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Greek Island Hopping Sailing Adventure: Cyclades Islands 10 Nights From R32 068
Sunsets, seafood and seaside splendour in the Mediterranean
Fulfil your dreams of sailing the Greek Islands on a ten-day seafaring adventure around the renowned Cyclades. Setting off from Santorini, cruise the Aegean Sea in search of ancient towns, secluded coves and holiday hotspots like Mykonos and Paxos. Throw in some freshly caught seafood, local wines and a laidback way of life, and you’re set to drift and roll to the patterns of the ocean. Cool off with regular swims in the Aegean’s turquoise seas and get the lay of the land from a local leader who’s got all the people in the right places. Trust us – it’s all smooth sailing from here.
Santorini, Amorgos, Small Cyclades, Naxos, Syros, Mykonos, Sifnos, Folegandros
Start: Santorini, Greece
Finish: Santorini, Greece
Ages: Min 15
Group size: Min 1, Max 11
Why you'll love this trip
A Santorini sunset around the caldera is a sight to behold. Walk along the volcanic rim of the island past white villages that cling to plunging cliffs and watch as day turns to night in the most stunning of ways.
Sail the Aegean Sea on your small group yacht and island-hop through the Cyclades, taking regular stops to swim off the side of your boat and letting the pitch and roll of the ocean help you sleep at night.
Feast on fresh seafood at a sleepy waterfront taverna in the Small Cyclades islands – far away from tourist crowds and deep in the local way of life. This is island living, Greek style.
Step back in time among the Venetian architecture of Naxos and consider learning about rural life with a daytrip to a country village – a couple of the many experiences to be had around the Cyclades.
No Greek island adventure is complete without a stop in Mykonos. Embrace your hedonistic side with its boutique culture and nightlife or relax on one of the many beaches dotted along the coast.
Is this trip right for you?
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. Most of our departures run in peak season, when the seas are calmer. The ship will experience some roll and pitch in choppy conditions, however all of our ships come equipped with stabilisers to minimise movement. There will be seasickness tablets on board and your crew will do all they can to minimise any discomfort.
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.
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.
Time on the water also means time in the sun. Remember to pack sun protection, such as sunscreen and a hat, and drink plenty of water to keep hydrated. See the Essential Trip Information below for a full packing list.
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.
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 nightlife.
Itinerary
Day 1: Santorini – Ios
Welcome to Greece! Meet your skipper and shipmates at 11 am at Oia Pier and take a private boat transfer over to the island of Thirasia where you will board your yacht. If you’ve got time, why not consider arriving a couple of days early to enjoy Santorini. Check out the range of restaurants, shops and bars in the island's capital, Thira. An absolute must is to take a walk along the caldera's rim to Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia. This is a particularly memorable experience at sunset, but make sure you leave plenty of time so you aren't walking in darkness. Santorini's volcanic beaches are another must-see. After your welcome meeting, set sail (approximately 5 hours) through Santorini’s caldera, cruising across the Aegean Sea to drop anchor at the island of Ios via Manganari Beach. Check out Hora's shops, restaurants and bars – a short walk from the harbour in Ios – which all come alive in the evenings.
Accommodation
Overnight boat (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. Your skipper will collect the trip kitty of EUR 110 and discuss shopping to buy supplies for your group trip. If you have any dietary requirements, please make sure you notify at the time of booking so we can accommodate.
If you are arriving today, please allow at least 2 hours from arrival time at Santorini Airport to get to Oia Pier.
The beauty of sailing is that each day is unique and, while we have a destination to reach, if the weather changes or something takes the group’s fancy, we are flexible on the day's itinerary. The itinerary may be subject to change depending on weather. Your skipper will make the final call to ensure your safety at all times.
Day 2: Amorgos
Sail to the rugged island of Amorgos (approximately 4 hours). This is the stunning location of Luc Bresson's film, 'The Big Blue'. Stop for a swim at Paradisi Beach before continuing along the coast to the port of Katapola. The restaurants, cafes and bars along the waterfront are an excellent place to relax and enjoy views of classic Cycladic windmills and an old Venetian castle. You might like to explore the ancient Minoan Settlement or drive up to the spectacular 11th-century monastery, Moni Hozoviotissis, for beautiful views of the Aegean Sea. Also worth a visit is the village of Hora, sitting high up in the rocky mountainside. Stroll through the labyrinth of stone laneways and Byzantine churches surrounding the town square. The Amorgos Archaeological Collection is housed nearby in Gavros Tower.
