All of our arrangements have been specially designed to incorporate a reason to travel and, for ease of choice, these have been categorised under the titles shown below.
8 nights from
£2795
Save up to £200 per person
From the famous to the unfrequented, each of the Cycladic islands retains its own distinct character. Cruising anti-clockwise in the Aegean, the small ship allows easy access to shallow harbours and secret coves, without the need for tenders, as we sail between the scattered isles and islets of the archipelago, going ashore at a varied selection to experience their diversity of style and tempo. Embarking in Athens, our first port of call is pretty Poros, in the Saronic Gulf, a skimming stone’s throw from the Peloponnese coast; before island-hopping amid the Cyclades, including swimming-stops at pristine Poliegos and in a beautiful Antiparos bay. Paros teams blissful beaches with Byzantine footpaths linking old-world villages. Remote and rugged Folegandros is an on-trend semi-secret now. With its caldera port and archetypal houses, Santorini is the group’s most photographed island. More glitzy Mykonos has long held the title as most hedonistic. A history of trade makes Syros, the island of Hermes, a happy blend of cultures; while Kythnos, close to Attica, is the uncrowded setting for thermal springs, sixty beaches and hundreds of chapels; and all form a swirl around the sacred isle of Delos, inhabited only by the spirits of the Gods.
On occasion lunch and dinner may be alternated during the cruise.
Optional excursions are subject to minimum numbers and bookable locally.
Excursions are on foot and may be over uneven ground with some inclines.
The programme may be altered due to navigational factors with locks, water levels or to enhance your experience at certain sites.
Operated by Variety Cruises, the classic 157 ft., 3-masted motor sailing yacht, MS Galileo, was launched in 1992, rebuilt in 2007 and refurbished in 2020. The MS Galileo is motor driven and the sails are used only occasionally.
The vessel has a spacious and comfortable lounge and bar, an elegant single seating dining room, outdoor bar and a sun deck with sunbeds, deckchairs and shaded areas.
Meals are a combination of buffet and served dining, using fresh local produce, with the opportunity to eat ashore and experience the ‘filoxenia’ (hospitality) of the region.
All 24 outside cabins are air-conditioned with private facilities, portholes, safe, hairdryer, TV and mini-fridge. WiFi (chargeable/limited.
Three Cat. C cabins (102.6-119 sq. ft.) and twelve Cat. B cabins (119-151 sq. ft.) on the Lower Deck. Nine Cat. A cabins (130-140.4 sq. ft.) on the Upper Deck.
Stay for 2 nights at the 4-star Amalia Hotel Athens located right next to Syntagma Square and within walking distance to the charming Plaka, Acropolis and other major monuments and museums in the city.
Air travel and taxes, all port charges, 1 night hotel, 7-night cruise, transfers, breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 4 dinners, cruise director, local expert guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
An environmental tax is payable locally upon check-in, currently €7 per room per night at the 4-star Amalia and €10 per room per night at the 5-star Marriott Hotel.
Ancient Greece of the Olympics
Sail on a small ship, full circle around the Peloponnese, from inimitable Athens to ancient Epidaurus, old-world Nafplion, the Mycenaean palaces of Nestor and Agamemnon, medieval Monemvasia and Mani, Olympian relics of Gods and games, and the Delphic Oracle
Classical Tour of Greece
Discover the cities, temples, museums, theatres and ‘marbles’ of classical Greece from Athens to Delphi & Olympia, the rock monasteries of Meteora and the dramatic Peloponnese scenery
Island of Rhodes
On this relaxing and revealing tour, a blissfully beautiful acropolis, a Doric city-state, a hilltop church in a deserted monastery, and a sail to beguiling Symi, complement the castle citadel of the crusader Knights of St. John, forming the fabulous Old Town of Rhodes
