When our friends Gunnar and Laurie invited us to join them on a Greek Island cruise with her sister Nicole and brother-in-law Tim, we didn’t hesitate. With just two months’ notice, we jumped at the chance. To our delight, another couple in our friend circle—John and Diane—also signed on for the adventure.
Piraeus Greece
If you’ve ever booked a cruise that starts or ends in Athens, you’ll know the actual port is in Piraeus, a bustling maritime city just outside the capital. It’s the largest port in Greece and ranks among the top 50 in the world.
Our cruise was set to depart the next day, but as seasoned travelers know arriving early helps avoid any flight-delay mishaps. While some of our group opted to explore Athens, we chose to stay in Piraeus—having recently visited Athens—and instead spent time in Portugal before the cruise.
Dinner on the water
Piraeus has its own charm: sidewalk cafés, bobbing boats in the marina, and a rich maritime history. That evening, we meet up with John and Diane for rooftop dinner and drinks at Nice-n-Easy. They had just returned from Italy, and we swap stories and photos as the sun dips below the horizon.
Piraeus
We don’t board the cruise until 4:30pm so we have almost a full day to explore Piraeus. We start by walking about a mile to a museum we want to visit and explore. The architecture in Piraeus is beautiful!
The Archaeological Museum of Piraeus
The two-story Archaeological Museum of Piraeus offers a rich and comprehensive look into the city’s layered past. Once a thriving commercial hub of the Eastern Mediterranean and the naval dockyard of Ancient Athens, Piraeus played a pivotal role in the classical world.
The museum’s collection includes artifacts unearthed during local excavations as well as items donated from private collections. Visitors can explore a wide array of objects—from pottery and children’s toys that reflect daily life, to grave markers, marble and bronze statues, and other relics spanning from the Mycenaean era to Roman times. Together, they paint a vivid picture of the city’s evolution through centuries of trade, warfare, and cultural exchange.
Piraeus Waterfront
We walk the scenic waterfront to enjoy the cool yet sunny weather and scenery as we make our way to find a place for lunch.
Lunch at Pizzateco
We settle into Pizzateco, an Italian cuisine establishment with an enclosed section of the outdoor seating area. The weather is cool so an enclosed patio with clear plastic windows helps keep the chill out while still feeling like we’re sitting outside at this sidewalk cafe. We enjoy a fun pizza as we listen to nearby patrons chatting about their upcoming cruise (apparently the same one as ours).
Sailing Out at Sunset
With about 2500 passengers total, it takes time to get everyone on-board and situated. We watch the sun set over the horizon and then meet the other 3 couples for dinner. We are all excited to travel together over the next week.
Stop 1: Rhodes Greece
Our first stop: the island of Rhodes, largest of the Dodecanese and known as the Island of the Sun. It’s steeped in history—once home to the legendary Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Harbor Area of Rhodes
Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights
Also known as Kastello, the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights is a medieval fortress built in the 7th century as a Byzantine citadel and later transformed in the 14th century as the administrative center and palace for the Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller. The palace played as a crucial of strategic defense, particularly during the Siege of Rhodes in 1480 and the Ottoman conquest in 1522. It deserves to have the word “grand” in its name, not only because it was the palace for the Grand Master, but because of the how impressive this place truly is. The halls and rooms are adorned with mosaics, stunning wood details and medieval artifacts surrounded by imposing stone walls. The mosaics come from many of the Roman villas from antiquity that were in the area.
Street of the Knights
From the palace, we stroll down the Street of the Knights, one of the best-preserved medieval roads in Europe. In the 14th century, it was once home to the Knights Hospitaller, a Christian military order known for their medical and military expertise. The various knights were from different nationalities, and each built their own Inns (auberges) here. Cobblestones, heavy stone façades, and shuttered windows transport you straight into the past.
Rhodes Old Town
We wander the narrow lanes of Rhodes Old Town, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shops, cafes, and historical nooks line every twist and turn. It’s a place where medieval fortifications meet modern espresso machines—and somehow it works.
A Late Lunch
Every cafe owner urges passersby to look at their menu and stop to eat. We walk past several, briefly checking out the menus, but don’t stop at one until we’ve had a chance to think about our best option. After a bit of café-menu window shopping, we settle on Afroditi Venus, a family-run spot proud of its authentic Greek flavors. The food is fantastic. As tradition goes, the owner finishes our meal with a shot of his homemade raki—a fiery little Greek traditional toast to good company.
Across the street stands the Rhodes Clock Tower, dating back to the 7th century and still proudly keeping time above the rooftops.
