Name: Greece Intensive Cruise: Monemvasia, Volos & Thessaloniki
Brand: Azamara
Rating: 4 (12 reviews)

Overview

Discover the beauty of Mediterranean and Italy on this 25-night voyage with Azamara, setting sail from Athens aboard the Azamara Journey. Ports of call include Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete, Siracuse, Sicily, and Palamós, giving you the chance to explore some of Mediterranean and Italy's most captivating destinations. Days at sea aboard the Azamara Journey offer the chance to recharge before your next exciting port of call in Mediterranean and Italy. Book this Mediterranean and Italy cruise from just £4,996 per person for a truly unforgettable holiday.

Azamara

Sold by Royal Caribbean Group in January 2021, Azamara is already expanding under its new owners, Sycamore Partners. The destination-focused line has brought forth a ship, Azamara Onward - the former Pacific Princess - which, like the rest of the fleet, is a Renaissance Cruises R-class. But regular customers needn't worry.

In fact, they'll notice little change under the new ownership, as many itineraries will continue to be based on single countries, with late nights and overnight stays in port. The signature AzAmazing evenings - exclusive shore-based cultural events - and optional pre or post-cruise land tours are also staying.

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1

Athens

Athens, the cradle of democracy, where philosophers like Plato and Aristotle shaped the foundations of Western thought, offers more than just a stroll through ancient ruins. With a climate that boasts mild winters and warm, sunny summers, it's ideal for year-round exploration. The city offers an authentic glimpse into the Greek way of life, away from the typical tourist traps, with bustling local markets and traditional cafes hidden in plain sight among the city's modern hustle. Cruise lines such as Norwegian and Royal Caribbean offer tailored excursions to iconic spots like the Acropolis, yet it's the lesser-known Philopappos Hill that provides breathtaking views of the entire cityscape, including a direct line of sight to the Parthenon, adding a unique layer to the visitor experience.

Day 2

Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete

Day 3

At sea

Days 4-5

Alexandria

Alexandria, with its bustling Corniche and the iconic Library, serves as the perfect gateway to a mesmerizing blend of modern vibrancy and ancient charm. Imagine sipping mint tea in a quaint cafas you gaze out at the Mediterranean. The city's mild winters and warm, breezy summers offer a refreshing retreat for those in search of authenticity. Here, you'll laugh at the playful contradiction of hearing a donkey cart clop along a street lined with Wi-Fi-equipped coffee shops!

Day 6

At sea

Day 7

Limassol

Day 8

Alanya

Day 9

Antalya

Welcome to Antalya, where the echoes of ancient civilizations blend seamlessly with the allure of modern coastal living. This picturesque city, nestled along the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean, boasts a Mediterranean climate, with balmy temperatures and gentle sea breezes that beckon travelers seeking an authentic escape. Away from the typical tourist traps, Antalya offers a glimpse into the real Turkey, with its bustling markets, charming neighborhoods, and warm hospitality. As a showcase for the country's natural beauty, Antalya's stunning coastline and turquoise waters provide a breathtaking backdrop for unforgettable experiences. Fun fact: Antalya is home to the ancient city of Perge, with its well-preserved Roman ruins, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich history.

Day 10

Rhodes

Rhodes, once home to the Colossus, one of the ancient world's wonders, is a treasure trove of scenic beauty and architectural marvels. The island's climate is a perfect blend of warm sunshine and gentle sea breezes, ideal for exploring its abundant natural and architectural sights. Cruise lines like Celebrity Cruises and MSC make a point of showcasing Rhodes not just for its sun-soaked beaches but for its less frequented villages and ancient ruins that capture the essence of the islands past splendor. A unique attraction here is the Palace of the Grand Master, a medieval castle that was once the stronghold of the Knights of St. John, offering visitors a glimpse into the chivalric and strategic importance of this island at the crossroads of civilizations.

Days 11-12

Athens

Day 13

Khania

Day 14

Katakolon

Day 15

Siracuse, Sicily

Welcome to Siracusa, where ancient myths and legends intertwine with the present. Set along the sparkling shores of the Ionian Sea, Siracusa basks in a Mediterranean climate, inviting cruisegoers to immerse themselves in its timeless charm. Away from the typical tourist traps, this coastal gem offers an authentic experience that showcases the true essence of Italy. Cruise lines often dock here to provide travelers with a glimpse into the country's soul, from exploring the ancient Greek ruins of Neapolis to strolling through the enchanting streets of Ortygia. As a testament to its rich history, Siracusa boasts one of the largest Greek theaters in the world, where performances still captivate audiences to this day.

