Variety Cruises, a specialist in cruises with small, environmentally friendly ships, is one of the few cruise companies that offers numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites in the countries it visits.
The cruises, predominantly seven nights and eight days long, are structured to avoid repeated returns to the ports on the itinerary.
Variety Cruises offers UNESCO sites in Greece, Africa, and Central America
Cruise passengers can choose between the Jewels of the Cyclades, Unexplored Greece or From Antiquity to Byzantium to visit some of the country's most famous sites.
Those wishing to visit UNESCO sites outside of Greece can do so in the islands of Coiba (Central America), Petra and Wadi Rum (Jordan), Cidade Velha (Cape Verde), the Saloum Delta (Senegal), the Wassu stone circle quarry or Santiago Island (Gambia).
Itineraries proposed by the company
Unexplored Greece – embark on the 164-foot yacht Callisto. This eight-day voyage visits lesser-known islands, including Ikaria, Patmos, Kalymnos, Serifos, Koufonisia, Heraklia, and Amorgos, among others. Departures from Marina Zeas, Piraeus.
Jewels of the Cyclades – where guests have the opportunity to become acquainted with the Cycladic islands, which come in all shapes and sizes, but all share the same characteristics: blue and white hues, incomparable light, translucent blue waters, idyllic beaches, and the aromas of thyme, oregano, and sage. Discover Poliegos, Folegandros, Santorini, Paros, Delos/Mykonos, Syros, and Kythnos.
From Antiquity to Byzantium – This is a themed Archaeology and History cruise where resident lecturer Eugenia Alexiou will guide you through the past. This journey to lesser-known sites on the Peloponnese peninsula is a masterclass on the journey through classical antiquity and the Roman conquest, culminating in the transition to the Christian Byzantine Empire. Highlights include Mycenae, Delphi, Olympia, ancient Epidaurus, Nafplio, Pylos, and Gythion.
Classical Greece – aboard Variety Cruises' flagship, The Voyager – a journey of discovery, unraveling the wonders of Classical Greece. The beautiful Cyclades, Kea, Santorini, Mykonos, and the neighboring UNESCO-protected archaeological island of Delos. Crete, the largest and southernmost Greek island; the island of Kythira, a hidden gem of the Aegean Sea; the Peloponnese, with stops in Monemvasia and Nafplio, and other historical treasures.
Red Sea – Israel, Egypt, and Jordan – An expert Egyptologist onboard and ashore will enhance your experience with insights that bring each destination to life for a truly comprehensive perspective. Explore these historic sites and ancient ruins: Wadi Rum in Jordan, the Valley of the Kings, the temples of Karnak and Hatshepsut in Luxor, the Pyramids of Cairo, and other ancient treasures. Select sailings include passages through the Suez Canal.
Cape Verde Islands – from verdant mountain ranges, lush hills, and rainforests to explore, to volcanic landscapes and vast, deserted beaches. This cruise includes a stop in Cidade Velha, the first colonial city built in the tropics and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This seven-night cruise visits each of the four islands that make up the archipelago, each with its own unique charm and attractions to explore.
Central America – Cruise through Costa Rica and the Panama Canal – a cruise to discover the jungle, with its spectacular flora and fauna, the unique white sand beaches and the transit through the legendary Panama Canal, a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Gambia and Senegal Rivers – A seven-night wildlife cruise along the West African coast and up the Gambia River, visiting four nature reserves; the Sine Saloun Delta, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve; the fishing village of Djiffer; Gambia River National Park; the mysterious Wassu stone circles, another UNESCO World Heritage Site; Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve and Kiang West National Park in Gambia; and Kunta Kinteh Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Seychelles – A perfect destination for both summer and winter cruises thanks to its tropical climate. Scattered across the Indian Ocean, some 1,000 miles east of Kenya, these 115 islands offer everything from pristine white-sand beaches to UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Tahiti, The Society and the Tuamotu Islands – 7 or 10 night sailing, round trip from Tahiti to discover Bora Bora, Taha'a, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Rangiroa, Tetiaroa, Tikehau and Makatea, passing by UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Taputapuãtea.
Destinations for Small Ships:
Timeless and exotic destinations, picturesque towns, and private beaches accessible only by small ships, including some of the world's most unique destinations such as Greece, Italy, Malta, the Seychelles, Tahiti and the islands of French Polynesia, Costa Rica and Panama, the Middle East and the Red Sea, West Africa, Cape Verde, and much more. Variety Cruises' small ships take you to the heart of each destination.
