Encircling the Cyclades

Fly from London Gatwick to Athens and transfer to the 5-star Marriott Hotel for overnight stay.

Transfer to Marina Zea and embark on the MS Galileo for your seven-night cruise. Meet for a welcome drink aboard as we cruise across the Saronic Gulf to Poros. Time at leisure for independent exploration of the picturesque town, before sailing overnight toward Poliegos, in the southern Cyclades.
(B, D)

Enjoy a morning swim-stop at the nature island of Poliegos, uninhabited except by goats, monk seals and migratory birds. Sail in the afternoon to Folegandros, a splendidly scenic rock rising from the sea, where whitewashed houses hem small squares and stone alleys in clifftop Hora, (aka ‘Folegrandos town’), one of the archipelago’s oldest traditional towns, unspoilt, unhurried, and atmospheric.
(B, L)

Sail to Santorini this morning. Enjoy free time to explore the island’s capital, Fira, its iconic cube houses tiered into the hilltop, and positioned with glorious sunset views over the sea to the two volcanic Kameni islands; or take the optional excursion to the archaeological site of Akrotiri, with ruins from the Minoan period; continuing to Oia village, carved into the cliffs and overlooking a huge caldera, now filled with water (approx. 77euros, bookable locally).
(B, D)

Enjoy a swim-stop in one of the beguiling bays of easy-tempo Antiparos, before making the short crossing to its sister-island, Paros. Explore independently or join an optional tour of the capital, Parikia, nestled on a hillside around the harbour and retaining a truly Greek authenticity; and continuing to the photogenic little port town of Naoussa, with fishing boats in the foreground, Venetian fortress ruins, and plenty of pavement tavernas (approx. 60euros, bookable locally). Enjoy a traditional Greek Night this evening. Sail toward Delos.
(B, D)

The island of the gods, the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, an inimitable open-air museum, and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Delos was revered as ‘the most sacred of all islands’. An optional tour of the archaeological site follows in the footsteps of ancient Greeks and Romans, passing Doric temples, the Terrace of Lions, an amphitheatre, and dwellings adorned with mosaics (approx. 65euros, bookable locally). Cruise to Mykonos, stopping to swim at one of the island’s bays before sailing into port. 
(B, L)

There is time for a morning swim in Mykonos before we sail to Syros, the administrative capital of the Cycladic archipelago, its hub of arts and culture, and boasting Blue Flags for all of its beaches. Enjoy the bays on a leisurely afternoon here, or take an optional tour of the island’s vibrant capital, Ermoupoli, viewing the marble streets, neoclassical architecture, and majestic squares which reflect its history, and enjoying authentic Cycladic cuisine (approx. 45euros, bookable locally).
(B, L)

Cruise to Kythnos to swim in the clear blue waters of Kolona Bay, hemming a double-sided sweep of sandy beach; and continue to the mainland for Cape Sounion, topped by the Temple of Poseidon, and perfectly placed for fantastic sunsets. Return to Marina Zea for the Captain’s Farewell Dinner and your final night aboard.
(B, D)

Disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight to London Gatwick.
(B)