Unforgettable Cruise Itineraries: Exploring Egypt and Greece

Nov 06, 2025 0

Embark on a journey of a lifetime with a cruise that combines the rich history and stunning landscapes of Egypt and Greece. This is not your average summer vacation in Europe - it’s an all-out culture trip you’ll never forget. Explore the stunning landscapes and rich history of Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt.

Sunset in Santorini, Greece

Why Choose a Cruise to Egypt and Greece?

There’s nothing like spending a summer in Greece, and an adventure on Brilliance of the Seas℠, is the perfect way to experience it.A 10-14 day trip provides enough time to explore the essential sites of both countries. Travelers typically spend 4-5 days in Egypt visiting Cairo the pyramids and taking a Nile cruise. The remaining 5-6 days allow for Athens and 2-3 Greek islands such as Santorini and Mykonos.

Benefits of a Cruise

Longer stays in port
Deeper immersion into culture and history
Exploration of natural beauty

Featured Destinations

Offering longer stays in port, Brilliance of the Seas℠ takes you deeper into the culture, history and natural beauty of some of Europe’s most incredible destinations.

Greece

Scope picture-perfect sunsets in Santorini. Tour a local vineyard in Crete. And spend a day soaking up the sun on a golden-sand beach in Mykonos.

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Athens: The bustling metropolis of Athens, with its treasure trove of antiquities, will impress even the most seasoned traveler. As the modern city thrives with high-rise apartments, crowded sidewalks, and busy traffic, the timeless beauty of the Acropolis, outstanding museums, charming cafés, and lively sidewalk markets create a captivating cultural mosaic. Explore Athens, where ancient wonders and modern energy collide. Stroll through the charming streets of Plaka, filled with tavernas and local shops. Discover treasures at the National Archaeological Museum or browse the bustling Monastiraki Flea Market. As night falls, Athens comes alive with rooftop bars and a lively gay and gay-friendly scene, offering unforgettable views of the Acropolis. Explore the harbors of Piraeus, which showcase the Golden Age of Greek history. Visit the Hellenic Maritime Museum and the ship sheds - here, you can see how ancient ships were crafted. In the charming Castella district, you'll find some small, quaint shops and cafes amid the elegant neoclassical buildings. Head to Sotiros Street to find brand name stores, alongside smaller local shops.
Mykonos: Powder white houses, sparkling blue waters, and red-hot nightlife- the Island of the Winds carries you away with colorful upscale adventures. Blue-domed churches speckle the landscape, and vibrant flowers cascade down whitewashed houses, creating the quintessential Mykonos charm. But let’s be honest, you're here for the sun-soaked beaches and the electric nightlife that have earned Mykonos its reputation as one of the most popular gay destinations worldwide. From afternoon beach parties to late-night clubs, the island is alive with energy. Explore Hora’s bougainvillea-laced pathways and see the Folklore Museum’s Mykonian ship models. Join the raucous party on the shimmering sands of Super Paradise beach. Or watch the sunset from an open-air taverna- all nestled in the heart of Greece’s Cyclades islands.
Santorini: Known as "Thira, the Wild Island" and "Kalliste, the Fairest One," this volcanic Greek island enchants with black sand beaches and towering limestone cliffs. The dazzling cliffs of Santorini invite you to explore one of the world’s most unique islands, filled with beaches, wineries, and spectacular vistas everywhere you turn. Walk along the narrow streets of the town of Thera or visit the beautiful village of Oia, perched on the rim of the caldera offering panoramic views of breathtaking beauty.
Crete: The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is both a beach paradise and home to some of the country's premier archaeological finds and attractions. Iraklion, Crete's bustling capital, offers a captivating blend of ancient history and modern charm. The Archaeological Museum showcases remnants of the 3,000-year-old Minoan civilization, centered around the legendary Palace of Knossos, famous for the myth of the Minotaur. Explore stunning Byzantine churches, walk along the impressive 15th-century Venetian walls, and admire the old fortress.

Egypt

Visit one of the most awe-inspiring remnants of ancient civilization - Egypt. Combine this with a few days in the cradle of democracy - Athens - with its famous Acropolis and Panathenaikon stadium.

Cairo: Visit the famous Khan El Khalili Bazaar before returning to your hotel for overnight. Begin your full day city tour, visiting the Egyptian Museum, home of the world’s greatest collections of antiquities from the Pharaonic period. Continue your sightseeing to Giza Pyramids. Examine Karnak Temple, Luxor Cheop’s 4500 year old Great Pyramid. Explore the pyramids built by Mycerinus and Chepheren and beware the mighty Sphinx, protector of the Pharaohs.
Alexandria: Egypt's coastal jewel, the city of Alexandria brings ancient history and modern together. Spend the day enjoying the historic sights like the Biblioteca Alexandrina, the Citadel of Qaitbay and delicious cuisine of Alexandria. Cruises to Alexandria, Egypt, come with an unparalleled introduction to ancient sights. As soon as you arrive in this storied city, you'll want to make a beeline for one of its many museums. The Antiquities Museum is a great first stop to get a better sense of the city's history and status within the ancient world. It's also located at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern reimagining of the lost and legendary Library of Alexandria. If you want to keep the history crawl going strong, stop by the Alexandria National Museum to immerse yourself in the world of Egyptian Pharaohs, the Greek and Roman era, and the Muslim conquest. Or, enjoy a taste of semi-modern-day Alexandria with a visit to the beautiful Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque, which dates back to the 18th century. Then, tour the gorgeous 19th-century gardens at the Montaza Palace.
Luxor: This evening, enjoy a visit to Luxor temple. After breakfast visit the most important area of the Nile, the West Bank. The Valley of Kings containing the secretive tombs of New Kingdom Pharaohs, the Valley of Queens, the temple of Hatshepsut at El-Deir, El-Bahari and the Colossi Memnon.

