The Mysterious Cyclades and Dodecanese Islands in the Aegean Sea (port-to-port cruise)

CroisiCruise: ANA PP

8 Days

All cuises on MS La Belle de l'Adriatique

Visit the beautiful Greek islands. Discover ancient Greece on an exciting trip to Athens and its Acropolis. Discover contrasts in Syros, the trendiest island in the Cyclades. Stop off at medieval Rhodes and take in the splendid landscape and picturesque villages in Santorini. The last stop will be Milos and its awesome volcanic terrain and spectacular beaches. What not to miss: Amorgos and its dramatic cliffs plunging into the emerald-colored sea—the backdrop for Luc Besson's 1988 film The Big Blue.

THE CROISIEUROPE DIFFERENCE

- All meals included - DRINKS INCLUDED with meals and at the bar
- Refined French cuisine - Gala dinner and evening - Welcome cocktail
- Free Wi-Fi in lounge and bar
- Headsets are included for excursions
- Official welcome from the captain and crew
- Onboard activities
- Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
- All port fees included

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

- An exceptional itinerary through the cradle of Greek civilization
- The Cyclades, a Greek Eden in the Aegean Sea
- The enchanting Dodecanese archipelago

- Itinerary Day 1: Athens

Boarding at 6:00 p.m. You will be introduced to the crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner on board. Enjoy an evening of entertainment. Day 2: Athens

This morning, the excursions proposed are: CLASSIC: Athens and the Acropolis. The Acropolis in Athens sits majestically on a rocky outcrop overlooking the dense city below. The complex has had many uses, including a military base, housing for nobles, and religious center. Although it has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, today’s restored and preserved ruins stir our imaginations as to the former splendor of famous buildings such as the Parthenon, Propylaea, Erechteion, and the Temple of Athena Nike. DISCOVERY: The Kaisariani Monastery. This beautiful Eastern Orthodox monastery sits in the forest at the foot the Mount Hymettus, right outside of the city. The verdant slopes of Mount Hymettus are a haven from the hustle and bustle of Athens, especially in the hot summer. Monks first built the monastery in the 11th century over a shrine to the goddess Aphrodite. The frescoes on the ceiling of the church are a fascinating study of Eastern Orthodox art. Follow the trail through the garden to the small church above, a grottolike chapel sanctuary covered from top to bottom with icons and religious objects.
After you return on board, LA BELLE DE L’ADRIATIQUE will cast off and head for the Cyclades. With a
cocktail in hand, take advantage of the views from the Sun Deck. Later, there will be a presentation in the lounge. Spend this time catching some rays on the Sun Deck or taking part in the proposed onboard activities. Enjoy an evening of entertainment. Day 3: Syros

This morning, the excursion proposed for both packages is: Trendy Syros. Syros is home to contrasts
in color and architecture. We'll head to the magnificent city of Ano Syros to take in the Venetian charm and Cycladic architecture overlooking the gorgeous Aegean Sea. Afterwards, take in the "retro" feel as you stroll down the marble streets in Ermoupolis. The City Hall, designed by Ernst Ziller, sits majestically in the main square. Enjoy some free time on your own before heading back to the ship. The ship will cruise the Aegean Sea in the afternoon. The legends and myths surrounding this beautiful body of water date back to Ancient Greece and we still enjoy them today—from The Odyssey to Atlantis. Take part in our onboard presentation. Day 4: Amorgos(2)

This morning, the excursion proposed for both packages is: Amorgos, the backdrop to The Big Blue. The first stop will be the monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa to take in the beauty of the cliffside structure and its panoramic view of the sea. Built over a millennium ago to house a precious Virgin Mary icon, the monastery can only be seen from the sea—as a bright white monolith clinging to the cliff hundreds of feet above sea level. Climb the 269 steps to the monastery, where you will treated to the monks' hospitality of a few Turkish delights and a glass of Raki or water. The next stop will be Agios Georgios Valsamitis, a monastery built in the 8th century on the site where locals found an icon of Saint George. In ancient times, the site was a temple with a famous oracle who was almost as revered as the Oracle of Delphi. Pilgrims traveled to hear her in hopes of finding lucidity and responses to their questions. To wrap it all up, take some time on your own in picturesque Chora, the island's capital. Then cruise through the Dodecanese towards Rhodes. The archipelago is a fabulous vacation area known for its medieval architecture and celestial beaches. Da