Best of Greece & Cyprus Vacation

Arrive on the Jewel of the Mediterranean, Cyprus, and be met at the airport with a private transfer to your luxurious accommodation. The gorgeous aroma of the rocky coves and the sweet sea wraps around the island. You can almost catch the perfume of the pine forests in the distance as the breeze rushes in. History and luxury abounds, where empires from Assyria to Persia, Franks to the Ottomans have made their mark on the island. The old city looks like you have stepped onto a Parisian avenue, with buildings crafted from stone and decorated with large arched windows that watch over the street. The gentle sea laps at the rock outcrop of the city where palm trees linger and sway. Let the jewel-like island sparkle in the afternoon sun and in the wake of your arrival.

The sun rises over the water and draws a glimmering line along the transparent sea. The day is yours to spend as you wish among the beauties of Cyprus. The sand along the beach is golden and warm. It looks like it could encompass the edges of the entire island making every step beside the water as lovely as the last. The water is crystal clear as it laps at the shore. Dip your toes into the wake. The water gently coaxes you farther from the beach, but the water doesn’t get deeper. You can see the sea floor, glassy and wavy beneath the surface. The cool temperature of the water is refreshing on your warm skin. The perfume of the sea rises around you as you leave the beach. Take a seat along the seaside and sip a glass of famous Cypriot wine, one of the oldest winemaking techniques in the world. The xinisteri from Hadjiantonas Vineyard is an indigenous grape variety with a strong aroma of citrus fruit and a lingering crispness to help settle you into the luxuries of Cyprus.

The city of Lemesos and the island of Cyprus is yours to explore, with the never-ending Cypriot splendor all around you. Whether you prefer a walking tour of the Lemesos or another day amongst the soft, hot sand; you could even do both if you wish it. Kolossi Castle is close to Lemesos, a square tower built in the 15th century rising over 60 feet tall. The solid stone structure encompasses three floors, the highest of which belonged to the commander. Once inside the castle, you will notice the distinct scent of history which emanates from the stone.  You can look down over the ruins of the outer walls of the castle, the arches thin and bare, the paths wide and sturdy. Stepping into medieval history can be exhilarating, where each stone and window reflects a deeper moment in the path of time.

Today you will venture out of Lemesos for a tour of the spectacular archaeological museum in Lefkosia. The city is an eclectic blend of the island’s famous occupiers. The St. Sophia Selimiye Mosque towers over the city, its minarets beautifully pointed into the sky. The walking streets are paved with cobblestone and lined with cafes and trees, giving you shade and the rich scent of coffee and pastries. Within the city is the Archaeological Museum of Cyprus, where the artifacts of the island are kept secure. Within the cool air of the museum you can see the evolution of the Egyptian and Assyrian influences carved in local limestone to the Greeks that used imported marble. Witness the incredible expanse of jewelry, sculpture, and coins from the Neolithic period to the Bronze Age. History on the island stretches through the museum and along the streets of the city, giving you a sense of the island’s rich and undulating past, along with its diverse present.

The history and magnificence of Cyprus remains but today you will depart the beaches of the island and replace them with the sensational Acropolis of Athens. Arrive in the city that inspired Western Civilization. The pillars of the Acropolis stand proud over the city, overlooking the expansive metropolis from its perch as it has for millennia. Stroll along the Plaka, one of the oldest streets in Athens continuously inhabited by restaurateurs, vendors, and families. The faint musk of history runs along the cobblestones and marble walls. The rich aroma of feta and creamy olive oil rises through the streets. As the sun begins to drift beyond the pillars, the soft glow of the dusk brushes over the grandeur of the ages.

Let the morning rise high as you step out into the stunning streets of the ancient city of Athens. Embark on a tour of the city where you will reach into the depths of Athenian and Greek history, from modern to ancient, imbibing the incredible perseverance of the city’s wonder. The Panathenaic Stadium touches the modern streets of the city but reaches back into contemporary history where the first modern Olympic games were held in 1896. The rigid stone complex ascends over the long field where runners flew and wrestlers grappled. The flag of the games swell in the breeze and in commemoration.

