If you grew up loving the musical Mamma Mia, it’s worth taking a tour to explore the Sporades Islands where the movie was filmed. The beaches, natural ambiance and cosmopolitan vibe are unforgettable.
Seabourn offers six-night round trip sailings from Athens on its elegant and intimate luxury cruise ships. Its Ventures of Seabourn programs include a day in Nafplio, a picturesque port crowned by a Venetian fortress.
Athens
In Greece, watching a movie in an open-air cinema (rina sinema) is one of the most atmospheric traditions. Rows of chairs with little tables in between are framed by bougainvilleas, and the heady scents of jasmine and honeysuckle mingle with the chirp of cicadas. In the evening, attendees sit back to enjoy a film—new releases and classic classics are both on the menu—while sipping beer and snacking on popcorn or cheese pies.
Open since 1935, the Thision Outdoor Cinema is among Athens’ most iconic cinemas. Its decor, largely consisting of red plastic chairs with black-and-white head shots of Hollywood actors, is a nostalgic reminder of the golden age of cinema. A favorite local spot, it offers a mix of new releases and classic films, while its cafe serves superior snacks like sour cherry drinks and savory meatballs.
Another popular open-air cinema is Cine Dexameni, in the upscale neighborhood of Kolonaki. Nestled in the shadow of Lycabettus Hill, this cosy cinema has an air of sophistication and elegance and screens new releases and carefully selected classics. Its quaint cafe is the perfect place to have a pre-movie drink or sip a glass of ouzo with a plate of meze.
There are also a number of indoor theaters in Athens, including the historic Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the stately Zappeion Hall, where events are often held. In addition, the Benaki Museum is a must-see for art lovers and features an excellent collection of Greek and international paintings.
Piraeus
From historic ruins to sun-drenched islands, the Greek Isles are a feast for the senses. Explore ancient culture in Athens and learn about the world’s first democracy from the incredible ruins left behind.
In Piraeus, take a stroll to see the Neosoikoi—archaeological remains of ship building workshops that showcase the evolution of maritime technology from the Bronze Age to the modern day. And art lovers will love the Piraeus Archaeological Museum, filled with sculptures that range from Greek masterpieces to ancient Roman pieces.
From there, sail to the whitewashed island of Santorini, where you can sip ouzo in a hillside tavern and soak up a bit of village life. Then sail to Crete, where you can visit the excavation site of Knossos* for a look into ancient Greece’s legendary history.
Throughout the voyage, you’ll call on picturesque harbor towns and playful yachting marinas. You’ll also spend time in UNESCO-awarded destinations, including Volos, your gateway to Meteora—where monks built a monastic community among the limestone peaks of this fabled land. From captivating coasts to laid-back island vibes, this exclusively adult cruise is a voyage of epic proportions. Simply pre-upload your travel docs to the Virgin Voyages app and get Ready to Sail before you leave home to make your voyage a breeze. Book your trip today!
Mykonos
Immerse in the allure of an East Mediterranean yacht charter as you cruise between the dazzling beaches and cosmopolitan ambiance of Mykonos. A secluded gem that’s become a favorite of the chic jet set, Mykonos beckons with its enticing shorelines and upscale dining scene. Unwind on secluded sandy spots and explore iconic Cycladic windmills on an itinerary designed by our Charter Experts.
A quintessential image of a Greek island escape, Mykonos’ beaches are known for their crystalline waters and long stretches of powdery sand. Discover hidden enclaves while off roading on a 4×4, or island hop by land to find the best food on the Mediterranean, from Mykonos’ trademark kopanisti to classic kremmydopita (onion pie).
The main town of Hora features a mix of classical Cycladic architecture and buzzing street culture. Admire the stark-white Panagia Paraportiani chapel, meet Mykonos’ famous pelican Petros and wander the waterfront cafes of Little Venice. Then, visit the Delos Museum, a renowned archaeological site that was once considered the birthplace of twin gods Apollo and Artemis.
In winter, the island is nearly deserted. You can stroll the quaint streets and take in a sunset without thousands of other tourists pushing you for a photo. This is also the perfect time to visit Delos, when its pristine archaeological sites are free of visitors.
Santorini
DISEMBARKATION: (Breakfast, Lunch) Heraklion, Crete
Santorini is famous for blazing sunsets, blue and white churches and panoramic hilltop vistas. But, there’s more to this magical island than meets the eye. It is, after all, an active volcano, and a site of the legendary Lost Continent.
Take a scenic catamaran cruise to swim in the volcanic springs, visit uninhabited Aspronisi and see Santorini’s dramatic coastline. Be sure to catch the amazing sunset over the azure sea!
Akrotiri is an archeological treasure trove. The ruins of an ancient Minoan city here predate Italy’s Pompeii and show off the ingenuity of Bronze Age people who built sophisticated two- and three-story homes with indoor plumbing, heating systems and more.
The island’s rich volcanic soil yields fantastic wines and vegetables—fresh cherry tomatoes, fava beans and white eggplant are a few of the local specialties. Join a wine tasting tour to sample the local vino and learn about the unique conditions required for growing grapes on this special island.
Explore a new kind of sailing onboard the fleet-favorite Explorer of the Seas(r). Soak up the sun in the adults-only Solarium, savor an authentic Tuscan meal at Giovanni’s Table or dance your way through Club Twenty. And the kids have their own exclusive space, complete with music, movies and gaming. What a perfect way to spend your vacation!