Greece Family Vacation with Greek Isles Cruise
Are you dreaming of a family vacation in Greece? Imagine exploring the ancient ruins in Athens, lounging on the beautiful beaches of the Greek islands, and enjoying delicious Mediterranean cuisine with your loved ones. Greece is the perfect destination for a family getaway, with something to offer for every member of the family. Whether you’re interested in history, relaxation, or adventure, Greece has it all. You can visit iconic landmarks like the Acropolis, relax on the beaches of Santorini, or go hiking in the mountains of Crete. And let’s not forget about the food – Greek cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients and delicious flavors that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Let me share ideas for a perfect Greece Family Vacation.
Greece Family Vacation
Greece, located in southeastern Europe, is best known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. The official currency used in Greece is the Euro, making it easy for tourists from other European countries to visit without worrying about exchanging their money. The primary language spoken in Greece is Greek, which is a beautiful language rich in history and tradition. Greek culture is characterized by its unique blend of ancient traditions and modern influences. From the famous Greek mythology to the delicious Mediterranean cuisine, Greece has a lot to offer to visitors.
Greece enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Be sure to pack accordingly, with lightweight clothing and plenty of sunscreen for the summer months. If you’re visiting in the winter, you may need a jacket and umbrella for the occasional rain shower.
Brief History of Greece
Greece, known as the birthplace of Western civilization, has a rich and fascinating history that spans over 4,000 years. From the ancient Minoan civilization on the island of Crete to the mighty city-states of Athens and Sparta, Greece has played a significant role in shaping the world as we know it today. One of the most well-known periods in Greek history is the Golden Age of Athens, which occurred during the 5th century BC. This was a time of cultural flourishing and intellectual achievement, with great thinkers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle making their mark on philosophy and science. The city-state also built the stunning Parthenon on the Acropolis, a testament to their architectural prowess.
Greece’s influence spread far and wide, as their city-states established colonies throughout the Mediterranean and Black Seas. This expansion led to conflicts with the Persian Empire, culminating in the famous battles of Marathon, Thermopylae, and Salamis. Despite the eventual decline of the city-states, Greece’s legacy continued through the Hellenistic period and the Byzantine Empire. Today, Greece remains a treasure trove of archaeological sites, including the Acropolis in Athens, the Palace of Knossos in Crete, and the oracle of Delphi. From democracy and theater to philosophy and art, Greece has left an indelible mark on the world. Its history serves as a reminder of the enduring power of human creativity and ingenuity.
family trip to greece
Looking to satisfy your cravings for Greek cuisine? Here are the top 10 Greek foods you must try:
- Gyro – A popular street food made with slices of meat (usually lamb or chicken) wrapped in pita bread with tzatziki sauce.
- Souvlaki – Skewers of grilled meat (again, usually lamb or chicken) served with pita bread and various toppings.
- Spanakopita – A savory spinach and feta cheese pie wrapped in flaky phyllo dough.
- Moussaka – A hearty casserole made with layers of eggplant, ground meat, and bechamel sauce.
- Baklava – A sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and honey syrup.
- Fasolada – A traditional Greek bean soup made with tomatoes, beans, and vegetables.
- Tzatziki – A creamy yogurt and cucumber dip flavored with garlic and dill, perfect for dipping pita bread or veggies.
- Dolmades – Grape leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of rice, herbs, and meat or vegetables.
- Loukoumades – Deep-fried balls of dough drizzled with honey syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon.
- Pastitsio – A Greek version of lasagna, made with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and creamy bechamel.
greek isles cruise
You could fly into Athens and spend a couple days seeing the capital city and several nearby historic sites. Howerver, to see some of the lovely islands, you will need to take a ferry. Our solution to the complicated, multi-step process to visit many of the beautiful islands was to take a Greek Isles Cruise! This cruise to Greece not only allowed us to visit all the main locations we wanted to see, but allowed us to only unpack once and the hotel moved with us day after day! I highly recommend seeing Greece from the comfort of a cruise ship. You can read more about a cruise vacation here.
We opted for a RoyaL Carribean Greek Isles Cruise. Specifically, we took the Explorer of the Seas – which was a great size ship that wasn’t too big, but big enough there were things to do like rock climbing, pickle ball, ice skating rink, water slides, mini golf, and more! We scored a kids sale free and 70% of the 2nd passenger so our 10 night cruise was not much more than our grocery bill would have been at home! Seriously, look for deals – they are amazing! The airfare over was expensive, but the cruise was beyond reasonable.
What to See in greece
Because this post would be tremendously long if I listed each and every city / port we visisted in one post, I am going to list where we went with some highlights below. Just click on the title to go to the post where I will talk about each place in detail with lots of pictures. Sound good?
