In this blog you will find a comprehensive outline, with helpful links, of our tentative itinerary of the ASCSA Greece land package. It includes our multi-day exploration of Athens, a day trip to classical Delphi, and two nights on the historic Greek island of Aegina where we plan to immerse ourselves briefly into the Greek way of life.
ASCSA Greece cruise – Oct. 5 – 12, 2026
This blog also provides much information about the fascinating stopovers of our Mediterranean cruise – including the Greek islands of Mykonos, Santorini, and Rhodes, along with the coastal town of Bodrum, Turkey, and the island nation of Cyprus.
Greek Islands & Cyprus Cruise details (on cruise website)
City Circus is conveniently located just 250m from two central metro stations (Monastiraki & Thission), with direct and frequent service to both the airport and the port of Piraeus.
From the airport: TAXI: For a fixed price you can grab a cab which will get you downtown in about an hour depending on traffic.
BUS: Alternatively, you can use the X95 AIRPORT EXPRESS bus line, which will take you to central Syntagma station perhaps faster than a taxi. This is the only service from and to the airport that runs on a 24-hour basis (EUR6), so if you arrive too early (or too late) it might be your only option. From Syntagma, you can either get on a cab for a short ride of approx. EUR8 or walk down Ermou str. and arrive at Monastiraki square.
METRO: This is the fastest way to get to the City Center. A direct service runs from 6:33 until 23:33 and takes 42min to get to Monastiraki, which is the nearest Metro station to City Circus. Follow the exit to Athinas str. and once at ground level make a right turn for a few meters until you get at Ermou Street (the main Monastiraki square should be in front of you). Turn right to Ermou and then right again at Miaouli str., a few meters down the road. Keep walking on Miaouli str until you see a small square full of restaurants in front of you. Follow the left bend of the street and head on to Agion Anargyron Street, which is a pedestrian way. At the end of it, after about 200m, you will arrive at Sarri Street. Turn right and you will see City Circus on your left hand side, number 16.
From Piraeus port: TAXI, it will cost you around EUR30 and you’ll arrive in about 30′ depending on traffic.
METRO : You can also use line 1 (GREEN) of the Metro and stop at Monastraki station. Follow directions above.
FACILITIES
24 hour reception, Free Wi-Fi,| Air-conditioning, Luggage storage service, Wash & dry service, Roof garden with Acropolis view, Bed linens, Towels for rent
Each posting in this blog has many links that are not copied here. Below are a few links that may or may not be posted in other areas of this blog, but are of particular interest, especially in Greece, in general, and in the Athens area. See separate postings in this blog for many other links specific to each posting, such as “Athens – Monastraki & The Plaka”, “Athens – Museums & Ruins”, and “Accommodations Land Package”
Metro system – lines, maps, price www.greeka.com/attica/athens/transportations/athens-metro-system/ To get between the Airport and Monastraki (the Metro stop where our accommodations are located) by Metro, see the Metro map in this link. Find the end of one of the lines that says “Airport”. Follow this line to the city and find the stop “Monastraki” This direct line will take about 40 minutes with no Metro change of lines.
Lykavittos Hill – (same metro stop as Byzantine & Christian Museum) https://www.lycabettushill.com Highest point in Athens with 360 views. Take cablecar. At top is whitewashed Church of St. George from 1870. Cafe on top
Hammam – Al Hammam Traditional Baths in the Plaka – www.alhammam.gr The meaning of Hammam in Arabic is bathhouse. Enjoy everything this Turkish bathhouse has to offer. Views of the Acropolis can be enjoyed while relaxing on the deck.
