10 Days in Greece
The adventure of a lifetime
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Kick start your adventure with 2 ngihts in Athens before we move between the boat, the beach and inviting Greek villages on this relaxing Greece sailing adventure between Mykonos and Santorini. Wile away days swimming in turquoise waters, lazing on white-sand beaches, sampling mouth-watering local cuisine and exploring coastal villages seeped in history, mythology and beauty. Visit the beautiful islands of Amorgos, Naxos, Small Cyclades and Ios, watch a host of spectacular sunsets and enjoy Greek hospitality before returning to the boat to be rocked gently to sleep at night. We end our adventure in the ever so stunning Santorini.
Itinerary
June 16 to 25, 2024
Day 1 | Arrive in Athens
Our adventure begins in the ancient city of Athens. After your arrival at the airport, transfer to the hotel where we will stay for the next two nights. Meet your group in the hotel lobby for a debrief of the trip and set out on a foodie tour around the city.
Day 2 | Half Day Tour of Athens
Today, meet your group after breakfast to set off on a 5 hour tour of Athens to explore the famous historical sites including the Acropolis, Temple of Zeus and Roman Agora. You'll have some time at your lesiure today to hit any other can't miss spots in Athens before heading to the islands!
Day 3 | Head to Mykonos
After breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer to the port to take a ferry to Mykonos. Upon arrival in Mykonos, we will have some time at leisure to explore before we meet our skipper. This marks day 1 of sleeping on a boat!
Day 4 | Sailing to Naxos
This morning we head for the Bay of Gaidharos for breakfast and a swim, before making our way across the glistening water to Naxos. Discover the beautiful beaches, fragrant olive groves and charming villages of Hora, the capital of Naxos. As the largest Cycladic island, Naxos also has one of the most colourful mythological histories. The old town areas of Hora are perfect for a stroll or to partake in the vibrant nightlife. The best beach choices are to the south, where water sports are also on offer. Follow a pathway up to the impressive Venetian Kastro where mansions, monuments and churches all retain their medieval spirit in a mass of winding laneways. Overnight on the boa
Day 5 | Sailing to Syros
Today we sail to the island of Syros (approximately 3 hours), dropping by the Bay of Gaidharos along the way for a swim. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and neo-classical architecture, Syros’ neutral role during the Greek revolution made it a safe haven for the persecuted. Perhaps catch a bus up the hill to the fortress-like village of Ano Syros and explore the town’s stone archways and narrow alleyways (the views of the Aegean are stunning from up here). Sample authentic Greek food and culture in the capital of Syros and the Cyclades, Ermoupoli, and check out the magnificent town hall in the main square.
Day 6 | Sailing the Small Cyclades
It's time to feel the wind in our hair once again as we sail along the coast of Naxos. After around 5 hours we drop anchor in the Small Cyclades. While all the islands harboured communities in ancient times, the middle ages saw this reduced to just pirates and goats. Today, only Koufonisia, Iraklia, Shinousa and Donousa have permanent residents, with the largest population said to be somewhere around 300. Featuring clear waters, great beaches, friendly locals and sleepy tavernas all built around quaint fishing villages, the islands are an ideal overnight anchorage. Explore the town, sample some fresh seafood in a waterfront taverna, then sit back and simply enjoy the magic of the Mediterranean.
Day 7 | Sailing to Amorgos
Next is a brief sail (approximately 3 hours) to the rugged, mountainous island of Amorgos – known to the world as the stunning location of Luc Besson's film, 'The Big Blue'. Katapola, the island's main port, boasts classic Cycladic architecture with windmills and an old Venetian castle. The waterfront is an excellent place to relax in restaurants, cafes and bars. Or take some time to explore the ancient Minoan Settlement nearby. We will take a drive up to the spectacular 11th-century monastery, Moni Hozoviotissis. Built gripping the cliff-face, it boasts spectacular panoramic views across the Aegean Sea. Filled with historical relics, it's often a highlight for those visiting Greece. Also worth a visit is the village of Hora (Amorgos town) which sits high up on the rocky mountainside. Stroll through the labyrinth of narrow stone laneways and Byzantine churches surrounding the town square. The Amorgos Archaeological Collection is housed nearby in Gavros Tower, one of the few remaining towers on the island.
Day 8 | Sailing to Ios
Today we ontinue to Ios, an island inhabited since early Cycladic times, proudly claiming to be the burial place of epic Greek poet Homer. Ios has managed to retain some allure from the abundance of beaches and preservation of its classic cube houses packed around the laneways of Hora. A short walk from the harbour, Hora's shops, restaurants, nightclubs, bars and cafes all come alive in the evenings. If you are seeking a more authentic taste of the old town, try to explore during the day while the masses are beachside. The popular beaches of Gialos and Milopotas are also lively at night with a range of water sports on offer during the day. Sunset views can be enjoyed from atop the hill where Panagia Gremiotissa, or Church of the Virgin, sits. In the afternoon, we sail towards Santorini, spending the final night of the trip in Thirasia which is a small island about 1/2 hour from Oia, Santorini.
