Mediterranean, Greek Islands
Colors of Eastern Mediterranean - Greek Islands Cruise
Embark on a journey through the magic of the Aegean Sea. From the bustling port of Piraeus to the charming town of Monemvasia and the picturesque island of Milos, this cruise will take you on a journey through some of Greece's most beautiful and historic destinations. As you sail through the Aegean Sea, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the ancient ruins of Rethymnon and Chíos, stroll through the picturesque streets of Symi and Rhodes, and soak up the sun on the beautiful beaches of Nisyros and Mytilene. And when you’re ready to relax and unwind, you can enjoy a leisurely day at sea as you take in the stunning views of the Mediterranean.
• Piraeus: Piraeus is Greece's bustling cosmopolitan capital and serves as the gateway to Athens. The city offers a captivating mix of ancient and modern attractions, including the iconic Acropolis. Explore the Grand Promenade and visit the Acropolis Museum for a deeper understanding of the city's rich history.
• Monemvasia: Monemvasia is a medieval castle town located on a small islet attached to the mainland. Wander through its cobblestone alleys and soak in the historical ambiance. Don't forget to enjoy a rooftop lunch with stunning views of the town.
• Milos, Adamas: Adamas is a port town on the island of Milos. Explore ancient ruins and historical sites such as the Church of the Holy Trinity, Catacombs of Milos, and the Ancient Theatre of Milos. Immerse yourself in the island's rich history and charming atmosphere.
• Rethymnon, Crete: Rethymnon is a picturesque port town with a multicultural history influenced by the Minoans, Venetians, and Turks. Explore the enchanting lanes, visit the Fortezza, and enjoy the atmospheric harbor area. Climb Palekastro Hill for panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
Highlights
• Piraeus: Piraeus is Greece's bustling cosmopolitan capital and serves as the gateway to Athens. The city offers a captivating mix of ancient and modern attractions, including the iconic Acropolis. Explore the Grand Promenade and visit the Acropolis Museum for a deeper understanding of the city's rich history.
• Monemvasia: Monemvasia is a medieval castle town located on a small islet attached to the mainland. Wander through its cobblestone alleys and soak in the historical ambiance. Don't forget to enjoy a rooftop lunch with stunning views of the town.
• Milos, Adamas: Adamas is a port town on the island of Milos. Explore ancient ruins and historical sites such as the Church of the Holy Trinity, Catacombs of Milos, and the Ancient Theatre of Milos. Immerse yourself in the island's rich history and charming atmosphere.
• Rethymnon, Crete: Rethymnon is a picturesque port town with a multicultural history influenced by the Minoans, Venetians, and Turks. Explore the enchanting lanes, visit the Fortezza, and enjoy the atmospheric harbor area. Climb Palekastro Hill for panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
Greece’s buzzing cosmopolitan capital is served by Piraeus port and is an exciting mix of ancient and modern. Walk the Grand Promenade that winds beneath the city’s most famous landmark, the Acropolis. This walkway, built during the 2004 Olympic Games, links the city’s main archaeological sites. No visit to Athens is complete without seeing the Acropolis itself of course. Start with the Acropolis Museum for some informative context and then walk the marble path up Filopappou Hill for majestic views of the ‘high city’ with the iconic Parthenon perched on top (a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, patron of the city).
On a small islet attached to the mainland, the preserved 6th-century medieval castle town of Monemvasia sits under a cliff at the edge of the sea. Ramble around the cobblestone alleys of this storied castle, before stopping for a rooftop lunch at one of the houses.
Adamas is a port town located on the island of Milos in Greece. Adamas showcases many ancient ruins and historical sites to explore. Some popular attractions include the Church of the Holy Trinity, the Catacombs of Milos, and the Ancient Theatre of Milos.
First inhabited by the Minoans, the Venetians and then the Turks, this romantic port has seen many styles of occupation through the ages. The city’s multicultural history is immediately evident as you begin exploring its enchanting lanes. Venetian fortifications intersperse orthodox and catholic churches and mosques. Ancient mansions with floral canopies and ornate monuments adorn the charming Venetian-Ottoman quarter. The harbour area offers an atmospheric setting for an evening meal, and just above the imposing Fortezza castle stands guard over the town. If you are feeling energic, take a walk to the castle up Palekastro Hill for spectacular views of the sparkling Mediterranean below.