ATHENS, GREECE
CORFU, GREECE
Discover the beauty of Corfu, Greece! From stunning beaches to ancient fortresses and delicious Greek cuisine, this charming island has it all. Wander the cobblestone streets of Corfu Town, explore the countryside, and soak up the sun on pristine beaches.
MYKONOS, GREECE
Learn what to see in Mykonos Greece – a beautiful island with picturesque beaches, white washed buildings with blue accents, historic sites like Delos archaelogical park, and iconic windmills.
ARGOSTOLI, GREECE (Island of Kefalonia)
Discover the top things to see in Argostoli, Greece! From the stunning Koutavos Lagoon and De Bosset Bridge to Melissani Lake with illuminated caverns and the Drogarati Cave, the colorful Fiskardo village and St. Theodore Lighthouse , there’s something for everyone in this charming town. Learn more about what to see in Argostoli, Greece.
SANTORINI, GREECE
Santorini, Greece is a breathtaking island paradise in the heart of the Aegean Sea. Known for its stunning sunsets, white-washed buildings, and crystal-clear blue waters, it is a destination that truly captures the essence of Greek beauty and charm. Visitors to Santorini can explore the charming villages perched on cliffs overlooking the sea, sample delicious local cuisine at seaside tavernas, or simply relax on one of the island’s many beautiful beaches. The island is also home to some unique historical sites, such as the ancient ruins of Akrotiri and the picturesque village of Oia, which is famous for its iconic blue-domed churches and windmills.
RHODES GREECE
Explore the ancient ruins of the Acropolis of Lindos or take a stroll through the charming streets of Rhodes Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t forget to visit the Palace of the Grand Master, a true architectural marvel. After a day of sightseeing, unwind on one of Rhodes’ beautiful beaches such as Tsambika or Faliraki, where crystal-clear waters and golden sands await. Indulge in delicious Greek cuisine at one of the local tavernas or sip on a refreshing cocktail as you watch the sunset over the Aegean Sea.
CRETE, GREECE
Explore ancient ruins such as the Palace of Knossos, and marvel at the Minoan civilization that once thrived here. Relax on the sandy shores of Elafonissi Beach, known for its pink sands and crystal-clear waters. Indulge in traditional Greek dishes like moussaka and souvlaki, and taste the flavors of the Mediterranean with fresh seafood and local wines. Whether you’re interested in history, relaxation, or simply soaking up the sun, Crete has something for everyone.
Other Greek Island Cruise Cruise Ports
EPHESUS (KUSADASI), TURKEY
Although Ephesus is part of Turkey, not Greece, it is a possible port on a Greek Islands cruise itinerary. This ancient city is a must-visit destination with its rich history and stunning architecture. Walk through the ruins of Ephesus and imagine what life was like in the Roman times. Marvel at the well-preserved Library of Celsus and the grand Theater of Ephesus. Stop by the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and soak in the beauty of this sacred site. After exploring the historical sites, don’t forget to wander through the charming streets of Kusadasi, where you can shop for unique souvenirs and enjoy delicious Turkish cuisine. You can also relax on the beautiful beaches or take a boat trip along the stunning coastline.
KOTOR, MONTENEGRO
Kotor is also not a Greek Island, but one of the ports on our itinerary. Nestled between the picturesque Bay of Kotor and the rugged mountains of the Balkans, this medieval town is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Wander through the narrow streets lined with charming stone buildings and ancient churches, soak up the stunning views from the city walls, and don’t forget to sample some delicious local cuisine at one of the many cafes and restaurants. We enjoyed this stop tremendously! It was so beautiful and I highly recommend visiting this port. Make sure to visit what to see in kotor
family trip to greece itinerary
Greece is a great place to take the family on vacation. From a rich history with lots of remarkable ruins to beautiful scenery and beaches – Greece is the perfect family vacation. As with any trip, make sure you check the government site for any travel advisories and to make sure you have all the documentation (passport, visa, etc) and health information (recommended shots) you will need traveling. In addition, keep your belongings secure at all times, especially in crowded tourist areas. Be cautious when using public transportation and avoid traveling alone at night. Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, especially during the hot summer months. And as always, respect the local culture and customs, and be mindful of any local laws and regulations.
family vacation to italy and greece
We opted to do a family trip to Italy and Greece at the same time. It was a glorious 2 week vacation! We started with a 7 day Family Trip to Italy which took us through Rome, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, Florence, Pisa, Siena, Tuscany, and Venice. From Venice we took an easy train ride to Ravenna. From Ravenna we too a Greek Isles Cruise which allowed us to Visit Athens and several beautiful islands too.
