Canakkale
Nafplion
Athens
Istanbul
Volos
Patmos
Thessaloniki
Syros
Thessaloniki
Athens
Overview
Cruise Itinerary
Welcome to the ancient city of Athens, the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation'. If your schedule is tight, savor traditional Greek coffee at a café with a view of the city's iconic ruins, soaking in the historic ambiance before your cruise departs. If you've got time to explore the Acropolis stands as a must-see, a UNESCO World Heritage site, adorned with iconic structures like the Parthenon and nearby Temple of Olympian Zeus. The nearby Acropolis Museum showcases stunning artifacts from ancient Greece, providing deeper insight into the city's heritage.
Piraeus is located about 12 km (7.5 miles) from the city center and it takes roughly 20-30 minutes to reach by taxi or train. A taxi ride from the airport to Piraeus port will take approximately 40-60 minutes, depending on the traffic. The taxi fare (indicative only) is around 45 euros in the daytime and 64 euros at night (24:00-05:00).
A mountainous island situated a few miles from the Turkish shores, Chios is rich in history. The Greek island is most famous for its mastic trees that are used to make chewing gum and for its small medieval towns. Ships will dock or anchor in Chios Town.
Top Things to Do on Chios:
- visit a Masticha plantation
- drive across the Kambos plain
- visit the medieval villages of Pyrgi and Mesta
- view the traditional windmills in Tampakika
- visit Homer's Rock on the Vrontados coast
- admire the mosaics in Nea Moni monastery
Once the seat of two massive empires, Istanbul has been shaped by its colourful history. From massive Byzantine churches, to towering Ottoman mosques, history can be found in each building no matter what part of the city you wander through. Ships will dock at the Galataport cruise ship terminal which is a 40 minute drive from the Istanbul Airport.
Top Things to Do in Istanbul:
- marvel at the Blue Mosque
- haggle at the Grand Bazaar
- explore the Underground Cistern
- visit the Hagia Sofia
The small seaside town of Kepez is the port for Canakkale, a city of many amazing sites and incredible vistas. This ancient city is the gateway to the Gallipoli WWI battlefields and the archaeological site at Troy. Ships will dock at this port.
Top Things to Do in Kepez:
- visit the Canakkale Archaeological Museum
- explore the famous ancient city of Troy
- visit the Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park
- see the ancient city of Assos and the Temple of Athena
Greece's 'second city', Thessaloniki, is the countries energetic cultural capital. Weaved in among ancient ruins are vibrant streets lined with a diverse selection of delicious restaurants, boutique shops and beautiful beaches. Ships will dock at the Port of Thessaloniki.
Top Things to Do in Thessaloniki:
- visit the iconic White Tower and Museum
- tour the city's 15 UNESCO listed monuments
- visit the Royal Tombs in Vergina
- explore the ancient city of Dion
- stroll along the Thessaloniki waterfront
- shop the Modiano and Kapani markets
Volos combines the allure of the sea with mystical charms and mythical legends. Located at the foot of Mount Pelion, Volos wasn't founded until the mid-19th century, and its neoclassical architecture lends it a contemporary feel. Ships will dock at the Port of Volos.
Top Things to Do in Volos:
- stroll along Argonauts Avenue
- visit the Meteora monasteries
- take in the views at the village of Makrinitsa
- relax on Boufa Beach
- dine at one of Volos' famed fish tavernas
Syros, the capital of the Cyclades, is a gem in the Aegean Sea, captivating visitors with its blend of traditional Greek culture and neoclassical beauty. The island's capital, Ermoupoli, is a visual feast, with its striking town hall and Apollo Theater, often likened to a miniature La Scala.
Venturing beyond Ermoupoli, travelers find tranquil beaches like Galissas and Finikas, perfect for unwinding after a morning of exploration. The island's culinary scene is a delight, with local specialties such as loukoumi - small cubes made of a mixture of sugar, water and starch that are offered in a number of scents and flavours and the famous halvadopita (nougat pie), offering a taste of Syros' rich cultural tapestry.
