Unexplored Greek Islands Cruise | 8 Days

Day 1 – Friday:                  ATHENS – CAPE SOUNION – AT SEA

Embarkation 14:00-15:00. Set sail for nearby Cape Sounion. Sunset cocktails and welcome dinner al fresco under the ancient Greek temple of Poseidon. Overnight at sea towards the island of Ikaria.

Day 2 – Saturday:             IKARIA

In the morning, we stop for a refreshing swim at the Seychelles beach, accessible best by yacht. Enjoy the translucent blue waters and bright white pebbles covering the sea bottom. BBQ lunch on board and our ship docks in Ikaria’s quaint port. Ikaria is an island-phenomenon unlike anywhere else in Greece or in the world. People here live much longer than the population on other islands and mainland. In fact, people here live on average 10 years longer than those in the rest of Europe and the Americas. Join our optional tour discovering authentic villages that march to a different drummer, enjoy a hike in wild landscapes followed by a dip in one of the eight natural thermal springs or join a cooking class in a family’s country home kitchen, and garden in an ancient village for a personalized experience cooking and learning about life and the secret to the inhabitants’ famed longevity, the Blue Zone Greek island. Afternoon at leisure, or at one of the village traditional fairs. Overnight in Ikaria.

Day 3 – Sunday:                IKARIA – PATMOS – LIPSI

Early morning sailing and arrival in Patmos, an island revelation with a touch of divine. Surrender yourself to the mysticism and tranquillity of the island of the Apocalypse. Morning discovery of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Grotto and Monastery of St. John and the historic centre of the medieval town of Chora, filled with grandeur and serenity. Small and secluded yet spectacular all the same, Patmos is the “Jerusalem of the Aegean”. Afternoon sailing to Lipsi island, a time capsule of authenticity in the Dodecanese. Lunch al fresco and swim stop in one of the glittering necklaces of 24 islets await, protected by the Natura 2000 network making an ideal refugee for the shy Mediterranean Monk seal. While in Lipsi we invite you to taste the famous Aposperitis red Lipsi wine (on board treat). Evening at leisure to enjoy the setting of the local harbour at sunset, and a seaside dinner with home-cooked traditional recipes made of local produce. Overnight in Lipsi.

Day 4 – Monday:              LIPSI – KALYMNOS

Early morning sailing to Kalymnos with a swim stop on the way. Kalymnos is a hidden gem island for those who crave simplicity and authenticity. Home of the famous sponge divers, this island in the Dodecanese is ideal for modern day adventurers with 1,300 market hiking routes to be explored. Join our optional tour to engage with the locals harvesting sponges and producing about 30,000 sponges annually, witness the numerous species of sponge and the various stages they go through before reaching the market. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy a hike or marvel the Esperidon fjord, perhaps the most beautiful fjord in Greece. Overnight in Kalymnos quaint port.

Day 5 – Tuesday:              KALYMNOS – LEVITHA – AMORGOS

The ship sails towards the white and blue Cyclades. Enjoy a stop at Levitha island, inhabited by a family of four, raising animals. In the summer, the family also runs a small but spotless restaurant for the visiting yachts. They grill to perfection fresh fish and meat. Enjoy a hike on one of the island’s goat paths. On top of the island there is an abandoned World War II Italian outpost. Midday sailing to Amorgos, the island of Luc Besson’s “Big Blue”. Mellowed with traditions, firewater and laid-back villages, Amorgos will make you forget the 20th century, never mind the 21st. Enjoy an afternoon with locals learning how to make the island’s famous “Psimeni Raki”, a local homemade liquor with the flavour of honey and clove made since ancient times on Amorgos. Evening at leisure to enjoy the breathtaking medieval capital, 400m above sea level. Overnight in Amorgos’ quaint port of Katapola.

Day 6 – Wednesday:      AMORGOS – KOUFONISIA – IRAKLIA

Our optional early morning discovery will take us to the impressive monastery of Chozoviotissa built in 1088 inside the rocky cliffs of the mountain. We will visit monks’ cells which are open to visitors and contain important heirlooms and artifacts. We are offered a glass of Psimeni Raki and a local sweet while we enjoy magnificent views of the Aegean. Return on board for a short sail to the Small Cyclades: enjoy a swim in Koufonisia, take out the ship’s Kayaks and Paddle boards to explore sea caves only accessible by yachts. Afternoon scenic cruise around the nearby island of Schinoussa before we reach Iraklia, a tiny hidden island gem in the midst of the Aegean. Part of the Natura 2000 network of natural habitats, it enchants with the superb views offered by its mountainous footpaths, the variety of its coastline and its own, unique sights. There is no supermarket on the island, and deliveries come by ferry from the nearby island of Naxos. Evening at leisure to enjoy the true laid-back Greek island life. Overnight in port. 

Day 7 – Thursday:         IRAKLIA – SERIFOS – AT SEA

In the morning we reach Serifos, a cycladic island of brilliant light, clear water, and steadfast traditions. Enjoy a swim at one the island’s remote beaches accessible best by small ship. Barbecue lunch on board, followed by an afternoon stroll to explore the island’s picture-perfect “Hora” castle-village. Join our optional tour to a local winery offering unobstructed views to the Aegean or get creative in the island’s ceramic studio where you can master the basics of pottery and bring as gifts back home. Farewell dinner reminiscing all the hidden gems of Greece. Midnight sailing back to Athens.

Day 8 – Friday:                  ATHENS

Disembarkation at 9:00 am after breakfast. End of services.

Inclusions:

• Accommodation in a cabin with private SH/WC & air conditioning
• Select Shore Excursions included: Amorgos half-day walking tour & Patmos half-day tour
• 7 Breakfasts – 6 Lunches – 2 Dinners: Buffet breakfast and 1 or 2 meals daily
• Filter coffee, tea and mineral water all day
• Complimentary Wine, Beer and Soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board
• Local delicacies treat on board
• Special Activities on board: Welcome Sail-away Reception on Day 1, a Greek Night Theme Evening with traditional music and/or dancers onboard, fun BBQ Lunches (weather permitting), and Captain’s Dinner
• Use of fishing and snorkelling equipment (Masks, Fins and Snorkels), and Beach Towels
• Kayaks, Water Toys and Stand-Up Paddle Boards (subject to availability)
• English-Speaking Cruise Escort

Not included:

• Beverages (except those mentioned above)
• Shore excursions on the islands (Except those mentioned above) or other land arrangements
• Optional shore excursions highlights include Pottery Class, Winery Tours, UNESCO Sites and Monasteries, Family Vineyards and Cooking Classes, Diving Tours, Hiking Tours
• Crew tips
• Passenger personal expenses
• Wi-Fi (available at a charge)

Things to Note:

·         PLEASE CONTACT VARIETY CRUISES A DAY BEFORE OR MORNING OF EMBARKATION TO RECONFIRM YOUR SERVICE

• Swim stops and port stops are weather permitting.

·         Itinerary is subject to weather conditions and sailing is not permitted in force 6-7 Beaufort winds.

• Sequence of the tour is subject to change.
• The Company reserves the right to substitute the vessel.