Cruise Europe: Greek Isles and Adriatic Adventure

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Destination Getaways: Greek Isles and Adriatic Adventure

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Summer is quickly approaching and that means it’s time to cruise Europe!

Summer means a return of the ships to their warm-weather homes. There is no place like a European cruise vacation to serve as the launch pad to some amazing destination immersion. Experience all Europe has to offer with destinations to Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Denmark, Russia, England, Scotland, Germany, Amsterdam, Croatia, Malta and many more… Keep reading for some cruise-inspiration for Greece and ports of call along the Adriatic.

Greek Isles and Adriatic Adventure

Azamara Club Cruises, Greek Isles and Adriatic Adventure

These are the places that I will visit starting June 23, 2016 via Azamara Club Cruises, where the ship is both the Journey and the destination.

Mykonos Picture Postcard

Mykonos. Photo by Carrie Finley.Bajak.

Windmills in Mykonos. Photo by Carrie Finley Bajak.

White-washed buildings, windmills, and people (there is always a crowd). Head to the beach or stroll around the town. If planning to go to the beach, head out of town to avoid the crowds to spend the day in the sun. Bring your water shoes because of the rocks at the beach. Maybe take a shore excursion to the beach to travel with the group and to experience the European beach culture in style: lounge chairs might be pre-reserved and let someone else worry about getting your back to the ship on time.

Santorini

Oia a must see in Santorini. Photo by Azamara Club Cruises.

Cruise visitors will tender in before heading out to either the capital, Fira or venturing off to Oia or places in-between. This is the place where the cable car takes you up the mountain or maybe a ride on a donkey is more like it.

Kotor, Montenegro

One of many squares throughout the city

Kotor Bay, spectacular views heading to Kotor.

This medieval city is one of the best kept secrets on a Eastern European cruise. Not only is the approach to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kotor is an easy port to walk around since the ship docks close to the old town. The entire city, which is surrounded by stone, is both a cultural hotbed as well as a lively city center with restaurants, bars, great shopping, and plenty of attractions that are off the beaten path. Speaking of paths, one of the physical callings of the town is scaling the 1,350 steps leading to the top of the cities upper town walls. Other attractions include a visit to the 12th century St. Tryphon Cathedral, and the Church of Our Lady of Health.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik Old City

Dubrovnik is full of beaches, just jump in.

Ofter called the “Jewel of the Adriatic”, Dubrovnik is a highlight for those cruising in the region. The quaint town located on the Dalmatian Coast offers plenty of cultural attractions like the 14th-century walls and guard towers, medieval relics, and a warm and inviting sea.

Venice, Italy

Sailing into Venice

This popular port demands a pre or post cruise stay. Simply put, there is not enough time in Venice to see all the attractions. Expect to wander the streets, gaze at the palazzos, bridges and famous canals while calling on this Italian hot spot.

First time visitors will want to soak up all the city has to offer: the Basilica San Marco, the Doges’ Palace and the Basilica Museum. Bring a little extra patience with you when visiting during the summer. And think about taking an organized shore excursion to avoid long lines in the hot sun.