Rhodes Museum
After lunch it’s time to head to the Museum.
The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes is housed in the impressive medieval Hospital of the Knights. The museum showcases artifacts from Ialysos and Kamiros, two ancient cities on the island. Marble statues, inscriptions, and mosaics give us a glimpse into Rhodes’ layered history.
One Last Stroll Around Rhodes
After the museum, we make our way back to the harbor and pass markers where the feet of the Colossus of Rhodes are believed to have once stood. Though the statue itself is long gone, the sense of awe remains. And just before we board, we spot a rogue rental car hanging half-off the dock—proof that adventure never takes a break.
Stop 2: Bodrum Turkey
Road Trip to Ephesus
We awake the next day and find we are harbored in Bodrum Turkey which we will use as a jumping off point for a full day’s adventure to the ancient Roman city of Ephesus.
Towering over the harbor is the Castle of St. Peter, a 15th-century crusader fortress built by the Knights of St. John.
It’s 2.5-hour drive to our destination but we sit back and enjoy soaking in the small towns and countryside that we pass through. There is a surprising amount of new construction going on as our guide tells us this is one of the hot real estate areas of the Mediterranean. Bodrum, a jewel of the Turkish Riviera, has solidified its place as a premier travel destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. The area has effectively marketed itself as a high-end destination offering a blend of luxury, culture, and natural beauty. In recent years, tourism has increased 7-8% each year.
Turkish Coffee Stop
We’re on a small-group van tour—just the eight of us, which is exactly the pace and size we prefer. About 90 minutes into the journey, we make a brief stop along the shores of Lake Bafa for a bathroom break and our first taste of Turkish coffee.
The coffee is made by combining finely ground beans with water in a small, long-handled pot called a cezve, then slowly heating it until a rich, aromatic froth forms. It’s served in small demitasse cups, grounds and all, making for a strong, thick brew. The residue left at the bottom looks a bit like mud—but that’s all part of the experience.
As we’re heading out, the café owner invites us over to see a tank of live lake eels, a local specialty served at the restaurant. It’s a quick stop, but full of flavor—literally and figuratively.
Ephesus
About an hour later, we arrive at the ancient ruins of Ephesus, Turkey. It’s bustling with visitors, but Harrison still manages to navigate the crowds and capture some great photos.
We enter through the Grand Entrance and begin walking down Marble Street, a broad, timeworn path that has carried the footsteps of Ephesians for centuries. The marble is slick from millennia of wear—and steep in places—making each step a bit treacherous.
Near the beginning of the route, we come to the Odeon, a small theater that once served a dual purpose. It was both a council chamber where elite citizens gathered to debate civic matters, and a concert hall that hosted music, poetry readings, and small theatrical performances.
As we continue, Marble Street is lined with impressive remains—monuments, temples, and fountains. Two standouts are the Fountain of Trajan, adorned with elaborate carvings, and the Temple of Hadrian, which still displays detailed reliefs of mythological scenes.
About halfway down the street, we reach the highlight of our visit: the Terrace Houses. Admission requires a separate ticket, but to our surprise, we nearly have the place to ourselves. It is extraordinary. These ancient homes reveal a refined way of life, with vibrant wall murals, intricate mosaics, and early underfloor heating systems that used clay pipes to circulate warm air. With no windows, rooms opened onto sunlit interior courtyards called peristyles. Excavation began in the 1960s, and two homes have since been restored under protective coverings while further work continues.
At the end of Marble Street, the towering Library of Celsus awaits—a stunning two-story façade that once held more than 12,000 scrolls, a true monument to Roman architecture and learning.
As we exit the site, we catch a glimpse of the massive Great Theatre, capable of seating 25,000 people. Unfortunately, it’s currently under renovation, so we’re unable to explore it up close.
A Late Lunch
After our tour is finished, we head a short distance away to a place that is both a restaurant and where they make Turkish rugs by hand. It is delightful to eat outdoors in the shade, and we are treated to some traditional Turkish foods.
Rug Making Demonstration
After lunch, we’re treated to an in-depth demonstration of traditional rug making—a process that combines patience, artistry, and centuries of tradition. The rugs are all handwoven from cotton, wool, and silk.
We learn the facility runs its own silkworm farm, harvesting delicate silk threads directly from cocoons. The cocoons are soaked in water, then several strands are carefully spun together to create a stronger thread. Remarkably, a single cocoon yields nearly one mile of silk.
