Best-value Greek Island shore excursions in Crete, Rhodes, Corfu & beyond

Greek island cruises promise an unforgettable voyage filled with history, culture and natural wonders.

There’s Santorini, with its iconic blue-domed churches, Mykonos, known for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches, Crete – the largest Greek Island – boasting ancient ruins and diverse landscapes, while Rhodes and its medieval Old Town was once home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Getting out amongst these treasures is crucial when on Greek Islands cruises, but seeing the sights doesn’t have to cost the earth.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers a vast array of amazing shore excursions on cruises to Greece, whether you’re after relaxation, ancient history or local cuisine.

They’re practical, too; booking an excursion with NCL ensures a hassle-free and convenient experience. With one-stop shopping, transparent pricing and dedicated pre-cruise specialists, NCL prioritises your comfort. Enjoy the expertise of onboard consultants, be among the first to disembark at each port, and rest easy knowing the ship waits for NCL-organised tour participants.

The flexibility to modify or cancel excursions up to 48 hours prior, along with insured operators, provides peace of mind. Plus, with the Free at Sea upgrade, enjoy US$ 50 Shore Excursion Discounts per port, maximising your cruise adventure.

There’s no need to worry about the prices of shore excursions on Greece cruises either, NCL excursions cater for all budgets. We’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up the best value Greek island cruise shore excursions available with NCL across all the line’s ports of call.

Mykonos
Santorini
Rhodes
Crete
Paros
Corfu

NCL Mykonos excursions

Mykonos Beach Transfer – 4¼ Hours

Explore the renowned beaches of Mykonos, complete with pristine waters and golden sands on this affordable day trip. Unwind and bask in the sun – ancient Greeks worshipped it for good reason.

Mykonos On Foot – 2½ Hours, snack provided

This Greek Islands cruise walking tour discovers Mykonos’ buzzy nightlife, picturesque beaches and rich history. Check out such attractions as the Aegean Maritime Museum and iconic windmills while indulging in local refreshments along the way.

Scenic Views of Mykonos – 3¼ Hours, snack provided

If you’re after beaches and windmills on your Greek cruises, this NCL Mykonos shore excursion is the boy for you. Uncover the charming village of Ano Mera, visit the Panayia Tourliani Monastery and savour yummy Greek appetisers and national spirit ouzo along the way. Careful, the latter can be a heavy hitter!

NCL Santorini excursions

Perivolos Black Sand Beach Escape – 5¼ Hours

Take a dip in the limpid waters of the Aegean Sea and welcome the warm embrace of the Greek sun as you escape to these unusual black shores. How’s that holiday feeling coming along?

Volcano Hiking  – 2½ Hours

Want more of a challenge on your Greek Islands cruises? How about hiking one of the biggest active underwater volcanoes in the world? This brisk and invigorating 30-minute walk covers 3/4 mile on rocky and gravel terrain, leading you to the crater. Fun fact: the whole island was formed by the eruption of Santorini volcano in the 16th century (which also obliterated the Minoan civilisation of Crete. Whoops).

Charming Oia Village – 3¼ Hours

Perched on the elevated ridge of crimson cliffs, Oia presents awe-inspiring views of the azure Aegean Sea and the caldera beneath. Wander through the village’s narrow streets and pretend you’re an extra in Mamma Mia on this NCL Santorini shore excursion.

NCL Rhodes excursions

Rhodes – Exploring Rhodes’ Religious Past – 3½ Hours

Greece cruises are nothing if not packed with incredible history and culture and on this experience you can accompany a theology specialist on a journey through medieval Rhodes, delving into the mosques, synagogues and churches that showcase the city’s incredible history (and indeed religious tolerance).

Traditions of Rhodes & Home Visit – 3.25 hours

Perfect for those wanting an easy start to their day, this NCL Rhodes shore excursion takes guests in an air-conditioned motor coach through the New Town of Rhodes. Along the way, you’ll pass by Mandraki Harbour and Fort Nicholas, where the site of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is marked by two bronze deer statues.

Grand Masters Palace – 2½ Hours

Rhodes boasts a wealth of history and myriad notable monuments from the past, with the Grand Masters Palace the most breathtaking. Before reaching the medieval castle – built in the 14th century by the Knights of Saint John – enjoy a picturesque drive along the old port of Mandraki. The palace’s souvenir shop is probably where you should stock up on some postcards (gloating content to pals back home optional).

NCL Crete excursions

Scenic Agios Nicolaos – 4¼ Hours

Motor through the pretty Cretan countryside to reach the bay of Elounda where you’ll have time to explore this laid-back erstwhile fishing village before continuing your excursion to Agios Nikolaos, renowned for its lively harbour and the mythical Lake Voulismeni. Legend has it two beautiful ancient Greek goddesses – Athena (goddess of wisdom) and Artemis the huntress – bathed here. Don’t blame us if no babes turn up while you’re on your Greece cruise, though.

Heraklion Open-Air Sightseeing Tour – 2½ Hours

Take it easy and discover Crete’s biggest city Heraklion aboard a double-decker bus, admiring landmarks and learning about its fascinating history. Take in the sights of sea-front Venetian fortress Koules Castle and the tomb of writer Nikos Kazantzakis (a titan of modern Greek literature) during this NCL Crete shore excursion.

A Taste Of Crete – 4¼ Hours

Travel from Heraklion to the wine region of Peza, where you’ll tour a contemporary winery. Meander around the quaint village of Archanes and indulge in Cretan snacks within the shade of a tree-filled square.

Knossos & Heraklion City 4¼ Hours

Uncover the secrets of The Minoan Palace of Knossos and the ancient civilisation that thrived here after it was constructed around 2,000 BC. Tour the legendary Palace of King Minos and enjoy leisure time in Heraklion. Don’t worry, there are no minotaur monsters there now…we think.

NCL Paros excursions

Highlights of Paros – 3½ Hours

Soak up the allure of two quintessential Greek villages starting with Naousa, where the rhythm of life revolves around the sea. Stroll along the waterfront and look out for traditional wooden fishing boats known as caique.

Caves of Antiparos – 3½ Hours

On this NCL Paros shore excursion you’ll take in the geological marvels of the Caves of Antiparos (they’re packed with stalactites and stalagmites) before a tour of the sole village on Antiparos. A brief yet picturesque ferry ride will transport you to the island where you’ll descend a staircase into the depths of the cave.

NCL Corfu excursions

Go Local – A Day in the Country Life of a Corfiot Family – 6 hours

Spend a day at a farm near Agios Matheos village where you’ll engage in farm activities and gaining insights into Greek rural life. Experience country living, picking produce, sampling herbs and observing beehives. The day includes a cooking demonstration for a family lunch. Cap it off with a scenic drive back along the Corfu coast.

Scenic Corfu & Island Views – 3½ Hours

On this NCL Corfu shore extrusions, passengers can feast on local delicacies and tour a Koum Kouat distillery – the orange fruit is native to the Greek island. Uncover the lovely small villages such as Lakones and other Corfu highlights, too.

Mons Repos Palace & Corfu Town – 4¼ Hours

Ride through the countryside of Corfu, admiring such landmarks as Mons Repos Palace (the late Prince Philip was born in the 19th-century villa) and tiny islet Mouse Island (plus its Byzantine chapel of Pantokrator) before concluding your NCL excursion in the Old Town, where you’ll have ample time to explore. Yeah, go on, have another ouzo.