The Ultimate Way to Cruise the Aegean Islands!

This is a story about 7 star cruising, pastel painted shutters and testicles!

One day… You’re enraptured by the ruins of the City of Philippi.

Surrounded by stunning colonnades and an awe-inspiring amphitheatre, you grace streets where Ancient Romans once walked. Classical antiquity bursts into life right before you.

The Next… You’re feasting your eyes on beautiful, whitewashed buildings with pastel painted shutters.

An enchanted island perched on a bed of turquoise water. Strolling the cobbled streets, the tantalizing smell of lamb gyros makes its way to you from the local Taverna.

In between… You rest from your adventures in sheer luxe, as the waves of the Aegean lap up against your 7-star cruise yacht. Soaking in the sun and sampling succulent filet mignon.

Let Me Tell You a Story About the BEST Aegean Cruise Ever Sounds… Idyllic. Perfect. Like a dream come true.

Well, it was for me. Ever had your eye on exploring the iconic Aegean islands?

Let me tell you a story about my Aegean adventure aboard the Regent Seven Seas Explorer. Settle in, sailor!

My Ultimate Aegean Cruise Adventure!

First Stop - Istanbul The cruise set off from Istanbul, where Europe and Asia kiss. I had some time to explore before I hopped on board my luxury liner. So, that’s what I did! Istanbul is a city steeped in history. The architecture invites you to feel the force of the former Byzantine and Ottoman empires.

I took a quick detour to Istanbul’s spice market. If you want a feel for Middle Eastern life, this is where it’s at. The Spice Bazaar is a truly sensual experience. Deep vibrant colours delight the eyes, whilst incredible aromas pack a hearty punch.

Arriving at the port, I was greeted by my “small ship”. 10 decks tall, 700 guests, and 560 crew members looking after our every whim. Hmmm. Maybe not so small. But definitely luxury. This was the ultimate way to cruise. Time to settle into my aptly named Superior Suite.

Next stop, Kavala! Stop 2 – Kavala greeted me with the beauty of ancient castles and the bustle of a 21st century city. Located in Northern Greece, Kavala is a principal seaport. It’s also a stone‘s throw away from the ancient ruins of the city of Philippi. In fact, just 15km away. Take a cheeky visit?

Don’t mind if I do. Standing in the middle of the epic amphitheatre, I was absolutely awestruck at its enormity.

Intricate and stunning colonnades that stood the test of time towered over me. It hit me. I was standing where Alexander the Great’s dad once stood!

The site of one of the most famous battles of Roman history. And where the apostle Paul established early Christianity. It was humbling to say the least.

Then, I thought about how I’d make a great gladiator. Right, back to the ship Lizzie.

Stop 3 – Mykonos I bet you didn’t know this… Apparently, Mykonos is the mythical site of a battle between Hercules and invincible giants. And it’s now said that the large rocks around the island are petrified giant testicles!

Aside from folklore and fun facts, Mykonos is truly magical.

I found my happy place wandering among whitewashed houses through mazy streets. Taking in the prettily painted pastel shutters and vibrant flowers. Inhaling the sweet scent of the Mykonos summer and lamb gyros from local taverna’s. The view of crisp, crystal clear waters from Elia Beach. Heaven.

Stop 4 – Santorini - You’ve seen the pictures of Santorini.

The whitewashed buildings in Oia and Fira, clinging to the rock, perched over a crisp blue lagoon. Breath-taking blue domes with short cathedral-like spires. Yet those images still don’t do it justice.

When I arrived at Santorini, it almost felt like I’d found the lost city of Atlantis. It’s that spectacular. And if that wasn’t enough, I got to dig through some fascinating finds from the lost city itself.

My incredible Fira Museum tour featured artifacts from the excavation of Akrotiri (supposedly the site of Atlantis). I couldn’t take any pieces of Atlantis with me. But I did nab some local jewellery and paintings from little shops just off the paved streets.

Final stop – Trieste (Northern Italy) Trieste marked the end of my Aegean adventure. Another stunning seaport, lying in a narrow strip of land between the Adriatic Sea and Slovenia.

Immediately, you feel the strong influence of Latin, Germanic, and Slavic cultures. Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time to wander and soak in those cultures. But there was time for one quick thrill. As I got off my luxury liner to catch my train, I found myself in the thralls of the most fabulous racing yacht event! Yes, yacht racing. This is one of the wealthiest seaports in Italy we’re talking about.

An Aegean Cruise Aboard the Regent Seven Seas Explorer - Would I Do It Again? Absolutely!

Sitting on my train from Trieste to Venice, I mused on my epic cruise, as the Venice coast serenaded me. I thought about the stunning destinations.

Santorini. The ruins of Philippi. I mainly thought about the mouth-watering Michelin Star quality food aboard The Seven Seas Explorer. The sumptuous prime New York Strip and decadent desserts of Prime 7.

The punchy flavours of Pacific Rim's delicious Pan-Asian food.

My time aboard the Regent Seven Seas Explorer was the ultimate way to cruise Aegean. It was time to head back to the UK.

Home to Colin to tell him all about it! But would I do it again? In a heartbeat.

Want to Embark on Your Own Aegean Cruise Adventure? If you fancy an Aegean adventure yourself and want to cruise in luxe, get in touch. I’d love nothing more than to be your personal travel expert and set you up with the cruise of your dreams. Get in touch with me to find out more ... E:Mail: lizziab@designertravel.co.uk