Mr. Black's Athens & Greek Cruise 2025.

July 17, 2025 - July 26, 2025

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Join us on a journey through the splendors of Greece and five of its most beautiful islands, where azure waters meet ancient history in a dance of timeless beauty. From the moment you land in Athens, you'll be whisked away on an odyssey of discovery. Wander through the winding streets of the Plaka district, before ascending to the celestial heights of the Acropolis on day three, where the Parthenon stands as a testament to human ingenuity. We will take a day trip to explore the sacred grounds of Delphi, where the whispers of the Oracle still linger, before setting sail on the Aegean Sea on day five, where each island beckons with its own story. Explore the labyrinthine alleys of Mykonos, trace the footsteps of ancient philosophers in Ephesus, and lose yourself in the medieval marvels of Rhodes. Then, as the sun sets over Santorini's iconic caldera, immerse yourself in the allure of Oia Village. Your 4-day cruise will include three shore excursions, all meals and a beverage package. Finally, bid farewell to Greece with a day trip to visit to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, for breathtaking views, and some beach time. This trip promises to be a tapestry of experiences, woven with the threads of history, culture, and the boundless beauty of the Greek Isles.

The BEST of Greece and the Islands!
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Day 1   LAX to Athens
Day 2   Yassou Athens!
Meet our tour director and check into hotel. Athens city walk. Plaka district, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch.
Day 3   Athens Landmarks
Athens guided sightseeing tour. Parthenon, Acropolis site visit, Temple of Athena Nike, Omonoia Square, Syntagma Square, 2004 Olympic site. Acropolis Museum.
Day 4   Excursion to Delphi
Travel to Delphi ancient site and museum. 
Day 5   Aegean Cruise
Travel to cruise port at Pireus or Lavrion. Depart on 4-day Aegean cruise. Cruise to Mykonos. Explore Mykonos. Cruise overnight to Kusadasi, Turkey.
Day 6   Kusadasi and Patmos
Kusadasi visit. Excursion to ancient Ephesus. Cruise on to Patmos. Explore Patmos. Cruise overnight to Rhodes. 
Day 7   Rhodes to Crete
Explore Rhodes: tour of the Acropolis of Lindos and the Medieval Citadel of the knights. Cruise overnight to Crete.
Day 8   Crete and Santorini
Crete visit. Cruise on and visit Santorini. Excursion: Spectacular Oia Village perched on the caldera rim. Cruise overnight to Athens.
Day 9  Cape Sounion
Arrive back in Athens. Cape Sounion Excursion: Temple of Poseidon. Farewell Greek evening.
Day 10   Athens to LAX

View of the Acropolis from our hotel room balcony, Best Western Hotel Candia, Athens.

In the National Gardens, Athens.

Tiny store in the Plaka District. A charming and picturesque neighborhood in Athens, characterized by narrow streets, neoclassical architecture, and a lively atmosphere filled with shops and restaurants.

Ancient steps in the Plaka District.

Hadrian's Arch, An iconic Roman triumphal arch built to honor Emperor Hadrian's visit to Athens, serving as a gateway to the ancient city.

Residence in the Plaka District.

The 2022 group at the 2004 Olympic site. The venues and facilities used during the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics, showcasing modern sports architecture and infrastructure.

Syntagma Square: Athens' main square, home to the Greek Parliament, surrounded by luxury hotels, cafes, and high-end shopping.

Delicious Greek lunch, complete with pita, hummus, feta cheese, fresh bread, shawarma, fries.

Acropolis hill offers breathtaking views of Athens and the opportunity to explore its ancient ruins and archaeological wonders.

Caryatids style pillars hold up the Erechtheion.

The Caryatids on display at the Acropolis Museum originated from the Erechtheion, a classical Greek temple on the Acropolis, designed by the architect Mnesicles and constructed between 421 and 406 BCE.

Evening view of the Parthenon on the Acropolis from the hotel balcony.

The columns at Delphi once adorned the Temple of Apollo, the sacred site where ancient Greeks sought wisdom from the Oracle and where the Pythian Games were held,

Delphi is situated on the slopes of Mount Parnassus in central Greece, nestled within the rugged landscape of the Phocis region, commanding breathtaking views of the valley below.

