2016 Cruise from Venice to Athens to Rome including Greek Islands

May 20th to June 16th, 2016 we enjoyed 25 days aboard the small ship Azamara Journey in a balcony cabin. Normally this cruise would have been outside our price range but a last minute itinerary change created many cancellations. Prices were cut 50% so we signed up. We departed Venice, Italy instead of the planned Istanbul, Turkey due to the refugee crisis. This was 2 cruises, back to back. We stayed in the same cabin the entire journey (which is unusual). The following shows our full itinerary. With maps of the regions below that.

We spent two days in Venice prior to getting on the cruise ship. Venice is a fascinating city. No cars, only water taxis called Vaporettos that are very easy to hop on and off all around. It is easy to get lost while walking around because the pathways wind around between tall buildings. The most fun of Venice is getting lost, then taking a Vaporetto back to your hotel. Make sure you pick up a map at one of the many information booths. If you get on the Vaporetto going the wrong direction, just stay on and it will take you where you need to go eventually. Enjoy the sights all along the way. No one is in a hurry in Venice.

Waterways instead of Roadways

Gondolas

Busy pathways

Bridges over the water

Bridges everywhere

Cathedrals

More Cathedrals

Venice as we departed

Vaporetto

Inside the Vaporetto

Fruit Market

DUBROVNIK, Croatia – Beautiful Walled City within a City

Chania, Crete, Greece

We took a tour of the island which included a World War II Cemetery. It was so beautiful. Then we went to Monestery Agia Triada built in 1632. On the way back we visited a hilltop with views all around and we could see our ship anchored. Notice Bob waving hello!

Detail map of the Greek Islands we visited

Santorini, Greece

More to come: More Greece, Malta, Italy, France and more Italy.

Author: Marla Vannice

Exploring the world has always been my dream. These aren't "vacations". They are travels to every corner far and wide. We are 'budget' travelers and always travel light. Our goal is always to get to know the locals and avoid tourist areas. We do use cruise ships but not in the normal way. We don't drink nor gamble so that saves us lots of money. We might only see each port for one full day but have been known to return later on our own. View all posts by Marla Vannice