“Greek holiday” is a term infused with the aura of the sea; it invokes meandering through narrow, cobblestone lanes on an Aegean island, embracing the genuine Cretan lifestyle and diet, marvelling at natural splendour, and experiencing heartfelt hospitality. It is reminiscent of the bracing winds in the Cyclades and the fiery sun that sets unhurriedly. It signifies the excitement of preparations before embarking on our journey, packing suitcases and listing all the essentials. It encapsulates the thrill of boarding the ship and the indescribable joy that bubbles within when the anchor is heaved, and we finally set sail for the destination of our dreams.
Indeed, the holiday unfurls at that exact moment when, seated in the ship’s lounge, we watch the port of Piraeus recede into the distance and unwind with a coffee, gazing out at the boundless sea.
This year, like every other, we’ve secured our tickets to the islands early. With MINOAN LINES‘ genuinely awe-inspiring, ultra-modern ships, backed by half a century of maritime expertise, we’ll traverse to our destination in Crete, Heraklion, safely and swiftly aboard the floating palaces of Knossos Palace and Festos Palace, luxuriating in comforts akin to those of a hotel during our journey.
The expansive lounges exude a home-like vibe, enhancing the hospitality proffered by travelling with MINOAN LINES. At the bars and restaurants, we’ll encounter everything one could desire during a voyage: fragrant coffees, invigorating beverages, breakfast snacks (for early risers setting sail to the Cyclades), hearty lunch and dinner dishes, flavourful drinks, and indulgent desserts.
For breath-taking Crete, specifically the Venetian port of Heraklion, the itineraries of MINOAN LINES’ Knossos Palace and Festos Palace offer daily evening departures. This makes Greece’s largest island, teeming with historical legacy, a must-visit not only in the summer but all year round. We’re filled with anticipation for our visit to Knossos and the walls of Heraklion, ready to immerse ourselves in the island’s beauty, hospitality, coastlines, natural wonders, and the renowned Cretan cuisine.
At MINOAN LINES, we believe that the journey is as significant as the destination. We can opt for one of the deluxe cabins aboard the Knossos Palace or Festos Palace and allow the hours to slip away serenely, free of anxiety about our arrival time. This experience gifts us with a “home away from home,” or even a “workplace for the day.”
For those of us yearning for a taste of the ever-charming Cyclades, whether our dream island is the cosmopolitan Mykonos, unique Santorini, beloved Paros, picturesque Naxos, or noble Syros, our journey on MINOAN LINES’ Santorini Palace will feel like our holiday has begun the moment you step on board from Piraeus or Heraklion. Reserve a spot in one of the lounges of Santorini Palace or in the opulent VIP area, kick back, and unwind with the rhythmic whisper of the sea. It’s as if we’re already lounging on the most exquisite beach on the island, enjoying a swift and secure voyage.
The same applies if we choose the enchanting island of Milos, a Cycladic jewel of unique coastal beauty. It can be reached comfortably and luxuriously from both Piraeus and Heraklion in just a few hours, aboard the floating “palaces” Knossos Palace and Festos Palace.
For those of us travellers whose hearts yearn for an enchanting road trip through Italy, lingering constantly on our bucket list, perhaps it’s time to turn dream into reality? No matter which season one chooses for this special escape, one can comfortably, swiftly, and luxuriously reach Brindisi, the charming port of Southern Italy. This will serve as our launch pad for endless journeys through the Italian countryside or along the riviera.
MINOAN LINES‘ Cruise Ferry, the Kydon Palace, embarks daily from the port of Igoumenitsa for Brindisi. It’s worth noting that the ship proudly sails under the Greek flag, manned by a Greek crew, while its voyages are orchestrated in conjunction with the M/V IGOUMENITSA schedules by Grimaldi Euromed S.p.A.