Changing of the guard (the “Evzone’s”) – hourly in front of the Parliament building at the tomb of the unknown soldier in Syndagma Square. A ceremonial change of guards takes place every Sunday at 11am along with a marching band – https://changing-guard.com/changing-guard-worldwide/athens-greece.html
Flea Market in The Plaka and off Monastraki Square (see separate posting for Monastraki & Plaka)
Walking street off Syndagma Square (Ermu St.) – where fun, inner city life of the locals abounds – shops, cafes, Greek ruins underground, buskers
Piraeus is the main port city of Athens, and the largest port in Greece. (see “Favorite Links” posting on this blog for activities in Pireaus area) The Central Port (Kantharos) is where our cruise liner will be moored, and it is where ferries come and go to the Greek Islands. We will take the ferry from here to the island of Aegina. The metro stop next to the ferry landing is “Piraeus”
Beaches – Following are a couple of suggestions on how to get to the nearby beaches around Voula, the Athens Riviera Coastal Market:
1) Athens coastal tram (blue line #3) from Syndagma Square to Piraeus and along a scenic coastal route to Voula (here are two marinas there and lots of restaurants lined along the coastline) Tram website – www.tramsa.gr
2) Metro from Athens to Elinikon stop in Piraeus, then bus #122 along the coast
Athens area
Hop On Hop Off bus –Open top, sightseeing tours on double-decker bus, with commentated route – www.CitySightseeing.gr Note: There are several other trolley/tour companies that do similar things
– Decide in advance what stops you want to make in one day (24 hour ticket) or two days (48 hour ticket)
Highly Recommended Stops Follow
Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Archeological Museum, 3 museums (Benaki Museum, War Museum, Museum of Cycladic Art), National Gallery, Syndagma Square (Paliament), Central Market, Temple of Zeus, Ancient Olympic Stadium
Each place our cruise ship will be stopping will have a separate posting on this blog, including each Greek island; Bodrum, Turkey; and Cyprus. This posting is specifically for the stopover on the island of Mykonos
Introducing the island of Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos is one of the most famous Cyclades Islands in the southern Aegean Sea. The main town of Hora (Mykonos Town) is enjoyed for its colorful harbor, inviting cafes, windmills, whitewashed cobblestone streets which form a labyrinth, and boutique shops. The island is awash with white, sandy beaches.
History of Mykonos
Mykonos started as a transit stop near sacred Delos Island. Venetians turned it into a naval base. It became a trading hub during the Ottoman-era. The island joined the newly independent Greek state around 1830. By the late 20th century it became the famous cosmopolitan island destination it is today.
(See Helpful Links below for websites with detailed history)
Introducing the nearby, sacred island of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Delos Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, is a short 30-minute boat ride from Old Port, Mykonos. Delos was the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis and was first inhabited in the 3rd millennium BC. The oldest temples on the uninhabited island date from the 8th century BC. Delos reached the height of its power in Hellenistic times, becoming one of the three most important religious centers in Greece and a flourishing center of commerce. Today it is an outstanding open-air museum.
We suggest visiting Delos with a guide. If guided tour isn’t purchased at ticket window, licensed guides may be available when disembarking the boat on arrival on the island.
Little Venice – picturesque waterfront area in Hora with 16th and 17th century pirates’ houses on the water’s edge
The windmills – constructed in the middle 16th century by Venetians for the milling of wheat
Panagia Paraportiani church – A whitewashed,15th century church which is located on a medieval fortress gate. The church and the surrounding Kastro quarter mark the medieval castle district
Ano Mera and the Panagia Touriani Monastery – Mykonos’ second village with stone houses and a 16th century monastery. Take a tour of the monastery here – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrXEP8ehw7o
Beaches of Mykonos
There is good diving around Mykonos with wrecks, caves, and walls. Scuba diving operators are on Paradise Beach and remote Lia beach. At Platys Gialos try fly boarding, stand up paddle board, or kayaking. Note that nudity is fairly commonplace on some beaches. There is an excellent guide to island beaches on http://www.Mykonos-accommodation.com
Elia & Agrari – These two beaches form the island’s longest sand beaches. Elia is more organized than Agrari and full of cafes
Platys Gialos – package-holiday resort – location of operator of same name offering diverse water sports
Ornos (south coast) – closest beach to Hora, but often packed – ten minute bus ride
Agios Stefanos (4km), within sight of docking cruise ships
Agios Ioannis & Kapari (4 km south)
Paradise – famous for party people – expect some nudity
See map of Mykonos below for location of beaches
See Helpful Links below for companies offering water activities
Mykonos Accommodation Center (located in Hora) – helpful company for guided tours and island information, especially for tours to Delos and island tours www.mykonos-accodation.com
Delos Island: Round trip boat transfer from Mykonos Island – 40 minute boat ride each way – daily English language tour departed Mykonos Island at 10am and returned 1:30pm. Easy to purchase tickets same day at ticket booth on Mykonons Island for guided tour or only for round trip boat ticket to Delos.
