Shrouded in myth and legend, it's hard to take a step in Athens without stepping directly into history. Temples, shrines and statues pepper the ancient city, each dedicated to various iconic Greek luminaries – such as the original protectress of the ancient citadel, warrior goddess Athena – or Poseidon – the God of the sea. Look up towards the world famous Acropolis from the shop-and-cafe-lined boulevard and feel a sense of speechlessness that will continuously pop up throughout the day.
A sensational hub of culture and wonder, Athens will simply enliven your soul. Take in the architectural masterpieces and timeless works of art that have stood through fallen kingdoms, various leadership and natural disasters beyond our imagination. Wander the ground of the Erectheon, Proplyea and the iconic Parthenon while absorbing the pulse of the bustling city. Make your way down the energy-charged pedestrian walkways and peruse the countless markets, shops, tavernas and cafes that call Athens home.
Whether you’re looking for the historical sightseeing adventure of a lifetime, to tour a vineyard that doesn’t only produce exquisite wine, but balsamic vinegar, or to simply relax with a perfected traditional Greek recipe, a condensating glass of wine and a stunning view from the comfort of one of the city’s many al fresco cafes – in Athens, there’s something for everyone.
A sensational hub of culture and wonder, Athens will simply enliven your soul. Take in the architectural masterpieces and timeless works of art that have stood through fallen kingdoms, various leadership and natural disasters beyond our imagination. Wander the ground of the Erectheon, Proplyea and the iconic Parthenon while absorbing the pulse of the bustling city. Make your way down the energy-charged pedestrian walkways and peruse the countless markets, shops, tavernas and cafes that call Athens home.
Whether you’re looking for the historical sightseeing adventure of a lifetime, to tour a vineyard that doesn’t only produce exquisite wine, but balsamic vinegar, or to simply relax with a perfected traditional Greek recipe, a condensating glass of wine and a stunning view from the comfort of one of the city’s many al fresco cafes – in Athens, there’s something for everyone.
Corfu
Cruising Corfu in a Caïque & Sivota on Foot
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Sail the Ionian Sea then explore a fishing village
Cruising Corfu in a Caïque & Sivota on Foot
Corfu
Ship out in a caïque — a traditional fishing boat that will take you around the Ionian Sea, before exploring a local village on foot.
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Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
Enjoy the gorgeous views of Corfu's Old Town from a traditional caïque. A local guide will provide helpful info when sailing into Sivota Island's narrow channels, lagoon, and cave, while your captain will select an area to anchor the boat so you can swim and snorkel in the exotic blue waters around the coast. After taking in the Corfiot landscape from the water, you'll get to enjoy the views of the water with some free time in the village of Sivota for you to explore at your leisure.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Embark on a salty journey to admire Corfu's Old Town from the sea
- Feel the Caïque drifting along the narrow channels of the Sivota Islands
- Take in the blue hues of a stunning cave while learning about your surroundings from a guide
- Take a dip into the glistening blue bay when the boat is anchored
- Explore the fishing village of Sivota, independently, during your free time
Need to know
- Includes light bites and local wines
- This boat is a traditional kaiki fishing boat with two decks
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- This Shore Thing is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- Sailors are not permitted to swim in the Blue Cave
- Please note that there will be no lifeguards on duty — Sailors are reminded that they assume full risk and responsibility if swimming
- Sailors should know how to swim
- This Shore Thing is weather-dependent
- The order of sites visited may vary
- The captain will drop anchor at sea while on the board
- Sailors are advised to leave their valuables on board the ship
- Sailors prone to motion sickness should take precautions prior to this Shore Thing
- Sailors must be able to use a step ladder to get in/out of the boat when it is anchored in designated swimming areas
- Approximately 1-hour of free time in the village of Sivota
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
Our Shore Things Policies
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Shore Things are fully refundable to the original form of payment. However, please note that Shore Things are only fully refundable if they are canceled at least 24 hours prior to the start of the booked Shore Thing taking place, unless stated otherwise in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section. If you fail to either (a) cancel at least 24 hours prior to the start of the booked Shore Thing (or alternative time period as may be stated in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section), or (b) show up for a booked Shore Thing, you will be charged for 100% of the Shore Thing price.
