9 nights from Il Pireo (Greece) with Norwegian Getaway

Kusadasi

Istanbul

Istanbul

Volos

Mykonos

Rhodes

Heraklion

Heraklion is the capital of Cray. It is the largest port and economic center of the island and the third largest city in Greece. This city hosts the archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church and has religious buildings of great interest.

Heraklion is located in the center of the northern coast of the Greek Islands. With more than 100,00 inhabitants, the city is the capital of Crete, a Venetian fortress during the Middle Ages. The ancient city, with its squares and wide cobbled streets, balconies with wonderful view on the sea, mantains numerous fortifications. In particular there are important and magnificent monuments such as the Church of Agia Ekaterini, dated back to 1555, where the Museum of Sacred Art is hosted. The Archaeological Museum, home to ceramic sculptures, jewellery and frescoes on the Minoan culture. The Historical Museum, home to the only exhibited work of the painter Domenico Theotokopoulos (The Greek), and where you can have a view of Mount Sinai. The Cathedral of St Mena, the patron saint of the city, built between 1862 and 1895 is one of the largest buildings in the area.

Heraklion has an important port and a considerable center for the coastal trade of oil, soap, wine and hides. It has ferry boats and ships with regular itineraries to the islands of Santorini, Ios, Paros, Mykonos, Rhodes, Karpathos and Syros. There are also several daily ferry bgoats to Piraeus, south-west of Athens. The Venetian fortress, still in perfect condition, protects the entrance to the port.

The large combination of reality and mythology, tradition and modernity, make Herklion a cosmopolitan center and one of the most important tourist destination in the Mediterranean. Great beaches, lively nightlife, sunny people, excellent cuisine and the strange "interplay" between the old and the new, guarantees to tourists an unforgettable holiday.

Santorini

Il Pireo

Piraeus is the gateway to Greece

Piraeus, located almost 12 kilometers from Athens, is the main port of Greece and one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean. This port city, with its long history and its strategic position, represents the gateway for those who want to explore the wonders of both antique and modern Greece.

When visit Piraeus: Climate and Seasonality

Pireo has a Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and mild winters. The best time to visit the city is undoubtedly spring and autumn when temperatures are pleasant and days are sunny. In summer, Piraeusoffer numerous open-air activities, such as walks along the coast and visits archaeological sites, while in winter it is possible to enjoy a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere.

Must-see attractions in Piraeus

Piraeus boasts a rich history and numerous must-see attractions. These include the Archaeological Museum, which houses an extraordinary collection of artefacts from all over Greece, and the Temple of Poseidon, an impressive archaeological site overlooking the sea. Cruise passengers should not miss a visit to the Naval Museum, which tells the maritime history of Greece, and a stroll along the Promenade, the waterfront promenade that offers a splendid view of the Acropolis of Athens. Furthermore, Piraeus is an excellent starting point for excursions to Athens and the surrounding Greek islands.

Local cuisine and typical products of Piraeus

The cuisine of the Piraeus is strongly influenced by its maritime vocation, with its wide selection of fish and seafood. Among local dishes emerge the Psarosoupa, a soup made of fish, and the Garides Saganaki, Greek-style prawns. Furthermore, do not miss specialities of Greek cuisine such as the Moussaka, the Dolmades and the Tzatziki. Cruise passengers can also taste renowned Greek wines and buy local handicrafts such as ceramics, textiles and jewellery.

Discover the best of Greece on board a cruise from Piraeus

Piraeus represents an ideal starting point for a cruise to discover the wonders of Greece and the eastern Mediterranean. Embarking on board of a cruise that depart from Piraeus means having the opportunity to visit iconic destinations such as Greek Islands, Cyprus and Israel, admiring breathtaking landscapes, exploring archaeological sites and living unique cultural experiences at every stops of your holiday. If you decide to sail for Cicladi, the Ionian Islands or Turkey, a cruise from Piraeus will offer you unforgettable memories and you will discover the best of Greece and Mediterranean.