Patmos Island boasts idyllic beaches, swimming coves and historic hilltop mansions. Though many are drawn to Patmos for its natural beauty and seclusion, the island is also famous for being the location where St. John penned the Book of Revelations. Small ships will dock in the port town of Skala, while large ships will anchor offshore and tender guests to Skala.
Top Things to Do in Patmos:
- stroll the narrow lanes of Chora
- visit the Grotto of Revelation
- relax on Agriolivadi Beach
- visit the museum in St. John’s Monastery
With perfect beaches, crystal clear waters, and evocative fortress-capped mountains, Nafplion is a sun-soaked Greek beauty. The beautiful town is staggered up green hillsides and filled with old mansions, paved paths and a Neoclassical feel. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the pier.
Top Things to Do in Nafplion:
- visit the ancient sites of Epidaurus and Mycenae
- take in the views from the Paladimi Fortress
- visit Corinth and cross the canal by boat
- sample some local wine or ouzo
If you've got time to explore the rich heritage of Athens, begin at the Acropolis, where the Parthenon offers breathtaking views of the city. Nearby, the Plaka district's narrow streets are filled with charming shops and tavernas, perfect for leisurely exploring. Visit the Ancient Agora to walk in the footsteps of Socrates. For a modern twist, the National Archaeological Museum houses treasures spanning millennia. Wrap up your day with a sunset stroll up Lycabettus Hill, providing panoramic vistas of this timeless city.
Athen's city center is located about 12 km (7.5 miles) from Piraeus and it takes roughly 20-30 minutes to reach by taxi or train. A taxi ride to the airport from Piraeus will take approximately 40-60 minutes, depending on the traffic. The taxi fare (indicative only) is around 45 euros in the daytime and 64 euros at night (24:00-05:00).
Life Onboard Azamara Quest
Modern and intimate, enjoy a boutique cruise journey just as special as the places she visits. Read more
Top tier authentic service complements Azamara’s intimate ships and inclusive amenities. Read more
Go places larger vessels can’t get to and linger longer to immerse yourself in unique destinations. Read more
Entice your tastebuds with a world of flavours at every meal, from classic choices to regionally inspired menus. Read more
Head ashore for a bespoke performance curated to showcase destinations and cultures around the world. Read more
Enjoy destination focussed programming and continue your cultural journey from shore to ship. Read more
Azamara Quest Reviews (4) Most Recent 'Azamara Quest' Reviews
The verandah stateroom plus is a very good option and is serviced daily by a valet, ours was very obliging and left a small sweet treat every evening. Shore excursions are expensive but well run. Try the Tuk Tuk options for local tours and other options is you want to take longer trips to inland areas, islands or nearby towns etc. Chioggia is difficult to get to by private transfer. There is a local bus service from Venice for about €6-7 and takes about an hour. However you still have to get to the embarkation point from the town - you cannot rely on taxis as there are only 4 in the town. The only option is travel from Venice or the airport with pre arranged transfer on embarkation and disembarkation. This is expensive and seems designed for those Northern Hemisphere clients.
If people want to position themselves the day before the cruise starts, spend overnight in Venice or the airport for transfer the following day. As there were only a few of us not using the Azamara transfers, the company didn’t seem interested in helping. Our plans were upset a bit because the bus we planned to get to Padua on May 1 wasn’t running because of a public holiday! Thankfully the other bus company got us back to Venice where caught the train to Venice. A message to Azamara to be a bit more client focussed would help us southerners! Overall it was a great experience which we would recommend and as all the Azamara ships are the same, we’d certainly consider them if we were to cruise again, e.g around Japan
Brochure
Azamara Europe (2025-26)
Dates & Pricing
USD
Azamara Always Included
Cabin Layout Options:
Select Cabin Preference:
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Azamara. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