Day 16

Catania

Welcome to Catania, where the ancient ruins whisper tales of a vibrant past. Set against the backdrop of Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, Catania boasts a Mediterranean climate that bathes its streets in perpetual sunshine. This Sicilian gem offers a genuine slice of Italian life, free from the hustle and bustle of tourist traps. Cruise lines often anchor here to showcase Italy's true essence, from its lively markets brimming with local delicacies to its stunning Baroque architecture. As the sun sets, indulge in Catania's famed street food scene, where arancini and granita reign supreme, adding a flavorful twist to your Mediterranean adventure.

Days 17-18

Salerno

Salerno beckons with tales of maritime glory, its shores echoing with the echoes of ancient seafaring civilizations. Nestled along the picturesque Amalfi Coast, Salerno boasts a Mediterranean climate, where warm sea breezes kiss sun-kissed shores year-round. Cruise lines navigate these crystalline waters, offering a glimpse into Italy's authentic soul beyond the well-trodden paths. Visitors are treated to the region's culinary delights, from freshly caught seafood to fragrant lemon-infused dishes. As the gateway to the UNESCO-listed Amalfi Coast, Salerno invites exploration of its rugged cliffs and charming coastal villages, revealing the true essence of Italian coastal living.

Day 19

Civitavecchia

Perched on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Civitavecchia boasts a storied past intertwined with maritime adventures. As the gateway to Rome, its harbor has welcomed seafarers for centuries, echoing with tales of ancient civilizations and grand conquests. The Mediterranean climate blesses visitors with balmy breezes and sun-drenched days, creating an idyllic atmosphere for exploration. Away from the bustling metropolis, Civitavecchia offers an authentic Italian experience, where cobblestone streets wind through charming piazzas and trattorias serve up delectable seafood caught fresh from the sea. Don't miss the chance to stroll along the historic harbor walls, built to protect against marauding pirates centuries ago.

Days 20-21

Livorno

Days 22-23

Nice

Day 24

Marseille

Nestled along the shimmering shores of the Mediterranean, Marseille beckons with a vibrant past steeped in maritime lore. Its bustling port has been a hub of trade and cultural exchange for centuries, with influences from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East converging in its bustling streets. Blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate, Marseille offers a haven for sun-seekers year-round, while its labyrinthine alleys and bustling markets promise an authentic taste of French life. Beyond the tourist hotspots, hidden gems await exploration, such as the secluded coves of the Calanques National Park, where azure waters meet rugged cliffs in a breathtaking tableau.

Day 25

Palamós

Day 26

Barcelona

Barcelona, a city defined by its innovative spirit from the architectural wonders of Gaudto the bustling medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, offers a vivid window into Spains artistic soul. The city benefits from a Mediterranean climate, ensuring pleasant weather perfect for leisurely explorations of its many districts. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian utilize Barcelona as a key port, giving travelers the chance to immerse themselves in a blend of modernist architecture and vibrant local life. An intriguing fact about Barcelona is its beach was artificially created in preparation for the 1992 Olympics, showcasing the city's ability to ingeniously reinvent itself while maintaining its historical roots.

Day 1

Athens

Day 2

Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete

Day 3

At sea

Days 4-5

Alexandria

Day 6

At sea

Day 7

Limassol

Day 8

Alanya

Day 9

Antalya

Day 10

Rhodes

Days 11-12

Athens

Day 13

Khania

Day 14

Katakolon

Day 15

Day 16

Days 17-18

Day 19

Days 20-21 Livorno

Livorno

Days 22-23 Nice

Nice

Day 24

Marseille

Day 25

Palamós

Day 26

Barcelona

690

Passengers

408

Crew

2000

Launched

2016

Last refit

30277t

Tonnage

182m

Length

25m

Width

18kts

Speed

Decks

USD

Currency

Azamara Journey

A luxurious boutique hotel at sea, the Azamara Journey is a mid-sized ship with a deck plan that’s intimate but never crowded, and offers everything modern voyagers are looking for—plus some unexpected extras.

