Silversea
Embark on a cruise like never before onboard Silversea’s Silver Ray. The Silver Ray is debuting in summer 2024 and is Silversea’s second Nova Class ship. This incredible ship mirrors every feature of her sister ship, Silver Nova, including an innovative, asymmetrical design and outstanding use of glass, giving guests uninterrupted views throughout the ship. Set sail onboard the Silver Ray and enjoy an remarkably high space-to-guest ratio, attentive personalised service, a butler service in all suites, extraordinary amenities and included excursions.
Discover enchanting Greek and Turkish towns and cities on this incredible cruise and stay with Silversea onboard the Silver Ray. Enjoy two nights in Athens before boarding your eight night luxury cruise which will end back in Athens with another two night stay.
Day 1 – 3
This incredible cruise and stay will begin in Athens with a two night pre cruise stay at the King George A Luxury Collection Hotel in a Classic Double Room on a bed and breakfast basis. This ancient city is famous for its rich culture, ancient ruins, and beautiful beaches. Spend your days exploring this fascinating city which features an abundance of attractions including the Acropolis Museum, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Acropolis of Athens, a citadel situated on a rocky outcrop containing ruins of several ancient buildings. On day three guests will transfer to the port to begin their eight night luxury cruise onboard Silversea’s Silver Ray.
Day 4
The first stop is Nafplion, the first capital of Greece. With a seaside setting, pristine sandy beaches, a warm colour palette, an old town full of narrow winding streets and fortress-capped mountains, it is not surprising that this beautiful town is known as one of Greece’s most romantic towns. Don’t miss the opportunity to climb to the top of the Palamidi Fortress, a Venetian castle built in 1714, for spectacular views of the town and the Argolic Gulf.
Day 5
Next your cruise will dock at Mykonos, Greece. The allure of the Cycladic island of Mykonos is well established, with its glamorous nightlife, tantalizing gastronomy, spectacular beaches and picturesque villages. Spend your day wandering through the narrow, winding streets of this enchanting seaside village with its whitewashed houses, and brightly painted shutters and doors. Head to Little Venice for a waterfront view of one of the island’s famous sunsets while enjoying an apertif of the famous Greek liqueur, ouzo.
Day 6
The next stop is Rhodes, Greece. Also known as the “Knights’ Island”, Rhodes combines a rich history, impressive medieval architecture, amazing beaches and lovely natural scenery. Wander back in time through the charming cobbled street of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town. Dine in one of the inviting outdoor restaurants in flower-filled courtyards and indulge in fresh Greek cuisine with an eastern influence.
Day 7
Today, your cruise will dock in Kusadasi, Turkey. Kusadasi is a lively seaside city with a bustling Aegean beach scene and an abundance of excellent restaurants and cafes. Kusadasi is perhaps even more well known for being the base to explore the magnificent remains of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just 10 miles inland from the port. Ephesus is an incredibly well-preserved site and a true archaeological wonder. Walk the ruins of these ancient streets, which was once home to 150,000 people, marveling at the famous Library of Celsus, the massive amphitheatre, and the stunning Terrace Houses.
Day 8
The next destination is Bodrum, Turkey. This town is famous for its world class marina, beautiful white plastered backstreets, pristine beaches and fine dining restaurants and bars. Bodrum stands on the site of the ancient city of Halicarnassus and you can still see the foundations of the mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which was destroyed by earthquakes.
Day 9
Next dock in Santorini, Greece. Santorini is stunningly scenic and breathlessly romantic with its azure domes and whitewash buildings which cascade down the island’s slopes. Gaze out over a legendary Santorini sunset with endless expanse of blue waves filling the massive volcanic caldera of the island. Head to the east side of the island to explore the stunning volcanic-sand beaches which vary in hues from charcoal-black to flame-red.
Day 10
The next destination on this incredible cruising journey is Souda Bay, located on the northwest coast of Greece’s largest island, Crete. Souda Bay is a spectacular dock with a huge natural harbour packed with gorgeous beaches and has a rich maritime history. Spend your day relaxing at one of the pristine white sandy beaches under the warm Mediterranean sun. Alternatively, take a trip to the one of the island’s renowned wineries and sample some carefully-crafted Vilana grape wines.
Day 11 – 13
Your cruise will end back in Athens on day 11 where guests will disembark the ship and transfer to the Hotel Grande Bretagne for a two night stay in a Deluxe Room on a bed and breakfast basis. This ancient city is famous for its rich culture, ancient ruins, and beautiful beaches. Spend your days exploring this fascinating city which features an abundance of attractions including the Acropolis Museum, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Acropolis of Athens, a citadel situated on a rocky outcrop containing ruins of several ancient buildings. On day 13 guests will transfer to the airport for their flight home.