Greek Odysseys

Explore the beautiful coasts, sun-washed villages and ancient treasures of these islands during a cruise

By Katie Solan

The crystalline waters, golden beaches and wave-struck cliffs of the Greek Islands were once inspiration for epic poetry. Homer's "The Odyssey," an enduring work from antiquity, chronicles Odysseus' 10-year journey across the Aegean Sea, an often magical trek involving deities, Cyclopes, Sirens and sea monsters.

While today's cruises to the Greek Islands won't keep you away from home for a decade, passengers are sure to experience their own kind of odyssey, enchanted by the islands' cliff-clinging whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and ancient ruins and temples.

Most Greek Islands cruises last seven to 14 days, and longer itineraries are available, visiting a wider variety of locales in the eastern and western Mediterranean, including Turkey, Croatia, Spain and France. Pure Greek Islands cruises, however, are characterized by island-hopping, in which the ship visits a different port each day.

"You can see a lot on just a seven-day cruise this way," says Cheryl Cunningham, manager at Vacations To Go, a leading discount travel agency based in Houston, TX. "Each island has its own personal signature, so it's fun and exciting to wake up someplace new every day."

Itineraries in Greece are available April through early November. For travelers looking for warm temperatures and beautiful waters, they are a good alternative to a Caribbean cruise, says Cunningham.

"The Greek Islands are great spots to kick back and relax, yet you have the added bonus of an Old World experience -- walking down cobblestone streets or seeing ancient ruins."

Indeed, each isle holds its own special magic, luring visitors with a blend of myth, antiquity and scenic shores.

Corfu is the best known and most beautiful of the Ionian Islands, marked by fields of wildflowers, cypress groves, Venetian architecture and lush, green mountains. The 1891 Achilleion Palace boasts a panoramic view of the Ionian Sea and houses the Terrace of the Muses, a tribute to the nine goddesses of inspiration. Visitors can hike Corfu's highest mountain, Mount Pantokrator, or take a carriage ride through the Liston, with its alfresco cafes and alluring shops.

Santorini is regarded by many to be the most stunning of the islands -- its black-sand beaches and raw cliffs of lava contrast with buildings of dazzling white walls and bright blue domes. An enormous sea-filled crater in the center of the island is evidence of what was likely the World's largest volcanic eruption, believed by some to have caused the disappearance of the city of Atlantis.

Along with its violent volcanic history, Santorini also boasts crystal-clear waters, quaint villages and a relaxed mountaintop atmosphere. View the ruins of a once-powerful Minoan kingdom at Akrotiri or enjoy the superb views and local wine at the Santo Winery.

Crete, the mythological birthplace of Zeus, is full of Minoan ruins and Homeric history. The 4,000-year-old palace of Knossos, linked to mythological lore, is the most spectacular of the Minoan sites, featuring ancient frescoes and surrounded by ruins of villas and temples. Crete's stunning north coast beaches offer opportunities for various water sports, or visitors can spend a leisurely afternoon people-watching in the cafes and restaurants of Fountain Square.

Itineraries including Crete usually visit the bustling capital city of Heraklion. The smaller vessels of Seabourn, Windstar and Silversea dock at the quaint village of Aghios Nikolaos.

The island of Mykonos is a dazzling destination of scenic coastline and sandy beaches, whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches. Visitors will want to spend time exploring the labyrinthine streets of its main village, called the Hora. The tiny island of Delos, a short ferry ride away, is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the World, home to the ruins of ancient temples and monuments dating to the third millennium B.C.

Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese Islands, is said to be the sunniest place in Europe with an average of 300 days of sunshine per year. Walk the historic Street of the Knights in the Old Town, Rhodes' medieval walled portion. This cobblestone street is lined with inns that once housed the Knights of the Order of St. John, who ruled the island in the early 16th century. Unique Turkish baths are located within the city's walls, in a seventh-century Byzantine structure.

The island's Mandraki Harbor is where the famous Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, once stood. The Acropolis of Lindos is an outstanding site, a temple dating to 1100 B.C. and situated atop a rocky cliff.

Olympia, a short drive from the small fishing village of Katakolon on the Ionian Coast, is the site of the original Olympic games. Visitors can view the floor of the 40,000-spectator stadium where ancient contests such as foot races and pentathlons were once held.

Piraeus is the port to the capital city of Athens and gateway to this cradle of Western civilization. The hill of the Acropolis is a must-see on any visit, site of the iconic marble Parthenon as well as its entry gate, the Propylea. The Temple of the Wingless Victory is also here, and the Erechtheion "Porch of the Maidens." A scenic drive on Syngrou Avenue brings you to the ancient walled quarter of the city, where stands the Arch of Hadrian and the majestic Temple of Olympian Zeus. The National Archaeological Museum in Athens houses a formidable collection of antiquities.

Several cruise lines offer Greek Isles itineraries, including small ships and six-star vessels. The benefit of sailing on these smaller or luxury ships, says Cunningham, is that they visit off-the-beaten-path ports, which are quieter and less frequented by tourists.

One such destination is Lesbos, the third-largest Greek island, renowned as the birthplace of the ancient woman poet Sappho. Ships dock at Mytilene, the capital, where a major attraction is a Genoese castle built on the site of a former Byzantine fortification. Hot mineral springs dot the island, and Kallanis Bay is a picturesque spot in the center of the island.

Hydra, one of the five Saronic Gulf Islands, has an Old World feel and is closed to car and motorbike traffic. A haven for artists, it's home to numerous galleries and an 18th-century monastery that was built from the marble ruins of the Temple of Poseidon on nearby Poros. The beaches here are heavenly, perfect for swimming or enjoying a drink at one of the waterfront bars.

Patmos is one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Aegean, often called the "holy island" due to its significant religious history. Here is where St. John was inspired to write the book of Revelation, and an impressive stone monastery is built at the site of his vision. Psili Ammos beach, named for its fine, golden sand, is one of the island's best beaches.

The Greek Islands also boast great shopping, with some of the best values in Europe, says Cunningham. From the handwoven carpets of Rhodes and Patmian embroidery to classic Greek jewelry and Hellenic ceramics, the islands offer a host of locally made crafts. Many of the islands produce some fine wines, and the country's famed ouzo can be had for a steal.

Some of Europe's best-loved cities serve as starting or ending points for Greek Islands cruises, including Italy's Venice and Rome; Barcelona, Spain; and Monte Carlo, Monaco. Cairo, Egypt; Istanbul, Turkey; and Dubrovnik, Croatia, also make appearances on some itineraries. Cunningham often recommends that clients spend a day or two in either the port of embarkation or disembarkation. They are cities worth exploring, full of architecture and history.

Cruising in Greece: Click to find an extensive list of discounted Greek Islands cruises at Vacations To Go, where sailings are reduced by up to 50 percent. Or, call at (800) 338-4962.

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