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Shore Things departure times and/or meeting locations are subject to change. We will make every effort to notify Sailors in advance via the Sailor App of any tour departure and/or meeting changes.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Mykonos
Mykonos Sunset & Nightlife
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Tonight Mykonos is yours to explore
Mykonos Sunset & Nightlife
Mykonos
Enjoy a sunset cocktail as a group, then head out to enjoy Mykonos on your own.
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Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
You’ll be driven to Sunset 180º Bar to watch the sunset with a cocktail and light snacks. Then your group will be taken to Old Town for another cocktail and be given details on additional places to check out, or you can stick around if you’re having too much fun. A scheduled rendezvous time and destination will be provided to get you back on board. If you want to stay out longer — simply inform your guide that you’ll be making your way back on your own.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Enjoy a sunset cocktail and greek snacks, then another round at a second destination before you explore on your own
- If you want to stay out until the sun comes up, shell yeah — inform your guide and make your way back whenever you want
- Meet at a scheduled time and rendezvous point where transportation will be provided to bring you back
Need to know
- Includes two adult beverages and light Greek snacks
- Exclusive to Virgin Voyages
- Sailors must be able to navigate steps throughout this Shore Thing
- This Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Includes roundtrip transport — Sailors who wish to stay longer are responsible for letting their guide know and arranging their way back to the ship
- A donation will be made on behalf of your Shore Thing booking to our environmental and social impact charity partners
- Tenders will be used when/if the ship is anchored. Tender rides add up to 30-minutes each way — please plan accordingly
- Sailors on Shore Things do not need to book a tender — visit the Sailor App to review meeting time/locations
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
Our Shore Things Policies
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Shore Things are fully refundable to the original form of payment. However, please note that Shore Things are only fully refundable if they are canceled at least 24 hours prior to the start of the booked Shore Thing taking place, unless stated otherwise in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section. If you fail to either (a) cancel at least 24 hours prior to the start of the booked Shore Thing (or alternative time period as may be stated in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section), or (b) show up for a booked Shore Thing, you will be charged for 100% of the Shore Thing price.
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Shore Things departure times and/or meeting locations are subject to change. We will make every effort to notify Sailors in advance via the Sailor App of any tour departure and/or meeting changes.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Rhodes
Get Greeky & Cheeky Learning Traditional Dances
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Get into the groove learning some Greek moves
Get Greeky & Cheeky Learning Traditional Dances
Rhodes
Learn traditional Greek dances from Rhodes and the Dodecanese islands.
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Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
Dancing has been part of the Greek ethos since — well, forever — and some dances that have originated in Rhodes are synonymous with the country. And if you’re thinking that you can’t dance, that will change because if you can gesture, shake, or shift, dance is in your soul. Learn some of the dances of the Dodecanese Islands including the Sirtaki so the next time you find yourself in the club — most likely a wedding — you’ll be in the middle of the dance floor showing off your new moves.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Get into the groove and say "Opa!" learning traditional Greek folk dances
- Dances originating in Rhodes and the Dodecanese islands are now synonymous with Greece
- Perfect your steps and bust them out next time you're at a festive event
Need to know
- Includes light snacks, ouzo, and a glass of wine
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Sailors should consider their physical fitness level and medical history when determining whether this Shore Thing is appropriate
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
Our Shore Things Policies
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Shore Things are fully refundable to the original form of payment. However, please note that Shore Things are only fully refundable if they are canceled at least 24 hours prior to the start of the booked Shore Thing taking place, unless stated otherwise in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section. If you fail to either (a) cancel at least 24 hours prior to the start of the booked Shore Thing (or alternative time period as may be stated in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section), or (b) show up for a booked Shore Thing, you will be charged for 100% of the Shore Thing price.