Public Transportation
Caique (little boat) services go between some of the best beaches through mid October
Mykonos Cruises www.mykonos-cruises.gr An association of sea-taxi operators offering services to the islands best beaches. See the timetables online. The main departure point is Platys Gialos, with drop-offs and pick-ups at Oros
Sea Bus www.Mokonos-seabus.gr. This water taxi service connects the New Port with Hora, running more frequently when a cruise ship is in port
Taxi – Find many at Hora’s Lateia Manto Mavrogenous (Taxi Square), bus stations and ports
Each place our cruise ship will be stopping will have a separate posting on this blog, including each Greek island; Bodrum, Turkey; and Cyprus. This posting is specifically for the stopover on the island of Santorini
Introducing the island of Santorini, Greece
The island of Santorini,officially Thira, is one of the Cyclades Islands about 120 miles southeast of mainland of Greece and is the largest island of a small, circular archipelago formed by the Santorini Caldera. The island was the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history, about 3,600 years ago at the height of the Minoan civilization (from Crete).
The main town of Fira (where we will arrive by cable car), lies on the island’s caldera edge full of hotels, great restaurants, and narrow streets full of shops. The views can’t be beat. The nearby town of Ola, perched on the northern tip of the island, is famous for its pretty blue and white houses, winding, narrow streets, and sunsets.
A brief history of Santorini
Before the Eruption – The dawn of Santorini
Before 1600 BCE – The Minoan Eruption
9th Century BCE – 1st Century BCE – Dorian and Hellenistic Periods
1st Centure BCE – 13th Century CE – Roman and Byzantine Periods
1207-1579 CE – Venetian Rule
1579-1830 CE – Ottoman Rule and the Greek War of Independence
Half hour walk along the caldera edge from Thira to the village of Imerovigli, a traditional village of stone houses and chapels, and the highest point of the caldera edge. You’ll pass beautiful hotels and restaurants, and have great photo opportunities.
Beaches
– Perivolos Beach – Known for its crystal-clear sea and long pebble-and-sand shoreline, Perivolosis one of the best beaches for swimming and water sports – scuba diving, parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking.
– Kamari Beach – family beach recommended by Trip Advisor – there may be some water sports there. Near Ancient Thira. Buses go from Kamari to Ancient Thira frequently. YouTube Video of this beach – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EH3Y-xJ6lNM&t=1555s
Additional activities suggested by our participants
Hike from the city of Fira to the picturesque town of Oia along a walking path that follows the ridge of Santorini (6 miles in 2-4 hours)
Pyrgos – The former capital of Santorini and the best-preserved medieval settlement on the island. Here you can visit Phrgos Kasteli, the best preserved of the five Venetian castles that once dotted the island.
Transportation
Tourists generally get around Santorini using the public bus network, rental cars or ATV’s, and walking within the pedestrian-only cliff side towns. We will arrive via a cable car to Fira.
A Santorini sea shuttle or water taxi service typically runs from the Old Fira Port directly to Ammoudi Bay (below Oia)or between southern beaches like Kamari, Perissa, and Akrotiri. Tickets for specific caldera or Oia speedboat shuttles generally cost around €30 per person and often bundle connecting land shuttle buses
Each place our cruise ship will be stopping will have a separate posting on this blog, including each Greek island; Bodrum, Turkey; and Cyprus. This posting is specifically for the stopover at Bodrum on the southwest coast of Turkey.
Introducing Bodrum, Turkey
The historic port city of Bodrum on the southwest coast of Turkey is a booming year-round getaway for Turks and foreigners. The charming town is full of white-washed buildings, cafes, and restaurants – all engulfed by beautiful waters and the commanding presence of the towering Bodrum Castle.
