Product Description
Highlights
Explore the historical city of Athens on a walking tour, get the insider lowdown from your local leader and discover hidden gems and highlights that you won’t find in a guidebook.. Whether you want to revel in the atmosphere of Mykonos or relax on own your private paradise at Manganari Beach, there are plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun.. Watch the spectacular colours of Santorini’s famous sunset bathe the caldera as you enjoy a picnic and glass of bubbles from onboard your state-of-the-art yacht.. Join a local guide and brush up on your history as you explore Delos, one of the most important mythological, historical and archaeological sites in Greece.
Overview
With sunny beaches, ancient ruins, local flavours and spectacular sunsets, this 9-day cruise offers a hearty dose of Greek island life with a splash of Turkish delights. From the idyllic shores of Santorini and Mykonos that attract sun-seeking crowds (for good reason!) to the less-visited island gems hidden within the Cyclades, sail through sparkling waters on a small ship and soak up the salty-sea breeze as you explore charming hill villages and secluded beaches. Visit ancient archaeological sites like Delos and spend a day in Turkey touring the ruins of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis. Add a healthy helping of delicious Greek cuisine and endless opportunity to splash and snorkel off the back of your boat, and you’ve got yourself and unforgettable aquatic adventure through the Aegean.
Breakfast Included: 8 Lunches Included: 4 Dinner Included: 5
Athens
Welcome to Athens, Greece’s historic capital city. You will be met on arrival at Athens airport and transferred to your hotel. There is a lot to do and see here in one of the world's oldest cities, so you may wish to arrive a few days early to explore. The Archaeological Museum of Athens is highly recommended. There are no activities planned for today, other than an important welcome meeting which will take place at your hotel this evening.
Athens
This morning check-out of the hotel and enjoy a guided city tour. This afternoon transfer to the port where you will board the M/Y Harmony G at about 3 pm and set sail at around 4 pm. The first stop of your journey is Sounion, where a memorable sunset dinner awaits. Get to know your fellow travellers as you dine under the magnificent temple of Poseidon, the god of the sea in Greek mythology. Towering 65 metres (213 feet) above the Aegean Sea, its marble columns have inspired many who came before, including poet Lord Byron. Sail overnight to Poliegos.
Poliegos and Folegandros
Arrive in Poliegos. Meaning ‘many goats’ in Greek, the aptly named island is uninhabited apart from its large goat population, and is known for its untouched beaches, gorgeous rock formations and sea caves. Enjoy a swim in the clear Aegean Sea and a lunch barbecue on the beach before setting sail for Folegandros. Stretch your legs in the clifftop town of Hora, one of the oldest and most picturesque traditional towns in the Cyclades. Enjoy free time for dinner. Stay overnight in port.
Ios to Santorini
Sail to los in the morning for a stop at Manganari Beach. Its remote location makes it a private paradise and an ideal spot for a relaxing morning swim. Enjoy a delicious onboard barbecue as you continue on to Santorini. In the afternoon, take a cable car from Thira Old Port up to town for a leader led orientation walk. Later transfer to Santos winery and enjoy some tastings taking in the amazing views. Next stop is Oia for some free time and then head back to the boat for a sunset dinner toasting the day with sparkling wine. Relax and unwind with free time in the evening.
Amorgos
Depart early for Amorgos, where you will spend half a day touring the island. This tour includes a visit to the Monastery of Hozoviotissa (Monastery of the Virgin Mary). Built precariously into the face of a cliff, the 11th-century monastery offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Follow this with a stop at Aegiali Beach where there’s time to swim and enjoy a barbecue on the beach. Sail overnight to Samos.
Kusadasi to Samos
After an early morning customs clearance in Samos, continue to Kusadasi, a resort town on Turkey’s Aegean coast and the gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus. Tour this incredible archaeological site and learn about its varied history with a local guide. After a traditional Turkish lunch, indulge in some shopping and learn a thing or two about Turkish carpets. Spend the evening at port in Samos, then depart at midnight for Mykonos.
Delos to Mykonos
In the morning, sail to the ancient World Heritage-listed site of Delos. The mythological birthplace of twin gods Apollo and Artemis, this tiny island is considered one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites. Explore these awesome ruins with the help of a local guide, who will explain some history and point out key attractions. Head back to the ship for a late lunch and a swim stop, before continuing to Mykonos for a leader lead orientation walk followed by a free evening.
Mykonos
Today is a free day to acquaint yourself with the glitz and glamour of Mykonos. Its charming Old Town is a delightful maze of whitewashed houses and cobbled streets. Perhaps explore the chic boutiques that line the town’s photogenic walkways. Or you may opt to soak up the sun on one of the main beaches. Return to the ship for a captain’s dinner, then sail overnight to Athens.
Athens
Enjoy a final breakfast with fellow travellers before disembarking in Athens between 8 and 9am.