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Shore Things departure times and/or meeting locations are subject to change. We will make every effort to notify Sailors in advance via the Sailor App of any tour departure and/or meeting changes.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Santorini
Coast & Caldera Catamaran Cruise
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Enjoy the water and cliffs seen from a catamaran
Coast & Caldera Catamaran Cruise
Santorini
Board a catamaran and with a captain at the helm, set sail into Aegean waters for an amazing half-day at sea.
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Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
Strike a pose, snap some pics, take a dip, and nosh on meze as you make your way through Santorini’s waters. Head into the Bay of the Caldera to gaze upon the volcanic rock formations and cliffside villages of Oia, Fira, and Imerovigli. Back on land, you’ll have free time where you may take a cable car ride in Fira, before heading back to the ship to review photos and memories from your day’s journey.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- A captain will take you in a catamaran where ancient Babylonians, Spartans, and Romans once sailed
- Strike a pose passing Akrotiri rock formations, the Akrotiri Lighthouse, and cliff-lined volcanic villages
- Get a glimpse of green and yellow water, a result of minerals from volcanic rocks mixing with the sea
- Your captain will take you around the coast and select the prime spots to drop anchor for swimming and photo-ops
- Back at the port, you'll have free time in Fira to shop, eat, or take a spectacular cable car ride to the top of the village (independently)
Need to know
- Swim stops are at the discretion of the Captain
- Includes light bites and refreshments
- Sailors should wear a swimsuit and bring a towel should they wish to go swimming
- A change of clothes is recommended
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- This Shore Thing is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- Sailors prone to motion sickness should take precautions prior to this Shore Thing
- Includes roundtrip transport — Sailors who wish to stay longer are responsible for letting their guide know and arranging their way back to the ship
- This experience is not recommended for Sailors with a fear of heights
- This experience is not suitable for Sailors with vertigo
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Sailors on a Shore Thing will arrive at Athinios Port to meet their guide and will return to Fira Port by cable car at the completion of their tour
- Sailors booked on Shore Things through Virgin Voyages do not need to book a tender ride
- Tender rides can add up to 30-minutes each way to the duration of a Shore Thing — please plan accordingly
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
Our Shore Things Policies
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Shore Things are fully refundable to the original form of payment. However, please note that Shore Things are only fully refundable if they are canceled at least 24 hours prior to the start of the booked Shore Thing taking place, unless stated otherwise in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section. If you fail to either (a) cancel at least 24 hours prior to the start of the booked Shore Thing (or alternative time period as may be stated in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section), or (b) show up for a booked Shore Thing, you will be charged for 100% of the Shore Thing price.
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Shore Things departure times and/or meeting locations are subject to change. We will make every effort to notify Sailors in advance via the Sailor App of any tour departure and/or meeting changes.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Keeping up with the times
The first modern art museum opened in 2000 — only 20+ years ago.
The only thing you have to do to have an adventure in Piraeus, is to simply get off at the port. On the one hand it houses some of the top beaches, both public and exclusive, in the entire world, implementing a dreamlike, chic-seafaring vibe – and on the other, sits Athens. An urban mecca with a raw history of struggle and perseverance juxtaposed with its timeless cultural contributions of art, athletics, literature – pretty much any -ology, -ory and -ism you’ve studied – only here it’s not just pictures in a textbook.
Here, every variety of government has presided, from democracy to fascism, autocracy to communism; echoes of an anarchist past collide with current bohemian-thinking creatives, presenting themselves in the physical on the streets of the locals-only Exarchia neighborhood. Sailors looking to reconnect with Mother Nature can venture a short 25mi/40km outside the city center where culture is defined by the natural world. A world that can be celebrated while hiking through dense verdant forests, crystal water springs and even crossing over the Corinth Canal.
Whether you’re venturing to Athens to reconnect with the Earth, history or with yourself, whatever you seek out is waiting for you just beyond the port of Piraeus.
