Table of Contents
The 7-night Best of Greece itinerary departing from Athens (Piraeus) offers a compact tour of some of the eastern Mediterranean’s most evocative destinations. Operated on the Celebrity Infinity, the route balances packed port days with time to relax at sea. Whether you prize ancient monuments, whitewashed island villages, or simply the Mediterranean light over a late-afternoon espresso, this cruise packages those experiences into one week. Practical details like boarding and port call times are important, so plan ahead to make the most of each stop.
Before you embark, remember the operational notes: the ship departs Day 1 at 5:00 pm from Athens (Piraeus) and returns on Day 8 arriving at 5:00 am. Guests are advised to arrive at the terminal at least two to three hours early for check-in. Onboard services, including specialty dining and Wi-Fi packages, are available for purchase; use them to enhance your day at sea relaxation and shore excursion planning.
Day-by-day route
Itinerary at a glance
The cruise follows a predictable, day-by-day schedule to help you organize excursions and downtime. Day 1: depart Athens (Piraeus) at 5:00 pm. Day 2: call at Mykonos (tendered) from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. Day 3: dock at Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Day 4: a day at sea aboard Celebrity Infinity. Day 5: dock at Rhodes from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Day 6: call at Santorini (tendered) from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. Day 7: visit Hydra (tendered) from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. Day 8: arrive back at Athens (Piraeus) at 5:00 am. Keep these times handy when booking shore tours or planning transfers.
Highlights and onshore experiences
Historic centers and archaeological treasures
Athens serves as the gateway to the cruise and a focal point for ancient history. Visit the Acropolis to view the Parthenon and set aside time for the Acropolis Museum, whose design incorporates an exposed archaeological excavation visible via a glass walkway. In Turkey, the ruins of Ephesus (near Kusadasi) showcase the Celsus Library and a monumental theater; note that only a fraction of the city has been excavated. On Rhodes, the medieval Old Town and the restored Palace of the Grand Masters narrate the island’s Crusader-era past. These stops are ideal for travelers who enjoy guided walks and contextualized museum visits.
Islands, beaches, and relaxed seaside towns
Contrast the ruins with Mykonos’s cosmopolitan lanes and Santorini’s cliffside panoramas. Mykonos is famous for its whitewashed alleys and active beach scene; note that the port is often tendered, meaning smaller boats ferry guests ashore. Santorini sits on a volcanic caldera—a basin formed by past eruptions—which explains its terraced towns and distinctive wines. Visit Oia for the classic sunset viewpoint or head to Pyrgos and Megalochori for winery visits. For a quieter day, Hydra prohibits cars—transport on foot, donkey, or water taxi keeps its harbor timeless, ideal for strolling and simple tavernas.
Practical tips for a smooth voyage
Maximize time ashore by booking reputable excursions that align with port call windows and tender schedules. For tendered ports, allow extra time to disembark and return to the ship. Pack comfortable walking shoes and sun protection—many archaeological sites have uneven terrain and limited shade. If you plan to sample local wines in Santorini, check tasting logistics and travel time back to the ship. Finally, consider purchasing specialty dining or Wi-Fi packages ahead of time to avoid queues and make the most of your day at sea downtime.
Final note
This seven-night circuit preserves the essential contrasts of the Aegean: classical ruins, island sophistication, and leisurely sea days. The schedule’s combination of early arrivals, long port calls, and a restorative day at sea creates a rhythm that suits both culturally curious travelers and those seeking a restorative Mediterranean escape aboard Celebrity Infinity.