Rhodes’ archeologic crown jewel, is dominated by its remarkable Acropolis. The Apostle Paul landed in St Paul’s Bay, located at the foot of the Acropolis. Further below old, whitewashed buildings line a warren of alleyways where the mansions of long-vanished sea captains now house tavernas, bars and cafes.
Symi is a small island of the Dodecanese group between Rhodes and mainland Turkey. Its main village is considered one of the most beautiful and picturesque ports of Greece, with its houses in vivid colors perched on the slopes of a high hill. Popular attractions include the Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis, the Symi Museum, and the Castle of Symi.
An enchanting city that divides two continents, we’ll approach Istanbul from the Bosphorus Strait, one of the world’s most important maritime routes. With the shores of Asia to the east, the first Bosphorus Bridge to the north and ‘old Istanbul’ to the south, few other ports offer such an immersive welcome. After disembarking, you’ll soon discover that the city is a vibrant, inclusive and friendly place that blends its tradition and modernity with ease. The history here is diverse and far-reaching. The city’s strategic location attracted many conquering forces over the years including the Greeks, Romans, Venetians and Ottomans. Istanbul was also the final point on the legendary Silk Road, attracting traders from the world over, and paving the way for the culturally diverse Istanbul of today.
Patmos, an Aegean island in the Dodecanese islands, is an important sacred site for Christian pilgrims. It is here that St. John, or John of Patmos, was believed to have written the Book of Revelations in the Cave of the Apocalypse, above the port of Skala. Visitors also walk to the top of the hill to the 11th-century Monastery of Saint John, which overlooks the picturesque white-washed capital of the island, Chora.
Kusadasi is the gateway to Ephesus, one of the ancient world’s most legendary cities. Remarkably well preserved, Ephesus is a UNESCO listed world heritage site and the best place in the Mediterranean to learn about past civilisations. A short distance from Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis (also known as the Temple of Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, once stood. Although the temple is no longer there, it is still possible to walk amongst its foundations. After the Romans arrived in 129 BC, Ephesus became the capital of western Asian Minor. Wander through its ancient streets and step back in time into one of Rome’s most important commercial hubs.
Located in the beautiful Aegean Sea, Chios is the birthplace of the Greek poet Homer and is known for its incredible beaches and fascinating medieval villages. Pyrgi and Olympi stand out for their elaborate architecture and intricate geometrical patterns. When the Roman Empire fell, Chios joined the Byzantine Empire. Castles, villages and strongholds were built, most of which remain today. Chios remains largely untouched by mass tourism and walking through the narrow streets of the villages and along the harbour is an authentic, sensory experience.
Mytilene is the capital of the Greek island of Lesbos. It is built on seven hills and is dominated by the Gateluzzi castle and the church of St Therapon with its impressive dome. Visitors can enjoy The Commander of Lesvos Monastery, Olive Wood House, Mytilene Castle, Theriade Library and Museum of Modern Art, and Ktima Oinoforos.
The culturally important seaport of Çanakkale is the gateway to the Dardanelles (known in classical antiquity as the Hellespont), which connects the Sea of Marmara to the Aegean Sea. Alongside the Bosphorus, these are the two historically significant and legendary Turkish straits. And there is no better way to explore this historical waterway than by small ship cultural cruising. Cruising into the Dardanelles we’ll pass the site of ancient Troy (Biga Peninsula) and the Gallipoli Peninsula, the place of the epic World War I battle.
The Dardanelles is the strait separating the Aegean Sea from the Sea of Marmara, between the European portion and the Asian portion of Turkey at the northeastern end of the Mediterranean basin. Cruising through Dardanelles is a unique experience that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
An enchanting city that divides two continents, we’ll approach Istanbul from the Bosphorus Strait, one of the world’s most important maritime routes. With the shores of Asia to the east, the first Bosphorus Bridge to the north and ‘old Istanbul’ to the south, few other ports offer such an immersive welcome. After disembarking, you’ll soon discover that the city is a vibrant, inclusive and friendly place that blends its tradition and modernity with ease. The history here is diverse and far-reaching. The city’s strategic location attracted many conquering forces over the years including the Greeks, Romans, Venetians and Ottomans. Istanbul was also the final point on the legendary Silk Road, attracting traders from the world over, and paving the way for the culturally diverse Istanbul of today.