A Brief history of Bodrum
Bodrum was founded by the ancient Greeks and later fell under Persianrule. The city eventually passed to successive Hellenistic rulers and then came under Roman rule. The city lost its importance by the Byzantine era. The Knights Hospitaller arrived in 1402 and built the Castle of St. Peter. Bodrum was a quiet town of fishermen and sponge divers until the early 20th century. It was part of the Ottoman Empire 1867-1922.
Top Attractions
Bodrum Castle and the Underwater Archeologial Museum
Bodrum Ancient Theatre – Greek theatre from 4th century BC
Bodrum Castle – Listed on UNESCO Tentative list of World Heritage Sites in Turkey. A historical fortification built from 1402 onward, by the Knights of St. John (Knights Hospitaller) as the Castle of St. Peter. It has four towers known as the English, French, German, and Italian towers, bearing the names of the nations responsible for their construction. Ottoman additions of a minaret and Turkish bath (hamam) were made later. The Underwater Archaeological Museumis currently housed in Bodrum Castle – https://muze.gov.tr/muze-detay?sectionId=BSA01&distId=MRK The history of the castle was taken from the UNESCO World Heritage website: https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/6121/
Bodrum Ancient Theatre – https://bodrumantiktiyatro.com.tr/en/ – The Greek theatre, with its commanding views of the Bodrum Castle, the town of Bodrum, and the sparkling sea, was built in the 4th century BC during the Hellenistic period. Alterations were made later during the Roman period. Live performances take place there now. Visiting hours vary depending on performances (generally open 8:30-5:30pm). Visiting hoursand therouteto walk there have dedicated pages on the website. (Walk straight up from the center of town – no vehicles). Visiting the theatre is free.
Suggested Activities
Bayside and Tora Boat trips – www.baysidebodrum.com This company offers afternoon boat tours of some of Bodrums beautiful bays and beaches which include swimming and snorkeling, if you choose. Visit http://www.Getyourguide.com for tours. Suggestion:Turkish Maldives boat trip with cruise port pickup – 7 hours – $45 swimming, snorkeling, lunch
Hamams (traditional Turkish baths) There are numerous hamams in and around Bodrum. Some are only a short walk from the port, others are incorporated into tours in which you can be picked up in the port. Pricesrange from $18 – $45 (for spa treatment). Several choices of hamam visits are offered on the following link: www.viator.com/Bodrum-tours/Hammams-and-Turkish-Baths/d4292-g5335-c5337For more ideasvisitwww.TripAdvisor.com
Etrim Village Turkish Rug Weaving Experience – Discover Anatolia’s skilled carpet masters in nearby Etrim Village https://gyg.me/2CKpAVVV
Bodrum Bazaar and/or Turgutirus Market – There are several open air markets on the Bodrum Peninsula. Following are two of them.
Each place our cruise ship will be stopping will have a separate posting on this blog, including each Greek island; Bodwin, Turkey; and Cyprus. This posting is specifically for the stopover on the island of Rhodes
Introducing the island of Rhodes, Greece
Rhodes island is the largest island of the Dodecanese islands and abounds with ancient history and sandy beaches. Most of these beaches are located along the island’s northeastern coast between Rhodes Town and Lindos.
The capitol city of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and principal town of the island, is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe. Highlights of the Old Town inside towering walls and a deep moat, are the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights, the Archaeological Museum, Street of the Knights, and plenty of fun shopping and wandering among the winding, narrow walking streets.
Lindos & nearby beaches – Lindos, the most popular village on the island, is about an hour south of Rhodes Town. The Acropolis is the highlight. The delightful town with its traditional white-washed houses, winding streets, and dramatic views, has been occupied for 4000 years. Two beautiful beaches lie at the foot of the village in St. Paul’s Bay.