It is easy to believe that if you haven’t seen the Acropolis, you haven’t seen Greece. Although some may disagree, you don’t have to worry because the grandeur of the most iconic temple in Western Civilization is within your reach. The marble steps climb up Acropolis Hill beneath the powerful pillars of the Propylaea, the entry gate. The temple of Nike Athena stands above you on the right, your first greeting of the temples to come. Step through the entryway; the plateau opens before you. On the left you can see the replicas of the Caryatids within the “porch of the maidens,” six draped female figures that support a corner of the temple. On the right you will see the breathtaking Parthenon. The architect succeeded in making the structure look proportionally perfect from every angle as it watched over the entire city of Athens. The porticos slope over six columns giving a towering stature and gracefulness to one of the most famous temples in the world.

Today you will leave the pristine columns of Athens behind as you board a cruise and finally step onto the ornate shores of Mykonos. The island is known for its cosmopolitan feel within the classic Cycladic architecture of white walls that radiate in the sunlight. Spend the day along the warm golden sand of Paradise Beach, where the shore seems almost endless, the lounge shades you comfortably, and the gentle swell of the water could soothe a tempestuous sky. The warm aroma of the sweet sea surrounds you. The gentle crunch of sand rolls beneath your feet. You can understand why the beaches of Mykonos are so coveted.

On the shores of the Turkish island of Kusadasi you can delight within the charm of the town or within the marvel of the ancient city of Ephessus. The city was once a prosperous port city along the Mediterranean waters displaying its prowess within the Wonder of the World, the Temple of Artemis. Although the temple no longer stands, the ruins of the city offer a deeper look at the life and times of ancient times. On a hill opposite the remains of Hadrian Temple are the Houses of the Rich, where the walls and arches of homes during the Roman period continue offering their stunning stature. The marble columns give a lavish contrast against the brick archways. Interior courtyards decorate the center of the homes with open ceilings. Clay pipes beneath the floor and walls carried hot air through the homes, also allowing for cold and hot water. The luxuries of the past help connect us to the indulgences of the present.

Along the shores of Patmos you will find the opportunity to explore the island where St. John the Divine was said to have written the Book of Revelations. Whether exploring the caves beneath the monastery that looms over the town of Patmos, or strolling through the charming streets of the city, you can leisure away as you please. The Monastery of St. John the Divine crowns the hill and looks like a Byzantine castle, built like a fortress. The main courtyard is paved with pebbles and stones, giving the area a quaintness that lets you forget about the harsh exterior. Wall paintings from the 1600s to the 1800s display the different miracles of St. John the Divine. Eventually you will descend from the sky fortress and return to the coast.

The final day of your cruise brings you to the Venetian port waters of Heraklion, Crete. The capital of the island looks commanding with the remnants of a Venetian castle guarding the harbor. Whether strolling through the narrow and café clad streets of the city or wishing to witness the labyrinth of the great Minotaur, there is always an exceptional site to see just around the corner. Within the ruins of the Knossos Minoan Palace the myth of the Minotaur continues. The large stones of the palace remains are only dwarfed by the gargantuan size of the jars, some lining the walkways. The halls may no longer be covered but the walkways and staircases continue to show the prominent path through the ruins. The frescos have been restored giving you a hint of the palace’s lavish past. Regal griffins decorate the queen’s chambers. If you search for the Minotaur, although you may not find him, you will find a large fresco within pillars of its own; a red bull charges through the hills of Crete with the shores of the island in the background.

The cruise continues to Santorini, the picturesque island that shows you how perfect white walls and blue roofs can be. Stand atop the crescent cliffs of the city and look down onto the caldera below. The water rushes against the cliff, spraying mist into the air. The breeze brushes against your cheeks. Sailboats drift through the turquoise water. Spend the day enjoying the island at your own pace, exploring the capital streets of Fira or walking along the marble paths of Oia. The beauty of Santorini is non-stop and echoes through the sky at dusk. The sun begins to set and you can watch the orange glow overtake the sky until it sinks behind the horizon.

Today you will sail along the Mediterranean one last time. The sensational water mists against the boat. The wind rushes through your hair as small islands pass in the distance. Once in Athens you will have a private transfer that will take you to the airport for your journey home. Your time along the Grecian waters took you from Cyprus to Mykonos, Athens to Rhodes, where the majesty of the Mediterranean wasn’t just dreamed about, or captured within a photo, but touched with your very own hands.

To customize your trip further, consider a trip extension. Read about the best Greece travel agents on Zicasso.