Itinerary changes and surprising experiences are part of expedition cruise life. The world has a habit of amazing us with incredible things when we yield to the unexpected. Join us with an open mind and a sense of adventure and you’ll find that this can pay off in the most rewarding ways.
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Oceanview M4
$16,191 AUD pp
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
20 m2 Sleeps 2
Balcony M5
$20,562 AUD pp
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Balcony D6
$22,586 AUD pp
Located on decks 6, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Junior Suite
$25,478 AUD pp
SH Diana’s Junior Suites features a Super King Size bed, separate living room area with homely flame-effect fireplace, private kitchen, luxurious en-suite bathroom and a 7 sq. m private balcony.
35 m2 Sleeps 2
Suite
$29,560 AUD pp
Our Suites features a superking bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
44 m2 Sleeps 2
Balcony D5
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Oceanview D4
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Premium Suite
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Vessel Type: Expedition Ship
Length: 125 meters
Passenger Capacity: 192
Built: 2022-2023
Arriving in early 2023, SH Diana will be the largest ship in our fleet, providing elegant and spacious 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies. Operated by an onboard team of 140 she will provide the highest levels of personal service and take Swan Hellenic back to its roots when she launches, exploring the Mediterranean and its famous sites of antiquity.
Now sit back, relax and take a moment to get to know this amazing new ship, purpose-designed for our unique cultural expedition cruises.
Named after the Ancient Roman goddess of light, the moon, hunting and the wilderness, SH Diana been specially designed for worldwide cruising to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on earth. Building on the outstanding amenities of her sister ships, she adds a dedicated Multifunctional Room next to the Observation Lounge, a Private Dining Room for special occasions, and two tenders which bring guests a comfortable alternative to Zodiacs for expedition landings. A Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hull combines with extra-large stabilisers to make your journey as comfortable as possible.
SH Diana has been designed for immersive experiences, with extensive outside deck areas, multiple observation points and bright, open and relaxing public spaces with unobstructed views.
The pleasure and safety of our guests is paramount at all times, cared for by our attentive crew and seasoned expedition leaders. Cutting edge hygiene technology protects the health of all on board to the highest standards and includes air conditioning with UV sanitisation systems.
SH Diana’s 96 staterooms , including 11 suites, are each a superbly comfortable home from home and all feature panoramic sea views, a flame-effect fireplace, original works of art, plush couches, premium pocket sprung mattresses, en-suite bathrooms with glass-enclosed rain showers, and Egyptian cotton towels, bathrobes and sheets. A pillow menu offers customised head and neck comfort during rest, while a large flat screen TV, espresso machine with Illy premium coffee, tea making facilities with the finest Kusmi teas, and a minibar with refreshments enhance relaxation at any time. In-room dining is of course available at all hours.
Optional tours and excursions available. Please contact us for more details.
Inclusions
2024 CRUISES
• Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
• One-night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
• All meals onboard
• 24-hour room service
• Coffee, tea, soft drinks, and selected alcoholic beverages available 24 hours per day
• Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
• Standard WiFi
• Onboard gratuities and port taxes
• One selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call
Regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation are only available for:
• Antarctica cruises starting or ending in Ushuaia;
• Arctic cruises starting or ending in Longyearbyen and Kangerlussuaq.
• Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.
Exclusions
• Additional activities such as kayaking, private tours, special arrangements, private Zodiac tours
• Laundry
• Premium wines and spirits
• Purchases in the ship's boutique
• Any spa treatments
• Upgraded WiFi data packages
• Visas where required
• Travel Insurance
• Flights
• Domestic transfers
• The Explore & Restore Wellness Package is not included in the cruise fare.
Expedition
13 Days from
$16,191 AUD pp
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