The charioteer housed in the Delphi Museum is a masterpiece of ancient Greek bronze sculpture, dating back to the early Classical period, showcasing unparalleled skill in anatomical accuracy and conveying a sense of serene nobility, making it an iconic symbol of ancient Greek artistic achievement and cultural refinement.

Souvlaki, tantalizes taste buds with its succulent skewered meats, typically served in warm pita bread with a medley of fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki sauce

We will board a Cruise ship on Day 4, with a cruise company offering memorable voyages around Greece and the Mediterranean, known for its luxury and comfort.

View from cruise ship bow.

Mykonian windmills, perched atop the hills of Mykonos, stand as remnants of the island's past, serving as a testament to its traditional reliance on wind power for milling grain.

Mykonian homes are characterized by their charming Cycladic architecture, featuring white-washed walls, flat-roofed cubic structures, and colorful accents, which create a visually striking and harmonious contrast against the azure backdrop of the Aegean Sea.

Greek cats are ubiquitous and beloved residents of the country, often found lounging in the sun, roaming ancient ruins, and charming both locals and tourists with their independent yet endearing personalities.

Wandering through the old town.

Mykonian sunset.

Waiting to board small tender boats to return to our ship.

Ephesus: An ancient Greco-Roman city in Turkey, famous for its well-preserved ruins, including the Library of Celsus and the Temple of Artemis.

Restaurants at the water's edge in Patmos offer a unique dining experience, where patrons can savor freshly caught seafood delicacies while relishing the tranquil ambiance of the Aegean Sea, creating unforgettable moments against the backdrop of picturesque island scenery.

The Citadel of the Knights, located on the island of Rhodes, is a medieval fortress renowned for its imposing walls, historic architecture, and rich history as the former stronghold of the Knights Hospitaller.

View from the ascent to the Acroplois of Rhodes.

Ms. Tova in Rhodes.

Rhodes: A picturesque Greek island known for its medieval Old Town and beautiful beaches.

View from a café in Rhodes.

Dance club aboard the cruise ship!

Leaving the ship to explore Crete, Greece's largest island, famous for its stunning landscapes, archaeological sites, and vibrant cities like Heraklion.

The Minoan Octopus Amphora is a remarkable ceramic vessel adorned with intricate depictions of octopuses and marine life, providing valuable archaeological evidence of the Minoans' seafaring lifestyle and their artistic excellence.

The Minoan Snake Charmer statue is believed to symbolize the ancient Minoan culture's connection with nature, spirituality, and the veneration of serpents as sacred creatures, reflecting their religious and artistic significance.

Minoan frescoes are significant for their portrayal of Minoan fashion and beauty standards, offering insights into the culture's aesthetics and the artistic techniques of the time.

Minoan hairstyles.

Meals aboard our cruise ship are varied, plentiful, and all-you-care-to-eat.

Oia Village is a picturesque village on Santorini, known for its stunning sunsets, charming architecture, and romantic ambiance.

The 2018 group in Santorini.

Santorini: A stunning Greek island renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, white-washed buildings, and beautiful beaches.

Evil eye souvenirs in Greece are talismanic objects adorned with the "mati" or "nazar," believed to protect against malevolent glares and bring good luck by warding off the "evil eye," reflecting a strong cultural belief in this protective symbol.

Blue Greek glassware is renowned for its vibrant cobalt-blue hues and intricate designs, often prized for its beauty and cultural significance in Greek households and as souvenirs.

The blue and white color scheme is not only visually stunning but also serves functional purposes in the Mediterranean climate: the white walls reflect the scorching sun, helping to keep the buildings cool, while the blue domes often represent the colors of the Greek flag and symbolize the connection of the island to the sea and the sky. Additionally, the blue and white color combination is believed by some to ward off evil spirits, adding a layer of superstition to the aesthetic choice.

A day trip to Cape Sounion is a captivating journey from Athens, offering a scenic drive along the Attic coastline.

The Temple of Poseidon is an ancient Greek temple dedicated to the sea god Poseidon, perched on the cliffs of Cape Sounion.

The group near Glyfada Beach.

View from the rooftop pool in Athens.

Athenian sunsset.

Including belly dancing in Greek cultural evenings reflects a historical connection and serves to celebrate the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Greek society. Belly dancing became intertwined with Greek culture through historical connections and cultural exchanges between the Mediterranean countries.

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