Brief history of Rhodes
Ancient Greece – 600BC – 300 BC
Roman Occupation – 332BC – 395AD
Byzantine period – 395-1306
Crusader rule – 1310-1522
Ottoman rule – 1522-1912
Italian Occupation – 1912-1945
United with Greece – 1947
Highlights of Midevil Old Town, Rhodes – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
– Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, the island’s signature midevil fortress – also known as the Knights of Hospitaller – built in the 14th century by the Knights of St. John
– Archaeological Museum/Hospital of the Knights
– Street of the Knights, the best preserved medieval street in town
– Old Jewish Quarter & Jewish Synagogue Museum
– Hippocrates square – cafes and lively midevil atmosphere
– Roloi Clock Tower – 53 steps up for great views (next to the Suleymaniye Mosque
– Suleymaniye Mosque
– Socratous Street – great shopping with atmosphere
– Mandraki Harbor with windmills – boat trips to beaches and neighboring islands – could be our last stop before heading to Lindos (depending on where we get a vehicle/tour to Lindos)
– Elli Beach – located between Mandraki Harbor and the Rhodes Aquarium, within walking distance of the medieval Old Town – look for unique high-diving platform and plenty of beach chairs
Highlights of the town of Lindos
– The ancient Acropolis – the views and the dramatic citadel scattered with ancient ruins at the top are worth the steep climb for anyone who wants to do it!
– Charming Lindos village – winding streets, traditional houses, small shops, and stunning views. It is hugs the side of the hill where the acropolis is located, so it can be steep in some places.
– St. Paul’s Bay – at the foot of the village find two beautiful, sandy beaches here for a great swim and more incredible views of Lindos and the acropolis
SuggestedActivities
www.Getyourguide.com – Many water cruises, and a tour of Lindos – see the following suggestions:
– Sailing/snorkeling/swimming cruise to Anthony Quinn & Kalithia Springs – 3 hours – 20 Euros
– Lindos w/transportationincludes hiking to acropolis and/or swimming in a bay – 4 hours – 15 Euros
– Hop-on hop-off Bus – http://www.hop-on-hop-off-bus.com/rhodes/rhodes-hop-on-hop-off-sightseeing-bus-tour_41664 – It also can be found on the website www.GetYourGuide.com Duration of entire circuit is one hour, but you can get on/off when desired – 20 Euros Pick up this bus at the stop in the port near our ship to explore further afield than Old Town. May be good for some to do for an hour or two after exploring Old Town, while some of our group go for a swim at nearby Elli Beach.
– Rhodes Segway Tour – https://rhodesbysegway.com/old-city-segway-tour This sightseeing tour of Old Town makes it fun and easy to traverse and explore the winding streets of Old Town within its midevil walls in a couple of hours. The price is a bit steep, however, at around $100 for a 2 hour tour. A better option might be the walking tour our cruise offers as listed below.
A couple of recommended excursions on Rhodes which are being offered by our cruise ship are below (some otherwise good tours are left off because price is too high. They can probably be done much cheaper through www.GetYourGuide.com)
1) Journey to Lindos – 4 hours 30 minutes – $89
2) Kalethia Springs & Midevil Town – 4 hours – $40 – includes springs & walking tour of Old Town. A good choice for a guided walking tour of Old Town, as other walking tours are much more expensive and don’t include Kalethia Springs which should be interesting
In the 6th century BC, Delphi was the religious center and symbol of unity of the ancient Greek world. It was a sacred precinct in central Greece and the seat of the major oracle who was consulted about important decisions throughout the classical world.
We visited Delphi on a day trip from Athens – Thursday, October 1st
Delphi is a two hour bus ride from Athens. We hired a day tour with guide through Get Your Guide.
The charming town of the same name lies on the opposite side of the road where the ancient ruins of Delphi are located. Here we will find delightful places to eat lunch, do a bit of interesting shopping, and enjoy sweeping views of Pliestos Valley and the Gulf of Corinth. The valley is covered with historic olive groves that produce Greek olives.
Ancient Delphi: the Center of the Universe Explained – www.youtube.com/watch?v=hK8FAtkSdjc (This is an outstanding video with a great overview of Delphi)
Each place our cruise ship will be stopping will have a separate posting on this blog, including each Greek island; Bodwin, Turkey; and Cyprus. This posting is specifically for the stopover on the island country of Cyprus
Introducing Cyprus, an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean, divided between Greece and Turkey.
