Once limited to the Polar regions, Luxury Expedition Cruising is expanding in both interest and geography. Following the success of cruises to Japan, Abercrombie & Kent has announced its inaugural cruise through the Greek islands aboard the brand-new, exclusively-chartered luxury vessel, ‘La Laperouse.’ Cruising the Greek Isles (October 10-19, 2018) offers an immersive way to explore Greece, with visits to both essential sites and lesser-known gems, including the islands of Symi, Delos and Syros, along with enhanced services that amplify the luxury factor.
Each day presents an opportunity to explore Greece through a local lens. A&K’s award-winning enrichment team accompany guests throughout the journey to bring the country’s rich history to life during onboard presentations and shore excursions, supported by a team of local guides, who lend meaningful context to the archaeological wonders.
With Abercrombie & Kent, small ship cultural journeys offer the luxury of choice. Guests may select from up to three enriching shore excursions each day, designed to appeal to a range of personal interests, from history, culture, art, nature, architecture, food and wine. Each experience has been meticulously researched, scouted and enhanced by A&K’s experts. On Santorini, active travelers may climb the crater of a still-active volcano on uninhabited Nea Kameni, while wine aficionados enjoy a tasting with a local wine expert and culture lovers marvel at the acoustics of Epidaurus’ ancient theater.
Traveling with A&K guarantees invitation-only access to the people and places that reveal Greece at its most authentic. Meet a local Greek art expert, who guides you though the eclectic Benaki Museum in Athens, a repository of Greek culture through the ages: Bronze Age jewelry, Byzantine icons and traditional folk costumes.Visit a picturesque organic farm in Crete and participate in a cooking demonstration, sampling fresh ingredients at their source. Taste fabled Santorini wines during an exclusive tasting hosted by a local wine expert. Explore Rhodes’ medieval past on a guided walk through its fascinating Old Town. Spend the afternoon in Bodrum, where the castle grounds include a Museum of Underwater Archaeology, and explore traditional Etrim, a mountain village known for its expertly-crafted carpets. Take a private boat to the small, uninhabited island of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and purported birthplace of Apollo.
Introducing A&K Onboard Concierge Service
A&K will introduce a new Onboard Concierge Service for guests who prefer to travel privately at ports. The service will be available to arrange private, bespoke experiences and guided tours tailored to guest interests, at an additional cost. Possibilities might include meeting a local artisan at their jewelry workshop, soaking in Nea Kameni’s hot springs; or learning how Greek aristocracy lived – or simply exploring an uninhabited island.
‘Le Laperouse’: All-new, All-luxury
Launching in Spring 2018, ‘Le Laperouse’ will offer the utmost in modern luxury, complete with butler service in all suites (an A&K exclusive) and a 1 to 1.25 staff-to-guest ratio. A&K limits capacity to no more than 150 guests, ensuring balconies in every stateroom and suite. When it’s time to unwind, guests may choose among a sensory-driven underwater lounge — the only one of its kind — as well as a spa, salon and fitness center with a hammam; a heated outdoor infinity pool; and a marina with hydraulic platform and Zodiacs.
Gourmet Dining Aboard, Local Fare Ashore
With a gourmet restaurant serving local-sourced, international fare, ‘Le Laperouse’ offers something for all tastes — in addition to complimentary, 24-hour room service from the comfort of your private balcony, or in your stateroom or suite. During enriching days ashore, off-ship lunches at local restaurants are included, letting guests experience Greece authentically at every turn.
Discover the wonders of the Aegean on Cruising the Greek Isles (10 days from $8,995 per person, double occupancy when booked by Dec 31, 2017). Go to www.abercrombiekent.com for more details, call 800.554.7094 to speak with a Travel Consultant or contact your travel professional.
