Greek Islands Cruise

Ancient mariners surely had quite a task when they first explored the more than 6,000 islands that comprise the Greek Islands. For the modern traveler, cruises make the experience easy by providing a comfortable floating hotel and maximizing what you see without the need for ferry schedules and multiple flights. Today only 227 of Greece's islands are inhabited, and they're generally divided into seven groups. Most cruises visit the Cyclades group (56 islands, including Mykonos and Santorini) and the Dodecanese (14 islands, including Rhodes). Their structured routes and shore excursions help you make the most of your trip, whether your goal is to explore ancient archaeological sites, hike along dramatic seaside cliffs, or enjoy authentic moussaka in a quaint taverna.

For fitness buffs

Try: Star Clippers' seven-night Northern Cyclades cruise, round-trip from Athens, visiting Mykonos, Delos, Samos, Patmos, Sifnos, and Kusadasi, Turkey. From $2,075 per person.

On board: Your home for the week is the 170-passenger, 360-foot Star Clipper yacht, built in 19th-century style but able to reach speeds of more than 19 knots. If you want a hands-on experience, you can help the crew hoist the sails, climb the main mast for a view, or take a class in knot tying.

Top stop: Mykonos is one of the few spots in the Aegean where you can dive (in most other ports the sport is forbidden to protect undersea archaeological sites). The experts at the Mykonos Diving Center at Paradise Beach take snorkelers and divers to underwater spots such as Prasonisia, where you will find an abundance of sunken antiquities.

For food lovers

Try: Seabourn's seven-night cruise between Athens and Istanbul includes stops at Mylos, Rhodes, Symi, Khyos, and Kusadasi, Turkey. From $3,449 per person.
For history lovers

Try: Celebrity Cruises' 10-night excursion on the Solstice, round-trip from Rome with stops in Athens, Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini (as well as Kusadasi, Turkey, and ports in Italy). From $1,299 per person, double occupancy.