Accommodation
Overnight boat (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Day 3: Small Cyclades
Cast off and sail to the Small Cyclades this morning (approximately 4 hours). This group of islands boast quaint fishing villages, clear waters and beautiful beaches. While all of these islands once harboured communities in ancient times, the middle ages saw this reduced to just pirates and goats. Today, only Koufonisia, Iraklia, Schinoussa and Donousa have permanent residents, with the largest population said to be around 300. In the evening, perhaps sample fresh seafood in a waterfront taverna and sit back to enjoy the peace of the Mediterranean.
Accommodation
Overnight boat (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Days 4-5: Naxos
Today you'll make your way to the largest Cycladic island of Naxos. There’s the option of taking a day trip around the island, but you can always stay behind and relax. The island’s best beaches are to the south, where water sports are also on offer. Perhaps hike up to the old Roman Catholic neighbourhood of Kastro, where winding laneways, mansions and churches all retain a medieval feel. While here, stop by the Roman Catholic Cathedral in the square, and the nearby Archaeological Museum which is housed in the former Jesuit School of Commerce. Take an optional trip to the countryside to observe rural life, see one of the oldest temples in Greece and enjoy lunch in the hills at a family tavern. Get a taste of the local brew with a shot of Kitron (best described as a lemon liquor). In the evenings, indulge in the vibrant nightlife of Hora.
Accommodation
Overnight boat (2 nights)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Day 6: Syros
Sail to the island of Syros (approximately 4 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.
Accommodation
Overnight boat (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Day 7: Mykonos
In the morning, raise anchor and set off on a short cruise (approximately 3 hours) to an island packed with beauty and glamour, Mykonos. With a history of around 5000 years, the island is said to be named after Apollo's grandson. It was also the mythological base for a deadly battle between Zeus and the Titans, their giant petrified bodies forming the rocks of the island. Browse the chic galleries and boutiques in town, examine the unique architecture of the Church of Panagia Paraportiani or relax on one of the island’s white beaches. In the evening, perhaps wander down to Little Venice, where colourful wooden balconies hang precariously over the sea – the ideal spot to sit back with a cocktail and enjoy an Aegean sunset. Afterwards, join in the fun of Mykonos’ notorious nightlife.
Accommodation
Overnight boat (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Day 8: Sifnos
Set sail for the island of Sifnos, known for its production of high quality ceramics. The island's bare hills belie fertile valleys of wild juniper, terraced olive groves and almond trees. The beach in the main port of Kamares is one of the best on the island and the ideal place to swim. Wander among the whitewashed houses, churches and chapels of the village of Apollonia, which is the capital of Sifnos. The Museum of Popular Art displays old photographs, textiles, costumes and pots. Climb up the headland to enjoy panoramic ocean views and see the medieval architecture of the fortress of Kastro.
Accommodation
Overnight boat (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Day 9: Folegandros
Sail towards the tranquil island of Folegandros this morning. Named after the son of a former King of Crete, Folegandros has suffered a long history of colonisation and occupation like many of the surrounding islands. In the port of Karavostasis, the pebbly beach or a waterfront taverna are nice places to relax. Take a stroll through the island’s capital of Hora, one of the oldest villages in the Cyclades. The area in and around the Kastro is the most striking. In the evening wander up the hill to the pretty Church of the Panagia, an excellent vantage point to view the sunset.
Accommodation
Overnight boat (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Day 10: Santorini
Bid farewell to the open water as you sail back through the caldera from Folegandros and drop anchor at Thirasia Island at about 9.30 am. Take a 10.30 am private boat transfer to Oia Pier in North Santorini, arriving at about 11 am. With no other activities planned for today, your adventure ends on arrival in Santorini. Your skipper can assist with organising a taxi to drop you off at your hotel or Santorini International Airport.
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
If you would like to spend more time in Santorini, we’ll be happy to organise additional land-based accommodation (subject to availability).
Oia Pier is located about 1 hour away from Santorini Airport. Please allow enough time for this transfer and check-in time if you are flying out today. If you plan to depart today, please don’t book a flight earlier than 3 pm in case the boat’s arrival is delayed due to weather conditions.
Inclusions
Meals: No meals are included on this tour
Transport: Boat
Accommodation: overnight boat (9 nights)
Ref: IN11022
PLease contact us for more information
luzelle@atravelagent.co.za
