Day 1 - Athens (Piraeus), Greece
Our Greece gay cruise adventure starts in Athens. Named for Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom, Athens is home to the Acropolis and is the birthplace of democracy. Take time to explore the narrow streets of the Plaka District or hike up the Acropolis for breathtaking views of the Parthenon. At night, the city glows from afar, the city lights reflecting off the ancient ruins of the Acropolis. The port of Piraeus offers our travelers an authentic experience, giving early arrivers the chance to do a little shopping and taste traditional Greek dishes before setting sail.

ATHENS SIGHTSEEING AND ACROPOLIS
Discover the treasures of Athens on an excursion that transports you back to the Golden Age of Greece. If you’re planning some post voyage fun in the city, this tour is the ideal start to your extended adventure.

ATHENS ON FOOT
Take a walk through history as you discover some of the most significant historical sites in the world’s first great city-state.

SUNSET AT CAPE SOUNION
Enjoy a scenic drive along the Attica Peninsula, an area blessed with picture-perfect landscapes, mountainous territory, and a sharply indented coastline fringed with beautiful beaches.

Day 2 - Heraklion, Crete
Whether you visit Heraklion and the island of Crete to admire the ruins of the ancient civilization or simply to soak in the rays on some of the best beaches in Europe, the city is guaranteed to delight and amaze you. Don’t miss one of the most popular attractions on the island of Crete... the 3,000-year-old Palace of Knossos, located just south of Heraklion. The palace was the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan civilization. Today, you’ll be immersed in the beauty, history, culture, and absolutely amazing views of the sea during your time here.

VILLAGES OF CRETE
On this tour you’ll travel along the North coast to the Eastern side of the island through picturesque landscapes and villages in the heart of the Chania region called Apokoronas.

KNOSSOS PALACE AND MUSEUM
Journey back to the late Bronze Age as you explore the grandest remains of the Minoan civilization, the ruins of Knossos Palace.

CRETAN FOOD AND WINE WITH MISS GEORGIA
Visit the renowned Ntourakis Winery, heralded among the finest in Crete, for a tour, tasting and cooking class hosted by the one-and-only Miss Georgia.

Day 3 - Santorini, Greece
On Santorini, whitewashed buildings cling to dazzling cliffs that plunge to a turquoise sea. Part of the Cyclades Archipelago, the three-island group of Santorini, Thirasia and the uninhabited Aspronisi present our cruisers with unforgettable vistas and a once-in-a-lifetime sunset over the Aegean Sea. The quintessential Greek island of Santorini is so beautiful with its stone white villages and blue roofs reflecting the sea, you can almost believe the myths claiming it as the birthplace of the Greek Gods.

BEST OF SANTORINI
Explore the remains of a Bronze Age civilization during your visit to Akrotiri, visit quaint Oia, sample local wines, and join a lively celebration with Greek food and folkloric dances.

SAILING THE CALDERA OF SANTORINI
Climb aboard a traditional Greek sailing vessel for a panoramic voyage through one of the world’s most amazing volcanic landscapes.

TRADITIONAL TASTES OF SANTORINI
Immerse yourself in Santorini’s traditions and culture on a journey to a local distillery, ancient vineyard, and savor the flavors of the region at a family farm.

Day 4 - Rhodes, Greece
In Rhodes you’ll discover the island’s long, sandy beaches, vibrant culture, and thousands of years of history that unfold as you explore. Experience winding Byzantine streets in Old Town. See the magnificent palaces built by the medieval Knights of St. John. Venture to beautiful Lindos, a whitewashed hill town dominated by a dramatic acropolis and an ancient temple. Today you’ll discover the diverse faces of the island, from sleepy country villages nestled amidst olive groves to its stunning beaches.

BEST OF RHODES
Journey through the vineyards of Greece to the ancient town of Rhodes, climb to the top of the Acropolis of Lindos, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

FILERIMOS AND ANCIENT KAMIROS
Step back into ancient Greek history with a tour of Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands of Greece.

RHODES POTTERY WORKSHOP
Meet the owner of a Rhodian ceramic factory for a unique look into the timeless Greek art and the chance to craft your own keepsake.

Day 5 - Ephesus, Turkey
The UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Ephesus impress even professional archeologists. Though excavations have been underway for 150 years, only 20 percent of the city has been uncovered. This former Greek banking and trading center is rich with historic sites, including the Great Theater, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Be sure to explore the Celsus Library, built in 117 AD and made up of towering columns highlighted by the statue of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom.

EPHESUS AND THE HOUSE OF THE VIRGIN MARY
Discover the ruins at Ephesus, built in the 10th century BC, with stops at the House of the Virgin Mary.

ANCIENT EPHESUS
Stroll through ancient history with a visit to the open-air archeological museum of Ephesus, the most important ancient ruins in Turkey.

ULTIMATE EPHESUS
Explore the open-air archeological museum of Ephesus including the Terrace Houses, plus the Temple of Artemis.

Day 6 - Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos is perhaps the most famous of the Greek islands, and a paradise for our LGBTQ+ travelers. Mykonos is sophisticated and glossy, where bright white buildings pop against gorgeous blue waters and bright pink bougainvillea. You’ll revel in the island’s incredible nightlife and alluring white sand beaches since we’re spending two full days and an overnight here so that you won’t miss a moment.

