tis Theotokou. Do not miss the Catholic community with the cathedral of San Jorge and the Vaporia district which highlights the large churches and neoclassical buildings. The Archaeological Museum and its Library has a remarkable collection of artifacts, containing numerous interesting and truly rare editions.

Athens

For many, Athens is a city lived two thousand five hundred years ago. Symbol is the mighty Acropolis which dominates almost every view and itinerary of every visitor, crowned by the iconic Parthenon, stands above the city, watching the sprawling modern metropolis in evolution.

Athens, the capital of Greece, is a city where antiquity and modernity, history and contemporary culture blend in a unique way. Everyone knows that the name of the city derives from the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom and justice. However, few people actually know the legend behind this event. According to myth, Athena and Poseidon, the God of the seas, vied for the right to name the city. Poseidon, to impress the inhabitants, gave them water, while Athena gave them an olive branch.

At first the choice fell on Poseidon, since the citizens considered water the most precious gift. When, once they tasted the water, they discovered that it was salty and not drinkable, they changed their minds and recognized Athena as their patron. One of the most famous historical sites in the city is the Acropolis, a majestic hill topped by ancient Doric temples, including the Parthenon, built in 477 BC. and the Erechtheion, built between 421 and 406 BC. Climbing the Acropolis, tourists can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the Aegean Sea. However, Athens is not only history, but also a lively cultural capital. In the Plaka district, located at the foot of the Acropolis, it is possible to stroll through the welcoming streets, visit the traditional Greek taverns and enjoy the authentic atmosphere.

Then there are the numerous cultural activities offered by the numerous museums, galleries and theaters present in the city. Athens is an important port for cruise ships that offer trips to the Mediterranean and beyond. Cruises from Athens allow guests to explore the rich cultural heritage of Greece, including the islands of Crete, Santorini and Mykonos, where you can admire the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea and a coast of white houses.

In addition to the Greek islands, cruises from Athens also offer the opportunity to visit other exciting Mediterranean destinations, including historic cities in Italy, Croatia and Turkey. Athens is therefore not only the historical and cultural center of Greece, but also an important starting point for cruises in the Mediterranean, which offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the great history and splendid landscapes of this unique region.

Many still think of Athens as an ancient city that thrived two and a half thousand years ago. Its symbol is the mighty Acropolis, which dominates almost every view and the itinerary of every visitor, and it is crowned by the iconic Parthenon, which rises above the city, overlooking the sprawling and evolving modern metropolis.

Perhaps the most significant change is in the historical centre, which is almost unrecognisable since cars have been banned. This has liberated the area with the most significant archaeological sites, creating the longest, and undoubtedly one of the most splendid, pedestrianised zones in Europe. This huge archaeological park has brought past and present together, returning the cultural and social life of the city to the area around the ancient monuments and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Athens remains a city of contradictions; it is both frustrating and seductive. It is the oldest city in Europe, yet still in a state of transition. It is one of the safest and most vibrant European cities - an intoxicating mix of grunge and grace with an undeniably urban soul.