Next comes dyeing, using natural sources like plants, roots, and insects to produce colors that are both vibrant and fade-resistant. The dyed threads are then used on traditional looms, where artisans apply the double-knot technique, also known as the Turkish Knot. Each knot is tied individually, requiring precise planning and math—how many knots in which color, and in exactly what order.
We’re amazed at the speed and skill of the weavers. The factory employs around 250 artisans, each using special tools to trim every knot to uniform height. The time required to complete a rug depends on its size and complexity—some take 1 to 3 years to finish and can cost up to $100,000.
After the demo, we stroll through the showroom, marveling at the craftsmanship in each intricate design. Everything is for sale… but we remind ourselves that we really don’t need another rug.
Back to the Boat
With our bellies full we saddle up and head back along a slightly different route taking us again through the countryside and several urban areas.
Stop 3: Santorini Greece
Santorini—officially known as Thira—is the largest and southernmost island of a small, circular archipelago formed by the Santorini caldera, a reminder of the island’s dramatic volcanic origins. It’s also the most active volcanic center in the South Aegean Volcanic Arc.
Earlier this year, between January 26 and February 22, 2025, the island experienced more than 20,000 earthquakes of magnitude 1 or higher—including some reaching magnitude 5. The seismic swarm temporarily shut down schools and the iconic cable car that ferries tourists from the old cruise port up to Fira. Some residents and visitors even evacuated as a precaution. Fortunately for us, just before our arrival in May 2025, we received word that the cable car would be reopening on the very day we docked.
Despite its volatile nature, Santorini remains a global favorite—frequently ranked as one of the world’s top islands by travel magazines and websites. Each year, about 2 million visitors come to admire its whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and cliffside villages that tumble down toward the Aegean, all set against a backdrop of sparkling, crystal-clear waters.
Cable Car
We arrive in Santorini and take a tender boat to shore, ready to meet our private tour guide. Since this port doesn’t allow vehicle access, cruise passengers have three options for getting up to Fira, the main town perched high above the caldera: take the cable car, ride a donkey, or walk the roughly 600 steep steps to the top.
There’s also an alternate route—a boat transfer to the newer port where vehicles are allowed—but we opt for the classic experience. The cable car line is long, and it takes nearly 45 minutes before we finally board. As we ascend, the views stretch out behind us like a postcard in motion, making the wait well worth it.
Fira
At the top, we scan the busy crowd, searching for our guide. A few texts and clarifications later, we spot the meeting point down the street and link up. With our guide in place, we set off on an all-day island tour that will take us across Santorini by small-group van tour and boat.
One of the many perks of traveling with friends: private tours become much more affordable when the cost is shared—plus, everything’s more fun with good company.
Road to Oia
Our first destination is Oia (pronounced EE-ah), the postcard-perfect village known for its whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and labyrinthine alleys. Perched on the northern tip of Santorini’s caldera, it’s one of the most iconic and photographed spots in all of Greece.
As we drive across the island, we pause at several scenic overlooks—each one offering a new angle on the island’s dramatic cliffs and the endless blue of the Aegean Sea. We stretch our legs, breathe in the salty air, and snap some unforgettable photos before continuing toward the village.
The Village of Oia
Our guide drops us at one end of Oia, with plans to pick us up at the other. At first, the streets are pleasantly quiet, but within an hour, we’re shoulder to shoulder with fellow visitors. We never tire of the view as the village spills down the cliffside in a stunning cascade of whitewashed terraces. Many of the boutique lodgings have private plunge pools, and a quick internet search reveals that a single night can easily top $1,000.
We stroll along a narrow lane lined with high-end boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafés.. Oia proudly claims to have the most beautiful sunset in Greece—where the entire town is said to glow in radiant shades of gold and rose. Sadly, our ship departs before dusk, so we’ll have to take that legend on faith.
Off to the Highest point in Santorini
After winding our way through the crowds in Oia, we’re relieved to spot our guide waiting for us. With the group reunited, we set off toward our next stop: the highest point on Santorini.
As the van climbs through the island’s interior, we’re treated to a sweeping view of Santorini’s diverse topography—from terraced vineyards and rugged slopes to hillside villages with tidy white homes and blue accents that spill down the cliffs. It’s a quieter, more rustic side of the island that most visitors never see, and it adds another layer to our appreciation of this stunning place.
Stop for A Snack
With lunch still a ways off and appetites starting to stir, we make an impromptu stop at a small local bakery. The glass cases are filled with fresh cookies and pastries too tempting to resist. We each pick out a few treats, expecting a hefty total—but to our amazement, the entire spread comes to just 2 euros.
