Gems of the Sporades – Elysium | 8 Days

DAY 1:                                ATHENS (LAVRION PORT) – AT SEA

Embark at Lavrion port between 14:30pm and 15:30pm. At 16:00pm, we set sail into the Saronic Gulf, with Lavrion offering both convenience to Athens airport and a rich history. After a brief safety introduction, relax as we cruise into the Evian Gulf. Dinner is served under the stars while we sail overnight toward Northern Evia, passing beneath the historic Khalkis Bridge and witnessing its rare tidal currents that change direction several times a day. (D)

DAY 2:                                AIDIPSOS – OREOI

Arrive in Aidipsos, one of Greece’s most renowned spa towns, famous for its therapeutic thermal springs. Enjoy the morning at your leisure with a quiet dip in the warm, mineral-rich waters, a stroll along the peaceful seafront, a visit to the historic Thermae Sylla Spa. Lunch is served al fresco enroute to Oreoi, a quaint fishing village on the northern tip of Evia. Arriving by early evening, explore the harbour, see the impressive ancient marble bull, or savour fresh seafood at a local taverna. Overnight in Oreoi. (B, L)

DAY 3:                               OREOI – VOLOS

We set off early in the morning, crossing the Pagasetic Gulf to arrive at the lively port city of Volos, steeped in mythology as the legendary home of Jason and the Argonauts. A must-see optional excursion takes you to the awe-inspiring Meteora Monasteries, a UNESCO World Heritage site dramatically perched atop towering rock formations. Alternatively, stay in Volos and explore its vibrant waterfront promenade. Enjoy a leisurely dinner at one of Volos’ famous traditional tavernas. Overnight in Volos. (B, L)

DAY 4:                              VOLOS – SKIATHOS    

At dawn, we depart Volos and sail toward the Sporades islands, arriving early at a stunning cove in Skiathos, known for its golden beaches and lush scenery. Spend the morning swimming, kayaking, or relaxing on the beach, with lunch served onboard. In the early afternoon, we continue to Skiathos town port, giving you time for a leisurely stroll through the lively streets, shop for local crafts, or enjoy a drink at the Bourtzi peninsula café overlooking the harbour. In the evening, those who wish can experience Skiathos’ vibrant nightlife. Overnight in Skiathos. (B, L)

DAY 5:                             SKIATHOS – SKOPELOS    

Depart Skiathos early, enjoying breakfast on deck as we sail toward Skopelos, the picturesque island featured in Mamma Mia! Stop for a swim and lunch at Stafilos Beach. Continue to Skopelos town, where whitewashed houses, cobblestone streets, and charming chapels create a storybook setting. Fans of the film can join the optional Mamma Mia! tour, visiting iconic locations such as Agios Ioannis Kastri, the famous “wedding church,” and Kastani Beach. After exploring the town, enjoy dinner at a traditional taverna and sample the island’s signature Skopelos cheese pie, before returning to the ship. Overnight in Skopelos. (B, L)

DAY 6:                                SKOPELOS – ALONNISOS – SKYROS    

The day starts with an early departure from Skopelos toward the uninhabited island of Peristera near Alonnisos, part of the Alonnisos Marine Park, a protected area renowned for its crystal-clear waters and rich marine life, including the rare Mediterranean monk seal. Enjoy swimming, snorkelling, and a leisurely al fresco lunch before continuing to Skyros. Arriving in Linaria Port in the late afternoon, take time to explore Skyros’ distinctive Chora, where Cycladic architecture meets Venetian influences in narrow streets and hidden squares. Dinner ashore offers local specialties such as lobster pasta or Skyrian goat cheese. Overnight in Skyros. (B, L)

DAY 7:                                SKYROS – ANDROS – KEA

Before dawn, we depart Skyros for Andros, arriving at the charming seaside town of Batsi. Spend the morning swimming in its sandy bay or enjoying coffee at a waterfront café. After lunch, we sail south to Kea, arriving by early evening. Take time to explore the picturesque harbour, admire the colourful fishing boats, and wander the narrow streets lined with shops and cafés. Return to the ship for a farewell dinner onboard, celebrating the journey, sharing memories with fellow travellers, and enjoying the final night at sea. Overnight in Kea. (B, L, D)

DAY 8:                                ATHENS (LAVRION PORT)

Disembarkation at Lavrion port before 10:00, after breakfast. End of our services. (B)

INCLUDES:

• Accommodation in twin or double cabins with private bath, individually controlled A/C, snuggly all-season duvet, pillow menu, flat screen tv with various channels, music, minibar, personal safe, hair dryer, telephone for internal use, lavish bath products, spa robes and slippers, beach towels
• Buffet breakfast, half-board and on some days full-board, welcome cocktail, beach BBQ, still water and unlimited filter coffee, tea, cookies station
• Room service offered without surcharge
• All advice and group yoga, with our qualified Wellness Coach
• Mini gym
• Use of fishing equipment, sanitized snorkelling equipment and water sports equipment
• Free Wi-Fi
• All advice by our multilingual Cruise Concierge

EXCLUDES:

• Optional shore excursions or additional land arrangements
• Travel insurance
• Transfers
• Beverages and alcoholic drinks
• Spa treatments
• Boutique purchases
• Medical services
• Water ski & scuba diving
• Passenger personal expenses
• Crew gratuities at passenger discretion
• Hair and nail services
• Laundry and dry-cleaning services
• Items purchased from minibar

ACTIVITIES ON THIS CRUISE:

RELAXING & FUN: Sunbathing, swimming at beautiful coves, snorkelling, water toys, leisurely discovery walks, board games, dinner at traditional fish restaurants and tavernas, fun events onboard.

ACTIVE: Water sports, hiking, scuba diving (on demand), walking cobblestone alleys in Skopelos, hiking to Agios Ioannis Kastri – the “Mamma Mia” church.

WELLNESS & FITNESS: Daily group wellness sessions, spa treatments, mini gym.

EXPERIENTIAL: Mamma Mia! Tour (optional), tasting traditional Skopelos cheese pie and other local delicacies, sampling meze at ”tsipouradika”, fishing with our seamen, possible monk seal sightings at Alonnisos Marine parks, Greek dancing.

CULTURAL: Exploring chapels and small churches, discovering the unique Meteora Monasteries – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned thermal springs town.

EDUCATIONAL: Learning Volos mythology, history of Agios Ioannis Kastri, significance of Meteora’s Monasteries, onboard Greek cooking class.

NATURE: Alonnisos Marine National Park, Pine-fringed beaches and cliffs, pristine beaches, rock formations, panoramic island views, cliffside architecture of Meteora.

ARCHITECTURE: Cycladic architecture, whitewashed houses, Venetian architecture influences in Skyros.

*Scuba diving will be offered by our trusted providers in select locations. Please inquire with your Cruise Director for bookings.

THINGS TO NOTE:

• The carrier reserves the right, at its sole option and discretion and that of the captain of the ship, without liability for damages or refund of any kind, to alter or deviate from the ship’s advertised or ordinary itinerary or route due to weather conditions, force majeure, assistance to other ships in distress, saving of life at sea or other extraordinary conditions. Under such extreme circumstances, passengers are not entitled to any claims or refunds. The carrier will however make every effort that passengers access their port of disembarkation on time for their outwards flights.
• Swim stops and port stops are weather permitting.