All Prices

Customer reviews

Reviews

Amazing Azamara

Wonderful holiday on the beautiful Azamara Quest. We chose Azamara because of the excellent reviews we had read when researching for a Cruise to celebrate our 47th Wedding Anniversary and my 70th Birthday and we were nit disappointed. The ship was beautiful and importantly there are no more than 700 passengers onboard on each cruise which definitely meant a less crowded, more intimate and relaxing experience. We chose a balcony cabin for the first time, and sitting on the balcony every day was a joy, whether at sea or in Port. The fact that it was a smaller ship meant it could dock adjacent to the Mediterranean Ports and the majority of time meant you were in the hub of the resort immediately. We chose the cruise as we were excited to explore the Islands of France, Spain and Italy, some we had visited previously over the yeaars

Azamara Azamara Quest

Reviews

Excellent

We joined Azamara in Maritius and then travelled to Malfives, Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia and finished in Singapore. It was the first time we had been on an Azamara ship although I have done over 20+ cruises. We could not fault anything about the ship, the staff and amazing cruise director Eric Grey. We enjoyed ourselves so much we booked whilst onboard a back to back cruise to South America.

Azamara Azamara Pursuit

Reviews

Embarkation nightmare

Overall the ports of call all very interesting,as the title suggests embarkation was pure farce,one line to drop bags 35-40 minutes and another to have carry-ons scanned again 35 40 minutes in the hot sun. Thank goodness it wasn't raining!People turning up before their designated time didn't help. Once on board we had to check in in the cabaret lounge, quite a slick operation. Aqualina was disappointing with my fish being well overcooked and my partners pasta was dried up with a crust around the edge, we sent them back and the second attempt was exactly the same, Service was rushed as if the kitchen wanted to finish the shift early.Not good for a paid for specialty restaurant. PrimeC was much the same extremely disappointing. The head chef was Indian soo at least Indian themed dishes had some flavour otherwise the food was pretty bland with left overs unimaginatively served at breakfast. The stateroom was typical Azamara compact ,the bathroom was tiny ,with the shower the same,tiny and with a curtain Our favourite spot was the Sunset bar with outside seating for all meals,heaven. The production shows were wonderful,the rest of the offerings we didn't bother with. As I said at the beginning the itinerary was great, but overall a disappointing cruise with inadequate seat in public areas. As with nearly all cruise lines the crew were faultless ,particularly Sanjeev and Milroy.

Azamara Azamara Journey

Reviews

Once again a near faultless cruise.

From check in at Athens to leaving the vessel at Citiavechia the cruise was really enjoyable and the staff so very helpful and willing to give a hand. Some ports were only accessible by Tender, but there was little delay getting off the ship, thanks to the small number of passengers! It would be difficult to pick out individuals for commendation because they were all so good. Looking forward to our future cruises with AZAMARA.

Azamara Azamara Pursuit

Reviews

Style on a different level

This was our 4th Azamara cruise and we were not disappointed. From start to finish you are made to feel special. Their ships maybe of the older style and definitely no flumes or such like and really not ideal for children as there is nothing for them to do. If you enjoy good food and attentive service on a well run ship where you can do as little or as much as you want this cruise line is for you. They have lectures on the ports of call and their cruises are reknown for their port intensive experience, staying in port longer than some of its larger competitors. The icing on the cake for Azamara are the Azamazing evening where they will take you by bus to a venue which could be an opera, or local dancing of the country or to a typical village of the country you are visiting with food and drink. Also the other feature they do so well is the White night where tables are set around the pool and a buffet, served by the officers and music and dancing goes on into the night. All in all a cruise full of experience where you are treated as a person not a number.

Azamara Azamara Pursuit

Reviews

Amazing Azamara

From start to finish great service from friendly efficient crew and staff. Great variety of entertainment on board and really special Azamasing evening of operatic singers in Rhodes castle, an inclusive trip for all passengers . As always wonderful choices of food in variety of venues. Azamara is smaller ship cruising at it's best.

Azamara Azamara Pursuit

Reviews

Azamazing cruise

Our second Azamara cruise but not our last. The ship was a cool haven in what was a very hot August! The itinerary perhaps, would be better suited to cooler, less busier periods but was ok! Good great as usual, especially Prime C! Service really excellent too!

Azamara Azamara Onward

Reviews

Azamara Journey

What a fantastic all inclusive cruise experience we enjoyed. The attendant we had for our room ensured we were wel catered for with our media needs and the afternoon quizzes and food were real highlights for us. We enjoyed every moment on boats and would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone. We’re looking forward to sailing with you again!

Azamara Azamara Journey