By Judy Broadbent
As the Greek Island of Santorini came into view,
tears filled my eyes.
It was all I had ever imagined, having wished to visit this jewel of the southern Cyclades for years. Sailing into the submerged Caldera onboard Variety Cruises flagship ‘Variety Voyager’ only added to the occasion.
With around forty guests onboard the superyacht, the cruise coordinator, Georgia, made it her mission to ensure that this, and all our excursions, went without a hitch.
As two monstrous cruise liners were also heading for Santorini, with four thousand passengers onboard, we ‘nipped in there quickly’ to avoid lengthy queues at the island’s cable car.
At the top of the cable car ride, Santorini came into view with its narrow, age-worn streets. It is a pretty labyrinth where I soon found a fabulous restaurant and ate the best Greek salad of my life. I soaked up the atmosphere and the midday sun – it was around 39 degrees.
Next was a trip to Akotiri via coach, here the ruins of a Bronze Age settlement are being excavated. Sometime in the 16th century BC a volcanic eruption blew out the centre of Santorini and volcanic ash buried the entire settlement. The remains of fine frescoes and artworks were discovered here, but what really blew my mind was the discovery of an upper floor four- thousand- year- old toilet with drainage and hot and cold running water. The Minoan civilization was far advanced.
You cannot visit Santorini without seeing the azure church domes of Oia that sit atop a magical hilltop in the North of the island. The blue domes were stunning, but being high season, the winding lanes were busy.
Back onboard the Variety Voyager, a crew member handed out ice- cold flannels and equally ice-cold melon water. Oh, what bliss! I felt like a queen onboard my own personal floating palace where the 5 Star extras made all the difference.
We set sail to Crete and there we visited the Minoan Palace of Knossos dating back to 1900 BC where the oldest throne in the world is in situ. Its diminutive size indicates a woman ruler, but that is debatable. The stonemason’s marks are still evident throughout this immense palace.
Our eight-day cruise offered an excursion to the UNESCO-protected isle of Delos, a huge yes from me as I am an ancient history geek. This exceptional site conveys the image of a great cosmopolitan prosperous Mediterranean port where once a colossus statue of Apollo stood, the base of which remains. It must have been awe- inspiring in its day. A happy atmosphere where life was simple with a diet of olives and fish aplenty. Where oil lamps burned brightly at night under a canopy
of shooting stars.
This island hopping gave us a chance for a swim stop at a beautiful, secluded beach. The Variety Voyager can access places the large cruise liners cannot. It has been years since I snorkeled, but I took the opportunity and I’m glad I did. The sea was warm, and I witnessed a fish building a nest in which to lay its eggs. The opportunity to kayak and windsurf was available for others, but I was happy snorkeling.
This exciting voyage of discovery, unveiling the wonders of Classical Greece, then sailed to Mykonos. This is a beautiful place popular with celebrities, and I could not wait to step foot on the cobbled streets that held a wealth of superb shops selling everything from exclusive jewellery, clothes, shoes, art, and finally the local hang-out where my favourite of all fast foods, Gyros, was on the menu.
It was then back onboard to sail to The Peloponnese with Monemvasia, Napflion, and King Agamemnon’s palace and the divine yet quaint Hydra Island being next on the list. Overseeing Napflion is a magnificent architectural masterpiece, the fortress of Palamidi built in the early 19th century during the Venetian occupation.
Hydra is my new favorite place and is where the songwriter Leonard Cohen had a home, and I now understand why. Situated on the Argosaronic Gulf, the Island welcomed us with open arms to its unspoiled charming streets. No cars allowed here – bliss.
Throughout the voyage, we dined onboard either for lunch or evening dinner or dined in the port of call where we berthed. The food was plentiful, delicious, and every whim catered for, even cappuccino at lunchtime for little old me. If you are going to take a cruise, this is how you do it.
For me, a fellow well-heeled frequent Variety passenger encapsulated the whole life- enriching experience. ‘Being onboard is like a family get- together, we felt comfortable and cosseted, nothing is ever too much trouble and are very well cared for by the crew.’
The quality of service was outstanding, my luxurious cabin was cleaned twice daily, including a night service when the huge bed was turned down and my pillows plumped. And daily sweeties. Thank you, Variety Cruises, for a truly memorable experience.
CLASSICAL GREECE Athens to Athens
Exclusive shore excursion package. (To September 2024) Costs: from £1239 pp | Port charges: £287 pp.
· Accommodation in your chosen grade of cabin with ensuite SH/WC, individually controlled air conditioning, mini fridge, and flat screen TV with complimentary movies.
· Full board: Buffet breakfast and two meals daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, local themed party evening, fun BBQ on the beach or on deck (weather permitting) and Captain’s Dinner.
· Regular (filter) coffee, tea and drinking water free all day, plus abundant fresh fruit.
· Use of fishing and snorkelling equipment and sea kayak (subject to availability).
· English speaking expert Guest Speaker.
· Professional English-speaking Cruise Director.
· Excursion package
To book online visit www.varietycruises.co.uk or call 020 8324 3117
VARIETY CRUISES
offer packages sailing worldwide.