BEST OF MYKONOS
Journey to the island of Delos, enjoy lunch at a local tavern in Ano Mera, and explore Mykonos town’s Cycladic architecture and winding streets on this full-day adventure.

MYKONOS SIGHTS AND FLAVORS
Discover the best of Mykonos on a scenic island tour with a stop in the village of Ano Mera to visit its 16th-century monastery.

MYKONOS TOWN ON FOOT
Follow a local guide on a walk through Mykonos town for a look at the island’s whitewashed homes, colorful gardens and maritime history.

Day 7 - Mykonos, Greece
The most popular island in the Cyclades is bustling with activity, awash in beautiful alleyways, and home to alluring sandy beaches.

ELIA BEACH
Spend a sun-splashed day lounging on Elia Beach, one of the most beautiful stretches of white sand rimming the southern coast of Mykonos.

RHENIA ISLAND BY TRADITIONAL KAIKI & SWIMMING
Escape the crowds on this relaxing kaiki trip to uninhabited Rhenia island.

HOME COOKING AND TALES OF MYKONIAN LIFE
Join your host, an iconic local in her home for a cooking lesson based on recipes from her family cookbook.

Day 8 - Athens (Piraeus), Greece (Disembark)
We end our cruise in Athens. As the capital of Greece and one of Europe’s most bustling cities, Athens is powered by 5,000 years of history. At night, the city of Athens glows from afar, light reflecting off the ancient ruins. A visit to Athens wouldn’t be complete without seeing the metropolis’ major sites... the unforgettable Acropolis, the Parthenon, a hike up Mount Lycabettus, or a tour of one of the many museums containing antiquity’s greatest treasures dating back to the 5th century BC. Though Athens is a city of ruins, it’s the very essence of modern Greece.

* A full list of optional excursions and pricing for our cruise will be available for booking approximately 90 days before we sail.

Optional Pre-Cruise Athens Holiday Extension

August 28 - 31, 2025
4 Day/3 Night Package

August 29 - 31, 2025
3 Day/2 Night Package

Thursday, August 28, 2025
Early Athens Arrival
Who wouldn’t want to get to Athens early and spend some extra time exploring this ancient city on your own? For those OUTbounders who just can’t wait to start their vacation, we got you. Feel free to arrive at our host hotel on Thursday. Your reservation will be set for all three nights in the same room... no moving across the hall on Friday when the rest of us arrive. Our early arrival option allows you to start enjoying your vacation right away, and take an extra day to get acclimated to the time change and shake off that jet lag.

Friday, August 29, 2025
Welcome Toast & Cocktail Party
Welcome to Athens, drenched in history, culture and food! It’s no wonder Athens is one of our favorite cities in the world. Once settled into your room at our host hotel, join us up on the rooftop terrace for our welcome cocktail party overlooking the famed Acropolis and kick off our Greek Isles Cruise! There’s nothing like the first day of vacation. Spend the evening with your hosts, catching up with old friends and meeting new, as we embark on our Athens Holiday and tour of all things Greek!

Saturday, August 30, 2025
Exploring Athens
Athens may not wear its rainbow hues as loudly as Mykonos or Amsterdam, but the Greek capital has a booming gay and lesbian scene that’s waiting to welcome you with open arms. In Ancient Athens, homosexuality was not just tolerated, it was elevated. Today, open-minded Athens still celebrates diversity and acceptance. This is your day to explore Athens, the fantastic historic city and capital of Greece. Many of civilization’s intellectual and artistic ideas originated here, the birthplace of Western civilization. Join one of our unique LGBTQ+ tours, explore the vibrant Plaka District, or lounge by the pool. Today is your Athens, your way!

Sunday, August 31, 2025
Ship Transfers
Today we’ll have our final breakfast, take one more dip in the pool, and check out of our host hotel. Your included ship transfers will pick us up in the hotel lobby and take us through the busy streets of Athens to the waiting Azamara Pursuit. We’ll arrive at the coastal port of Piraeus where we’ll board our ship and start the next phase of our vacation together!

Athens Host Hotel

Royal Olympic Athens Hotel

Our host is the Royal Olympic, located in the historical center of Athens just minutes from the famed Acropolis and ancient Parthenon. The hotel sits just in front of the famous Temple of Zeus and is only a two-minute walk to the new Acropolis Museum... meaning that all the very best of Athens, from shopping and sightseeing to restaurants and bars, are easily within reach. Included with your reservation is a full breakfast buffet featuring a wide selection of fruits, juices, cereals, eggs, bacon and pastries to prepare you for your day exploring Athens.

Located just minutes from the famed Acropolis, the Royal Olympic offers elegant design and bright interiors. Our host hotel is a modern and comfortable property located in the historic center of Athens and within walking distance to the main landmarks like the Parthenon, the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Gate and the Acropolis Museum. Our travelers can start their day with the large buffet breakfast, which is included in the price of your stay. The Royal Olympic is just steps away from Athens’s main underground and tram lines which allow easy access to any areas of the city. The building is furnished with a combination of elegant art and the latest technology. All rooms have in-room bathrooms with showers, air-conditioning, comfortable bedding and flat-screen televisions. Internet is free and available in all public areas and in every room.