Sample Itinerary: 7-Night Cruise on Brilliance of the Seas℠

Experience the journey of a lifetime on a 7-night cruise on Brilliance of the Seas℠.

Day	Date	Port	Arrival	Departure
1	2027-10-15	Athens (Piraeus), Greece		5:00 PM
2	2027-10-16	Day at Sea
3	2027-10-17	Limassol, Cyprus	7:00 AM	3:00 PM
4-5	2027-10-18 - 2027-10-19	Alexandria, Egypt	7:00 AM (Mon)	9:00 PM (Tue)
6	2027-10-20	Day at Sea
7	2027-10-21	Mykonos, Greece	7:00 AM	8:00 PM
8	2027-10-22	Athens (Piraeus), Greece	5:00 AM

Day 1: Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Explore the harbors of Piraeus, which showcase the Golden Age of Greek history. Visit the Hellenic Maritime Museum and the ship sheds - here, you can see how ancient ships were crafted. In the charming Castella district, you'll find some small, quaint shops and cafes amid the elegant neoclassical buildings. Head to Sotiros Street to find brand name stores, alongside smaller local shops.

Day 3: Limassol, Cyprus

Limassol's new marina sits between the old and new ports, and the entire area is ripe for exploration. Head up to the 14th century Kolossi Castle and museum on a journey that will take you through the historic heart of the city. Then wander over to the zoo or the impressive archaeological remains on Cyprus, that dates back to the Romans.

Days 4-5: Alexandria, Egypt

As soon as you arrive in this storied city, you'll want to make a beeline for one of its many museums. The Antiquities Museum is a great first stop to get a better sense of the city's history and status within the ancient world. It's also located at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern reimagining of the lost and legendary Library of Alexandria. If you want to keep the history crawl going strong, stop by the Alexandria National Museum to immerse yourself in the world of Egyptian Pharaohs, the Greek and Roman era, and the Muslim conquest. Or, enjoy a taste of semi-modern-day Alexandria with a visit to the beautiful Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque, which dates back to the 18th century. Then, tour the gorgeous 19th-century gardens at the Montaza Palace.

Day 7: Mykonos, Greece

Powder white houses, sparkling blue waters, and red-hot nightlife- the Island of the Winds carries you away with colorful upscale adventures. Explore Hora’s bougainvillea-laced pathways and see the Folklore Museum’s Mykonian ship models. Join the raucous party on the shimmering sands of Super Paradise beach. Or watch the sunset from an open-air taverna- all nestled in the heart of Greece’s Cyclades islands.

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Practical Information

The journey between countries usually involves a 2-hour direct flight from Cairo to Athens. Within Egypt travelers take domestic flights between Cairo Luxor and Aswan. Greek island connections run via high-speed ferries from Athens to destinations like Mykonos (3 hours) and Santorini (5 hours). Private vehicles handle transfers between airports hotels and ports.

Currency

Greece: Euro
Egypt: Egyptian Pound

Daily expenses average 50-75 USD covering extra meals activities and shopping. Egypt's Nile cruises include meals but factor in tips (45 USD) and optional tours like Abu Simbel (135 USD). Greek costs run higher with casual meals at 25-30 USD and attraction entries around 15-20 USD.

The Giza Pyramids, Egypt

Essential Travel Tips

You'll find excellent weather on the Greek islands throughout the year, but the best time to visit is between April and October, when temperatures range from the low 70s to the mid 80s, and the sun is nearly guaranteed. Countless ruins like the Acropolis and the Akrotiri overlook the world-class beaches that are around nearly every corner on the islands. Whether you're more interested in a private cove on Zakynthos or a central beach with a party scene on Mykonos, the options are limitless.

Packing Essentials

Summer Months: Lightweight clothing. A sweater for cool Cairo evenings.
General: Modesty in clothing should be observed; wear bathing suits and shorts at the beach or swimming pools only. A good rule is to cover your back and shoulders outside of the hotel area. Women should cover their arms when visiting mosques.
Excursions: Visiting the Greek ruins often means traversing over irregular stony terrain that can present a double hazard. Thus, shoes worn on such excursions should be sturdy and absolutely comfortable.

Cultural Considerations

Egypt is a conservative country. Dress modestly to show respect for the local culture.
Sleeveless dresses and shorts may not be worn in monasteries and churches in Greece, and women should be sure that arms and shoulders are covered.