The Republic of Cyprus has several major urban centers, each with its own character.
*Lefkosia (Nicosia),with its 16th century Venetian walls that encircle the old city, is a vibrant capital where centuries of history, a rich cultural scene, and contemporary city life meet within the last divided capital of Europe. Lemesos (Limassol) and Larnaka (Larnaca) are lively coastal cities known for their history, seaside life, and gastronomy. Pafos (Paphos) is a port city with UNESCO-listed archaeological treasures nearby, and water sports and boat trips abound. The Ammochostos District (Famagusta) has resort towns renowned for their golden sandy beaches.
The current status of the Republic of Cyprus (south) and the de facto Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (north)
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 as a result of the Turkish military invasion and occupation. Today, the internationally recognized state, main cities, airports, and tourist infrastructure are located where the Government of the Republic of Cyprus exercises effective control (a.k.a. the Greek side). The areas not under the effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus (the de facto Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, or as the local Greeks call it, the “occupied territory” of Cyprus) are separated from the government-controlled areas by a United Nations-controlled buffer zone along the “Green Line”.
Visitors can travel freely throughout the Republic of Cyprus. The most popular pedestrian crossing between the Republic of Cyprus and thede facto Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is located in the capitol city of Nicosia on Ledra Street, which requires valid passport/ID checks.
For detailed, official, and up-to-date information on the Cyprus issue, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus: www.mfa.gov.cy
Our adventure in Cyprus starts at Limassol’s new marina where we will be docking. A shuttle bus will take us to the New Port. For those of you who want to explore historic Limassol for a couple of hours, we will walk through the historic part of the city to the nearby 14th century Kolossi Castle and museum. Limassol has nice sandy and rocky beaches within easy reach, including the main beach Akti Olympion. There will be plenty of opportunity for our group to go further afield than Limassol, if desired. Note that anyone who wants to visit the walled city of Nicosia will need to go on a pre-organized tour, given the distance from Limassol (2 ½ hour driving time). Assistance will be given to find a tour, if requested.
Highlights in and around the four cities of the Republic of Cyprus (Greek Cyprus)
Limassol Highlights
– Kourion Architectural sites-and-monuments (vast site – need tour) – remote –
– Limassol Castle w/midevil Museum of Cyprus
– Marina & waterfront – good for hanging out on waterfront (ice cream)
– Old Town & food court – good shopping
Lanarka Highlights
– Kebir Mosque
– Old Turkish quarter & waterfront
– Church square with St. Lazarus Church & Byzantine Museum
– Lanarka Castle – divides new part of town with older Turkish part
– Beach and boardwalk
– Lanarca Archaeological Museum
– Jewish museum & synagogue
– Kilima ruins (suggest skipping this if you visit Kourion)
– Get-on get-off bus tour (2 hours)
Paphos Highlights
– Kato Paphos Archaeological Park w/amazing roman floors is accessed from waterfront of Paphos – Kings Tombs is just north of the Archaeological Park – need transportation to do both
-Waterfront of Paphos is delightful to walk along
– Water sports and boat trips abound
– Upper Old town w/Municipal Market (need to take bus or taxi to get there from waterfront)
– Archaeological Museum – small but good
Nicosia Highlights
– Walk in the dry moat at the base of the 16th century Venetian walls that encircle the old city
– Walk the Green Line
– Lidra Street – historic, shopping street on Greek and Turkish side crossing the Green Line (need passport)
– Famagusta Gate
– Omeriye Mosque
– Cyprus Museum
– National Struggle Museum (severing the yoke of Great Britain for 150 years)
– Ethnographic Museum of Cyprus
– Do a structured walking tour – free from the tourist office or do on your own
Famagusta
– Beach trips
Acouple of recommendedexcursionsin the Republic of Cyprus whichare being offered by our cruise ship
– Paphos, UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes a visit to Aphrodites Rock and the Old port– 5 hours 45 minutes
– Ancient Kourion and Kolossi Castle, Limassol – 3 hours
