Jewels of the Cyclades Island hopping Cruise Introduction

An exciting voyage of discovery, unraveling the wonder of the Aegean Islands

Don’t miss...

Tiny Greek islands you’ve probably never heard of
The famous volcanic island of Santorini
Learning to dance the Greek way
Delos – birthplace of Apollo
The unchanged authenticity of Syros
Mykonos – party central!
The Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion

If Greece was the cradle of civilization, then for sure the Cyclades was where island hopping cruising all started. For the visitor it’s the ideal place to kick-off any collection of Greek island impressions – a contrast of places that have become household names for hedonism, contrasting with some out of the way places that are so small big ship cruising has yet to discover them. It all makes for a fantastic introduction to Aegean cruising, but also ticks off classic destinations every serious traveller should visit.

There’s something special about being under sail around the Cyclades. There will be some places you will undoubtedly have heard of but, for the most part, we keep to our ‘small is beautiful’ philosophy which means straying off the beaten track. Within 7 short days this itinerary gives you a complete kaleidoscope of Greece ranging from the Golden Age to contemporary island life.

Optional: Cruise & Stay

Athens is a glorious place to spend a couple of night and days exploring. The beaches here are often overlooked but very nice indeed – a few nights, or even a week, at the Aegean Beach Hotel with its imposing views of Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon makes for a real pre- or post-cruise treat. Another option is to spend a couple of nights in the historical centre of Athens soaking up the atmosphere at the 4 star Hera hotel. We can easily add it on.

Your vessel:M/S Galileo

Ports of call: Athens – Poros – Poliegos – Folegandros – Santorini – Antiparos – Paros – Delos – Mykonos – Syros – Kythnos – Cape Sounion - Athens

The Yacht Cruise Experience

The Weather

Reliable sunshine is virtually guaranteed during the season between early May and late October, with temperatures ranging from the low 70’s in early and late season up to the high 80’s or even low 90’s from late June until August. Winds are predictable with moderate winds (Force 3-4) from the NW.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Friday Departures April to October

Day 1

Athens – Poros – Poliegos

Embark mid-afternoon for welcome drinks before sailing to the 50km² island of Poros, to stop to explore for an hour or three. We dine on board whilst sailing overnight to Poliegos.

Day 2

Poliegos – Folegandros

Morning arrival in Poliegos. We will have a morning swim stop followed by a BBQ. Afternoon sailing for Folegandros, one of the most amazing and lesser known islands in the Aegean Sea. Opportunity to walk in the city and dine at one of the traditional Greek tavernas.

Day 3

Folegandros – Santorini

Early morning sail and arrival in Santorini. Optional excursion to Akrotiri excavations and a tour of the villages, including the beautiful small village of Oia. Overnight in Santorini.

Day 4

Santorini – Antiparos – Paros

After an overnight in Santorini we stop for a swim at one of the enchanting bays off Antiparos en route to Paros, where we arrive around early afternoon. Time for fun and dancing during our famous Greek night. Overnight in paros.

Day 5

Paros – Delos – Mykonos

Morning arrival into Delos, the legendary birthplace of Apollo, which was once the most important religious centre in Greece. Optional morning tour to the archaeological site of Delos. Later on we will make a swim stop before sailing into the port of Mykonos. Overnight in Mykonos.

Day 6

Mykonos – Syros

Morning departure for Syros. After a morning swim-stop we arrive at the capital of the Cyclades – although most people have never heard of it. It’s called Syros and it’s the sort of place travel writers refer to as ‘a real Greek island’ using terms such as ‘living history’ about the main town of Hermoupolis. Here you can enjoy one of the beautiful sandy beaches or walk in the town. Overnight in Syros.

Day 7

Syros -Kythnos – Athens

In the morning we sail for Kythnos, where we take our last swim of the trip at Kolones Bay. Later we sail via the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, one of the most photographed sites in Greece, and then we return to where it all started in Marina Zeas (Athens) for a farewell dinner.

Day 8

Athens

Disembarkation at 8-9 am after breakfast.

The Yacht - M/S Galileo

The 48 meter “Galileo” is a classic steel Motor Sailer, with spacious and well appointed interiors renovated in 2016. At the main deck, a lounge area with an American bar leads into a warm and elegant dining room finished with wood and leather.

Guests on the Galileo enjoy the most a shaded outdoor deck area with an outdoor bar and the ship’s sun deck. The M/S Galileo, built with the most stringent safety regulations, was launched in 1992 and rebuilt in 2007

M/S	Galileo
Launched Rebuilt	1992 / 2007
Renovated	2016
Length	48.00 meters
Breadth	10.00 meters
Draft	2.80 meters
Crew	16 - 18 persons
Cruising speed	11.00 knots
Cabins	25

Cabins - M/S Galileo

Category C:

Lower Deck

1 Double or 2 Lower Beds

The Category C cabins are located on the Lower Deck and have portholes. The cabins are air-conditioned and fitted with flat-screen TVs, mini fridge, central music, internal telephone, safe deposit boxes, hair dryer & en suite bathroom with shower.

Category B:

Lower Deck

Flexible Bedding Configuration

The Category B cabins are located on the Lower Deck and have portholes. The cabins are air-conditioned and fitted with flat-screen TV, mini fridge, central music, internal telephone, safe deposit boxes, hair dryer & en suite bathroom with shower.

Category A:

Upper Deck

1 Double or 2 Lower Beds

The Category A cabins are located on the Upper Deck and have large Portholes. The cabins are air-conditioned and fitted with flat-screen TV, mini fridge, central music, internal telephone, safe deposit boxes, hair dryer & en suite bathroom with shower.

2018