Day 9 | Arrival in Santorini
Formed by a huge volcanic explosion, Santorini is instantly recognisable with its blue and white buildings, fascinating ruins and stunning natural beauty. After making our entrance by sailing through the remarkable caldera, all the hubbub of this beautiful island is there for the taking. The exuberant capital of Fira, perched on the edge of the caldera, has an exciting range of restaurants, shops and bars. The white-washed Cycladic houses and old Venetian- and Byzantium-inspired architecture pack a real picturesque punch. We spend the night on land tonight before heading home.
Day 10 | Head Home
Say goodbye to our group this am before transferring to the airport to head home or if you choose, add on a couple of days to see more of Santorini!
Today we will transfer to Phuket to board our flight back to Bangkok to make our journey home. Farewell!
verve
/vərv/
verve
1. vigor and spirit or enthusiasm:
"Travel with verve"
/vərv/
1. vigor and spirit or enthusiasm:
"Travel with verve"
Who is this trip for?
This trip is best suited for solo travelers, couples, and friends aged 18+ who are ready to spend 7 days on a yacht together.
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As the majority of this trip takes place on a sailing boat, you’ll need to feel comfortable with moving about the vessel, including the use of stairs. With that said, sea legs come naturally to some but not so much for others. Your friendly crew will be able to help with the effects of sea sickness if needed.
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A zodiac is used to transport passengers from the boat to the mainland, with landings taking place at piers (dry landings) as well as on beaches (wet landings). Zodiacs can sometimes be awkward to climb in and out of, but a sense of humour and can-do attitude is all you need.
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This is an adventure on board a real yacht, which means living spaces, cabins, bathrooms and showers need to be shared with other passengers. Sleeping quarters can be quite compact, but you will be spending the majority of your time above board in the open air.
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Time on the water also means time in the sun. Remember to pack sun protection, such as sun screen and a hat, and drink plenty of water to keep hydrated. See ‘Essential Trip Information’ below for a full packing list.
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Please note that smooth sailing is dependent on the weather, so itinerary changes may occur at the last minute if the weather becomes unfavourable. If any changes are made, you can trust in your knowledgeable skipper to choose an alternative route or activity.
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Due to the size of the yachts, sound carries easily from one side to the other and can wake your fellow travellers. If you’re planning to have a late night, it’s a good idea to head into town and experience the local night life.
Why you'll love this trip
What better way to tour the iconic Cyclades Islands than by yacht? Swim in the Aegean Sea off the side of the boat and let the waves rock you to sleep each night.
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Chic waterfront bars line the beaches of Mykonos, serving authentic Greek food and cocktails as the sun goes down. This is a great place to eat well and relax
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Wedged between the dramatic cliffs of Amorgos, the 11th-century monastery of Moni Hozoviotissis is a unique site for exploration
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Santorini has some of the most distinctive and attractive landscapes in the world. Pass bleached-white villages that cling to plunging cliffs and along the rim of a volcano
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The remote Small Cyclades islands are chock-full of tavernas serving fresh seafood, far away from tourists and the rest of the world
Accommodation
We will spend 2 nights in a 4 star hotel in Athens, 6 nights on the yacht, and 1 night at a 3/4 star property in Santorini.
Transportation & Boat Information
We will be using a range of transportation from private vehicles, boats, airplanes, and more. The sailing portion of the trip is accommodated entirely on board a yacht of between 54ft to 56ft. A typical yacht for 11 travelers is equipped with a mixture of 2 x double cabins, 2 x twin cabins and 1 x triple cabin. There are 5 shared bathrooms. Our boats are real yachts and this is a real sailing trip. Yachts are designed to keep sleeping areas to the absolute minimum of space, while maximising common areas as much as possible.
While not everyone may feel entirely comfortable living in such close quarters, those who are looking to revel in the adventure and exhilaration of an authentic sailing trip usually find any discomfort from cramped living conditions is more than made up for by the whole experience.
Inclusions
Your trip will include all of the activities mentioned in the itinerary as well as hand picked accommodation in Athens and Santorini. There are many opportunities for snorkelling during this trip. Diving masks, snorkels and fins are provided onboard the yacht and are for use by all passengers. They are disinfected prior to use. Some customers may prefer to bring their own diving mask and snorkel from home and just use the fins available on board.
Exclusions
International flights, visas, services not mentioned in the itinerary, late/early check out, meals and drinks not mentioned, drinks w/ lunches/dinners, tips for leaders + guides, travel insurance, optional activities. Arrival and departure transfers will need to be arranged on an individual basis and are not included in the overall cost.
Cost + Payment | $2,012.00 per person
A nonrefundable deposit of $500 is required to secure your spot on our tour!
The final payment is due 90 days prior to departure (March 17, 2024).
There is no single supplement fee available on this tour as we will be sleeping in a shared space during the duration of the sailing portion.
Cancellation Policy:
Between 60 and 90 days prior to departure, we charge a cancellation fee of 50% of the total booking cost. 30 days or fewer prior to departure, we charge a cancellation fee of 100% of the booking cost.
Interested in extending your stay?
We can chat more about this after your form is submitted! Adding on nights to see Santorini would be absolutely worth it after the long days on the water. Have a relaxed sunset dinner in Oia and marvel at the beautiful Santorini beholds! Or maybe you want to extend and pop over to Italy before heading home. Whatever the wish, we can make it happen.