Delicious, satisfying, and an absolute steal—proof that sometimes the simplest stops leave the sweetest impressions.
Highest Point
The road to Santorini’s highest point is steep, winding, and incredibly narrow—barely wide enough for our van. Each time we round a blind curve and spot an oncoming vehicle, we brace ourselves, wondering who’ll make the first move in this tight mountain shuffle.
At the summit stands the Monastery of Prophet Elias, founded in the early 18th century and perched at 1,854 feet above sea level. We step out to stretch and explore, snapping a few photos of the panoramic views that stretch across the caldera and far beyond the island’s edges.
After a peaceful wander through the monastery grounds, we begin our descent, ready for the next chapter in our Santorini adventure.
Megalochori
After our mountaintop visit, we descend into the charming village of Megalochori for a walking tour. Known for its whitewashed houses, graceful bell towers, and hidden courtyards, the town feels like a step back in time—quiet, authentic, and full of character.
One highlight is our visit to a traditional cave house, a unique style of dwelling carved directly into the island’s soft pumice stone. Originally built by sailors and laborers who couldn’t afford conventional homes, these structures offered natural insulation—cool in summer, warm in winter—and have become a signature of Santorini’s architectural heritage.
Perissa Beach
Next, we make our way down to Perissa Beach, one of Santorini’s most famous public beaches—known for its striking black volcanic sand and laid-back vibe. It’s a different side of the island, far from the cliffside villages and caldera views.
We stroll along the shoreline, taking in the contrast of dark sand against the crystal-clear Aegean, and get a feel for what it might be like to spend a lazy afternoon here—lounging under an umbrella, sipping something cold, and letting the rhythm of the waves set the pace. Even a short visit gives us a refreshing glimpse into Santorini’s beach culture.
Catamaran Tour and Lunch
Our boat awaits at Vlychada Harbor, tucked along the southern coast of Santorini. We meet our husband-and-wife crew, who greet us warmly, and soon we’re off—cruising the island’s rugged shoreline under a sunny sky and “Goldilocks” temperatures: not too hot, not too cold.
As we glide past dramatic cliffs and hidden coves, our captain pauses now and then to share stories and insights about the landscapes we’re passing. The rhythm of the waves, the sea breeze, and the occasional splash of a gull make it feel like time has slowed down. Tim manages to bear the brunt of large wave from the wake of another boat nearby. He lovingly throws his body in front of his beloved wife Nicole to shield her from the cold water (at least he told us to tell the tale that way).
After a little over an hour, we drop anchor and are treated to a home-cooked Greek meal—fresh, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that tastes even better with salt in the air and good company around the table.
Mindful of the last shuttle back to our cruise ship, we reluctantly cut the trip just a bit short and head back to harbor—grateful for the experience and already dreaming of a return.
Back to the Ship
Our driver returns us to Fira, giving us one last chance to stroll along the cliffs and soak in the sweeping views of the caldera. The late afternoon light casts a golden glow over the whitewashed buildings—Santorini at its most cinematic.
We join the long line for the cable car back down to the port, and it takes nearly an hour before we finally board. As luck would have it, we catch the final tender back to the ship. Once aboard, we sit for another 30 minutes, waiting as the last few stragglers make their way down the cliff—no doubt caught in the same cable car queue we just navigated.
Stop 4: Chania Crete (1.5 days)
We were originally scheduled for a day and a half in Mykonos, but Mother Nature had other plans. With wind gusts forecasted up to 50 mph, it was deemed unsafe to tender ashore (our ship is too large to dock at the Mykonos port). Our ship rerouted south to Crete, anchoring in the port of Chania. Once the capital of Crete, Chania is a captivating blend of Venetian elegance, Ottoman influence, and Greek island soul—all beautifully reflected in its architecture, narrow lanes, and harbor views.
While we are disappointed to miss Mykonos, we are also excited to return to familiar ground—we’d spent two wonderful weeks on Crete back in 2016. Still, the last-minute change meant scrambling to cancel our pre-booked Mykonos excursions (never fun), and with only 36 hours’ notice, most passengers are left wondering what to do in Chania.
The cruise line quickly assembled some excursions, but having already explored the area’s monasteries, wineries, and beaches, we decide to take the lead. As the unofficial tour guides for our group of six travel companions, we opt to spend the day wandering the charming and historic Old Town of Chania. (Two couples did decide to visit one of the beaches on the 2nd day.)
Old Town Harbor
On our first morning in Chania, we set out on our own to explore Old Town, planning to meet up with our friends a bit later. The harbor area here is, in our opinion, one of the most beautiful anywhere—lined with pastel buildings, Venetian architecture, and a lively mix of cafés, tavernas, and shops tucked into every corner. The waterfront hums with energy: locals sipping coffee, artists sketching the lighthouse, and the scent of fresh bread drifting from nearby bakeries. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and simply take it all in.
Lighthouse of Chania
The iconic lighthouse in Chania’s Old Town harbor was originally constructed by the Venetians around 1570 to protect the port. During the Ottoman period, it fell into disrepair but was later rebuilt by Egyptian troops between 1824 and 1832, giving it the distinctive minaret-like appearance it has today. The lighthouse is a cylindrical stone tower, rising approximately 85 feet above the sea. Though no longer used as a navigational aid, it remains a beloved symbol of Chania’s maritime heritage and a favorite spot for sunset strolls along the harbor’s edge.
Shops
There’s so much more to Old Town Chania than its postcard-perfect waterfront. Just beyond the harbor lies a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys, each one brimming with charm. Shops spill out onto cobblestone lanes, offering everything from handmade jewelry and local art to spices, olive oil, and leather goods.
Sidewalk cafés and tucked-away tavernas tempt you at every turn, their tables shaded by bougainvillea and filled with the hum of conversation. To truly experience this enchanting town, you have to wander—no map, no agenda—just follow your curiosity and let the streets reveal their secrets.
Hanging out with Friends
We have a day and a half in Chania, and it is a joy to share our knowledge of the area with our group of friends—especially as we wander through the maze of cafés and shops that make Old Town so irresistible.
One of the highlights is our visit to a raki shop. Raki—also known as tsikoudia—is a strong, traditional Cretan spirit distilled from grape pomace, the leftover skins and stems from winemaking. It typically clocks in at 30–40% alcohol and is deeply woven into the island’s culture. We tell our friends about a memorable moment from our last trip, when a shop owner insisted we toast a purchase with a shot of raki. So when we stumble upon a shop specializing in the stuff, we dive in—sampling six to eight different flavors, including coffee, cinnamon, mango, lemon, and lavender. A few sips in (okay, maybe more than a few), we are all a little giddy and happily purchase a few bottles to take home. As we are leaving, the shop owner comes running after us—not to stop us, but to gift us a free bottle and a handful of plastic shot glasses as a thank-you. Naturally, we open the bottle and sip as we stroll.
Throughout our stay, we linger at sidewalk cafés, enjoy drinks and share meals at a couple of local restaurants. Nancy insists we all try dakos, a traditional Cretan appetizer we’d fallen in love with on our last visit. It starts with a base of paximadi—a hard, twice-baked barley rusk—lightly moistened to soften it. It’s then topped with grated ripe tomatoes, crumbled myzithra cheese (similar to feta but with a more buttery texture), a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of oregano, served alongside a dish of green and black olives.
We indulge in spinach and cheese pies, souvlaki, and honey chicken, to name just a few of the dishes that make our time in Chania as flavorful as it is memorable.
Back in Piraeus
The next day, the cruise is over, we are back in Piraeus and need to make our way back home by heading to the airport.
An Old Friend and a Tour on the Way to the Airport
As we disembark, Nancy has a surprise in store—she’s arranged for Thanasis, our driver from a previous Greek adventure , to pick us up and take us to the airport. He remembered our love for photography and scenic routes, so instead of the usual 45-minute ride, we enjoy a leisurely 90-minute journey filled with laughter, stories, and quick stops to soak in final glimpses of the Athens and Piraeus area.
It’s the perfect way to end our trip—unhurried, familiar, and filled with that warm Greek hospitality we’ve come to cherish.
Summary
This Greek Island cruise, with a bonus stop in Bodrum, Turkey, turned out to be a wonderfully spontaneous adventure—quickly planned, yet deeply rewarding. We checked off several long-awaited destinations from our bucket list, including the unforgettable Ephesus and picturesque Santorini. Best of all, we got to experience it alongside good friends, adding laughter and shared memories to every stop.
Of the new places we visited, Rhodes and Ephesus stood out as favorites—both rich in history, character, and unexpected charm. While Santorini’s iconic beauty lived up to the hype, the overwhelming crowds made it feel like a once-is-enough kind of visit.
We had some initial hesitation about visiting Turkey, but our scenic 2.5-hour drive through the countryside and the awe of Ephesus completely changed our perspective. It was a powerful reminder of how travel broadens our understanding—and we’re already planning a return to discover more of what this fascinating country has to offer.
Did Harrison really eat eel!! 😝 What an incredible trip you all had! 🩵